HIGH EFFICIENCY TRANSLATION OF MRNA MOLECULES

摘要

An increased level of translation of a selected mRNA molecule is effected by coupling specific nucleotide sequences at the 5'- and 3' -ends of a nucleic acid molecule transcribable to or which itself is the mRNA molecule. The nucleotide sequence at the 5'-end is effective to increase the rate of translation initiation of the mRNA molecule in a cell while the nucleotide sequence at the 3'-end is effective to increase the period of translation of the mRNA molecule in a cell. The nucleotide sequence of the 3'-end is provided by a 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of a gene, particularly that of .beta.-prolactin, or an effective fragment thereof. A polyadenylation sequence preferably is provided at the 3'-end of the 3'-UTR sequence. The 3'-UTR sequence provides mRNA stabilization independent of the poly A tail.