Inhibition by ricin of protein synthesis <i>in vitro</i>: 60S ribosomal subunit as the target of the toxin (<i>Short Communication</i>)

Abstract

Poly(U)-directed polyphenylalanine synthesis by rat liver ribosomes is strongly inhibited by ricin. Experiments involving hybridization between subunits derived from normal and ricin-treated ribosomes demonstrate that the 60S subunit is the site of action of the toxin. The toxin inactivates the 60S subunit independently of the presence of the 40S subunit.