In vitro synthesis of vertebrate U1 snRNA.

We have developed a DNA-dependent in vitro transcription system for vertebrate snRNA genes. By isolating the nuclei (germinal vesicles, GVs) of Xenopus laevis oocytes under oil to maintain the in vivo composition of their internal milieu, we are able to prepare nuclei that retain their ability to synthesize snRNAs efficiently. Homogenates of these GVs synthesize correctly initiated and terminated U1 snRNA using exogenous X.laevis U1 genes as templates. The templates may be either injected into the nucleus prior to its isolation or added to the nuclear homogenate.