Antisense RNA injections in fertilized frog eggs reveal an RNA duplex unwinding activity

Previous experiments have shown that mRNA translation in frog oocytes can be inhibited by the injection of a complementary antisense RNA. Here we explore the use of antisense RNAs to study the functions of localized maternal mRNAs during postfertilization development. While developmental abnormalities were observed in injected fertilized eggs, these abnormalities could not be attributed to the antisense RNA since they were induced at a similar frequency in control embryos. Biochemical tests show that the injected antisense RNA does not form stable hybrids in vivo with its complementary endogenous mRNA. In addition, a novel activity that unwinds RNA:RNA duplexes was found. This activity exists at high levels in eggs and early embryos and is absent or very much diminished in oocytes and late blastula embryos. These results suggest that antisense RNAs may be of limited use in studying the functions of maternal RNAs in Xenopus.     

Expression of axolotl DAZL RNA, a marker of germ plasm: widespread maternal RNA and onset of expression in germ cells approaching the gonad

How germ cell specification occurs remains a fundamental question in embryogenesis. The embryos of several model organisms contain germ cell determinants (germ plasm) that segregate to germ cell precursors. In other animals, including mice, germ cells form in response to regulative mechanisms during development. To investigate germ cell determination in urodeles, where germ plasm has never been conclusively identified, we cloned a DAZ-like sequence from axolotls, Axdazl. Axdazl is homologous to Xdazl, a component of Xenopus germ plasm found in the vegetal pole of oocytes and eggs. Axdazl RNA is not localized in axolotl oocytes, and, furthermore, these oocytes do not contain the mitochondrial cloud that localizes Xdazl and other germ plasm components in Xenopus. Maternal Axdazl RNA is inherited in the animal cap and equatorial region of early embryos. At gastrula, neurula, and tailbud stages, Axdazl RNA is widely distributed. Axdazl first shows cell-specific expression in primordial germ cells (PGCs) approaching the gonad at stage 40, when nuage (germ plasm) appears in PGCs. These results suggest that, in axolotls, germ plasm components are insufficient to specify germ cells.     

Evidence for common machinery utilized by the early and late RNA localization pathways in Xenopus oocytes

In Xenopus, an early and a late pathway exist for the selective localization of RNAs to the vegetal cortex during oogenesis. Previous work has suggested that distinct cellular mechanisms mediate localization during these pathways. Here, we provide several independent lines of evidence supporting the existence of common machinery for RNA localization during the early and late pathways. Data from RNA microinjection assays show that early and late pathway RNAs compete for common localization factors in vivo, and that the same short RNA sequence motifs are required for localization during both pathways. In addition, quantitative filter binding assays demonstrate that the late localization factor Vg RBP/Vera binds specifically to several early pathway RNA localization elements. Finally, confocal imaging shows that early pathway RNAs associate with a perinuclear microtubule network that connects to the mitochondrial cloud of stage I oocytes suggesting that motor driven transport plays a role during the early pathway as it does during the late pathway. Taken together, our data indicate that common machinery functions during the early and late pathways. Thus, RNA localization to the vegetal cortex may be a regulated process such that differential interactions with basal factors determine when distinct RNAs are localized during oogenesis.     

Posttranscriptional regulation of c-myc RNA during early development of Xenopus laevis

The remarkable stability of c-myc during oogenesis contrasts with its degradation during the early developmental period in Xenopus laevis. Three evolutionary conserved motifs found in the 3'-untranslated region of Xenopus c-myc RNAs have been analyzed for a possible role in c-myc RNA degradation. No specific degradation was observed when these sequences were cloned downstream of a reporter gene and the corresponding RNAs were injected into fertilized eggs. The relation between polyadenylation and degradation of c-myc mRNA has been examined during early development. c-myc is adenylated during early oogenesis, and a dramatic de-adenylation occurs in full grown oocytes. Consequently, the de-adenylation of c-myc mRNA that occurs in eggs might be a requirement for its degradation after fertilization, but is not sufficient to trigger its degradation.     

Metabolism of 5S RNA in the absence of ribosome production

The results presented in this report show that during early development of Xenopus laevis the synthesis of 5S RNA occurs in blastula embryos, whereas the synthesis of 18S and 28S RNA cannot be detected until gastrulation. Thus the initiation of synthesis of the three ribosomal RNAs is not coordinate during early development. Blastula embryos are similar to anucleolate mutants of Xenopus laevis, in that they both synthesize 5S RNA, but are unable to assemble new ribosomes because they do not synthesize 18S and 28S RNA or ribosomal proteins. The blastula and anucleolate embryos thus provide a unique opportunity to determine if newly synthesized soluble 5S RNA can exchange with the 5S RNA present in existing ribosomes. The results show that newly synthesized 5S RNA is not incorporated into the ribosomes of blastula or anucleolate embryos. Furthermore, the 5S RNA synthesized by anucleolate mutants has a shorter half-life than the 5S RNA made by normal embryos. The synthesis of excess 5S RNA and its subsequent degradation in the absence of ribosome production appears to be another example of the phenomenon of wastage of newly synthesized ribosomal RNA.     

Cloning of cDNAs encoding retinoic acid receptors RAR gamma 1, RAR gamma 2, and a new splicing variant, RAR gamma 3, from Aambystoma mexicanum and characterization of their expression during early development

To analyze retinoic acid (RA) receptor (RAR) expression during early development in the urodele embryo, we have isolated cDNAs for four members of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) RAR family, namely RAR alpha (NR1B1), aRAR gamma 1 (NR1B3a), aRAR gamma 2 (NR1B3b), and a new splicing variant of aRAR gamma 2, aRAR gamma 3 (NR1B3c), which contains an insertion of five hydrophobic amino acids in the C-terminal region of the DNA binding domain. The temporal expression pattern of the RAR gamma isoforms was established by RT-PCR using total RNA from embryos of different stages. The expression of aRAR gamma 2 coincides with neurulation and is enhanced in the extremities of the embryo's anteroposterior axis. The aRAR gamma 3 is specifically expressed during gastrulation and early neurulation, whereas aRAR gamma 1 is expressed later during organogenesis. Global aRAR gamma 2 mRNA levels, as well as their spatio-temporal expression pattern in the neurula, were not affected by treatment with RA. These results show that several RARs are expressed in the axolotl embryo during early development, and reveal the existence of a new RAR gamma variant.     

Compatible limb patterning mechanisms in urodeles and anurans

We have experimentally tested the similarity of limb pattern-forming mechanisms in urodeles and anurans. To determine whether the mechanisms of limb outgrowth are equivalent, we compared the results of two kinds of reciprocal limb bud grafts between Xenopus and axolotls: contralateral grafts to confront anterior and posterior positions of graft and host, and ipsilateral grafts to align equivalent circumferential positions. Axolotl limb buds grafted to Xenopus hosts are immunologically rejected at a relatively early stage. Prior to rejection, however, experimental (but not control) grafts form supernumerary digits. Xenopus limb buds grafted to axolotl hosts are not rejected within the time frame of the experiment and therefore can be used to test the ability of frog cells to elicit responses from axolotl tissue that are similar to those that are elicited by axolotl tissue itself. When Xenopus buds were grafted to axolotl limb stumps so as to align circumferential positions, the majority of limbs did not form any supernumerary digits. However, in experimental grafts, where anterior and posterior of host and graft were misaligned, supernumerary digits formed at positional discontinuities. These results suggest that Xenopus/axolotl cell interactions result in responses that are similar to axolotl/axolotl cell interactions. Furthermore, axolotl and Xenopus cells can cooperate to build recognizable skeletal elements, despite large differences in cell size and growth rate between the two species. We infer from these results that urodeles and anurans share the same limb pattern-forming mechanisms, including compatible positional signals that allow appropriate localized cellular interactions between the two species. Our results suggest an approach for understanding homology of the tetrapod limb based on experimental cellular interactions.     

Multiple kinesin motors coordinate cytoplasmic RNA transport on a subpopulation of microtubules in Xenopus oocytes

RNA localization is a widely conserved mechanism for generating cellular asymmetry. In Xenopus oocytes, microtubule-dependent transport of RNAs to the vegetal cortex underlies germ layer patterning. Although kinesin motors have been implicated in this process, the apparent polarity of the microtubule cytoskeleton has pointed instead to roles for minus-end-directed motors. To resolve this issue, we have analyzed participation of kinesin motors in vegetal RNA transport and identified a direct role for Xenopus kinesin-1. Moreover, in vivo interference and biochemical experiments reveal a key function for multiple motors, specifically kinesin-1 and kinesin-2, and suggest that these motors may interact during transport. Critically, we have discovered a subpopulation of microtubules with plus ends at the vegetal cortex, supporting roles for these kinesin motors in vegetal RNA transport. These results provide a new mechanistic basis for understanding directed RNA transport within the cytoplasm.     

Multiple sequence elements and a maternal mRNA product control cdk2 RNA polyadenylation and translation during early Xenopus development.

Cytoplasmic poly(A) elongation is one mechanism that regulates translational recruitment of maternal mRNA in early development. In Xenopus laevis, poly(A) elongation is controlled by two cis elements in the 3' untranslated regions of responsive mRNAs: the hexanucleotide AAUAAA and a U-rich structure with the general sequence UUUUUAAU, which is referred to as the cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE). B4 RNA, which contains these sequences, is polyadenylated during oocyte maturation and maintains a poly(A) tail in early embryos. However, cdk2 RNA, which also contains these sequences, is polyadenylated during maturation but deadenylated after fertilization. This suggests that cis-acting elements in cdk2 RNA signal the removal of the poly(A) tail at this time. By using poly(A) RNA-injected eggs, we showed that two elements which reside 5' of the CPE and 3' of the hexanucleotide act synergistically to promote embryonic deadenylation of this RNA. When an identical RNA lacking a poly(A) tail was injected, these sequences also prevented poly(A) addition. When fused to CAT RNA, the cdk2 3' untranslated region, which contains these elements, as well as the CPE and the hexanucleotide, promoted poly(A) addition and enhanced chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity during maturation, as well as repression of these events after fertilization. Incubation of fertilized eggs with cycloheximide prevented the embryonic inhibition of cdk2 RNA polyadenylation but did not affect the robust polyadenylation of B4 RNA. This suggests that a maternal mRNA, whose translation occurs only after fertilization, is necessary for the cdk2 deadenylation or inhibition of RNA polyadenylation. This was further suggested when poly(A)+ RNA isolated from two-cell embryos was injected into oocytes that were then allowed to mature. Such oocytes became deficient for cdk2 RNA polyadenylation but remained proficient for B4 RNA polyadenylation. These data show that CPE function is developmentally regulated by multiple sequences and factors.     

Xenopus Staufen is a component of a ribonucleoprotein complex containing Vg1 RNA and kinesin

RNA localization is a key mechanism for generating cell and developmental polarity in a wide variety of organisms. We have performed studies to investigate a role for the Xenopus homolog of the double-stranded RNA-binding protein, Staufen, in RNA localization during oogenesis. We have found that Xenopus Staufen (XStau) is present in a ribonucleoprotein complex, and associates with both a kinesin motor protein and vegetally localized RNAs Vg1 and VegT. A functional role for XStau was revealed through expression of a dominant-negative version that blocks localization of Vg1 RNA in vivo. Our results suggest a central role for XStau in RNA localization in Xenopus oocytes, and provide evidence that Staufen is a conserved link between specific mRNAs and the RNA localization machinery.     

Induction of myofibrillogenesis in cardiac lethal mutant axolotl hearts rescued by RNA derived from normal endoderm

A strain of axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, that carries the cardiac lethal or c gene presents an excellent model system in which to study inductive interactions during heart development. Embryos homozygous for gene c contain hearts that fail to beat and do not form sarcomeric myofibrils even though muscle proteins are present. Although they can survive for approximately three weeks, mutant embryos inevitably die due to lack of circulation. Embryonic axolotl hearts can be maintained easily in organ culture using only Holtfreter's solution as a culture medium. Mutant hearts can be induced to differentiate in vitro into functional cardiac muscle containing sarcomeric myofibrils by coculturing the mutant heart tube with anterior endoderm from a normal embryo. The induction of muscle differentiation can also be mediated through organ culture of mutant heart tubes in medium 'conditioned' by normal anterior endoderm. Ribonuclease was shown to abolish the ability of endoderm-conditioned medium to induce cardiac muscle differentiation. The addition of RNA extracted from normal early embryonic anterior endoderm to organ cultures of mutant hearts stimulated the differentiation of these tissues into contractile cardiac muscle containing well-organized sarcomeric myofibrils, while RNA extracted from early embryonic liver or neural tube did not induce either muscular contraction or myofibrillogenesis. Thus, RNA from anterior endoderm of normal embryos induces myofibrillogenesis and the development of contractile activity in mutant hearts, thereby correcting the genetic defect.     

Preribosomal RNA processing in Xenopus oocytes does not include cleavage within the external transcribed spacer as an early step.

Recently it has been reported that U3 snRNA is necessary for: (a) internal cleavage at +651/+657 within the external transcribed spacer (ETS) of mouse precursor ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA); and (b) cleavage at the 5' end of 5.8S rRNA in Xenopus oocytes. To study if U3 snRNA plays a role at more than one processing site in the same system, we have investigated whether internal cleavage sites exist within the ETS of Xenopus oocyte pre-rRNA. The ETS of Xenopus pre-rRNA contains the consensus sequence for the mammalian early processing site (+651/+657 in mouse pre-rRNA), but freshly prepared RNA from Xenopus oocytes has no cuts in this region. The only putative cleavage sites we found in the ETS of Xenopus oocyte pre-rRNA are a cluster further downstream of the mouse early processing site consensus sequence. This cluster is not homologous to the mouse +651/+657 sites because unlike the latter it is (a) not abolished by disruption of U3 snRNA, (b) not cleaved during early steps of pre-rRNA processing, and (c) lacks sequence similarity to the +651/+657 consensus. Therefore, pre-rRNA of Xenopus oocytes does not cleave within the ETS as an early step in rRNA processing. We conclude that cleavage within the ETS is not an obligatory early step needed for the rest of rRNA maturation.