Measurement of histone mRNA transcript abundance in Xenopus oocytes by a quantitative primer extension assay.

A quantitative primer extension method was used to measure the mass of histone gene transcripts in mature oocytes of the amphibian Xenopus laevis. The procedure, using a large excess of gene-specific oligonucleotide primer and continuous incorporation of a radiolabeled deoxynucleoside triphosphate precursor, is more sensitive and quantitative than primer extension assays employing end-labeled primers. It was determined that there are stoichiometric amounts, approximately 2 X 10(8) copies, of mRNA for each of the five major histone gene classes in mature Xenopus oocytes.

A frameshift mutation results in a truncated alpha 1-antitrypsin that is retained within the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

The major physiological role of the serine protease inhibitor alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) is to protect elastic fibers in the lung from excessive hydrolysis by neutrophil elastase. Genetic deficiency of alpha 1-AT predisposes individuals toward the development of emphysema. We have cloned and characterized a mutant alpha 1-AT gene from an individual exhibiting a total absence of immunoreactive alpha 1-AT in serum.