Identification in Xenopus laevis of a Class of Oocyte‐Specific Proteins Bound to Messenger RNA

Abstract

Proteins associated with poly(A)‐rich RNA in Xenopus laevis oocytes have been identified in immature ovary homogenates using sucrose gradient centrifugation, oligo(dT)‐cellulose fractionation and analysis by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two‐dimensional acid/urea/sodium dodecyl sulphate gel electrophoresis. At least eight proteins are associated with ribonucleoprotein complexes and have the following properties. The role of ribonucleoprotein complexes in the stability and storage of mRNA during oogenesis is discussed.