Binding of protein synthesis initiation factor 4E to oligoribonucleotides: effects of cap accessibility and secondary structure

Structure of saguaro cactus virus 3' translational enhancer mimics 5' cap for eIF4E binding

The genomes of several plant viruses contain RNA structures at their 3' ends called cap-independent translation enhancers (CITEs) that bind the host protein factors such as mRNA 5' cap-binding protein eIF4E for promoting cap-independent genome translation. However, the structural basis of such 5' cap-binding protein recognition by the uncapped RNA remains largely unknown. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of a 3' CITE, panicum mosaic virus-like translation enhancer (PTE) from the saguaro cactus virus (SCV), using a Fab crystallization chaperone. The PTE RNA folds into a three-way junction architecture with a pseudoknot between the purine-rich R domain and pyrimidine-rich Y domain, which organizes the overall structure to protrude out a specific guanine nucleotide, G18, from the R domain that comprises a major interaction site for the eIF4E binding. The superimposable crystal structures of the wild-type, G18A, G18C, and G18U mutants suggest that the PTE scaffold is preorganized with the flipped-out G18 ready to dock into the eIF4E 5' cap-binding pocket. The binding studies with wheat and human eIF4Es using gel electrophoresis and isothermal titration calorimetry, and molecular docking computation for the PTE-eIF4E complex demonstrated that the PTE structure essentially mimics the mRNA 5' cap for eIF4E binding. Such 5' cap mimicry by the uncapped and structured viral RNA highlights how viruses can exploit RNA structures to mimic the host protein-binding partners and bypass the canonical mechanisms for their genome translation, providing opportunities for a better understanding of virus-host interactions and non-canonical translation mechanisms found in many pathogenic RNA viruses.

Molecular interplay between EIF4 family and circular RNAs in cancer: Mechanisms and therapeutics

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 (EIF4) family is a major contributor to the recruitment of mRNAs to ribosomes during the initial translation stage in eukaryotes, whose dysregulation either allows for cancer transformation or prevents disordered cancerous cell growth. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which exhibit distinctive structures and are widely expressed in eukaryotes, are anticipated to be a clinical diagnostic biomarker for cancer therapy. There is considerable evidence that EIF4s can influence the biogenesis, transport, and function of circRNAs and, in turn, circRNAs can control the expressions of EIF4s through certain molecular pathways. Herein, we primarily review the emerging studies of the EIF4 family and pinpoint the roles of dysregulated EIF4s in cancer. We also evaluate the patterns of intricate interactions between circRNAs and EIF4s and discuss the potential utility of circRNA-based therapeutics targeting EIF4s in clinical cancer research.

Heterogeneous Dynamics of Protein-RNA Interactions across Transcriptome-Derived Messenger RNA Populations

Dynamic RNA-protein interactions underpin numerous molecular control mechanisms in biology. However, relatively little is known about the kinetic landscape of protein interactions with full-length RNAs. The extent to which interaction kinetics vary for the same RNA element across the transcriptome and the molecular determinants of variability therefore remain poorly defined. Moreover, it is unclear how one protein-RNA interaction might be transduced by RNA to kinetically impact a second. We report a parallelized, real-time single-molecule fluorescence assay for protein interaction kinetics on eukaryotic mRNA populations obtained from cells. We observed ∼100-fold heterogeneity for interactions of the translation initiation factor eIF4E with the universal mRNA 5' cap structure, dominated by steric effects on barrier-height variability for association. We also found that an RNA helicase, eIF4A, independently accelerated eIF4E-cap association. These data support a kinetic mechanism for how mRNA can determine the sensitivity of its translation to reduction in cellular eIF4E concentrations. They also support the view that global RNA structure significantly modulates protein-RNA interaction dynamics and can facilitate real-time communication between protein interactions at distinct sites.

The RNA of Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus, an Obligatory Component of Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease, Is Translated via a Variant Panicum Mosaic Virus-Like Cap-Independent Translation Element

Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) combines with a potyvirus in maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND), a serious emerging disease worldwide. To inform resistance strategies, we characterized the translation initiation mechanism of MCMV. We report that MCMV RNA contains a cap-independent translation element (CITE) in its 3' untranslated region (UTR). The MCMV 3' CITE (MTE) was mapped to nucleotides 4164 to 4333 in the genomic RNA. 2'-Hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) probing revealed that the MTE is a distinct variant of the panicum mosaic virus-like 3' CITE (PTE). Like the PTE, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) indicated that eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binds the MTE despite the absence of an m7GpppN cap structure, which is normally required for eIF4E to bind RNA. Using a luciferase reporter system, mutagenesis to disrupt and restore base pairing revealed that the MTE interacts with the 5' UTRs of both genomic RNA and subgenomic RNA1 via long-distance kissing stem-loop interaction to facilitate translation. The MTE stimulates a relatively low level of translation and has a weak, if any, pseudoknot, which is present in the most active PTEs, mainly because the MTE lacks the pyrimidine-rich tract that base pairs to a G-rich bulge to form the pseudoknot. However, most mutations designed to form a pseudoknot decreased translation activity. Mutations in the viral genome that reduced or restored translation prevented and restored virus replication, respectively, in maize protoplasts and in plants. In summary, the MTE differs from the canonical PTE but falls into a structurally related class of 3' CITEs.IMPORTANCE In the past decade, maize lethal necrosis disease has caused massive crop losses in East Africa. It has also emerged in China and parts of South America. Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) infection is required for this disease. While some tolerant maize lines have been identified, there are no known resistance genes that confer immunity to MCMV. In order to improve resistance strategies against MCMV, we focused on how the MCMV genome is translated, the first step of gene expression by all positive-strand RNA viruses. We identified a structure (cap-independent translation element) in the 3' untranslated region of the viral RNA genome that allows the virus to usurp a host translation initiation factor, eIF4E, in a way that differs from host mRNA interactions with the translational machinery. This difference indicates eIF4E may be a soft target for engineering of-or breeding for-resistance to MCMV.

Preparation of Functional, Fluorescently Labeled mRNA Capped with Anthraniloyl-m(7)GpppG

Fluorescent mRNA molecules offer a wide range of applications for studying capping/decapping reactions, translation, and other biophysical studies. Furthermore, fluorescent tags prove invaluable for tracking RNA molecules in cells. Here, we describe an efficient synthesis of a fluorescent cap analog, anthranioyl-GTP, its purification, and in vitro cap labeling of transcribed mRNA catalyzed by the recombinant vaccinia capping enzyme to produce anthranioyl-m(7)GpppG-capped RNA.

Cap-proximal nucleotides via differential eIF4E binding and alternative promoter usage mediate translational response to energy stress

Transcription start-site (TSS) selection and alternative promoter (AP) usage contribute to gene expression complexity but little is known about their impact on translation. Here we performed TSS mapping of the translatome following energy stress. Assessing the contribution of cap-proximal TSS nucleotides, we found dramatic effect on translation only upon stress. As eIF4E levels were reduced, we determined its binding to capped-RNAs with different initiating nucleotides and found the lowest affinity to 5'cytidine in correlation with the translational stress-response. In addition, the number of differentially translated APs was elevated following stress. These include novel glucose starvation-induced downstream transcripts for the translation regulators eIF4A and Pabp, which are also translationally-induced despite general translational inhibition. The resultant eIF4A protein is N-terminally truncated and acts as eIF4A inhibitor. The induced Pabp isoform has shorter 5'UTR removing an auto-inhibitory element. Our findings uncovered several levels of coordination of transcription and translation responses to energy stress.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.21907.001

The production of new proteins is a complex process that occurs in two steps known as transcription and translation. During transcription, the cell copies a section of DNA to make molecules of messenger ribonucleic acid (or mRNA for short) in the nucleus of the cell. The mRNA then leaves the nucleus and enters another cell compartment called the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template to make proteins during translation. A mRNA molecule contains a sequence of building blocks known as nucleotides. There are four different types of nucleotides in mRNA and the order they appear in the sequence determines how the protein is built.

Both transcription and translation consume a lot of energy so they are highly regulated and sensitive to environmental changes. However, since transcription and translation happen in different cell compartments, it is not known if and how they are coordinated under stress.

Tamarkin-Ben-Harush et al. studied transcription and translation in mouse cells that were starved of glucose. The experiments show that the identity of the very first nucleotide in the mRNA – which is dictated during transcription – has a dramatic influence on the translation of the mRNA, especially when the cells are starved of glucose. This first nucleotide affects the ability of a protein called eIF4E, which recruits the machinery needed for translation, to bind to the mRNA. The experiments also show that there is a dramatic increase in the number of distinct mRNAs that are transcribed from the same section of DNA but translated in a different way during glucose starvation.

The findings of Tamarkin-Ben-Harush et al. show that transcription and translation are highly coordinated when cells are starved of glucose, allowing the cells to cope with the stress. The next step is to further analyze the data to find out more about how transcription and translation are linked.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.21907.002

Quantitative studies of mRNA recruitment to the eukaryotic ribosome

The process of peptide bond synthesis by ribosomes is conserved between species, but the initiation step differs greatly between the three kingdoms of life. This is illustrated by the evolution of roughly an order of magnitude more initiation factor mass found in humans compared with bacteria. Eukaryotic initiation of translation is comprised of a number of sub-steps: (i) recruitment of an mRNA and initiator methionyl-tRNA to the 40S ribosomal subunit; (ii) migration of the 40S subunit along the 5' UTR to locate the initiation codon; and (iii) recruitment of the 60S subunit to form the 80S initiation complex. Although the mechanism and regulation of initiation has been studied for decades, many aspects of the pathway remain unclear. In this review, I will focus discussion on what is known about the mechanism of mRNA selection and its recruitment to the 40S subunit. I will summarize how the 43S preinitiation complex (PIC) is formed and stabilized by interactions between its components. I will discuss what is known about the mechanism of mRNA selection by the eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) complex and how the selected mRNA is recruited to the 43S PIC. The regulation of this process by secondary structure located in the 5' UTR of an mRNA will also be discussed. Finally, I present a possible kinetic model with which to explain the process of mRNA selection and recruitment to the eukaryotic ribosome.

Dynamic recognition of the mRNA cap by Saccharomyces cerevisiae eIF4E

Recognition of the mRNA 5' m⁷G(5')ppp(5')N cap is key to translation initiation for most eukaryotic mRNAs. The cap is bound by the eIF4F complex, consisting of a cap-binding protein (eIF4E), a "scaffold" protein (eIF4G), and an RNA helicase (eIF4A). As a central early step in initiation, regulation of eIF4F is crucial for cellular viability. Although the structure and function of eIF4E have been defined, a dynamic mechanistic picture of its activity at the molecular level in the eIF4F·mRNA complex is still unavailable. Here, using single-molecule fluorescence, we measured the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae eIF4F factors, mRNA secondary structure, and the poly(A)-binding protein Pab1p on eIF4E-mRNA binding dynamics. Our data provide an integrated picture of how eIF4G and mRNA structure modulate eIF4E-mRNA interaction, and uncover an eIF4G- and poly(A)-independent activity of poly(A)-binding protein that prolongs the eIF4E·mRNA complex lifetime.

Approaches for analyzing the differential activities and functions of eIF4E family members

The translational initiation factor eIF4E binds to the m(7)G-containing cap of mRNA and participates in recruitment of mRNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis. eIF4E also functions in nucleocytoplasmic transport of mRNA, sequestration of mRNA in a nontranslatable state, and stabilization of mRNA against decay in the cytosol. Multiple eIF4E family members have been identified in a wide range of organisms that includes plants, flies, mammals, frogs, birds, nematodes, fish, and various protists. This chapter reviews methods that have been applied to learn the biochemical properties and physiological functions that differentiate eIF4E family members within a given organism. Much has been learned to date about approaches to discover new eIF4E family members, their in vitro properties (cap binding, stimulation of cell-free translation systems), tissue and developmental expression patterns, protein-binding partners, and their effects on the translation or repression of specific subsets of mRNA. Despite these advances, new eIF4E family members continue to be found and new physiological roles discovered.

Stopped-flow kinetic analysis of eIF4E and phosphorylated eIF4E binding to cap analogs and capped oligoribonucleotides: evidence for a one-step binding mechanism

Recruitment of eukaryotic mRNA to the 48 S initiation complex is rate-limiting for protein synthesis under normal conditions. Binding of the 5' -terminal cap structure of mRNA to eIF4E is a critical event during this process. Mammalian eIF4E is phosphorylated at Ser-209 by Mnk1 and Mnk2 kinases. We investigated the interaction of both eIF4E and phosphorylated eIF4E (eIF4E(P)) with cap analogs and capped oligoribonucleotides by stopped-flow kinetics. For m(7)GpppG, the rate constant of association, k(on), was dependent on ionic strength, decreasing progressively up to 350 mm KCl, but the rate constant of dissociation, k(off), was independent of ionic strength. Phosphorylation of eIF4E decreased k(on) by 2.1-2.3-fold at 50-100 mm KCl but had progressively less effect at higher ionic strengths, being negligible at 350 mm. Contrary to published evidence, eIF4E phosphorylation had no effect on k(off). Several observations supported a simple one-step binding mechanism, in contrast to published reports of a two-step mechanism. The kinetic function that best fit the data changed from single- to double-exponential as the eIF4E concentration was increased. However, measuring k(off) for dissociation of a pre-formed eIF4E.m(7)GpppG complex suggested that the double-exponential kinetics were caused by dissociation of eIF4E dimers, not a two-step mechanism. Addition of a 12-nucleotide chain to the cap structure increased affinity at high ionic strength for both eIF4E (24-fold) and eIF4E(P) (7-fold), primarily due to a decrease in k(off). This suggests that additional stabilizing interactions between capped oligoribonucleotides and eIF4E, which do not occur with cap analogs alone, act to slow dissociation.

Simulation of non-specific protein-mRNA interactions

Protein–nucleic acid interactions exhibit varying degrees of specificity. Relatively high affinity, sequence-specific interactions, can be studied with structure determination, but lower affinity, non-specific interactions are also of biological importance. We report simulations that predict the population of nucleic acid paths around protein surfaces, and give binding constant differences for changes in the protein scaffold. The method is applied to the non-specific component of interactions between eIF4Es and messenger RNAs that are bound tightly at the cap site. Adding a fragment of eIF4G to the system changes both the population of mRNA paths and the protein–mRNA binding affinity, suggesting a potential role for non-specific interactions in modulating translational properties. Generally, the free energy simulation technique could work in harness with characterized tethering points to extend analysis of nucleic acid conformation, and its modulation by protein scaffolds.

Translational regulation during oogenesis and early development: the cap-poly(A) tail relationship

Metazoans rely on the regulated translation of select maternal mRNAs to control oocyte maturation and the initial stages of embryogenesis. These transcripts usually remain silent until their translation is temporally and spatially required during early development. Different translational regulatory mechanisms, varying from cytoplasmic polyadenylation to localization of maternal mRNAs, have evolved to assure coordinated initiation of development. A common feature of these mechanisms is that they share a few key trans-acting factors. Increasing evidence suggest that ubiquitous conserved mRNA-binding factors, including the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and the cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein (CPEB), interact with cell-specific molecules to accomplish the correct level of translational activity necessary for normal development. Here we review how capping and polyadenylation of mRNAs modulate interaction with multiple regulatory factors, thus controlling translation during oogenesis and early development.

The mRNA cap-binding protein eIF4E in post-transcriptional gene expression

Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) has central roles in the control of several aspects of post-transcriptional gene expression and thereby affects developmental processes. It is also implicated in human diseases. This review explores the relationship between structural, biochemical and biophysical aspects of eIF4E and its function in vivo, including both long-established roles in translation and newly emerging ones in nuclear export and mRNA decay pathways.

Novel "anti-reverse" cap analogs with superior translational properties

Synthetic analogs of the 5'-terminal caps of eukaryotic mRNAs and snRNAs are used in elucidating such physiological processes as mRNA translation, pre-mRNA splicing, intracellular transport of mRNA and snRNAs, and mRNA turnover. Particularly useful are RNAs capped with synthetic analogs, which are produced by in vitro transcription of a DNA template using a bacteriophage RNA polymerase in the presence of ribonucleoside triphosphates and a cap dinucleotide such as m(7)Gp(3)G. Unfortunately, because of the presence of a 3'-OH on both the m(7)Guo and Guo moieties, up to half of the mRNAs contain caps incorporated in the reverse orientation. Previously we designed and synthesized two "anti-reverse" cap analogs (ARCAs), m(7)3'dGp(3)G and m(2)(7,3'-)(O)Gp(3)G, that cannot be incorporated in the reverse orientation because of modifications at the C3' position of m(7)Guo. In the present study, we have synthesized seven new cap analogs modified in the C2' and C3' positions of m(7)Guo and in the number of phosphate residues, m(2)(7,2'-)(O)Gp(3)G, m(7)2'dGp(3)G, m(7)2'dGp(4)G, m(2)(7,2'-)(O)Gp(4)G, m(2)(7,3'-)(O)Gp(4)G, m(7)Gp(5)G, and m(2)(7,3'-)(O)Gp(5)G. These were analyzed for conformation in solution, binding affinity to eIF4E, inhibition of in vitro translation, degree of reverse capping during in vitro transcription, capping efficiency, and the ability to stimulate cap-dependent translation in vitro when incorporated into mRNA. The results indicate that modifications at C2', like those at C3', prevent reverse incorporation, that tetra- and pentaphosphate cap analogs bind eIF4E and inhibit translation more strongly than their triphosphate counterparts, and that tetraphosphate ARCAs promote cap-dependent translation more effectively than previous cap analogs.

Phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E markedly reduces its affinity for capped mRNA

In eukaryotes, a key step in the initiation of translation is the binding of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) to the cap structure of the mRNA. Subsequent recruitment of several components, including the small ribosomal subunit, is thought to allow migration of initiation complexes and recognition of the initiation codon. Mitogens and cytokines stimulate the phosphorylation of eIF4E at Ser(209), but the functional consequences of this modification have remained a major unresolved question. Using fluorescence spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance techniques, we show that phosphorylation of eIF4E markedly reduces its affinity for capped RNA, primarily due to an increased rate of dissociation. Variant eIF4E proteins harboring negatively charged acidic residues at position 209 also showed decreased binding to capped RNA. Furthermore, a basic residue at position 159 was shown to be essential for cap binding. Although eIF4E-binding protein 1 greatly stabilized binding of phosphorylated eIF4E to capped RNA, in the presence of eIF4E-binding protein 1 the phosphorylated form still dissociated faster compared with nonphopshorylated eIF4E. The implications of our findings for the mechanism of translation initiation are discussed.

Environmental pH regulates LPS-induced nitric oxide formation in murine macrophages

This study was designed to determine how pH affects nitric oxide (NO) formation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in cultured murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). The initial pH of LPS-containing culture media was adjusted to one of eight values (6.8, 7.0, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6, 7.8, 8.0, and 8.2). After exposure to LPS for eighteen hours, the cultures were harvested for analysis of mRNA, protein, and nitrate/nitrite (stable by-products of NO). Analyses for these substances were performed using semiquantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and colorimetric Griess assays, respectively. We found that acidic culture media favored expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA. However, alkaline media favored expression of iNOS protein. Our findings suggest that post-transcriptional mechanisms predominate over transcriptional ones in order to regulate pH-mediated effects on NO formation by murine macrophages. The optimal pH for NO formation by iNOS was found in our study to be around 7.2.

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-dependent translation is not essential for survival of starved yeast cells

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) interacts with the mRNA 5' cap structure (m(7)GpppX) and is essential for the appropriate translation of the vast majority of eukaryotic mRNAs. Most studies of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC33 gene product, eIF4E, have been carried out with logarithmically growing cells, and little is known about its role in starved, nonproliferating cells that enter the stationary phase (SP). It has previously been found that the rate of translation in SP cells is more than 2 orders of magnitude lower than it is in dividing yeast cells. Here we show that this low rate of translation is essential for maintaining the viability of starved yeast cells that enter SP. Specifically, starved cells whose eIF4A is inactive or treated with cycloheximide rapidly lose viability. Moreover, after heat inactivation of the cdc33 temperature-sensitive product, the synthesis of most proteins is abolished and only a small group of proteins is still produced. Unexpectedly, starved cdc33 mutant cells whose eIF4E is inactive and which therefore fail to synthesize the bulk of their proteins remain viable for long periods of time, indistinguishable from their isogenic wild-type counterparts. Taken together, our results indicate that eIF4E-independent translation is necessary and sufficient for survival of yeast cells during long periods of starvation.

eIF4 initiation factors: effectors of mRNA recruitment to ribosomes and regulators of translation

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) is a protein complex that mediates recruitment of ribosomes to mRNA. This event is the rate-limiting step for translation under most circumstances and a primary target for translational control. Functions of the constituent proteins of eIF4F include recognition of the mRNA 5' cap structure (eIF4E), delivery of an RNA helicase to the 5' region (eIF4A), bridging of the mRNA and the ribosome (eIF4G), and circularization of the mRNA via interaction with poly(A)-binding protein (eIF4G). eIF4 activity is regulated by transcription, phosphorylation, inhibitory proteins, and proteolytic cleavage. Extracellular stimuli evoke changes in phosphorylation that influence eIF4F activity, especially through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Ras signaling pathways. Viral infection and cellular stresses also affect eIF4F function. The recent determination of the structure of eIF4E at atomic resolution has provided insight about how translation is initiated and regulated. Evidence suggests that eIF4F is also implicated in malignancy and apoptosis.

Biochemical and kinetic characterization of the RNA helicase activity of eukaryotic initiation factor 4A

Eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4A is the prototypic member of the DEAD box family of proteins and has been proposed to act as an RNA helicase to unwind secondary structure in the 5'-untranslated region of eukaryotic mRNAs. Previous studies have shown that the RNA helicase activity of eIF4A is dependent on the presence of a second initiation factor, eIF4B. In this report, eIF4A has been demonstrated to function independently of eIF4B as an ATP-dependent RNA helicase. The biochemical and kinetic properties of this activity were examined. By using a family of RNA duplexes with an unstructured single-stranded region followed by a duplex region of increasing length and stability, it was observed that the initial rate of duplex unwinding decreased with increasing stability of the duplex. Furthermore, the maximum amount of duplex unwound also decreased with increasing stability. Results suggest that eIF4A acts in a non-processive manner. eIF4B and eIF4H were shown to stimulate the helicase activity of eIF4A, allowing eIF4A to unwind longer, more stable duplexes with both an increase in initial rate and maximum amount of duplex unwound. A simple kinetic model is proposed to explain the mechanism by which eIF4A unwinds RNA duplex structures in an ATP-dependent manner.

Stem-loop structure in the 5' region of potato virus X genome required for plus-strand RNA accumulation

Computer-generated thermodynamic predictions and solution structure probing indicated two stem-loop structures, stem-loop 1 (SL1; nt 32-106) and stem-loop 2 (SL2; nt 143-183), within the 5' 230 nt of potato virus X (PVX) RNA. Because the existence of SL1 was further supported by covariation analysis of several PVX strains, the functional significance of this structure was investigated by site-directed mutational analysis in a tobacco protoplast system. In general, mutations that reduced genomic plus-strand RNA accumulation similarly affected coat protein accumulation, indicating that subgenomic plus-strand RNA was also affected. In contrast, minus-strand RNA levels remained relatively unchanged. Mutational analysis of the stem C (SC) region of SL1 indicated that pairing was more important than sequence, which was consistent with the covariation analysis. Alterations that increased length and stability of either SC or stem D (SD) were deleterious to plus-strand RNA accumulation. The formation of internal loop C between SC and SD, as well as specific nucleotides within this loop, were also required. Several modifications were made to the terminal GAAA tetraloop, a motif known for enhanced RNA stability. Both GANA and GAAG motifs resulted in wild-type levels of RNA accumulation. However, a UUCG tetraloop was detrimental, indicating that the sequence of this element was important beyond just providing stabilization of the structure. These data indicate that multiple features of SL1 are critical for accumulation of PVX plus-strand RNA.

A fluorescence spectroscopic study on the binding of mRNA 5'-cap-analogs to human translation initiation factor eIF4E: a critical evaluation of the sources of error

Equilibrium constants for the association of human protein translation initiation factor eIF4E with two mRNA 5'-cap analogs, namely 7-methylguanosine 5'-triphosphate and P1-(7-methylguanosine-5') P3-(guanosine-5') triphosphate, and with guanosine 5'-monophosphate have been redetermined by the fluorescence quenching method taking the inner filter effect of the cap-analog into account. It has been shown that neglecting the latter correction may lead to either underestimation or overestimation of the association constant obtained by applying the Eadie-Hofstee plot: the reasonably firm binding of 7-methylated cap-analogs becomes underestimated, while the weak binding of non-methylated nucleotides becomes overestimated.

Multiple isoforms of eukaryotic protein synthesis initiation factor 4E in Caenorhabditis elegans can distinguish between mono- and trimethylated mRNA cap structures

The rate-limiting step for cap-dependent translation initiation in eukaryotes is recruitment of mRNA to the ribosome. An early event in this process is recognition of the m7GTP-containing cap structure at the 5'-end of the mRNA by initiation factor eIF4E. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, mRNAs from 70% of the genes contain a different cap structure, m32,2,7GTP. This cap structure is poorly recognized by mammalian elF4E, suggesting that C. elegans may possess a specialized form of elF4E that can recognize m32,2,7GTP. Analysis of the C. elegans genomic sequence data base revealed the presence of three elF4E-like genes, here named ife-1, ife-2, and ife-3. cDNAs for these three eIF4E isoforms were cloned and sequenced. Isoform-specific antibodies were prepared from synthetic peptides based on nonhomologous regions of the three proteins. All three eIF4E isoforms were detected in extracts of C. elegans and were retained on m7GTP-Sepharose. One eIF4E isoform, IFE-1, was also retained on m32,2,7GTP-Sepharose. Furthermore, binding of IFE-1 and IFE-2 to m7GTP-Sepharose was inhibited by m32,2,7GTP. These results suggest that IFE-1 and IFE-2 bind both m7GTP- and m32,2, 7GTP-containing mRNA cap structures, although with different affinities. In conjunction with IFE-3, these eIF4E isoforms would permit cap-dependent recruitment of all C. elegans mRNAs to the ribosome.

Purification and characterization of a new eukaryotic protein translation factor. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4H

A new protein with translational activity has been identified on the basis of its ability to stimulate translation in an in vitro globin synthesis assay deficient in eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4B and eIF4F. This protein has been purified to greater than 80% homogeneity from rabbit reticulocyte lysate and has been given the name eIF4H. eIF4H was shown to stimulate the in vitro activities of eIF4B and eIF4F in globin synthesis, as well as the in vitro RNA-dependent ATPase activities of eIF4A, eIF4B, and eIF4F. Three tryptic fragments of eIF4H yielded amino acid sequences that were 100% identical to a human sequence found in the GeneBankTM that codes for a previously uncharacterized protein (HUMORFU_1). The calculated molecular weight of the protein encoded by this sequence, its predicted cyanogen bromide fragmentation, and calculated isoelectric point are all consistent with those determined experimentally for eIF4H. Also, the presence of an RNA recognition motif within HUMORFU_1 suggests that eIF4H may interact with mRNA. We conclude that this newly characterized protein, eIF4H, functions to stimulate the initiation of protein synthesis at the level of mRNA utilization, and is encoded by the gene for HUMORFU_1.

Identification of the cap binding domain of human recombinant eukaryotic protein synthesis initiation factor 4E using a photoaffinity analogue

Binding of eIF-4E to the 5' m7G cap structure of eukaryotic mRNA signals the initiation of protein synthesis. In order to investigate the molecular basis for this recognition, photoaffinity labeling with [gamma-32P]8-N3GTP was used in binding site studies of human recombinant cap binding protein eIF-4E. Competitive inhibition of this cap analogue by m7GTP and capped mRNA indicated probe specificity for interaction at the protein binding site. Saturation of the binding site with [gamma-32P]8-N3GTP further demonstrated the selectivity of photoinsertion. Aluminum (III)-chelate chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC were used to isolate the binding site peptide resulting from digestion of photolabeled eIF-4E with modified trypsin. Amino acid sequencing identified the binding domain as the region containing the sequence Trp 113-Arg 122.Lys 119 was not identified in sequencing analysis nor was it cleaved by trypsin. These results indicate that Lys 119 is the residue directly modified by photoinsertion of [gamma-32P]8-N3GTP. A detailed understanding of eIF-4E.m7G mRNA cap interactions may lead the way to regulating this essential protein-RNA interaction for specific mRNA in vivo.

pH-dependent and ligand induced conformational changes of eucaryotic protein synthesis initiation factor eIF-(iso)4F: a circular dichroism study

The structural features of wheat germ protein synthesis initiation factor eIF-(iso)4F, which has a cap binding protein as one of its two subunits, are unknown. In this study, circular dichroism (CD) spectra and secondary structure prediction were obtained for eIF-(iso)4F and its two subunits, p28 and p86. The alpha-helix content of eIF-(iso)4F changed from 42% at pH 6.3 to 15% at pH 7.6, the optimum pH for cap binding. The beta-sheet content increased from 14% (pH 6.3) to 38% at pH 7.6. The CD spectra of the two subunits, p28 and p86 were also measured and analyzed. The separated subunits both had a higher alpha-helix content at pH 7.6 than the native protein, giving values of 60% and 34% alpha-helix for p28 and p86, respectively. Binding of the dinucleotide cap analog to p28 reduced the alpha-helix content to approximately 8% with an increase in the beta sheet content from 10% to 37%. The conformational changes in eIF-(iso)4F upon binding with mRNA are dependent on cap or oligonucleotide structure. A conformation consisting of approximately the same alpha-helix and beta-sheet content can be induced by ligands even at non-optimal pH values. This large conformational transition suggests eIF-(iso)4F binds nucleic acids by interaction of a beta-sheet motif and that this conformational transition may have a regulatory role.

Synthesis of a fluorescent 7-methylguanosine analog and a fluorescence spectroscopic study of its reaction with wheatgerm cap binding proteins

In the initiation of protein synthesis, the mRNA 5'-terminal 7-methylguanosine cap structure and several recognition proteins play a pivotal role. For the study of this cap binding reaction, one approach is to use fluorescence spectroscopy. A ribose diol-modified fluorescent cap analog, anthraniloyl-m7GTP (Ant-m7GTP), was designed and synthesized for this purpose. This fluorescent cap analog was found to have a high quantum yield, resistance to photobleaching and avoided overlap of excitation and emission wavelengths with those of proteins. The binding of Ant-m7GTP with wheatgerm initiation factors elF-4F and elF-(iso)4F was determined. The fluorescent cap analog and m7GTP had similar interactions with both cap binding proteins. Fluorescence quenching experiments showed that the microenvironment of Ant-m7GTP when bound to protein was hydrophobic.

Interaction of initiation factors with the cap structure of chimaeric mRNA containing the 5'-untranslated regions of Semliki Forest virus RNA is related to translational efficiency

Chimaeric chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) mRNA, containing the leader sequences of genomic 42S RNA and subgenomic 26S RNA of Semliki Forest virus (SFV) were synthesized by in-vitro transcription. These transcripts were translated with different efficiencies, as the authentic mRNA in SFV-infected cells. Therefore, they can be used as model mRNA species to study the mechanism underlying SFV-directed shut off of host protein synthesis. The interaction of translation initiation factors with the 5' cap structure was studied. Transcripts prepared in vitro using T7 RNA polymerase were capped and methylated posttranscriptionally with [32P]-GTP and S-adenosyl-L-methionine to yield cap-labelled mRNA species. Irradiation with ultraviolet light of 26S CAT and 42S CAT transcripts, together with crude rabbit reticulocyte initiation factors, resulted in the cap-specific cross-linking of eukaryotic initiation factors (eIF) eIF-4E and eIF-4B. The relative binding efficiency of these two factors to the cap structure of the various transcripts was, however, markedly different; the cap structure present in 26S CAT mRNA interacted efficiently with cap-binding proteins, whereas the cap structure of 42S CAT mRNA hardly bound to these proteins. Comparable results were obtained under competitive conditions. Data are presented that the secondary structure close to the 5' cap structure determines the efficiency of recognition of the mRNA by these initiation factors. Using a chemical cross-linking assay, it was demonstrated that eIF-4F, and also eIF-4E, differentially interacted with the cap structure of the various transcripts. The data are discussed with respect to the possible mechanisms involved in SFV-induced shut off of host cell protein synthesis.

9-Aminoellipticine-derivatized alpha- and beta-oligodeoxyribonucleotides targeted to the cap of beta-globin mRNA: hybridization to natural and engineered mRNA, inhibition of translation, and improved effect of tandem chains

We studied the duplex stability and the antimessenger activity of 9-aminoellipticine-5'-functionalized alpha- and beta-anomeric DNA sequences complementary to the first 14 nucleotides of the rabbit beta-globin mRNA. The duplex formed by the beta-conjugate with the natural mRNA target possessed a marginally better stability to that of the duplex formed by the unfunctionalized compound, as measured by the thermal elution. The alpha-conjugate did not anneal to native mRNA, possibly due to the interference of the 9-aminoellipticine with the cap structure and, unlike the beta-adduct, was practically inactive as inhibitor of translation in a cell-free system. However, it did hybridize to an RNA construction containing the beta-globin mRNA plus an additional 50 bases in 5'. Surprisingly, translation from this construction was inhibited by the alpha-species in spite of the nonvicinity of the target to the cap. Both alpha and beta conjugates hybridized to a DNA 14-mer of the same sequence as that targeted onto the mRNA. Thermal denaturation and fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the drug brought no considerable stabilization to the duplex, the linker presumably being unfavorable to intercalation. An increased stability of the complex and a higher inhibitory effect on cell-free beta-globin translation were obtained with two contiguous beta-oligomers of which one was functionalized.