Effect of Lead on Globin mRNA In Vivo and In Vitro

Author

C. A. Aethranis, University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Date of Award

12-1993

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Life Sciences

Major Professor

Walter R. Farkas

Committee Members

Daniel C. White, Charles C. Cogdon

Abstract

The total amount of mRNA recovered from Pb²⁺-treated rabbits was not significantly influenced by lead but dose-dependent loss of template activity of the poly A+ fraction was observed. These observations lead to the conclusion that the messenger RNA of rabbit reticulocytes exposed to Pb²⁺ in vivo was damaged and inactivated without extensive depolymerization of the mRNA.

In vitro experiments on the effect of Pb²⁺ on purified rabbit globin mRNA were also performed. After incubation with Pb²⁺ at micromolar concentrations, the 7-methyl guanosine cap was removed from the mRNA, while damage to the remainder of the molecule seems to be slight. These data indicate that Pb²⁺ causes the loss of the template activity of reticulocyte mRNA in vivo by causing a nucleolytic cleavage of the mRNA at or near to the 5' cap.

Recommended Citation

Aethranis, C. A., "Effect of Lead on Globin mRNA In Vivo and In Vitro. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1993.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/2682