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Separate elements in the 3' untranslated region of the mouse protamine 1 mRNA regulate translational repression and

M A Fajardo1, H S Haugen, C H Clegg

  • 1Department of Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.

Developmental Biology
|November 14, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Mouse protamine mRNAs (Prm-1 and Prm-2) are translationally repressed during male germ cell differentiation. A specific protein binds Prm-1 mRNA

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Gene Regulation

Background:

  • Protamine mRNAs (Prm-1 and Prm-2) are translationally repressed during male germ cell differentiation.
  • The 3' untranslated region (UTR) of Prm-1 mRNA contains cis-acting elements responsible for translational delay.
  • A 48/50-kDa protein binds Prm-1 and Prm-2 3' UTRs, present when protamine mRNAs are silent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of a 48/50-kDa protein in Prm-1 mRNA translational repression.
  • To determine if the binding site for the 48/50-kDa protein can repress translation in vivo.
  • To identify regions of Prm-1 3' UTR involved in translational activation.

Main Methods:

  • In vivo reporter RNA translation assays.
  • Immunocytochemistry.
  • Polysome analysis.

Main Results:

  • The binding site for the 48/50-kDa protein delayed reporter RNA translation in vivo.
  • Two separate regions of the Prm-1 3' UTR were sufficient for translational repression.
  • Transgenic reporter mRNA failed proper translational activation, indicating a requirement for an additional Prm-1 3' UTR region.

Conclusions:

  • The 48/50-kDa protein represses Prm-1 mRNA translation during murine spermatogenesis.
  • Prm-1 translational repression elements are separable from those involved in translational activation.
  • Distinct regions of the Prm-1 3' UTR regulate translational repression and activation.

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