Purification of splicing factor SF1, a heat-stable protein that functions in the assembly of a presplicing complex.

Splicing factor SF1 represents one of the proteins that function early in the splicing of nuclear pre-mRNA in the formation of a presplicing complex. SF1 was purified to homogeneity from HeLa cell nuclear extracts by column chromatography. It consists of a single polypeptide of 75 kDa and is distinct from other protein factors that function early in spliceosome assembly. SF1 activity is completely resistant to temperatures of up to 100 degrees C. The purified protein does not appear to be associated with RNA-binding, RNA-annealing, or ATPase activity.