scholarly journals Phosphorylation of the α subunit of translation initiation factor-2 by PKR mediates protein synthesis inhibition in the mouse brain during status epilepticus

2006 ◽  
Vol 397 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa S. Carnevalli ◽  
Catia M. Pereira ◽  
Carolina B. Jaqueta ◽  
Viviane S. Alves ◽  
Vanessa N. Paiva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Dependent Protein Kinase ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Eif2α Phosphorylation ◽  
Inhibition Of Protein Synthesis ◽  
Initiation Factor 2 ◽  
Dependent Protein ◽  
Eif2α Kinase ◽  
The Brain

In response to different cellular stresses, a family of protein kinases phosphorylates eIF2α (α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor-2), contributing to regulation of both general and genespecific translation proposed to alleviate cellular injury or alternatively induce apoptosis. Recently, we reported eIF2α(P) (phosphorylated eIF2α) in the brain during SE (status epilepticus) induced by pilocarpine in mice, an animal model of TLE (temporal lobe epilepsy) [Carnevalli, Pereira, Longo, Jaqueta, Avedissian, Mello and Castilho (2004) Neurosci. Lett. 357, 191–194]. We show in the present study that one eIF2α kinase family member, PKR (double-stranded-RNA-dependent protein kinase), is activated in the cortex and hippocampus at 30 min of SE, reflecting the levels of eIF2α(P) in these areas. In PKR-deficient animals subjected to SE, eIF2α phosphorylation was clearly evident coincident with activation of a secondary eIF2α kinase, PEK/PERK (pancreatic eIF2α kinase/RNA-dependent-protein-kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase), denoting a compensatory mechanism between the two kinases. The extent of eIF2α phosphorylation correlated with the inhibition of protein synthesis in the brain, as determined from polysome profiles. We also found that C57BL/6 mice, which enter SE upon pilocarpine administration but are more resistant to seizure-induced neuronal degeneration, showed very low levels of eIF2α(P) and no inhibition of protein synthesis during SE. These results taken together suggest that PKR-mediated phosphorylation of eIF2α contributes to inhibition of protein synthesis in the brain during SE and that sustained high levels of eIF2α phosphorylation may facilitate ensuing cell death in the most affected areas of the brain in TLE.

scholarly journals Phosphorylation of Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2 by Heme-Regulated Inhibitor Kinase-Related Protein Kinases in Schizosaccharomyces pombe Is Important for Resistance to Environmental Stresses

2002 ◽  
Vol 22 (20) ◽  
pp. 7134-7146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ke Zhan ◽  
Krishna M. Vattem ◽  
Bettina N. Bauer ◽  
Thomas E. Dever ◽  
Jane-Jane Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Schizosaccharomyces Pombe ◽  
Environmental Stresses ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Eukaryotic Initiation Factor ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2 ◽  
Initiation Factor 2 ◽  
Eif2α Kinase

ABSTRACT Protein synthesis is regulated by the phosphorylation of the α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) in response to different environmental stresses. One member of the eIF2α kinase family, heme-regulated inhibitor kinase (HRI), is activated under heme-deficient conditions and blocks protein synthesis, principally globin, in mammalian erythroid cells. We identified two HRI-related kinases from Schizosaccharomyces pombe which have full-length homology with mammalian HRI. The two HRI-related kinases, named Hri1p and Hri2p, exhibit autokinase and kinase activity specific for Ser-51 of eIF2α, and both activities were inhibited in vitro by hemin, as previously described for mammalian HRI. Overexpression of Hri1p, Hri2p, or the human eIF2α kinase, double-stranded-RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR), impeded growth of S. pombe due to elevated phosphorylation of eIF2α. Cells from strains with deletions of the hri1+ and hri2+ genes, individually or in combination, exhibited a reduced growth rate when exposed to heat shock or to arsenic compounds. Measurements of in vivo phosphorylation of eIF2α suggest that Hri1p and Hri2p differentially phosphorylate eIF2α in response to these stress conditions. These results demonstrate that HRI-related enzymes are not unique to vertebrates and suggest that these eIF2α kinases are important participants in diverse stress response pathways in some lower eukaryotes.

scholarly journals Pharmacological brake-release of mRNA translation enhances cognitive memory

eLife ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmela Sidrauski ◽  
Diego Acosta-Alvear ◽  
Arkady Khoutorsky ◽  
Punitha Vedantham ◽  
Brian R Hearn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Memory Consolidation ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Mrna Translation ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Eif2α Phosphorylation ◽  
Initiation Factor 2 ◽  
A Cell

Phosphorylation of the α-subunit of initiation factor 2 (eIF2) controls protein synthesis by a conserved mechanism. In metazoa, distinct stress conditions activate different eIF2α kinases (PERK, PKR, GCN2, and HRI) that converge on phosphorylating a unique serine in eIF2α. This collection of signaling pathways is termed the ‘integrated stress response’ (ISR). eIF2α phosphorylation diminishes protein synthesis, while allowing preferential translation of some mRNAs. Starting with a cell-based screen for inhibitors of PERK signaling, we identified a small molecule, named ISRIB, that potently (IC50 = 5 nM) reverses the effects of eIF2α phosphorylation. ISRIB reduces the viability of cells subjected to PERK-activation by chronic endoplasmic reticulum stress. eIF2α phosphorylation is implicated in memory consolidation. Remarkably, ISRIB-treated mice display significant enhancement in spatial and fear-associated learning. Thus, memory consolidation is inherently limited by the ISR, and ISRIB releases this brake. As such, ISRIB promises to contribute to our understanding and treatment of cognitive disorders.

Signaling pathways initiated by β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate to attenuate the depression of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle in response to cachectic stimuli

2007 ◽  
Vol 293 (4) ◽  
pp. E923-E931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen L. Eley ◽  
Steven T. Russell ◽  
Jeffrey H. Baxter ◽  
Pradip Mukerji ◽  
Michael J. Tisdale
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Elongation Factor ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Initiation Factor 2 ◽  
Dependent Protein ◽  
Ribosomal S6 Kinase ◽  
Stimulation Of

To investigate the mechanism by which β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) attenuates the depression of protein synthesis in the skeletal muscle of cachectic mice, a study has been carried out in murine myotubes in the presence of proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF). PIF inhibited protein synthesis by 50% within 4 h, and this was effectively attenuated by HMB (25–50 μM). HMB (50 μM) alone stimulated protein synthesis, and this was attenuated by rapamycin (27 nM), an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Further evidence for an involvement of this pathway was shown by an increased phosphorylation of mTOR, the 70-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6k), and initiation factor 4E-binding protein (4E-BP1) and an increased association of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF4E) with eIF4G. PIF alone induced a transient (1–2 h) stimulation of phosphorylation of mTOR and p70S6k. However, in the presence of HMB, phosphorylation of mTOR, p70S6k, and 4E-BP1 was increased, and inactive 4E-BP1-eIF4E complex was reduced, whereas the active eIF4G·eIF4E complex was increased, suggesting continual stimulation of protein synthesis. HMB alone reduced phosphorylation of elongation factor 2, but this effect was not seen in the presence of PIF. PIF induced autophosphorylation of the double-strand RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR), leading to phosphorylation of eIF2 on the α-subunit, which would inhibit protein synthesis. However, in the presence of HMB, phosphorylation of PKR and eIF2α was attenuated, and this was also observed in skeletal muscle of cachectic mice administered HMB (0.25 g/kg). These results suggest that HMB attenuates the depression of protein synthesis by PIF in myotubes through multiple mechanisms.

A critical review of translation initiation factor eIF2α kinases in plants - regulating protein synthesis during stress

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (9) ◽  
pp. 717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracey M. Immanuel ◽  
David R. Greenwood ◽  
Robin M. MacDiarmid
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Translation Initiation ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Mrna Translation ◽  
Translation Initiation Factor ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Eif2α Phosphorylation ◽  
Phosphorylation Mechanism ◽  
Eif2α Kinase

Eukaryotic cells must cope with environmental stress. One type of general stress response is the downregulation of protein synthesis in order to conserve cellular resources. Protein synthesis is mainly regulated at the level of mRNA translation initiation and when the α subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) is phosphorylated, protein synthesis is downregulated. Although eIF2 has the same translation initiation function in all eukaryotes, it is not known whether plants downregulate protein synthesis via eIF2α phosphorylation. Similarly, although there is evidence that plants possess eIF2α kinases, it is not known whether they operate in a similar manner to the well characterised mammalian and yeast eIF2α kinases. Two types of eIF2α kinases have been reported in plants, yet the full understanding of the plant eIF2α phosphorylation mechanism is still lacking. Here we review the current knowledge of the eIF2α phosphorylation mechanism within plants and discuss plant eIF2α, plant eIF2α kinase GCN2 and the data supporting and contradicting the hypothesis that a functional orthologue for the eIF2α kinase PKR, is present and functional in plants.

scholarly journals Control of α Subunit of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 2 (eIF2α) Phosphorylation by the Human Papillomavirus Type 18 E6 Oncoprotein: Implications for eIF2α-Dependent Gene Expression and Cell Death

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 3415-3429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirin Kazemi ◽  
Stavroula Papadopoulou ◽  
Suiyang Li ◽  
Qiaozhu Su ◽  
Shuo Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Translation Initiation Factor ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Eukaryotic Translation ◽  
Eif2α Phosphorylation ◽  
E6 Oncoprotein ◽  
Initiation Factor 2 ◽  
Eukaryotic Translation Initiation ◽  
Translation Initiation Factor 2

ABSTRACT Phosphorylation of the α subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) at serine 51 inhibits protein synthesis in cells subjected to various forms of stress including virus infection. The human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 oncoprotein contributes to virus-induced pathogenicity through multiple mechanisms including the inhibition of apoptosis and the blockade of interferon (IFN) action. We have investigated a possible functional relationship between the E6 oncoprotein and eIF2α phosphorylation by an inducible-dimerization form of the IFN-inducible protein kinase PKR. Herein, we demonstrate that HPV type 18 E6 protein synthesis is rapidly repressed upon eIF2α phosphorylation caused by the conditional activation of the kinase. The remainder of E6, however, can rescue cells from PKR-mediated inhibition of protein synthesis and induction of apoptosis. E6 physically associates with GADD34/PP1 holophosphatase complex, which mediates translational recovery, and facilitates eIF2α dephosphorylation. Inhibition of eIF2α phosphorylation by E6 mitigates eIF2α-dependent responses to transcription and translation of proapoptotic genes. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, a role of the oncogenic E6 in apoptotic signaling induced by PKR and eIF2α phosphorylation. The functional interaction between E6 and the eIF2α phosphorylation pathway may have important implications for HPV infection and associated pathogenesis.

scholarly journals GCN2 phosphorylation of eIF2α activates NF-κB in response to UV irradiation

2005 ◽  
Vol 385 (2) ◽  
pp. 371-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao-Yuan JIANG ◽  
Ronald C. WEK
Keyword(s):  
Uv Irradiation ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Transcriptional Control ◽  
Control Cell ◽  
Nuclear Factor Κb ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Eif2α Phosphorylation ◽  
Eif2α Kinase ◽  
Secondary Function

In response to UV irradiation, mammalian cells elicit a gene expression programme designed to repair damage and control cell proliferation and apoptosis. Important members of this stress response include the NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) family. However, the mechanisms by which UV irradiation activates NF-κB are not well understood. In eukaryotes, a variety of environmental stresses are recognized and remediated by a family of protein kinases that phosphorylate the α subunit of eIF2 (eukaryotic initiation factor-2). In the present study we show that NF-κB in MEF (murine embryo fibroblast) cells is activated by UV-C and UV-B irradiation through a mechanism requiring eIF2α phosphorylation. The primary eIF2α kinase in response to UV is GCN2 (general control non-derepressible-2), with PEK/PERK (pancreatic eIF2α kinase/RNA-dependent-protein-kinase-like endoplasmic-reticulum kinase) carrying out a secondary function. Our studies indicate that lowered protein synthesis accompanying eIF2α phosphorylation, combined with eIF2α kinase-independent turnover of IκBα (inhibitor of κBα), reduces the levels of IκBα in response to UV irradiation. Release of NF-κB from the inhibitory IκBα would facilitate NF-κB entry into the nucleus and targeted transcriptional control. We also find that loss of GCN2 in MEF cells significantly enhances apoptosis in response to UV exposure similar to that measured in cells deleted for the RelA/p65 subunit of NF-κB. These results demonstrate that GCN2 is central to recognition of UV stress, and that eIF2α phosphorylation provides resistance to apoptosis in response to this environmental insult.

scholarly journals Phosphorylation of the α subunit of initiation factor 2 correlates with the inhibition of translation following transient cerebral ischaemia in the rat

1994 ◽  
Vol 302 (2) ◽  
pp. 335-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Burda ◽  
M E Martín ◽  
A García ◽  
A Alcázar ◽  
J L Fando ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Cerebral Ischaemia ◽  
Ternary Complex ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Synthesis Rate ◽  
Protein Synthesis Rate ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Free System ◽  
Initiation Factor 2

Rats were subjected to the standard four-vessel occlusion model of cerebral transient ischaemia (vertebral and carotid arteries) for 15 and 30 min. After a 30 min recirculation period, protein synthesis rate, initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) and guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activities, and the level of phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eIF-2 (eIF-2 alpha) were determined in the neocortex region of the brain from sham-operated controls and ischaemic animals. Following reversible cerebral ischaemia, the protein synthesis rate, as measured in a cell-free system, was significantly inhibited (70%) in the ischaemic animals. eIF-2 activity, as measured by its ability to form a ternary complex, also decrease parallel to the decrease in protein synthesis. As eIF-2 activity was assayed in the presence of Mg2+ and GTP-regenerating capacity, the decrease in ternary-complex formation indicated the possible impairment of GEF activity. Since phosphorylated eIF-2 [eIF-2(alpha P)] is a powerful inhibitor of GEF, the levels of phosphorylated eIF-2 alpha were determined, and an increase from 7% phosphorylation in sham control rats to 20% phosphorylation in 15 min and 29% phosphorylation in 30 min in ischaemic rats was observed, providing evidence for a tight correlation of phosphorylation of eIF-2 alpha and inhibition of protein synthesis. Moreover, GEF activity measured in the GDP-exchange assay was in fact inhibited in the ischaemic animals, proving that protein synthesis is impaired by the presence of eIF-2(alpha P), which blocks eIF-2 recycling.

scholarly journals The Role of the Entorhinal Cortex in Extinction: Influences of Aging

2008 ◽  
Vol 2008 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lia R. M. Bevilaqua ◽  
Janine I. Rossato ◽  
Juliana S. Bonini ◽  
Jociane C. Myskiw ◽  
Julia R. Clarke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Entorhinal Cortex ◽  
Amyloid Plaques ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Amygdaloid Nucleus ◽  
Dependent Protein Kinase ◽  
Dependent Protein ◽  
Glutamate Nmda Receptors ◽  
The Brain

The entorhinal cortex is perhaps the area of the brain in which neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques are first detectable in old age with or without mild cognitive impairment, and very particularly in Alzheimer's disease. It plays a key role in memory formation, retrieval, and extinction, as part of circuits that include the hippocampus, the amygdaloid nucleus, and several regions of the neocortex, in particular of the prefrontal cortex. Lesions or biochemical impairments of the entorhinal cortex hinder extinction. Microinfusion experiments have shown that glutamate NMDA receptors, calcium and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and protein synthesis in the entorhinal cortex are involved in and required for extinction. Aging also hinders extinction; it is possible that its effect may be in part mediated by the entorhinal cortex.

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