Thymidylate synthase binds to c-myc RNA in human colon cancer cells and in vitro

Edward Chu, Teiji Takechi, Kristen L. Jones, Donna M. Voeller, Sitki M. Copur, Gladys F. Maley, Frank Maley, Shoshana Segal, Carmen J. Allegra

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

75 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using an immunoprecipitation-reverse transcription-PCR technique, we characterized a thymidylate synthase (TS) ribonucleoprotein complex in cultured human colon cancer cells that consists of TS protein and the mRNA of the nuclear oncogene c-myc. TS protein is complexed in intact cells with the C-terminal coding region of c-myc mRNA that includes nucleotide positions 1625 to 1790. RNA electrophoretic gel mobility shift assays confirm a specific interaction between TS protein and c-myc mRNA and provide additional evidence that the C-terminal coding region represents an important cis- acting regulatory element. Further evidence demonstrates that the in vitro translational efficiency of c-myc mRNA is inhibited as a result of its direct interaction with TS protein. In addition, the presence of exogenous c-myc mRNA specifically relieves the inhibitory effects of TS protein on TS mRNA translation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)179-185
Number of pages7
JournalMolecular and cellular biology
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1995
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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