How the messenger got its tail: addition of poly(A) in the nucleus.
Most mRNAs end in a poly(A) tail, the addition of which is catalysed by a poly(A) polymerase in conjunction with a distinct factor that provides specificity for mRNAs. The reaction is dynamic, involving separable initiation, elongation and termination phases. A companion article in next month's TIBS will review the regulation of poly(A) addition and removal during early animal development.
Wickens
M
M
Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53796.
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D001685:Biological Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011061:Poly A / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000378:metabolism; D011062:Polynucleotide Adenylyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000378:metabolism
D001685:Biological Factors; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011061:Poly A; D011062:Polynucleotide Adenylyltransferase