Differences in polyadenylation site choice between somatic and male germ cells
2006
Differences in Polyadenylation Site Choice Between Somatic and Male Germ Cells
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Kevin W. McMahon, Benjamin A. Hirsch, Clinton C. MacDonald
Primary Institution: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Hypothesis
Male germ cell-specific polyadenylation sites would be inefficiently used in somatic cells.
Conclusion
Male germ cell-specific polyadenylation sites are inefficiently used in somatic cells.
Supporting Evidence
- Male germ cells showed a lower incidence of the sequence AAUAAA near the polyadenylation site choice.
- Polyadenylation sites chosen in male germ cells tended to be nearer the 5' end of the mRNA than those chosen in somatic cells.
- Mutation of the male germ cell-specific poly(A) signal to a somatic poly(A) signal resulted in more efficient polyadenylation in somatic cells.
Takeaway
This study found that the way male germ cells and somatic cells choose where to add a special tail to their RNA is different, and male germ cell-specific sites don't work well in somatic cells.
Methodology
The study used a luciferase reporter system to evaluate polyadenylation efficiency and a 3' RACE-based assay to analyze polyadenylation site choice.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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