Alu sequences transcription in X. laevis oocytes: nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning and evidence for 3' end processing reactions

A large Alu-family cluster in the 5' flanking region of a human alpha 1-acid glycoprotein gene has been identified and sequenced. Individual members microinjected into X. laevis oocytes are transcribed only when canonical box A and B components of the split pol III promoter are present. Alu transcripts accumulate in the nucleus. An unusually short Alu transcript, able to assume a stable secondary structure, undergoes a 3' end processing reaction similar to the one required for tRNA 3' end maturation.