title: 3' non-translated region of human alpha-globin messenger RNA does not affect translation efficiency.
abstract: The relative translation efficiency of three synthetic alpha-globin mRNAs differing by their 3' non-translated end was measured in vitro in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate. Results showed that substituting the 3' non-translated end of human alpha 2 globin mRNA by the 3' non-translated end of chimpanzee alpha 1 or alpha 2 mRNAs has no effect on translation efficiency. In contrast, the introduction of the alpha-Quong-Sze mutation (alpha 125, Leu----Pro) in human alpha 2 mRNA led to a 50% apparent reduction in globin synthesis due to the instability of the alpha-Quong-Sze globin chain. We conclude that human alpha 1 and alpha 2 globin mRNAs have the same translation efficiency, and that the reduction, previously reported, in the kinetics of alpha-globin synthesis by alpha 2 mRNA carrying the alpha-Quong-Sze mutation is due to the instability of the alpha-Quong-Sze globin chain only.
mesh_terms: D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D005914:Globins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D005914:Globins