Decreased RNA polymerase activity after organ storage

Abstract

The role of RNA polymerase in controlling DNA transcription was examined after the negative impact of organ storage. Total RNA polymerase activity was reduced to 18% of control values after 2 hr of warm (37°C) organ storage and to 31% of control values by 72 hr of cold (0–4°C) storage. Engaged (RNA polymerase transcribing endogenous chromatin) and free RNA polymerase activities were reduced to 20 and 70%, respectively, of their control values by warm storage conditions. However, engaged RNA polymerase was not affected by the cold storage for 24 hr, a condition which reduced the free enzyme activity to 18% of control values. RNA polymerase enzymes were extracted from the nuclei and identified as RNA polymerase I or RNA polymerase II by virtue of their sensitivity to α-amanitin and their retention on DEAE-Sephadex. A decrease in the activity of both enzymes was found during organ storage (cold and warm), however, RNA polymerase I was more susceptible to inactivation during storage than RNA polymerase II. Organ storage decreases RNA polymerase activity. It is likely that this activity must be restored in order for the organ to regain function.