mRNA encoding the translation initiation factor eIF‐4E is expressed early in Xenopus embryogenesis

The translation initiation factor eIF-4E plays an important role in regulating the overall rate of translation in eukaryotic cells. To investigate the expression of eIF-4E itself, we characterized the eIF-4E mRNA expressed in Xenopus embryos. 5'-RACE was performed to determine the 5'-end of the mRNA and the result predicts isoforms differing at the amino-terminal end. Expression of the eIF-4E mRNA in Xenopus oocytes and embryos was examined by RT-PCR. Xenopus eIF-4E mRNA is produced during oogenesis and persists during the early stages of embryogenesis as a maternal mRNA.