Further observations on the polynucleotide-induced stimulation of protein synthesis by cell-free preparations from rabbit reticulocytes

K G Nair; H R Arnstein

doi:10.1042/bj0970595

Further observations on the polynucleotide-induced stimulation of protein synthesis by cell-free preparations from rabbit reticulocytes

Biochem J. 1965 Nov;97(2):595-606. doi: 10.1042/bj0970595.

Authors

K G Nair¹, H R Arnstein

Affiliation

¹ National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, N.W. 7.

Abstract

1. The effect of high-molecular-weight RNA from reticulocyte polyribosomes (messenger RNA) on protein synthesis by subcellular fractions derived from reticulocytes, reported by Arnstein, Cox & Hunt (1964), has now been studied in detail. Optimum response of the cell-free system requires 30-50mm-K(+) and approx. 5mm-Mg(2+) in the pH range 7.4-7.6. 2. RNA stimulates the incorporation into protein of both free amino acids and of aminoacyl residues from s-RNA. Stimulation by either RNA or polyuridylic acid is dependent on a labile factor or enzyme, which is present in the ;pH5 fraction' and may be concerned with the formation of new polysomes. Quantitatively the response of the cell-free system to RNA is similar to that of polyuridylic acid, and there appears to be competition between messenger RNA and polyuridylic acid or polyadenylic acid.