Identification of Two Spliced Leader RNA Transcripts from Perkinsus marinus

. Spliced leader (SL) variants are present in a number of mRNAs from Perkinsus marinus. Three different SLs of 22 nucleotides (nt) in length were previously reported, with a consensus sequence of (DCCGUAGCCAUYUUGGCUCAAG). A truncated 21 nt SL, with an (A) at nt-1 and a (U) deletion at nt-13, has also been reported. Here, we report an additional 21 nt SL variant with (G) at nt-1. Using cDNA analysis, a full-length SL RNA transcript was identified for both 21 nt SLs (SL2[A] and SL2[G]). This transcript is 81 nt in length and contains a conserved transcription termination sequence present in closely related dinoflagellates.