RNA LOCALIZATION IN XENOPUS OOCYTES

描述（改编自摘要）：极性的确立 可以被看作是胚胎发育的最早阶段 模式化因此，早期卵裂细胞中细胞命运的差异 细胞是不对称分布的结果， 受精前卵细胞质中的信息分子。 这种极性的基础是由局部的母性提供的。 蛋白质或mRNA形式的决定簇。虽然 在许多情况下，存在局部决定因素的证据 系统，本地化过程仍然知之甚少。这 一项研究提案通过调查 mRNA定位的生化机制，使用青蛙 以非洲爪蟾为模型。PI已经纯化并克隆了 重要的定位因子，确定了其他蛋白质， 潜在的本地化因素，并定义这些关键 RNA定位信号内的序列。以下具体 目的是：（1）VgRBP 60的表征， 定位因子;（2）mRNA作用机制的研究 定位;（3）其他RNA-蛋白质相互作用的分析 介导的定位、纯化和表征 定位机制的其他蛋白质组分。

DESCRIPTION (Adapted from the abstract): Establishment of polarity in the egg can be viewed as the earliest step in embryonic patterning. Thus, differences in cell fate among the early cleavage cells are a consequence of asymmetric distributions of informational molecules in the egg cytoplasm before fertilization. The basis for such polarity is provided by localized maternal determinants in the form of protein or mRNA. While there is evidence for the existence of localized determinants in many systems, the localization process is still poorly understood. This research proposal addresses this problem by investigating the biochemical mechanisms underlying mRNA localization, using the frog Xenopus laevis as a model. The PI has purified and cloned an essential localization factor, identified other proteins that are potential localization factors, and defined these critical sequences within an RNA localization signal. The following specific aims are proposed: (1) characterization of VgRBP60, the essential localization factor; (2) investigation of the mechanism of mRNA localization; (3) analysis of other RNA-protein interactions mediating localization, and purification and characterization of other protein components of the localization machinery.