Transfer of rice mitochondrial ribosomal protein L6 gene to the nucleus: acquisition of the 5'-untranslated region via a transposable element
2008
Transfer of rice mitochondrial ribosomal protein L6 gene to the nucleus
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Kubo Nakao, Fujimoto Masaru, Arimura Shin-ichi, Hirai Masashi, Tsutsumi Nobuhiro
Primary Institution: Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto Prefectural University
Hypothesis
How did the 5'-untranslated region of the rice mitochondrial rpl6 gene acquire its sequence after being transferred to the nucleus?
Conclusion
The study suggests that the 5'-UTR of the transferred mitochondrial rpl6 gene was acquired via a transposable element.
Supporting Evidence
- The ribosomal protein L6 gene has been lost in known angiosperm mitochondrial genomes.
- Two rice rpl6 genes were identified, suggesting a duplication after transfer to the nucleus.
- Transient assays indicated that the mature N-terminal coding regions contain mitochondrial targeting information.
- Reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed that one of the rpl6 genes expresses fewer transcripts than the other.
Takeaway
Scientists found that a part of a rice gene moved from the mitochondria to the nucleus and got some new instructions from a jumping gene.
Methodology
The study involved identifying and characterizing the rice rpl6 gene through sequence analysis and expression studies.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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