The poly(A) tail of mRNAs: bodyguard in eukaryotes, scavenger in bacteria

Cell. 2002 Nov 27;111(5):611-3. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(02)01137-6.

Abstract

In eukaryotes, poly(A) tails usually act as stabilizers of intact mRNAs, whereas in E. coli they serve to accelerate the destruction of fragments. The mechanisms underlying these contrasting effects of the same RNA modification are discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Compartmentation
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Endoribonucleases / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism*
  • Eukaryotic Cells / metabolism*
  • Exoribonucleases / metabolism
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Biological
  • Poly A / genetics
  • Poly A / metabolism*
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
  • RNA, Bacterial / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*

Substances

  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins
  • RNA, Bacterial
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Poly A
  • Endoribonucleases
  • Exoribonucleases
  • ribonuclease E