Inhibition of ribonucleic acid efflux from isolated SV40-3T3 cell nuclei by 3′-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin)

The effect of 3'-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin) on mRNA efflux from isolated SV40-3T3 cell nuclei has been studied and compared with its effect on the nucleoside triphosphatase activity in the isolated nuclear envelope. Inhibition of mRNA efflux occurs rapidly, but is dependent on the presence of ATP. Half-maximal inhibition occurs with 40 microM-cordycepin. The effect is not simulated by 2'-deoxyadenosine or by actinomycin D, and adenosine provides a substantial degree of protection against it. Cordycepin does not directly inhibit the nucleoside triphosphatase. The stimulation of this enzyme by poly(A) is not affected unless the poly(A) and cordycepin are incubated together with nuclear lysate in the presence of ATP; in this case the stimulation is significantly reduced. Possible interpretations of these results and their relevance for understanding the system in vivo for nucleo-cytoplasmic messenger transport are discussed.