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RNA Localization in Xenopus Oocytes

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Cell Polarity and Subcellular RNA Localization

Part of the book series: Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation ((RESULTS,volume 34))

Abstract

Because of the relatively large size of Xenopus oocytes (up to 1.4 mm in diameter by the end of stage VI), their ease of injection and manipulation, and their clearly defined animal-vegetal polarity, this system represents one of the most intensively studied systems for RNA localization. One of the first screens for localized RNAs was performed on Xenopus eggs and oocytes, and identified both animally and vegetally localized RNAs (Rebagliati et al. 1985). Since then, several different techniques have identified a number of additional RNAs, whose functions are quite varied (see King et al. 1999; Mowry and Cote 1999). In addition, trans-acting factors have been described that appear to play important roles in localizing RNAs in oocytes. The role cytoskeletal elements play in localizing various RNAs has also been examined. In short, the Xenopus oocyte system can be considered in many ways a model system for understanding how RNAs are intracellularly localized.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, POB 12272, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel

    Joel Yisraeli

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  1. Kinneret Rand
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  2. Joel Yisraeli
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  1. Institut für Zellbiochemie und klinische Neurobiologie, Universitäts-Krankenhaus Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany

    Dietmar Richter

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© 2001 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Rand, K., Yisraeli, J. (2001). RNA Localization in Xenopus Oocytes. In: Richter, D. (eds) Cell Polarity and Subcellular RNA Localization. Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation, vol 34. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-40025-7_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-40025-7_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-07436-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-40025-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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