Nuclear run-on transcription from primary embryonic lens tissue.

We have devised an in vitro RNA elongation assay (nuclear "run-on" transcription) that is suitable for use with small amounts of primary embryonic tissue. The assay is sensitive enough to detect transcription of single-copy genes in 8 X 10(5) nuclei isolated from embryonic chicken lens epithelia, and gives no detectable hybridization to unrelated DNAs, such as phi X or pBR322. We have used this assay to examine transcription of delta-crystallin and six proto-oncogenes in lens epithelia of 6-day-old embryonic chickens. The results indicate that delta-crystallin, c-myc, p53, and c-fos are actively transcribed in these cells, while c-myb, N-ras, and c-mil are not transcribed at detectable levels.