A pool of nonpolysomal globin mRNAs in globin deficient reticulocytes of the anemic Belgrade rat

In anemia of the Belgrade rat ( b b ) reticulocytes contain less than half of the normal amount of mRNA for seven adult rat globin chains. cDNA hybridization measurements of the relative sizes of polysomal and nonpolysomal pools of globin mRNAs in these cells show that 45% of all globin mRNA molecules are not used at any given time in protein synthesis. This implies a translational control which ensures a production of globin chains in a correct ratio despite a severe mRNA unbalance.