Regulation of ternary (Met-tRNAf - GTP - eukaryotic initiation factor 2) protein synthesis initiation complex formation by the adenylate energy charge

Measuring mRNA translation in neuronal processes and somata by tRNA-FRET

In neurons, the specific spatial and temporal localization of protein synthesis is of great importance for function and survival. Here, we visualized tRNA and protein synthesis events in fixed and live mouse primary cortical culture using fluorescently-labeled tRNAs. We were able to characterize the distribution and transport of tRNAs in different neuronal sub-compartments and to study their association with the ribosome. We found that tRNA mobility in neural processes is lower than in somata and corresponds to patterns of slow transport mechanisms, and that larger tRNA puncta co-localize with translational machinery components and are likely the functional fraction. Furthermore, chemical induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in culture revealed up-regulation of mRNA translation with a similar effect in dendrites and somata, which appeared to be GluR-dependent 6 h post-activation. Importantly, measurement of protein synthesis in neurons with high resolutions offers new insights into neuronal function in health and disease states.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress: New insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of retinal degenerative diseases

Physiological equilibrium in the retina depends on coordinated work between rod and cone photoreceptors and can be compromised by the expression of mutant proteins leading to inherited retinal degeneration (IRD). IRD is a diverse group of retinal dystrophies with multifaceted molecular mechanisms that are not fully understood. In this review, we focus on the contribution of chronically activated unfolded protein response (UPR) to inherited retinal pathogenesis, placing special emphasis on studies employing genetically modified animal models. As constitutively active UPR in degenerating retinas may activate pro-apoptotic programs associated with oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory signaling, dysfunctional autophagy, free cytosolic Ca²⁺ overload, and altered protein synthesis rate in the retina, we focus on the regulatory mechanisms of translational attenuation and approaches to overcoming translational attenuation in degenerating retinas. We also discuss current research on the role of the UPR mediator PERK and its downstream targets in degenerating retinas and highlight the therapeutic benefits of reprogramming PERK signaling in preclinical animal models of IRD. Finally, we describe pharmacological approaches targeting UPR in ocular diseases and consider their potential applications to IRD.

Structural and Functional Analysis of the GADD34:PP1 eIF2α Phosphatase

The attenuation of protein synthesis via the phosphorylation of eIF2α is a major stress response of all eukaryotic cells. The growth-arrest- and DNA-damage-induced transcript 34 (GADD34) bound to the serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) is the necessary eIF2α phosphatase complex that returns mammalian cells to normal protein synthesis following stress. The molecular basis by which GADD34 recruits PP1 and its substrate eIF2α are not fully understood, hindering our understanding of the remarkable selectivity of the GADD34:PP1 phosphatase for eIF2α. Here, we report detailed structural and functional analyses of the GADD34:PP1 holoenzyme and its recruitment of eIF2α. The data highlight independent interactions of PP1 and eIF2α with GADD34, demonstrating that GADD34 functions as a scaffold both in vitro and in cells. This work greatly enhances our molecular understanding of a major cellular eIF2α phosphatase and establishes the foundation for future translational work.

The ABC-F protein EttA gates ribosome entry into the translation elongation cycle

ABC-F proteins have evaded functional characterization even though they comprise one of the most widely distributed branches of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily. Herein, we demonstrate that YjjK, the most prevalent eubacterial ABC-F protein, gates ribosome entry into the translation elongation cycle through a nucleotide-dependent interaction sensitive to ATP/ADP ratio. Accordingly, we rename this protein Energy-dependent Translational Throttle A (EttA). We determined the crystal structure of Escherichia coli EttA and used it to design mutants for biochemical studies, including enzymological assays of the initial steps of protein synthesis. These studies suggest that EttA may regulate protein synthesis in energy-depleted cells, which have a low ATP/ADP ratio. Consistent with this inference, ΔettA cells exhibit a severe fitness defect in long-term stationary phase. These studies demonstrate that an ABC-F protein regulates protein synthesis via a novel mechanism sensitive to cellular energy status.

GTP-dependent recognition of the methionine moiety on initiator tRNA by translation factor eIF2

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) is a G-protein that functions as a central switch in the initiation of protein synthesis. In its GTP-bound state it delivers the methionyl initiator tRNA (Met-tRNA(i)) to the small ribosomal subunit and releases it upon GTP hydrolysis following the recognition of the initiation codon. We have developed a complete thermodynamic framework for the assembly of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae eIF2.GTP.Met-tRNA(i) ternary complex and have determined the effect of the conversion of GTP to GDP on eIF2's affinity for Met-tRNA(i) in solution. In its GTP-bound state the factor forms a positive interaction with the methionine moiety on Met-tRNA(i) that is disrupted when GTP is replaced with GDP, while contacts between the factor and the body of the tRNA remain intact. This positive interaction with the methionine residue on the tRNA may serve to ensure that only charged initiator tRNA enters the initiation pathway. The toggling on and off of the factor's interaction with the methionine residue is likely to play an important role in the mechanism of initiator tRNA release upon initiation codon recognition. In addition, we show that the conserved base-pair A1:U72, which is known to be a critical identity element distinguishing initiator from elongator methionyl tRNA, is required for recognition of the methionine moiety by eIF2. Our data suggest that a role of this base-pair is to orient the methionine moiety on the initiator tRNA in its recognition pocket on eIF2.

Oxygen and pH regulation of protein synthesis in mitochondria from Artemia franciscana embryos

To identify factors responsible for the down-regulation of mitochondrial biosynthetic processes during anoxia in encysted Artemia franciscana embryos, the effects of oxygen limitation and pH on protein synthesis were investigated in isolated mitochondria. At the optimal pH of 7.5, exposure of mitochondria to anoxia decreases the protein synthesis rate by 79%. Rates were suppressed by a further 10% at pH 6.8, the intracellular pH (pHi) measured under anoxia in vivo. Matrix pH, measured under identical conditions, was 8.43 +/- 0.01 at an extra-mitochondrial pH of 7.9 (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 3), 8.05 +/- 0.01 at pH 7.5, and 7.10 +/- 0.01 at pH 6.8. The matrix pH did not vary (P > or = 0.20) as a function of oxygen availability during the 1 h assays. Intramitochondrial purine nucleotides varied little as a function of pH. In contrast, after 1 h of protein synthesis under anoxia, ATP levels decreased by up to 40%, whereas AMP, ADP and GDP concentrations increased, and GTP and GMP concentrations remained relatively constant. The addition of 1 mM ATP at the onset of anoxia maintained the ATP/ADP ratio at the aerobic value, but did not stabilized the GTP/GDP ratio or rescue rates of protein synthesis. Thus, at present, we cannot eliminate the possibility that the decrease in the GTP/GDP ratio during anoxia may contribute to the suppression of protein synthesis. The effect of anoxia was reversible; the rate of protein synthesis upon reoxygenation after a 30 min bout of anoxia was comparable (P = 0.14) with the pre-anoxic rate (193 +/- 17 and 174 +/- 6 pmol of leucine per mg of protein respectively, mean +/- S.E.M., n = 3). The array of mitochondrial translation products did not differ qualitatively as a function of either oxygen availability or pH. Finally, similar pH profiles for protein synthesis were obtained with either [3H]leucine or [3H]histidine (known to use different transporters). Consequently, it is improbable that the pH-sensitivity of protein synthesis can be explained by a specific protein effect on the import of the radiolabelled amino acid used. In summary, both oxygen limitation and acidic pH suppress rates of mitochondrial protein synthesis and are likely to contribute to the arrest of mitochondrial anabolic processes during anoxia-induced quiescence in A. franciscana embryos.

Interaction of wheat germ translation initiation factor 2 with GDP and GTP

The wheat germ translation initiation factor 2 (WGeIF-2) was isolated in a homogeneous state by an efficient procedure and characterized. Its molecular mass, as determined by a gel-filtration method is approximately 150,000 Da. According to SDS-PAGE WGeIF-2 consists of four subunits with M(r) 37,000 (alpha), 40,000 (beta), 42,000 (gamma) and 52,000 (delta). The beta- and gamma-subunits (but not the alpha-subunit) of WGeIF-2 can be readily phosphorylated by the double-stranded RNA activated kinase isolated from rabbit reticulocytes. Dissociation constants for WGeIF-2 complexes with GDP and GTP were measured. In our evaluation the WGeIF-2 affinity for GDP (KdGDP = 1.5 x 10(-7) M) was only 10 times higher than for GTP (KdGTP = 1.5 x 10(-6) M), while for rabbit reticulocyte eIF-2 (RReIF-2) the difference has been estimated as as much as two orders of magnitude in accordance with the literature. Close values of dissociation constants for WGeIF-2 complexes with guanine nucleotides suggest that at a sufficiently high [GTP]/[GDP] ratio the nucleotide exchange in wheat cells may take place without the participation of specific factor (eIF-2B) which catalyzes the nucleotide exchange on eIF-2 from mammalian cells.

Binding of ATP and messenger RNA by the beta-subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2

In addition to forming a ternary complex with Met-tRNA(f) and GTP, eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) recognizes a specific site in mRNA molecules. Both binding activities are regulated by ATP, which itself binds tightly and specifically to eIF-2. Denaturation of eIF-2 with urea leads to complete loss of Met-tRNA(f) binding activity, while mRNA binding activity is stable. Hence, distinct conformational features in eIF-2 are required for ternary complex formation and for binding of mRNA. Chromatography of eIF-2 over ATP-agarose, in denaturing conditions that induce polypeptide subunit dissociation, results in selective retention of the beta-subunit of eIF-2. Isolated beta-subunit is capable of binding mRNA as well as ATP. Cibacron blue 3G-A binds tightly to eIF-2 and inhibits the binding of mRNA. This inhibition is relieved upon addition of ATP, showing that Cibacron blue 3G-A competes with ATP for eIF-2. eIF-2 beta subunit, active in binding of mRNA, is recovered upon chromatography of eIF-2 in denaturing conditions over matrix-bound Cibacron blue 3G-A. These results show that the ability of eIF-2 to bind mRNA and its ability to bind ATP are both lodged within remarkably stable domains of its beta-subunit. During initiation of protein synthesis, the eIF-2 beta subunit may thus interact with three ligands important for translational control: Met-tRNA(f), mRNA and ATP.

5'-adenosine monophosphate inhibits ternary complex formation by rat liver eIF-2

The initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) was purified from rat liver essentially to homogeneity. The effect of physiological concentrations of AMP on ternary complex formation by eIF-2 was tested. It is shown that AMP inhibits ternary complex formation (ca. 50% at 100 microM AMP). None of the other adenine-nucleotides tested (ADP, ATP, cAMP, NADH, NAD+ and NADPH) affected ternary complex formation.

Response of muscle protein turnover to insulin after acute exercise and training

To determine whether the enhanced insulin-sensitivity of glucose metabolism in muscle after acute exercise also extends to protein metabolism, untrained and exercise-trained rats were subjected to an acute bout of exercise, and the responses of protein synthesis and degradation to insulin were measured in epitrochlearis muscles in vitro. Acute exercise of both untrained and trained rats decreased protein synthesis in muscle in the absence or presence of insulin, but protein degradation was not altered. Exercise training alone had no effect on protein synthesis or degradation in muscle in the absence or presence of insulin. Acute exercise or training alone enhanced the sensitivities of both protein synthesis and degradation to insulin, but the enhanced insulin-sensitivities from training alone were not additive to those after acute exercise. These results indicate that: a decrease in protein synthesis is the primary change in muscle protein turnover after acute exercise and is not altered by prior exercise training, and the enhanced insulin-sensitivities of metabolism of both glucose and protein after either acute exercise or training suggest post-binding receptor events.

Eukaryotic initiation factor 2 from rat liver: no apparent function for the beta-subunit in the formation of initiation complexes

Eukaryotic protein synthesis initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) from rat liver has been resolved into two subfractions by anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. One of these contained all three components (eIF-2 alpha, eIF-2 beta, eIF-2 gamma) characteristic of mammalian eIF-2, whilst the other fraction contained only two. By a number of criteria these were shown to be eIF-2 alpha and eIF-2 gamma. The absence of eIF-2 beta from this fraction was not due to its proteolytic degradation during purification since it was unaffected by the inclusion of a range of proteinase inhibitors in the isolation media. The properties of eIF-2 containing or lacking eIF-2 beta have been directly compared. It was found that eIF-2 beta was not required for the binding of guanine nucleotides to eIF-2 or for formation of ternary initiation complexes with GTP and the initiator tRNA. eIF-2 lacking eIF-2 beta was able to form 40 S initiation complexes and the presence of eIF-2 beta was also unnecessary for the stimulation of eIF-2 activity by the recycling factor, eIF-2B. Some of these findings are at variance with previous reports in which eIF-2 beta was removed proteolytically. The role of eIF-2 beta in the overall physiological function of eIF-2 remains to be elucidated.

Cellular energy charge in the heart and liver of the rat. The effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde

The effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde upon adenine nucleotide concentrations in rat heart and liver were determined. Ethanol administered either acutely (8 g kg 0.73) or chronically (20% solution in drinking water for 21 d) significantly decreased ATP concentrations, adenylate energy charge (EC) and adenylate kinase mass action ratio (gamma AK) in liver but affected gamma AK only in heart. Acetaldehyde treatment elicited similar effects but of lesser magnitude.

Metabolic adaptation to reduced muscle blood flow. II. Mechanisms and beneficial effects

Increased mitochondrial enzyme activities are induced in rat muscles after common iliac artery ligation, giving a 76-93% blood flow reduction, and 6 days of intermittent muscle stimulation. To elucidate the trigger for this enzyme induction, the acute alterations in the metabolite pattern during contractions were evaluated. More pronounced changes in intramuscular PO2, creatine phosphate, ATP/ADP, lactate/pyruvate, and glycogen were observed in the ligated leg. The benefit of this enzyme alteration was investigated with the hindlimb perfusion technique. Enzymatically adapted and control legs were perfused at reduced flow during contractions. Similar oxygen consumption and glucose uptake but a significantly lower lactate release were observed in the adapted legs. A lower lactate level, lactate/pyruvate, and a better maintained creatine phosphate/creatine were found in the adapted soleus muscle. The results demonstrate that the increase of mitochondrial enzymes is preceded by acute alterations in energy metabolites due to intermittent hypoxia during contractions at reduced flow and that this enzyme adaptation allows the muscle tissue to maintain a lower anaerobic metabolism and a better energy state during exercise.

Dependence of protein synthesis on aortic pressure and calcium availability

Increased aortic pressure accelerated protein synthesis in control-beating and arrested-drained hearts supplied with either glucose or pyruvate. Elevation of perfusion pressure from 60 to 120 mm Hg increased oxygen consumption in control-beating but not in arrested-drained preparations. Energy availability, as assessed by adenylate energy charge or creatine phosphate/creatine ratio, or both, was increased in arrested-drained hearts supplied with glucose and perfused at 60 and 120 mm Hg aortic pressure. In control-beating or arrested-drained hearts supplied with pyruvate, energy availability was not improved by elevation of aortic pressure from 60 to 120 mm Hg. An increase of perfusate calcium concentration from 0.5 to 5.0 mM in control-beating Langendorff preparations supplied with glucose and perfused at an aortic pressure of 90 mm Hg doubled oxygen consumption and decreased energy availability, but had no effect on the rate of protein synthesis. In arrested-drained hearts supplied with either glucose or pyruvate and calcium concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 mM, the rates at 120 mm Hg aortic pressure were 11-25% higher than at 60 mm Hg. These findings provide no evidence to implicate increased oxidative metabolism, energy availability, or extracellular calcium concentration as important factors in the mechanism that accounts for the effects of increased aortic pressure on protein synthesis.

Interrelation between salvage of purine nucleotides and protein synthesis in rat heart cells

The effect of transition from a respiring to a respiration-inhibited state on the rate of protein synthesis was investigated in glycolyzing, cultured rat heart cells. The rate was found to be significantly lower after blocking respiration, and it was further decreased by L-lactate. In contrast, pyruvate or phenazine methosulfate prevented the drop in the rate caused by lack of respiration. The changes in the respiratory state also affected the steady-state concentration of ATP, which varied in the same sense as the rate of protein synthesis. Pyruvate or phenazine methosulfate induced an increment in the concentration of ATP of respiration-inhibited cells. This increment could not be accounted for by more extensive phosphorylation of the available purine nucleotides, but required repletion of the pool by synthesis of purine nucleotides through the salvage pathway. Pyruvate and phenazine methosulfate were found to stimulate incorporation of labeled hypoxanthine into the purine nucleotide fraction in general, and into the nucleotide triphosphates in particular. Under similar incubation conditions an increase in the ATP/ADP ratio was also noted. The stimulatory effect of pyruvate on protein synthesis and on the cellular level of ATP was also observed in respiration-inhibited 3T6 cells and in human fibroblasts, but not in human fibroblasts deficient in the salvage enzyme, hypoxanthine-guanine-phosphoribosyltransferase. Based on the demonstrated influence of L-lactate, pyruvate, and phenazine methosulfate on the salvage synthesis of purine nucleotides [K. Ravid, P. Diamant, and Y. Avi-Dor, (1984) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 229, 632-639] and on the present findings, the connection between protein synthesis and the salvage activity is discussed.

Protein phosphorylation and translational control in reticulocytes: activation of the heme-controlled translational inhibitor by calcium ions and phospholipid

The synthesis of globin, the major protein synthesized by reticulocytes, requires the presence of heme, the prosthetic group of hemoglobin. The absence of heme leads to the activation of a nucleotide-independent protein kinase that phosphorylates the alpha subunit of the chain initiation factor eIF-2. This modification interferes with the catalytic function of eIF-2 in protein synthesis initiation. Recent progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanism of this inhibition is briefly reviewed. The same phosphorylation is catalyzed by a different enzyme (DAI) which, while constitutive in reticulocytes, is induced by interferon in other cells. This enzyme is activated by low concentrations of double-stranded RNA in conjunction with ATP. The mechanisms of activation of these enzymes are still poorly understood. HCI is believed to form an inactive complex with heme and become active when the heme is removed by hemoglobin formation. The proinhibitor form of HCI (proHCI) is unstable in vitro and, even in the presence of heme, is irreversibly inactivated by SH-binding reagents, alkaline pH, slightly elevated temperatures, or high hydrostatic pressure. In hemin-supplemented reticulocyte lysates proHCI can also be reversibly activated by oxidized glutathione (GSSG) or NADPH depletion as well as by polyunsaturated fatty acids and by Ca2+-phospholipid. The mechanism of activation of HCI by GSSG has not been clarified although it appears to involve oxidation of proHCI SH groups to disulfides. Like activation by GSSG, the activation of HCI by polyunsaturated fatty acids and by Ca2+-phospholipid also appears to be largely due to oxidation of some of the enzyme's SH groups. There thus appear to be two fully independent mechanisms of HCI activation in reticulocyte lysates, one involving heme deficiency, the other involving oxidation of proHCI SH groups. The latter, but not the former, can be prevented or reversed by NADPH generators or dithiols. ProHCI appears to be maintained in the reduced, inactive state by a system involving NADPH, thioredoxin, and thioredoxin reductase.

Distribution of reversing factor in reticulocyte lysates during active protein synthesis and on inhibition by heme deprivation or double-stranded RNA

We have recently shown a direct correlation between protein synthetic activity and the function of reversing factor (RF) as a catalyst of GDP-GTP exchange in whole reticulocyte lysates under normal conditions and on inhibition of protein synthesis by heme deficiency, double-stranded RNA, or oxidized glutathione. In this paper we report that RF is detectable as a nonribosomal complex with eukaryotic initiation factor 2 phosphorylated in its alpha subunit [eIF-2(alpha P)] in whole lysates inhibited by heme deprivation or by double-stranded RNA. The complex contains no unphosphorylated eIF-2 alpha, and the GDP present is freely dissociable. All nonribosomal eIF-2(alpha P) is complexed with RF in fully inhibited lysates; we have not detected free eIF-2(alpha P). RF in this [RF X eIF-2(alpha P)] complex is unavailable to catalyze the release of GDP from eIF-2-GDP. Dephosphorylation of eIF-2(alpha P) present in nonribosomal fractions releases active RF, which is able to carry out its normal guanine nucleotide exchange function.

Protein synthesis versus energy state in contracting muscles of perfused rat hindlimb

The goal of these studies was to evaluate acute changes in protein metabolism in skeletal muscle in response to contractile activity. Rates of protein synthesis were measured by following L-[U-14C]phenylalanine incorporation into protein in muscles of the perfused rat hindlimb at rest, during 10 min of maximal isometric muscle contractions, and during 10 min of recovery. Synthesis measurements were carried out under conditions that ensured that the specific radioactivity of the tRNA-bound precursor amino acid was equal to that of extracellular phenylalanine. Protein degradation was estimated by measuring the release of Nt-methylhistidine. Rates of synthesis were markedly inhibited in response to muscle contractions in tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and plantaris but were unaffected in soleus. Rates of synthesis returned toward those observed in the resting condition during the recovery period. Rates of degradation were also markedly inhibited in response to muscle contractions. Decreased rates of synthesis correlated with reduced tissue contents of ATP and creatine phosphate, a reduced ATP/ADP, and an elevated tissue content of lactate. The results demonstrate that isometric contractions in muscles consisting of a high proportion of fast glycolytic fibers result in a marked depression in rates of protein synthesis that may be due to an altered energy state.

Aortic perfusion pressure as a determinant of cardiac protein synthesis

Mechanical parameters and intracellular mediators that may control protein synthesis have been studied in isolated rat hearts subjected to increased aortic pressure or induced to perform cardiac work. Elevation of aortic pressure from 60 to 120 mmHg in Langendorff preparations with glucose, glucose plus insulin, or pyruvate raised the rate of protein synthesis during the 2nd h of perfusion. These effects involved faster rates of both peptide chain initiation and elongation. In working hearts supplied glucose or glucose plus insulin, higher rate of synthesis were observed in both the 1st and 2nd h of perfusion, compared with Langendorff preparations perfused at 60 mmHg. Intracellular levels of glucose 6-phosphate, ATP/ADP ratio, adenylate energy charge, or creatine phosphate/creatine did not correlate with the rate of protein synthesis in beating control hearts. When ventricular pressure development was prevented by ventricular draining and hearts were arrested with tetrodotoxin, protein synthesis still increased as a function of perfusion pressure. Oxygen consumption increased as aortic pressure was raised in beating-drained hearts but was unaffected in arrested-drained hearts. These results indicate that intraventricular pressure development, cardiac contraction, oxygen consumption, glucose 6-phosphate, energy availability, and coronary flow could be dissociated from the stimulatory effect of higher aortic pressures on protein synthesis and suggested that stretch of the ventricular wall, as a consequence of increased aortic pressure, could be the mechanical parameter most closely related to the increase in protein synthesis.

Coordinate regulation of polypeptide chain initiation and elongation in rabbit reticulocytes

Under normal conditions, reticulocytes synthesize alpha- and beta-globin polypeptides at equal rates. Incubation in the absence of hemin or under anoxia or hypertonic stress (100 mM excess NaCl) reduces the rate of protein synthesis to 30-50% of control levels. However, only hemin deprivation causes a reduction in polyribosome size and preferential inhibition of alpha-globin synthesis consistent with specific reduction in the rate of polypeptide chain initiation. Polyribosomal profiles are unaffected by anoxic or hypertonic stress and the ratio of alpha:beta globin synthesis remains close to unity. Measurement of ribosome transit time indicates that anoxic or hypertonic stress causes a decrease in the rate of polypeptide chain elongation that varies with the degree of inhibition of protein synthesis. Ribosomes isolated from stressed cells exhibit a reduced ability to bind 35S-met-tRNAf, suggesting that the ability to form initiation complexes is also impaired. These results suggest that reticulocytes, unlike nucleated cell lines, can coordinately reduce rates of initiation and elongation in response to certain physiological stresses.

Mechanism of translational control by partial phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2

Catalysis of ternary complex formation by the GDP exchange factor (GEF), in the presence of Mg2+, is blocked by phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2). We proposed earlier that this phosphorylation interferes with the interaction between eIF-2 and GEF (then termed ESP). If so, inhibition should be related to the extent of phosphorylation. However, work in other laboratories indicated that in fully inhibited, heme-deficient lysates only 20-40% of the eIF-2 is phosphorylated. To understand the nature of the molecular lesion in eIF-2-alpha phosphorylation we used a system of pure components in which the rate of exchange of eIF-2-bound [3H]GDP with unlabeled GDP (via the reaction eIF-2-GDP + GEF in equilibrium eIF-2-GEF + GDP) was measured by using mixtures of eIF-2(alpha P) X [eH]GDP and eIF-2 X [3H]GDP in different proportions at constant concentration of eIF-2 X GEF. If, for example, the ratio of eIF-2 X GEF to total (phosphorylated and unphosphorylated) eIF-2 X [3H]GDP was 0.25, the exchange was found to be maximally inhibited when the proportion of eIF-2(alpha P) X [3H]GDP in hte mixture reached 25%. This suggests that the reaction stops because the available GEF is trapped in an inactive complex with eIF-2(alpha P). In the absence of free GEF, eIF-2 would not be able to recycle and initiation would come to a standstill when the available eIF-2 is tied up as eIF-2 X GDP. The trapping of GEF by eIF-s(alpha P) is strongly supported by the following observation. Incubation of eIF-2 X GEF with excess [3H]GDP leads to the formation of eIF-2 X [3H] GDP and free GEF and, if eIF-2(alpha 32P) X GDP is also present, all of the GEF is converted to eIF-2(alpha 32P) X GEF. This suggests that, whereas the equilibrium of the reaction eIF-2 X GEF + GDP in equilibrium eIF-2 X GDP + GEF favors the formation of free GEF, the equilibrium of the reaction eIF-2(alpha P) X GDP + GEF in equilibrium eIF-2(alpha P) X GEF + GDP is in favor of the association of GEF to eIF-2(alpha P).

Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A is the component that interacts with ATP in protein chain initiation

Protein synthesis in a resolved homogenate of wheat germ requires ATP and eight factors functioning at the level of protein chain initiation. To identify the component(s) interacting with ATP, the different factors were treated with the ATP affinity analogue 5'-p-fluorosulfonylbenzoyladenosine (FSBA) and tested for their function in protein synthesis. The activity of eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) was strongly curtailed, whereas all other factors were unaffected. At a concentration of 250 microM, AMP, ADP, and ATP protected eIF4A against FSBA inactivation, whereas at a concentration 50 microM, protection was afforded only by ATP. GTP did not protect at a concentration of 250 microM. In another approach, the substrate analogue 2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)adenosine 5'-triphosphate (TNP-ATP) was found to inhibit protein synthesis in a manner, at least in part, competitive with ATP. Supplementing a TNP-ATP inhibited reaction with eIF4A substantially reversed the inhibition. Except for a small effect by factor C1, no reversal was obtained with any other component. Finally, a preincubation of ribosomes with ATP, mRNA, and eIF4A resulted in the formation of a complex capable of TNP-ATP-resistant amino acid incorporation. These data are interpreted to indicate that the primary interaction of ATP is with eIF4A. A model is proposed reconciling this conclusion with other observations relevant to the mRNA . ribosome attachment reaction.

Insulin effects on protein synthesis are independent of glucose and energy metabolism

Protein synthesis was accelerated in rat hearts that were provided insulin compared with provision of glucose or pyruvate alone or a mixture of glucose and pyruvate. The faster synthetic rates were accompanied by a reduction in numbers of ribosomal subunits, indicating that peptide chain initiation was accelerated relative to elongation/termination. In hearts supplied glucose, 65% of the maximal effect on protein synthesis was achieved by addition of 1.7 X 10(-10) M insulin, but significant effects on glucose uptake as well as on tissue contents of glucose 6-phosphate and creatine phosphate were obtained only with 7 X 10(-10) M insulin. Addition of glucose to perfusates containing pyruvate did not accelerate protein synthesis, although the glucose 6-phosphate content was raised. Similarly, the stimulatory effects of insulin on protein synthesis in hearts supplied pyruvate did not depend on changes in glucose 6-phosphate content, creatine phosphate/creatine, ATP/ADP, or adenylate energy charge. These studies indicate that insulin accelerated peptide-chain initiation and protein synthesis in rat heart by mechanisms independent of the hormone's effect on glucose or energy metabolism.

Assembly and breakdown of mammalian protein synthesis initiation complexes: regulation by guanine nucleotides and by phosphorylation of initiation factor eIF-2

Eukaryotic cell polypeptide chain initiation factor eIF-2 forms ternary complexes with GTP and initiator Met-tRNAf. These complexes can be destabilized in vitro by the addition of salt-washed 40S ribosomal subunits. Our evidence suggests that this destabilization is mediated by GDP generated by premature hydrolysis of the GTP molecule present in the ternary complex. With complexes formed by using a partially purified preparation of eIF-2 from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, it is possible to reverse the 40S subunit induced inhibition by creating conditions which eliminate free GDP from the system. This reversal probably occurs due to exchange of GTP for the GDP bound to the initiation factor, in a reaction catalyzed by another factor present in the eIF-2 preparation. However, if the eIF-2 has previously been phosphorylated by the reticulocyte heme-controlled repressor, the 40S subunit induced inhibition cannot be reversed by elimination of free GDP. The instability of initiation complexes containing eIF-2, together with the impairment of guanine nucleotide exchange after phosphorylation of eIF-2 [Clemens, M.J., Pain, V.M., Wong, S.-T., & Henshaw, E. C. (1982) Nature (London) 296, 93-95], may be an important aspect of the mechanism of the inhibition of translation by the heme-controlled repressor.

Effect of phosphorylation of the alpha-subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 on the function of reversing factor in the initiation of protein synthesis

The reticulocyte reversing factor (RF) isolated as a complex with eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) acts catalytically in restoring protein synthesis in reticulocyte lysates inhibited by heme deficiency. In reconstituted in vitro assay mixtures containing Mg2+ (0.25-0.5 mM), RF catalyzes the formation of the binary complex (eIF-2-GDP) but this effect is inhibited when eIF-2 is phosphorylated by the heme-regulated kinase for the alpha-subunit of eIF-2 (HRI). More significantly, RF catalyzes the rapid dissociation of (eIF-2-GDP), which permits the exchange of GTP for GDP and, in the presence of Met-tRNAf, promotes the formation of the ternary complex (eIF-2-Met-tRNAf X GTP). However, phosphorylation of the binary complex by HRI prevents its dissociation by RF and, as a consequence, ternary complex formation is inhibited. Our results indicate that phosphorylated binary complex [eIF-2(alpha P).GDP] interacts with RF to form a [RF . eIF-2(alpha P)] that is not readily dissociable. This binding of RF renders it unavailable to catalyze the dissociation of unphosphorylated binary complex, thereby blocking the recycling of eIF-2. Since RF is present in lysates at a limited concentration relative to that of eIF-2, the sequestering of RF in this manner could account for the observation that the phosphorylation of a small proportion of eIF-2 in heme-deficient lysates is sufficient to inhibit protein synthesis.

Regulation of binding of initiator tRNA to eukaryotic initiation factor eIF-2. Effects of the haem-controlled repressor on the kinetics of ternary complex formation

Ternary complex formation was studied in reticulocyte lysate supernatants and using rat liver eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF-2) preparations. Haem-deficiency reduced the rate of formation of ternary (Met-tRNAf . GTP . eIF-2) complexes by the eIF-2 in reticulocyte supernatants, the reduction being more marked when complex formation was assayed in the absence of GTP-regenerating capacity. Pretreatment with the haem-controlled repressor (HCR) reduced the rate of ternary complex formation by crude (liver) eIF-2. In contrast, complex formation by an almost homogeneous eIF-2 preparation was unaffected by HCR: sensitivity to HCR was however restored by a factor which catalyses exchange of guanine nucleotides bound to eIF-2.

Cellular and biochemical actions of adrenal glucocorticoid hormones on rat thymic lymphocytes

The molecular, biochemical, and cellular effects of adrenal glucocorticoid hormones on thymic lymphocytes are reviewed, with emphasis on their relationship to the growth suppressive and lethal actions that occur in lymphoid tissues when glucocorticoids are administered to the whole animal. The data support the hypothesis that the hormonal inhibition of growth and development is a consequence of its ability to suppress cellular energy production, causing the cells to behave as though they were in a more stringent environment. Slight changes in ratios of adenine and guanine nucleotides appear to account for the reordering of metabolic priorities that occurs, with processes related to growth and development curtailed in favor of those more essential to immediate cell survival. The lethal glucocorticoid actions appear to be the result of the operation of separate mechanisms (unrelated to energy metabolism) that lead to lethal attack at the level of the nuclear membrane. Resistance to the lethal effects appears to occur via the selection (in the case of cancer cells where the animal or patient is undergoing chemotherapy with glucocorticoids) or the normal development (in the case of immunologically noncommitted thymocytes progressing to immunologically committed ones) of cells with hardier membranes. This progression is associated with a change in a few cellular proteins. One such protein appears identical in both kinds of cells, offering itself as a candidate for an intracellular mechanism conferring resistance. Evidence is also presented for the appearance of hormone-induced proteins that could be metabolic regulators that mediate the individual cellular and biochemical actions of glucocorticoids. It is proposed that toxins could alter cellular metabolism through mechanisms similar to those utilized by steroid hormones, or possibly alter the sensitivity of cells to steroids, or vice versa.

Regulation of protein synthesis during early limitation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Arsenate, a competitive inhibitor with phosphate in phosphorylation reactions, has been used to lower adenine and guanine nucleotide levels in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to study nucleotide effects on protein synthesis. By measuring polysome levels, we have shown that initiation of protein synthesis is much more sensitive than elongation or termination to inhibition when the ATP/ADP, GTP/GDP ratios are low. When the arsenate-phosphate molar ratio was 0.27, protein synthesis was inhibited by about 85% and the kinetics of polysome decay was similar to that observed with the initiation inhibitor, verrucarin-76, or with the protein synthesis initiation mutant, ts187, at the restrictive temperature. With this level of arsenate, the adenylate energy charge dropped from 0.9 to 0.7 and the ATP/ADP and GTP/GDP ratios dropped from 6 to 2. The observed correlations between nucleotide ratio changes and inhibition of protein synthesis suggest that the former may be a control signal for the latter. The significance of these in vivo correlations will have to be tested with an in vitro protein synthesizing system. Higher arsenate levels resulted in even lower ATP/ADP, GTP/GDP ratios and in a slower decay of polysomes, implying that, eventually, elongation (in addition to initiation) was being inhibited.

Effects of starvation and diabetes on protein synthesis in lung

Metabolism of lung proteins was investigated in rats starved 3 days or made diabetic with streptozotocin. Body weight was below normal in both groups, but lung weight decreased only in starved animals. Total lung protein and RNA (mg/lung) decreased during starvation and diabetes. Protein concentration (mg/g) was unchanged in either group of animals; RNA concentration decreased only during starvation. Protein synthesis, estimated in lungs perfused in situ, was reduced 22% in starvation, but remained unchanged in diabetes. Inhibition of protein synthesis was accounted for by loss of RNA. Ribosomal profiles were unchanged by starvation, suggesting an unaltered relationship between rates of peptide-chain initiation and elongation in vivo. Activity of an eIF-2-like initiation factor decreased during starvation in proportion to the loss of RNA. In diabetes, factor activity remained normal. Thus, starvation but not streptozotocin-induced diabetes, reduced the capacity of the lung to synthesize protein. No evidence for reduced efficiency of synthesis was observed.