Eukaryotic Polyribosome Profile Analysis
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Journal of Visualized Experiments
Publication Date
6-15-2010
Abstract
Protein synthesis is a complex cellular process that is regulated at many levels. For example, global translation can be inhibited at the initiation phase or the elongation phase by a variety of cellular stresses such as amino acid starvation or growth factor withdrawal. Alternatively, translation of individual mRNAs can be regulated by mRNA localization or the presence of cognate microRNAs. Studies of protein synthesis frequently utilize polyribosome analysis to shed light on the mechanisms of translation regulation or defects in protein synthesis. In this assay, mRNA/ribosome complexes are isolated from eukaryotic cells. A sucrose density gradient separates mRNAs bound to multiple ribosomes known as polyribosomes from mRNAs bound to a single ribosome or monosome. Fractionation of the gradients allows isolation and quantification of the different ribosomal populations and their associated mRNAs or proteins. Differences in the ratio of polyribosomes to monosomes under defined conditions can be indicative of defects in either translation initiation or elongation/termination. Examination of the mRNAs present in the polyribosome fractions can reveal whether the cohort of individual mRNAs being translated changes with experimental conditions. In addition, ribosome assembly can be monitored by analysis of the small and large ribosomal subunit peaks which are also separated by the gradient. In this video, we present a method for the preparation of crude ribosomal extracts from yeast cells, separation of the extract by sucrose gradient and interpretation of the results. This procedure is readily adaptable to mammalian cells.
Recommended Citation
Esposito, Anthony M.; Mateyak, Maria; He, Dongming; Lewis, Marcus; Sasikumar, Arjun N.; Hutton, Jenna; Copeland, Paul R.; and Kinzy, Terri Goss, "Eukaryotic Polyribosome Profile Analysis" (2010). Faculty Publications – Biological Sciences. 79.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/fpbiosci/79
Comments
This article was originally published as Esposito A.M., Mateyak M., He D., Lewis M., Sasikumar A.N., Hutton J., Copeland PR, and Kinzy TG. (2010) Eukaryotic polyribosome profile analysis. J Vis Exp. Jun 15;(40). pii: 1948 PMC3149985.