Abstract
Our previous studies of the 3'-end processing of simian virus 40 late mRNAs indicated the existence of an essential element (or elements) downstream of the AAUAAA signal. We report here the use of transient expression analysis to study a functional element which we located within the sequence AGGUUUUUU, beginning 59 nucleotides downstream of the recognized signal AAUAAA. Deletion of this element resulted in at least a 75% drop in 3'-end processing at the normal site and appearance of readthrough transcripts with alternate 3' ends. Some flexibility in the downstream position of this element relative to the AAUAAA was noted by deletion analysis. Using computer sequence comparison, we located homologous regions within downstream sequences of other genes, suggesting a generalized sequence element. In addition, specific complementarity is noted between the downstream element and U4 RNA. The possibility that this complementarity could participate in 3'-end site selection is discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 2713-2719 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Molecular and cellular biology |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1985 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology