Absence of detectable RNA ligase activity in eukaryotic cells.

Reports of the existence of eukaryotic RNA ligases may be incorrect. Evidence for this activity has been based upon the conversion of 5′-32p]-terminated oligoribonucleotides to an alkaline phosphatase resistant form and upon the detection of radioactive ribonucleoside monophosphates after alkaline hydrolysis of the reaction products. Although we have in part confirmed these observations, we find the labeled ribonucleoside monophosphate to be the 5′-isomer, and not the expected 2′ (3′)-isomer. In addition, roughly equivalent amounts of ribonucleoside monophosphate were observed whether or not alkaline hydrolysis was performed. We conclude that the existence of RNA ligase activity in eukaryotic cells is suspect.