Why, when and how does the poly(A) tail shorten during mRNA translation?
1. The length of the poly(A) tail at the 3'-end of mRNA may control protein synthesis by bringing the 3'-end in close proximity to the 5'-end of the noncoding region as well as increasing the duration of mRNA translation by its binding to the poly(A) binding protein. 2. The rate-limiting step in the decay of the body of the message is the shortening of a long poly(A) tail during mRNA translation. The shortening of the poly(A) tail occurs during pre-elongation in the protein synthesis cycle. 3. The shortening of the poly(A) tail during mRNA translation may not involve RNase activity, however poly(A) binding protein seems to play a role, at least in part, in shortening of the poly(A) tail.
Rubin
H N
HN
San Diego Institute of Molecular Biology and Structural RNA, CA 92121.
Halim
M N
MN
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D011061:Poly A / Q000378:metabolism*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011061:Poly A