Protein synthesis in cell-free extracts ofDictyostelium discoideum

Abstract

We have developed an in vitro translation system for the lower eukaryote Dictyostelium discoideum. Active extracts using endogenous mRNA support protein synthesis with optimal Mg2+ and K+ concentrations of 5 mM and 120 mM, respectively. [35S]Methionine incorporation is linear for more than 2 h. Polypeptides synthesized from endogenous mRNA have sizes ranging from less than 20 to over 100 kDa. Heat‐shock proteins are synthesized in vitro in extracts prepared from heat‐shocked cells. Possible uses of this system for study of translational control during growth and differentiation are discussed.