Human beta-globin messenger RNA. III. Nucleotide sequences derived from complementary DNA.

Sequences of human beta-globin mRNA were determined by analysis of complementary DNA. beta-mRNA was transcribed into double-stranded cDNA by RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. cDNA was cut by restriction endonucleases and the fragments were terminally labeled by means of polynucleotide kinase and [gamma-32P]ATP. After purification, fragments were degraded by snake venom phosphodiesterase. Alternatively single-stranded [32P]cDNA was prepared by transcription in the presence of [alpha-32P]dCTP and actinomycin D; the product was digested by endonuclease IV and degraded by snake venom phosphodiesterase. cDNA tracts obtained by both labeling methods enabled us to construct a sequence for the translated and 3'-terminal untranslated regions of human beta-mRNA.