scholarly journals A Retrospective on eIF2A—and Not the Alpha Subunit of eIF2

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2054
Author(s):  
Anton A. Komar ◽  
William C. Merrick
Keyword(s):  
Translational Control ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
Eif2α Phosphorylation ◽  
Specific Mrnas ◽  
Internal Initiation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Polypeptide Chains

Initiation of protein synthesis in eukaryotes is a complex process requiring more than 12 different initiation factors, comprising over 30 polypeptide chains. The functions of many of these factors have been established in great detail; however, the precise role of some of them and their mechanism of action is still not well understood. Eukaryotic initiation factor 2A (eIF2A) is a single chain 65 kDa protein that was initially believed to serve as the functional homologue of prokaryotic IF2, since eIF2A and IF2 catalyze biochemically similar reactions, i.e., they stimulate initiator Met-tRNAi binding to the small ribosomal subunit. However, subsequent identification of a heterotrimeric 126 kDa factor, eIF2 (α,β,γ) showed that this factor, and not eIF2A, was primarily responsible for the binding of Met-tRNAi to 40S subunit in eukaryotes. It was found however, that eIF2A can promote recruitment of Met-tRNAi to 40S/mRNA complexes under conditions of inhibition of eIF2 activity (eIF2α-phosphorylation), or its absence. eIF2A does not function in major steps in the initiation process, but is suggested to act at some minor/alternative initiation events such as re-initiation, internal initiation, or non-AUG initiation, important for translational control of specific mRNAs. This review summarizes our current understanding of the eIF2A structure and function.

Alternative mechanisms of initiating translation of mammalian mRNAs

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1231-1241 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.J. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Aggregate Size ◽  
Mrna Translation ◽  
Initiation Site ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Viral Mrnas ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
Scanning Mechanism

Of all the steps in mRNA translation, initiation is the one that differs most radically between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Not only is there no equivalent of the prokaryotic Shine–Dalgarno rRNA–mRNA interaction, but also what requires only three initiation factor proteins (aggregate size ∼125 kDa) in eubacteria needs at least 28 different polypeptides (aggregate >1600 kDa) in mammalian cells, which is actually larger than the size of the 40 S ribosomal subunit. Translation of the overwhelming majority of mammalian mRNAs occurs by a scanning mechanism, in which the 40 S ribosomal subunit, primed for initiation by the binding of several initiation factors including the eIF2 (eukaryotic initiation factor 2)–GTP–MettRNAi complex, is loaded on the mRNA immediately downstream of the 5′-cap, and then scans the RNA in the 5′→3′ direction. On recognition of (usually) the first AUG triplet via base-pairing with the Met-tRNAi anticodon, scanning ceases, triggering GTP hydrolysis and release of eIF2–GDP. Finally, ribosomal subunit joining and the release of the other initiation factors completes the initiation process. This sketchy outline conceals the fact that the exact mechanism of scanning and the precise roles of the initiation factors remain enigmatic. However, the factor requirements for initiation site selection on some viral IRESs (internal ribosome entry sites/segments) are simpler, and investigations into these IRES-dependent mechanisms (particularly picornavirus, hepatitis C virus and insect dicistrovirus IRESs) have significantly enhanced our understanding of the standard scanning mechanism. This article surveys the various alternative mechanisms of initiation site selection on mammalian (and other eukaryotic) cellular and viral mRNAs, starting from the simplest (in terms of initiation factor requirements) and working towards the most complex, which paradoxically happens to be the reverse order of their discovery.

4E-BP1 and S6K1: translational integration sites for nutritional and hormonal information in muscle

2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (4) ◽  
pp. E715-E729 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Jameel Shah ◽  
Joshua C. Anthony ◽  
Scot R. Kimball ◽  
Leonard S. Jefferson
Keyword(s):  
Translational Control ◽  
Mrna Translation ◽  
Cellular Protein ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Translational Repressor ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
Initiation Phase ◽  
Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4E ◽  
Integration Sites ◽  
A Site

Maintenance of cellular protein stores in skeletal muscle depends on a tightly regulated synthesis-degradation equilibrium that is conditionally modulated under an extensive range of physiological and pathophysiological circumstances. Recent studies have established the initiation phase of mRNA translation as a pivotal site of regulation for global rates of protein synthesis, as well as a site through which the synthesis of specific proteins is controlled. The protein synthetic pathway is exquisitely sensitive to the availability of hormones and nutrients and employs a comprehensive integrative strategy to interpret the information provided by hormonal and nutritional cues. The translational repressor, eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), and the 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K1) have emerged as important components of this strategy, and together they coordinate the behavior of both eukaryotic initiation factors and the ribosome. This review discusses the role of 4E-BP1 and S6K1 in translational control and outlines the mechanisms through which hormones and nutrients effect changes in mRNA translation through the influence of these translational effectors.

scholarly journals Inactivation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2B in vitro by heat shock

1998 ◽  
Vol 334 (2) ◽  
pp. 463-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gert C. SCHEPER ◽  
Adri A. M. THOMAS ◽  
van Roel WIJK
Keyword(s):  
Heat Shock ◽  
Thermal Inactivation ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Eukaryotic Initiation Factor ◽  
Nucleotide Exchange ◽  
Mild Heat ◽  
Eif2α Phosphorylation ◽  
Cell Extracts

Protein synthesis in rat H35 Reuber hepatoma cells is rapidly inhibited on heat shock. At mild heat-shock temperatures the main cause for inhibition is the inactivation of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (eIF2B); under more severe heat-shock conditions the activity of several initiation factors is compromised. eIF2B is required for GDP/GTP exchange on eIF2, which delivers methionyl-tRNA to the 40 S ribosomal subunit. We have tried to elucidate the mechanism underlying the inactivation of eIF2B by assays in vitro. Incubation of cell extracts at 41 °C or higher led to the inactivation of eIF2B. In agreement with observations in cells exposed to mild heat shocks, the thermal inactivation of eIF2B could be ascribed to neither eIF2α phosphorylation nor the induction of another inhibitor. With the use of glycerol gradients we show that eIF2B forms aggregates in heat-treated extracts. Furthermore eIF2B activity is protected against heat shock in thermotolerant cells. Taken together, these results suggest a role for chaperones in the control of eIF2B activity.

scholarly journals Large G3BP-induced granules trigger eIF2α phosphorylation

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (18) ◽  
pp. 3499-3510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas C. Reineke ◽  
Jon D. Dougherty ◽  
Philippe Pierre ◽  
Richard E. Lloyd
Keyword(s):  
Stress Granules ◽  
Stress Granule ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Protein Kinase R ◽  
Translational Machinery ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
Eif2α Phosphorylation ◽  
Translation Initiation Factors ◽  
Messenger Ribonucleoprotein ◽  
Translation Apparatus

Stress granules are large messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) aggregates composed of translation initiation factors and mRNAs that appear when the cell encounters various stressors. Current dogma indicates that stress granules function as inert storage depots for translationally silenced mRNPs until the cell signals for renewed translation and stress granule disassembly. We used RasGAP SH3-binding protein (G3BP) overexpression to induce stress granules and study their assembly process and signaling to the translation apparatus. We found that assembly of large G3BP-induced stress granules, but not small granules, precedes phosphorylation of eIF2α. Using mouse embryonic fibroblasts depleted for individual eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) kinases, we identified protein kinase R as the principal kinase that mediates eIF2α phosphorylation by large G3BP-induced granules. These data indicate that increasing stress granule size is associated with a threshold or switch that must be triggered in order for eIF2α phosphorylation and subsequent translational repression to occur. Furthermore, these data suggest that stress granules are active in signaling to the translational machinery and may be important regulators of the innate immune response.

scholarly journals A region rich in aspartic acid, arginine, tyrosine, and glycine (DRYG) mediates eukaryotic initiation factor 4B (eIF4B) self-association and interaction with eIF3.

1996 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 5328-5334 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Méthot ◽  
M S Song ◽  
N Sonenberg
Keyword(s):  
Aspartic Acid ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Eukaryotic Initiation Factor ◽  
Ribosome Binding ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
Self Association

The binding of mRNA to the ribosome is mediated by eukaryotic initiation factors eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F), eIF4B, eIF4A, and eIF3, eIF4F binds to the mRNA cap structure and, in combination with eIF4B, is believed to unwind the secondary structure in the 5' untranslated region to facilitate ribosome binding. eIF3 associates with the 40S ribosomal subunit prior to mRNA binding. eIF4B copurifies with eIF3 and eIF4F through several purification steps, suggesting the involvement of a multisubunit complex during translation initiation. To understand the mechanism by which eIF4B promotes 40S ribosome binding to the mRNA, we studied its interactions with partner proteins by using a filter overlay (protein-protein [far Western]) assay and the two-hybrid system. In this report, we show that eIF4B self-associates and also interacts directly with the p170 subunit of eIF3. A region rich in aspartic acid, arginine, tyrosine, and glycine, termed the DRYG domain, is sufficient for self-association of eIF4B, both in vitro and in vivo, and for interaction with the p170 subunit of eIF3. These experiments suggest that eIF4B participates in mRNA-ribosome binding by acting as an intermediary between the mRNA and eIF3, via a direct interaction with the p170 subunit of eIF3.

scholarly journals Initiation factor 2 stabilizes the ribosome in a semirotated conformation

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (52) ◽  
pp. 15874-15879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clarence Ling ◽  
Dmitri N. Ermolenko
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Translational Control ◽  
Large Subunit ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Bound State ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Large Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Control Of Gene Expression ◽  
Initiation Phase ◽  
Intersubunit Rotation

Intersubunit rotation and movement of the L1 stalk, a mobile domain of the large ribosomal subunit, have been shown to accompany the elongation cycle of translation. The initiation phase of protein synthesis is crucial for translational control of gene expression; however, in contrast to elongation, little is known about the conformational rearrangements of the ribosome during initiation. Bacterial initiation factors (IFs) 1, 2, and 3 mediate the binding of initiator tRNA and mRNA to the small ribosomal subunit to form the initiation complex, which subsequently associates with the large subunit by a poorly understood mechanism. Here, we use single-molecule FRET to monitor intersubunit rotation and the inward/outward movement of the L1 stalk of the large ribosomal subunit during the subunit-joining step of translation initiation. We show that, on subunit association, the ribosome adopts a distinct conformation in which the ribosomal subunits are in a semirotated orientation and the L1 stalk is positioned in a half-closed state. The formation of the semirotated intermediate requires the presence of an aminoacylated initiator, fMet-tRNAfMet, and IF2 in the GTP-bound state. GTP hydrolysis by IF2 induces opening of the L1 stalk and the transition to the nonrotated conformation of the ribosome. Our results suggest that positioning subunits in a semirotated orientation facilitates subunit association and support a model in which L1 stalk movement is coupled to intersubunit rotation and/or IF2 binding.

scholarly journals Assembly of 48S Translation Initiation Complexesfrom Purified Components with mRNAs That Have Some Base Pairingwithin Their 5′ UntranslatedRegions

2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (24) ◽  
pp. 8925-8933 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergei E. Dmitriev ◽  
Ilya M. Terenin ◽  
Yan E. Dunaevsky ◽  
William C. Merrick ◽  
Ivan N. Shatsky
Keyword(s):  
Translation Initiation ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Beta Globin ◽  
Globin Mrna ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
40S Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Cellular Mrnas ◽  
Actin Mrna

ABSTRACT The reconstitution of translation initiation complexes from purified components is a reliable approach to determine the complete set of essential canonical initiation factors and auxiliary proteins required for the 40S ribosomal subunit to locate the initiation codon on individual mRNAs. Until now, it has been successful mostly for formation of 48S translation initiation complexes with viral IRES elements. Among cap-dependent mRNAs, only globin mRNAs and transcripts with artificial 5′ leaders were amenable to this assembly. Here, with modified conditions for the reconstitution, 48S complexes have been successfully assembled with the 5′ UTR of beta-actin mRNA (84 nucleotides) and the tripartite leader of adenovirus RNAs (232 nucleotides), though the latter has been able to use only the scanning rather then the shunting model of translation initiation with canonical initiation factors. We show that initiation factor 4B is essential for mRNAs that have even a rather moderate base pairing within their 5′ UTRs (with the cumulative stability of the secondary structure within the entire 5′ UTR < −13 kcal/mol) and not essential for beta-globin mRNA. A recombinant eIF4B poorly substitutes for the native factor. The 5′ UTRs with base-paired G residues reveal a very sharp dependence on the eIF4B concentration to form the 48S complex. The data suggest that even small variations in concentration or activity of eIF4B in mammalian cells may differentially affect the translation of different classes of cap-dependent cellular mRNAs.

scholarly journals Neuronal BC RNAs cooperate with eIF4B to mediate activity-dependent translational control

2014 ◽  
Vol 207 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taesun Eom ◽  
Ilham A. Muslimov ◽  
Panayiotis Tsokas ◽  
Valerio Berardi ◽  
Jun Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuronal Activity ◽  
Translational Control ◽  
Translational Regulation ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Neuronal Stimulation ◽  
Mechanistic Basis ◽  
Protein Kinase Mζ ◽  
Activity Dependent

In neurons, translational regulation of gene expression has been implicated in the activity-dependent management of synapto-dendritic protein repertoires. However, the fundamentals of stimulus-modulated translational control in neurons remain poorly understood. Here we describe a mechanism in which regulatory brain cytoplasmic (BC) RNAs cooperate with eukaryotic initiation factor 4B (eIF4B) to control translation in a manner that is responsive to neuronal activity. eIF4B is required for the translation of mRNAs with structured 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs), exemplified here by neuronal protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ) mRNA. Upon neuronal stimulation, synapto-dendritic eIF4B is dephosphorylated at serine 406 in a rapid process that is mediated by protein phosphatase 2A. Such dephosphorylation causes a significant decrease in the binding affinity between eIF4B and BC RNA translational repressors, enabling the factor to engage the 40S small ribosomal subunit for translation initiation. BC RNA translational control, mediated via eIF4B phosphorylation status, couples neuronal activity to translational output, and thus provides a mechanistic basis for long-term plastic changes in nerve cells.

scholarly journals IRE1α-Dependent Decay of CReP/Ppp1r15b mRNA Increases Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2α Phosphorylation and Suppresses Protein Synthesis

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (16) ◽  
pp. 2761-2770 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae-Seon So ◽  
Sungyun Cho ◽  
Sang-Hyun Min ◽  
Scot R. Kimball ◽  
Ann-Hwee Lee
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Er Stress ◽  
Translational Control ◽  
Translation Initiation Factor ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Regulatory Subunit ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Eukaryotic Translation ◽  
Eif2α Phosphorylation ◽  
The Unfolded Protein Response

The unfolded protein response (UPR) regulates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis and protects cells from ER stress. IRE1α is a central regulator of the UPR that activates the transcription factor XBP1s through an unconventional splicing mechanism using its endoribonuclease activity. IRE1α also cleaves certain mRNAs containing XBP1-like secondary structures to promote the degradation of these mRNAs, a process known as regulated IRE1α-dependent decay (RIDD). We show here that the mRNA of CReP/Ppp1r15b, a regulatory subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) phosphatase, is a RIDD substrate. eIF2α plays a central role in the integrated stress response by mediating the translational attenuation to decrease the stress level in the cell. CReP expression was markedly suppressed in XBP1-deficient mice livers due to hyperactivated IRE1α. Decreased CReP expression caused the induction of eIF2α phosphorylation and the attenuation of protein synthesis in XBP1-deficient livers. ER stress also suppressed CReP expression in an IRE1α-dependent manner, which increased eIF2α phosphorylation and consequently attenuated protein synthesis. Taken together, the results of our study reveal a novel function of IRE1α in the regulation of eIF2α phosphorylation and the translational control.

Contrasting mechanisms of regulating translation of specific Drosophila germline mRNAs at the level of 5′-cap structure binding

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1544-1546 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Lasko ◽  
P. Cho ◽  
F. Poulin ◽  
N. Sonenberg
Keyword(s):  
Translational Control ◽  
Binding Proteins ◽  
Regulatory Mechanism ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Drosophila Embryo ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Eukaryotic Initiation Factor ◽  
Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4E ◽  
Cognate Protein

Translational control is a key genetic regulatory mechanism underlying the initial establishment of the major spatial axes of the Drosophila embryo. Many translational control mechanisms target eIF4E (eukaryotic initiation factor 4E), an initiation factor that recognizes the 5′-cap structure of the mRNA. Cap recognition by eIF4E, in complex with eIF4G, is essential for recruitment of the mRNA to the small ribosomal subunit. One established mechanism for repressing translation involves eIF4E-binding proteins, which competitively inhibit the eIF4E–eIF4G interaction. Our group has uncovered a novel mechanism for repression in which an eIF4E cognate protein called d4EHP, which cannot bind eIF4G, binds to the 5′-cap structure of cad mRNA thus rendering it translationally inactive. These two related, but distinct, mechanisms are discussed and contrasted in this review.

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