Skip to main content
Ch. 17+18 - Transcriptional Regulation in Eukaryotes
Chapter 17, Problem 2

Write a short essay describing how an mRNA may be regulated in three different ways by specific cis-elements and RBPs.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the role of cis-elements in mRNA regulation, which are specific sequences within the mRNA that can influence its stability, localization, and translation.
Discuss how RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) interact with these cis-elements to regulate mRNA. RBPs can bind to these sequences and affect the mRNA's fate.
Explain the first regulatory mechanism: mRNA stability. Cis-elements like AU-rich elements (AREs) can be bound by RBPs that either stabilize the mRNA or target it for degradation.
Describe the second regulatory mechanism: mRNA localization. Certain cis-elements can direct the mRNA to specific cellular locations, with RBPs facilitating this transport.
Outline the third regulatory mechanism: mRNA translation. RBPs can bind to cis-elements in the 5' or 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) to enhance or repress the translation of the mRNA into protein.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
3m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

mRNA Regulation

mRNA regulation refers to the various mechanisms that control the stability, translation, and degradation of messenger RNA molecules. This regulation is crucial for ensuring that proteins are produced at the right time and in the right amounts, allowing cells to respond to internal and external signals effectively.
Recommended video:

Cis-Elements

Cis-elements are specific sequences of nucleotides located within the mRNA molecule that play a critical role in its regulation. These elements can include untranslated regions (UTRs) and other motifs that interact with regulatory proteins, influencing processes such as translation efficiency and mRNA stability.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:08
Drosophila P Element

RNA-Binding Proteins (RBPs)

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are proteins that bind to specific RNA sequences or structures, modulating various aspects of RNA metabolism. RBPs can enhance or inhibit translation, promote degradation, or facilitate splicing, thereby playing a vital role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.
Recommended video:
Related Practice
Textbook Question

In this chapter, we focused on how eukaryotic gene expression is regulated posttranscriptionally. At the same time, we found many opportunities to consider the methods and reasoning by which much of this information was acquired. From the explanations given in the chapter:

How do we know that alternative splicing enables one gene to encode different isoforms with different functions?

334
views
Textbook Question

In this chapter, we focused on how eukaryotic gene expression is regulated posttranscriptionally. At the same time, we found many opportunities to consider the methods and reasoning by which much of this information was acquired. From the explanations given in the chapter:

How do we know that misregulation of mRNA stability and decay is a contributing factor in some cancers?

332
views
Textbook Question

In this chapter, we focused on how eukaryotic gene expression is regulated posttranscriptionally. At the same time, we found many opportunities to consider the methods and reasoning by which much of this information was acquired. From the explanations given in the chapter:

How do we know that double-stranded RNA molecules can control gene expression?

339
views
Textbook Question

List three types of alternative splicing patterns and how they lead to the production of different protein isoforms.

294
views
Textbook Question
What features of eukaryotes provide additional opportunities for the regulation of gene expression compared to bacteria?
436
views
Textbook Question

Consider the CT/CGRP example of alternative splicing shown in Figure 18.3. Which different types of alternative splicing patterns are represented?

298
views