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Xenopus embryonic poly(A) binding protein 2 (ePABP2) defines a new family of cytoplasmic poly(A) binding proteins expressed during the early stages of vertebrate development
Author(s) -
Good Peter J.,
Abler Lisa,
Herring Dina,
Sheets Michael D.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
genesis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.093
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1526-968X
pISSN - 1526-954X
DOI - 10.1002/gene.20015
Subject(s) - xenopus , cytoplasm , vertebrate , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , embryogenesis , embryonic stem cell , embryo , genetics , gene
We describe a new RNA binding protein from Xenopus we have named ePABP2 (embryonic poly(A) binding protein type II). Based on amino acid similarity, ePABP2 is closely related to the ubiquitously expressed nuclear PABP2 protein that directs the elongation of mRNA poly(A) tails during pre‐mRNA processing. However, in contrast to known PABP2 proteins, Xenopus ePABP2 is a cytoplasmic protein that is predominantly expressed during the early stages of Xenopus development and in adult ovarian tissue. Biochemical experiments indicate ePABP2 binds poly(A) with specificity and that this binding requires the RRM domain. Mouse and human ePABP2 proteins were also identified and mouse ePABP2 expression is also confined to the earliest stages of mouse development and adult ovarian tissue. We propose that Xenopus ePABP2 is the founding member of a new class of poly(A) binding proteins expressed in vertebrate embryos. Possible roles for this protein in regulating mRNA function in early vertebrate development are discussed. genesis 38:166–175, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.