Efficient translation and polyribosome binding of 125I-labelled rabbit globin messenger ribonucleoprotein

Abstract

Rabbit polyribosomal globin messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) was labelled under mild conditions, using 125I and Iodogen, in the protein moiety so that the fate of mRNA-associated proteins could be followed during translation. 125I-mRNP was shown to retain functional activity in the nuclease-treated reticulocyte lysate translation system under optimal labelling conditions. Polyribsome binding of 125I-mRNP and its sensitivity to cycloheximide indicated a functional- and translation-dependent binding of mRNP proteins. The results constitute a successful and direct approach to the study of mRNA-associated proteins in translational control.