Molecular analysis of peasnRNA variants

Five small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) (U1, U2, U4, U5, U6) found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells mediate the excision of introns from pre-mRNAs. The structure and expression of the snRNA components have been well documented in animal and yeast systems but little information has existed on the structure and expression of the splicesomal snRNAs involved in plant intron excision. To further define the snRNA components involved in intron excision, a clone library has been constructed from anti-m$\sb3$G immunoprecipitated snRNAs expressed in pea seedlings. cDNA clones representing U1, U2, U4, and U5 snRNAs expressed in seedling tissue have been isolated and sequenced. Comparison of the pea snRNA variants with other organisms suggest that functionally important primary sequences are conserved phylogenetically even though the overall sequences have diverged substantially. Structural variations occur in regions required for U1-specific protein binding suggesting that alternate U1 snRNP particles may exist in vivo. Sequence variations in the U2 and U4 snRNAs are limited to the 3$\sp\prime$ terminal regions of the molecules. In light of this sequence analysis, it is clear that the dicot snRNA variants do not differ in sequences implicated in RNA:RNA interactions with pre-mRNA. Instead sequence differences occur in regions implicated in the binding of small ribonucleoproteins and may result in the formation of unique snRNPs during development.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology, Molecular

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Hanley, Brian Andrew

Contributors dc:contributor

• Schuler, Mary A.

• Biology, Molecular
• Chemistry, Biochemistry

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1991 Hanley, Brian Andrew

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9210828
(UMI)AAI9210828

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/23629