Regulation of messenger RNA stability in eukaryotic cells

Abstract

Regulation of the cytoplasmic stability of mRNAs has recetly been identified as a major control mechanism which governs mRNA levels in a variety of eukaryotic systems. In this review we discuss what is known about several experimental systems that exhibit regulated mRNA stability, describe the mechanisms that cells may use to achieve control of mRNA degradation, and suggest areas of future investigation likely to provide new insights into this process.

Transition from maternal to embryonic control in early mammalian development: A comparison of several species

“…It is possible that the formation of secondary structures thought to be involved in RNA stability is incompatible with translation (Shapiro et al, 1987).…”

Identification and comparison of stable and unstable mRNAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

“…We have begun to assess the basis and significance of such differences in the decay rates of these two classes of mRNA. Our results indicate that (i) stable and unstable mRNAs do not differ significantly in their poly(A) metabolism; (ii) deadenylation does not destabilize stable mRNAs; (iii) there is no correlation between mRNA decay rate and mRNA size; (iv) the degradation of both stable and unstable mRNAs depends on concomitant translational elongation; and (v) the percentage of rare codons present in most unstable mRNAs is significantly higher than in stable mRNAs.Differences in the decay rates of individual mRNAs can have profound effects on the overall levels of expression of specific genes (80,93). Although the potential importance of mRNA stability as a mechanism for regulating gene expression has been recognized (7, 86), the structures and mechanisms involved in the determination of individual mRNA decay rates have yet to be elucidated.…”

“…Differences in the decay rates of individual mRNAs can have profound effects on the overall levels of expression of specific genes (80,93). Although the potential importance of mRNA stability as a mechanism for regulating gene expression has been recognized (7,86), the structures and mechanisms involved in the determination of individual mRNA decay rates have yet to be elucidated.…”

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1: Mechanisms of its synergistic regulation by growth factors

“…Because PAI-1 mRNA is rapidly degraded, the regulation of its half-life can have a large impact on PAI-1 expression (Shapiro, Blume et al 1987). TGF-β increases the sensitivity to EGF of the PAI-1 response such that a 10-fold lower EGF concentration produces half maximal PAI-1 induction in the presence of TGF-β compared with in its absence.…”