ISSN:
0192-253X
Keywords:
Translation
;
elongation factors
;
development
;
Xenopus laevis
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Genetics
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
In the amphibian Xenopus laevis, the elongation factor 1α proteins (EF-1α) synthesised in oocytes and somatic cells correspond to distinct gene products. Furthermore, the somatic EF-1α gene (EF-1αS) produces one of the most highly expressed early zygotic transcripts in the embryo. The functional recycling of EF-1α (conversion of EF-1α-GDP to EF-1α-GTP) is assured by the EF-1βγ complex. We show here that in Xenopus laevis embryos, contrary to the situation for EF-1α, EF-1β, and EF-1γ mRNAs are transcribed from the same genes in oocytes and somatic cells. In addition, the onset of transcription of the EF-1β and EF-1γ genes from the zygotic gencme occurs several hours after that of the somatic EF-1αS gene. Therefore, during early Xenopus development the expression of these three elongation factors is not co-ordinated at the transcriptional level. The consequences of this uncoupling on the efficiency of translational elongation in the early Xenopus embryo are discussed. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Material:
4 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/dvg.1020140605
