[Functional value of 980-1061 sequences of human 18S ribosomal RNA using complementary DNA probes].

Region 980-1061 in human 18S rRNA was chosen on the basis of our previous results indicating, that the cross-linking sites of alkylating mRNA analogs are located within this region. In the present study, we have used 10 DNA 15-mers complementary to various overlapping sequences within the 18S rRNA positions 980-1061. Their ability to bind selectively at the desired rRNA sequences was proved by hydrolysis of 18S rRNA within heteroduplexes with the corresponding probes by RNase H. Only four of the probes were able to bind to 40S subunits indicating, that the corresponding 18S rRNA sequences 980-994, 987-1001, 1025-1039 and 1032-1046 are exposed within the subunits. None of the probes inhibited tRNA-dependent binding of oligo(U) messengers to 40S subunits. Nevertheless, two probes (complementary to 18S rRNA sequences 987-1001 and 1025-1039) being covalently attached to 40S subunits, inhibited translation of poly(U) by human 80S ribosomes in a cell-free system. The binding of messenger trinucleotide in the complex pAUG.40S.Met-tRNA.eIF-2.GTP was strongly affected by the same oligomers. Thus 987-1001 and 1025-1039 18S rRNA sequences are supposed to be involved in interaction with mRNA in the course of translation.