Evidence that the 59-kDa protein synthesis initiation factor from wheat germ is functionally similar to the 80-kDa initiation factor 4B from mammalian cells

The results of this investigation show that the 59-kDa protein synthesis initiation factor from wheat germ, designated eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)-4G by Browning et al. (Browning, K.S., Maia, D.M., Lax, S.R., and Ravel, J.M. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 539-541), cross-links to the 5'-terminal cap of oxidized mRNA in the presence of eIF-4A, eIF-4F, and ATP, stimulates the RNA-dependent ATPase activities of eIF-4A and a mixture of eIF-4A and eIF-4F, and stimulates the unwinding activities of eIF-4A, eIF-4F, and a mixture of eIF-4A and eIF-4F. These findings strongly suggest that the 59-kDa factor from wheat germ is the functional equivalent of the 80-kDa protein synthesis initiation factor, eIF-4B, from mammalian cells. Recent reports indicate that the wheat germ initiation factor which contains two subunits of 80 and 28 kDa and which was given the designation "eIF-4B" by Lax et al. (Lax, S.R., Lauer, S.J., Browning, K. S., and Ravel, J.M. (1986) Methods Enzymol. 118, 109-128) is an isozyme form of eIF-4F and not the functional equivalent of mammalian eIF-4B. On the basis of functional characteristics we propose that the designation for the wheat germ factor containing the 80- and 28-kDa polypeptides be changed from eIF-4B to eIF-(iso)4F and the designation for the 59-kDa factor be changed from eIF-4G to eIF-4B.     

Identification of two messenger RNA cap binding proteins in wheat germ. Evidence that the 28-kDa subunit of eIF-4B and the 26-kDa subunit of eIF-4F are antigenically distinct polypeptides

Previous work has shown that eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)-4B from wheat germ is a complex containing two subunits, 80 and 28 kDa, and eIF-4F from wheat germ is a complex containing two subunits, 220 and 26 kDa (Lax, S., Fritz, W., Browning, K., and Ravel, J. (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 82, 330-333). Here we show that both the 28-kDa subunit of eIF-4B and the 26-kDa subunit of eIF-4F cross-link to the 5' terminus of capped and oxidized satellite tobacco necrosis virus RNA in the absence of ATP and that the cross-linking of both polypeptides is inhibited by m7GDP. Several lines of evidence indicate that the 28-kDa and the 26-kDa cap binding proteins of eIF-4B and eIF-4F are antigenically distinct polypeptides. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised to intact eIF-4B or to the isolated 28-kDa subunit of eIF-4B react strongly with the 28-kDa subunit of eIF-4B on immunoblots, but show only a very weak reaction with the 26-kDa subunit of eIF-4F under the same conditions. In addition, a mouse monoclonal antibody was obtained that reacts strongly with the 26-kDa subunit of eIF-4F but does not react with the 28-kDa subunit of eIF-4B. Evidence is presented also which indicates that the higher molecular weight subunits of eIF-4B and eIF-4F are antigenically distinct. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised to intact eIF-4B or the isolated 80-kDa subunit inhibit eIF-4B-dependent polypeptide synthesis but do not inhibit eIF-4F-dependent polypeptide synthesis. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised to eIF-4F inhibit eIF-4F-dependent polypeptide synthesis but do not inhibit eIF-4B-dependent polypeptide synthesis.     

Interaction of eukaryotic initiation factor eIF-4B with a picornavirus internal translation initiation site.

We studied the interaction of cellular proteins with the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) of foot-and-mouth disease virus by UV cross-linking and observed specific binding of a 80-kDa protein contained in cytosolic HeLa cell extract and in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. Binding of the protein was dependent on the presence of ATP. Immunoprecipitation with eIF-4B antiserum revealed that the protein is identical to the initiation factor eIF-4B. Deletions in the 3' part, but not in the 5' part, of the IRES interfered with UV cross-linking, indicating that the binding site of eIF-4B is located close to the end of the element. Attempts to separate ribosome-associated from non-ribosome-associated protein fractions of cytosolic cell extracts led to the loss of cross-linking activity. This finding suggests that additional protein factors contribute to this interaction of eIF-4B with the IRES of foot-and-mouth disease virus.     

Interactions of the eIF-4F subunits in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Recognition of the cap structure at the 5' end of mRNA is one of the first events in initiation of eukaryotic translation. This step is mediated by the translation initiation factor 4F (eIF-4F). In mammalian cells this factor is composed of the cap-binding protein eIF-4E, eIF-4A, and a 220-kDa polypeptide. In yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, eIF-4E is found associated with a 150-kDa protein (p150) and a 20-kDa protein (p20). The resulting protein complex is proposed to represent yeast eIF-4F. To study the functions of p150 and p20 and their interaction with eIF-4E, we disrupted the genes encoding p150 and p20 and analyzed the effects on protein complex formation and cell viability. Yeast cells with single and double disruptions of the genes encoding p150 and p20 are viable, but p150 single and p150/p20 double disruptions show a slow growth phenotype. Gel chromatography and immunoadsorption experiments with a monoclonal anti-eIF-4E antibody coupled to protein G-Sepharose show that both p150 and p20 bind independently of each other to eIF-4E.     

Photoaffinity labeling of the cap-binding protein complex with ATP/dATP. Differential labeling of free eukaryotic initiation factor 4A and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4A component of the cap-binding protein complex with [alpha-32P]ATP/dATP

It has been suggested that the cap-binding protein complex is involved in ATP-mediated melting of 5'-mRNA secondary structure to facilitate ribosome binding during initiation of translation in eukaryotic cells (Edery, I., Lee, K. A. W., and Sonenberg, N. (1984) Biochemistry 23, 2456-2462). Consequently, we have studied the interaction of dATP/ATP with the eukaryotic cap-binding protein complex by UV photoaffinity labeling. UV irradiation of the cap-binding protein complex in the presence of [alpha-32P]dATP/ATP resulted in the cross-linking of this compound to the 50-kDa polypeptide of the complex. This polypeptide is almost identical to the previously characterized eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4A. We examined the ability of dATP/ATP to cross-link to eIF-4A and found that it cross-links less efficiently (approximately 60-fold on a molar basis) compared to the cross-linking obtained for the eIF-4A component of the cap-binding protein complex. Irradiation of purified eIF-4A together with the cap-binding protein complex in the presence of [alpha-32P]dATP resulted in greater than additive labeling of the eIF-4A component of the cap-binding protein complex and purified eIF-4A, suggesting a synergistic interaction between purified eIF-4A, the cap-binding protein complex, and dATP/ATP. We also report that photoaffinity labeling of eIF-4A and the eIF-4A component in the cap-binding protein complex is stimulated by eIF-4B, but not by other initiation factors or mRNA.     

Casein kinase I phosphorylates the 25-kDa mRNA cap-binding protein

The 25-kDa mRNA cap-binding protein (eIF-4E) exists in both phosphorylated and dephosphorylated forms in eukaryotic cells. Phosphorylated eIF-4E appears to be preferentially associated with 48 S initiation complexes and with the 220-kDa subunit of eIF-4F. In addition, dephosphorylation of eIF-4E has been observed during heat shock and mitosis which are accompanied by decreased protein synthesis. However, the control of eIF-4E phosphorylation and its regulatory role remain poorly understood. Using eIF-4E as a substrate we have identified and purified from rabbit reticulocytes a protein kinase that phosphorylates eIF-4E in vitro. This enzyme phosphorylated eIF-4E on both serine and threonine residues with an apparent Km of 3.7 microM. The molecular mass of the enzyme and specificity for substrates other than eIF-4E suggested that this enzyme was a species of casein kinase I. This was confirmed by comparing the phosphopeptide map of the purified reticulocyte enzyme with that of rabbit skeletal muscle casein kinase I and by comparing phosphopeptide maps of eIF-4E phosphorylated in vitro by each enzyme. We conclude that casein kinase I phosphorylates eIF-4E in vitro and suggest that eIF-4E may be phosphorylated by casein kinase I in intact cells under some physiologic conditions.     

Mechanism of inhibition of polypeptide chain initiation in heat-shocked Ehrlich cells involves reduction of eukaryotic initiation factor 4F activity

Almost all living organisms studied respond to elevated temperature with a marked inhibition of overall protein synthesis but increased synthesis of a specific set of proteins, the so-called heat-shock proteins. We have prepared a cell-free protein synthesizing system (lysate) from heat-shocked Ehrlich ascites tumor cells that reflects the inhibition of protein synthesis in intact cells at elevated temperatures. We have isolated and partially purified a stimulator of the heat-shocked cell lysate from Ehrlich cells. Through four purification steps, the stimulator is chromatographically identical to eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF-4F), an initiation factor which specifically binds mRNA cap structure. Therefore, we have tested the effects of highly purified reticulocyte eIF-4F on the heat-shocked cell lysate. Protein synthesis is strongly stimulated by addition of highly purified eIF-4F. Synthesis in the heat-shocked lysate is more inhibited at high (70 mM) KCl concentrations, than at lower concentrations, and stimulation by eIF-4F is correspondingly greater at higher KCl concentrations, so that the rate of protein synthesis is returned to control (non-heat-shocked lysate) levels at all KCl concentrations. Furthermore, at 70 mM KCl, in heat-shocked lysates, synthesis of the 68-kDa heat-shock protein is much less inhibited than synthesis of the bulk of non-heat-shock proteins, and eIF-4F stimulates synthesis of 68-kDa protein to a much lesser extent than non-heat-shock proteins. Thus, addition of purified eIF-4F reverses the effects of elevated temperatures on Ehrlich cells that are reflected in lysates. Therefore, we propose that the inhibition of translation in heat-shocked Ehrlich cells is the result of inactivation of eIF-4F function.     

Initiation of mammalian protein synthesis. II. The assembly of the initiation complex with purified initiation factors

The assembly of initiation complexes is studied in a protein synthesis initiation assay containing ribosomal subunits, globin [¹²⁵I]mRNA, [³H]Met-tRNA_f, seven purified initiation factors, ATP and GTP. By omitting single components from the initiation assay, specific roles of the initiation factors, ATP and GTP are demonstrated. The initiation factor eIF-2 is required for the binding of Met-tRNA_f to the 40 S ribosomal subunit. The initial Met-tRNA_f binding to the small ribosomal subunit is a stringent prerequisite for the subsequent mRNA binding. The initiation factors eIF-3, eIF-4A, eIF-4B and eIF-4C together with ATP promote the binding of mRNA to the 40 S initiation complex. The association of the 40 S initiation complex with the 60 S ribosome subunit to form an 80 S initiation complex is mediated by the initiation factor eIF-5 and requires the hydrolysis of GTP. The factor eIF-1 gives a twofold overall stimulation of initiation complex formation. A model of the sequential steps in the assembly of the 80 S initiation complex in mammalian protein synthesis is presented.     

The role of calmodulin in the structure and regulation of phosphorylase kinase from rabbit skeletal muscle.

A purification procedure is described for the initiation factors of protein synthesis from rabbit reticulocytes: (a) from the ribosomal wash and (b) from the postribosomal supernantant. A comparison is made between these preparations with respect to yield and specific activity. eIF-4A and eIF-4D occur mainly in the postribosomal supernatant; eIF-2, eIF-4C and eIF-5 are more evenly divided over both fractions, whereas eIF-1, eIF-3 and eIF-4B are found almost exclusively in the ribosomal wash. No significant difference in specific activity could be detected when factors from both sources were compared, with a possible exception of eIF-4A and eIF-4D.     

The 90-kilodalton peptide of the heme-regulated eIF-2 alpha kinase has sequence similarity with the 90-kilodalton heat shock protein

Highly purified preparations of the heme-controlled eIF-2 alpha (eukaryotic peptide initiation factor 2 alpha subunit) kinase of rabbit reticulocytes contain an abundant 90-kilodalton (kDa) peptide that is immunologically cross-reactive with spectrin and that modulates the activity of the enzyme [Kudlicki, W., Fullilove, S., Read, R., Kramer, G., & Hardesty, B. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 9695-9701]. The amino-terminal sequence of the 90-kDa protein has a high degree of similarity with the known amino-terminal sequences of the Drosophila 83-kDa heat shock protein (20 out of 22 residues) and with other related heat shock proteins. The amino acid sequence of a tryptic phosphopeptide isolated by high-performance liquid chromatography from the eIF-2 alpha kinase associated 90-kDa protein after phosphorylation by casein kinase II is shown to be identical with a 14 amino acid segment of the known sequence of the Drosophila 83-kDa heat shock protein. Results of hydrodynamic studies indicate a highly elongated structure for the reticulocyte protein, characteristic of a structural protein. Additional structural similarities between the eukaryotic heat shock proteins, the reticulocyte eIF-2 alpha kinase associated 90-kDa peptide, and spectrin are discussed.     

Overview: phosphorylation and translation control

Protein synthesis is controlled by the phosphorylation of proteins comprising the translational apparatus. At least 12 initiation factor polypeptides, 3 elongation factors and a ribosomal protein are implicated. Stimulation of translation correlates with enhanced phosphorylation of eIF-4F, eIF-4B, eIF-2B, eIF-3 and ribosomal protein S6, whereas inhibition correlates with phosphorylation of eEF-2 and the alpha-subunit of eIF-2. Strong evidence for regulatory roles exists for eIF-2, eIF-4F and eEF-2, whereas changes in other factor activities due to phosphorylation remain to be demonstrated. Regulation of the specific activity of the translational apparatus by phosphorylation appears to be a general mechanism for the control of rates of global protein synthesis, and may also play a role in modulating the translation of specific mRNAs.     

Identification of a Kinase in Wheat Germ that Phosphorylates the Large Subunit of Initiation Factor 4F

A kinase has been isolated from wheat (Triticum aestivum) germ that phosphorylates the 220 kilodaltons (kD) subunit of wheat germ initiation factor (eIF) 4F, the 80 kD subunit of eIF-4B (an isozyme form of eIF-4F) and eIF-4G (the functional equivalent to mammalian eIF-4B). The kinase elutes from Sephacryl S-200 slightly in front of ovalbumin. The kinase phosphorylates casein and histone IIA to a small extent, but does not phosphorylate phosvitin. Of the wheat germ initiation factors, elongation factors, and small and large ribosomal subunits, only eIF-4F, eIF-4B, and eIF-4G are phosphorylated to a significant extent. The kinase phosphorylates eIF-4F to the extent of two phosphates per mole of the 220 kD subunit and phosphorylates eIF-4B to the extent of one phosphate per mole of the 80 kD subunit. The 26 kD subunit of eIF-4F and the 28 kD subunit of eIF-4B are not phosphorylated by the kinase. The kinase phosphorylates the 59 kD component of eIF-4G to the extent of 0.25 phosphate per mole of eIF-4G. Phosphorylation of eIF-4F and eIF-4B does not affect their ability to support the binding of mRNA to small ribosomal subunits in vitro.     

Characterization and regulation of the 58,000-dalton cellular inhibitor of the interferon-induced, dsRNA-activated protein kinase.

The P68 protein kinase is a serine/threonine kinase induced by interferon treatment and activated by double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). Once activated, the kinase phosphorylates its natural substrate, the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) leading to potential limitations in functional eIF-2 and decreases in protein synthesis initiation. We have recently purified from influenza virus-infected cells a P68 kinase inhibitor, found to be a 58-kDa cellular protein. We have now investigated the mechanisms by which the 58-kDa inhibitor regulates P68 kinase activity and how the inhibitor itself is controlled. The 58-kDa inhibitor did not function by degrading or sequestering the dsRNA activator of P68 but could repress phosphorylation of eIF-2 alpha by an already activated protein kinase. Utilizing antibody prepared against a 58-kDa-specific peptide, we showed that the 58-kDa proteins from infected and uninfected cells were present in equivalent amounts. Although kinase inhibitory activity could not be detected in crude uninfected cell extracts, ammonium sulfate treatment unmasked this activity and allowed purification of the cellular inhibitor with identical chromatographic properties as that from influenza virus-infected cells. Finally, we have identified and partially purified a specific inhibitor of the 58-kDa protein which we refer to as an "anti-inhibitor." Based on these data, we present a model depicting the complex regulation of the interferon-induced protein kinase in eukaryotic cells.     

Influence of 5' proximal secondary structure on the translational efficiency of eukaryotic mRNAs and on their interaction with initiation factors

The effects of 5' proximal secondary structure in mRNA molecules on their translation and on their interaction with the eukaryotic initiation factors (eIF)-4F, eIF-4A, and eIF-4B have been examined. Secondary structures were generated in the 5' noncoding region of rabbit globin and reovirus mRNAs by means of hybridization with cDNA molecules. cDNAs hybridized to the first 15 bases downstream from the cap inhibited the translation of the mRNAs in both reticulocyte and wheat germ lysates. The degree of inhibition was directly related to the monovalent ion concentration and inversely related to reaction temperature. These hybrid structures also reduced the competitive ability of the messages. Hybrid structures beginning downstream from the first 15 bases did not inhibit the translation of beta-globin mRNA or reovirus s3 mRNA. None of the hybrid structures were detrimental to the interaction of the mRNAs with the 26-kDa cap binding protein of eIF-4F, as determined by chemical cross-linking assays. However, in the presence of ATP, hybrid structures immediately adjacent to the cap severely inhibited the cross-linking to the p46 subunit of eIF-4F or to additional eIF-4A or eIF-4B. In order to account for these observations, a two-step mechanism is proposed for the interaction of eIF-4F with the 5' end of an mRNA molecule. The first step involves a weak initial interaction of the p26 subunit with the cap. The second step requires the hydrolysis of ATP and results in the formation of a stable initiation factor-mRNA complex, which may involve eIF-4A and eIF-4B. This second step is inhibited by the presence of 5' proximal secondary structure. In any event, our results demonstrate that the effect of mRNA structure on translation rate depends strongly on its position with respect to the 5' end and that this effect is due at least in part to an inhibition of the action of initiation factors normally required for the unwinding of structure.     

Induction of eIF-4E phosphorylation by the addition of L-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid to rabbit reticulocyte lysate

Addition of L-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid to reticulocyte lysates inhibits protein synthesis and induced phosphoproteins of 25 and 14 kDa. The 25 kDa phosphoprotein had the same Mr and pI as phosphorylated eIF-4E. Incubation of lysates with L-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid did not alter the crosslinking of eIF-4E to reovirus mRNA caps. These results suggest that modifications of the translational apparatus other than eIF-4E phosphorylation may mediate the inhibitory effect seen with L-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid and/or that phosphorylation of eIF-4E may effect functions subsequent to its interaction with the mRNA cap such as protein-protein interactions with other cap-specific translation factors.     

Increased rate of phosphorylation-dephosphorylation of the translational initiation factor eIF-4E correlates with the induction of protein and glycoprotein biosynthesis in activated B lymphocytes

A 10-50-fold, biphasic increase in the rate of 32Pi labeling of eIF-4E was closely correlated with the induction of protein and glycoprotein biosynthesis when resting murine splenic B lymphocytes (B cells) were activated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide or the combination of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin. The fraction of eIF-4E which was phosphorylated only increased from 46% in resting cells to 83% in lipopolysaccharide-activated cells. This discrepancy between the increase in the fraction of phosphorylated eIF-4E and the increase in 32Pi labeling suggested that the phosphoryl group of eIF-4E turns over slowly in resting B cells compared with activated cells. The turnover rate for the eIF-4E phosphate moiety in lipopolysaccharide-activated cells was rapid (t1/2 = 2 h) in comparison to the eIF-4E polypeptide chain, which did not turn over detectably in 6 h. Neither protein kinase C nor a cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinase appeared to be involved in eIF-4E phosphorylation in B cells, based on the observations that the metabolic labeling of eIF-4E by 32Pi was insensitive to the protein kinase inhibitors H-7 and HA1004, and that maximal labeling occurred after protein kinase C activity was "down-regulated" to very low levels in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin-activated cells. Dephosphorylation in vivo was blocked by okadaic acid (IC50 = 200 nM). These results indicate that a rapid phosphorylation-dephosphorylation of eIF-4E is associated with high translation rates during the activation of B cells, and implicate protein phosphatase-1 (or possibly-2A) in the dephosphorylation of the initiation factor.     

Heat shock-induced translational alterations in HeLa cells. Initiation factor modifications and the inhibition of translation

Heat shock at 45 degrees C virtually abolishes protein synthesis in HeLa cells, but return to 37 degrees C effects a complete recovery and the concomitant synthesis of heat shock-induced proteins. Heat shock induces polysome disaggregation, indicating initiation is principally inhibited. In vitro assays for initiation factor activities reveal heat shock inhibits eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2), eIF-(3 + 4F), and eIF-4B. Immunoblot analyses show that eIF-2 alpha and eIF-2 beta become modified during heat shock, and eIF-4B variants disappear. Upon return to 37 degrees C, these alterations reverse. The modifications of eIF-2 alpha and eIF-4B are due to phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, respectively. Enzymatic activities induced by heat shock inhibit protein synthesis and modify initiation factors in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate. Initiation factor modifications may contribute to, or cause, protein synthesis inhibition.     

Comparative analysis of phosphorylation of translational initiation and elongation factors by seven protein kinases

Four initiation factors (eIF-2, -3, -4B, and -4F), previously shown to be phosphorylated in vivo, are each phosphorylated to a significant extent in vitro (greater than 0.3 mol of phosphate/mol of factor) by at least three different protein kinases. An S6 kinase from liver, an active form of protease-activated kinase II which modifies the same sites on S6 as those phosphorylated in vivo in response to mitogens, phosphorylates the beta subunit of eIF-2, eIF-3 (p120-p130), eIF-4B, and eIF-4F (p220). The Ca2+, phospholipid-dependent protein kinase phosphorylates eIF-2 beta, eIF-3 (p170, p120-p130), eIF-4B, and eIF-4F (p220, p25). The cAMP-dependent protein kinase significantly modifies eIF-4B and, to a lesser extent, eIF-3 (p130). Casein kinase I incorporates phosphate only into eIF-4B, but to a limited extent. Casein kinase II phosphorylates eIF-2 beta, eIF-3 (p170, p120), and eIF-4B, while protease-activated kinase I modifies eIF-3 (p170, p120-p130), eIF-4B, and eIF-4F (p220). The mitogen-stimulated S6 kinase from 3T3-L1 cells, activated in response to insulin, does not phosphorylate any of the initiation factors. There is no significant incorporation of phosphate into eIF-2 alpha or -gamma, eIF-4A, eIF-4C, eIF-4D, EF-1, or EF-2 by any of the protein kinases examined. Phosphopeptide mapping of tryptic digests of the phosphorylated subunits shows that the individual protein kinases modify different sites. The sites phosphorylated in vitro reflect those modified in vivo as shown with eIF-4F in concomitant studies with reticulocytes treated with tumor-promoting phorbol ester (Morley, S.J., and Traugh, J. A. J. Biol. Chem., in press). Thus, we have identified multipotential protein kinases which modify four initiation factors phosphorylated in vivo and have shown that phosphorylation of these translational components can be coordinately regulated.     

Cloning and expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 4B cDNA: sequence determination identifies a common RNA recognition motif.

Eukaryotic protein synthesis initiation factor 4B (eIF-4B) is an 80,000 dalton polypeptide which is essential for the binding of mRNA to ribosomes. A highly purified preparation of eIF-4B from HeLa cells was subjected to enzymatic cleavage and amino-terminal amino acid sequence analysis. Degenerate oligonucleotide probes were used to isolate a 3851 bp cDNA encoding eIF-4B from a human cDNA library. The DNA encodes a protein comprising 611 residues with a mass of 69,843 daltons. The amino-terminal domain of eIF-4B contains a consensus RNA binding domain present in a number of other RNA binding proteins. Expression of eIF-4B in transfected COS-1 cells yielded a polypeptide which reacted with anti-eIF-4B antiserum and comigrated with purified eIF-4B. Expression of eIF-4B in COS-1 cells resulted in a general inhibition of translation, possibly due to a 50-fold eIF-4B overproduction.     

Interaction of protein synthesis initiation factors with the mRNA cap structure.

The mechanism of mRNA recognition by proteins interacting with the mRNA cap structure was investigated by photochemical cross-linking of proteins with 32P-labelled reoviral RNAs. Using ribosomal washes as a source of eukaryotic protein synthesis initiation factors, we identified the well-known cap binding proteins eIF-4B and -4E, but eIF-2 and eIF-3 as well. The interplay of purified eIF-4A, -4B, and -4F was studied in relation to ATP dependence and cap analogue sensitivity of cap binding. Next to their well-known roles in the initiation process, eIF-2 and eIF-3 also cross-linked to the 5' cap. eIF-2 stimulated eIF-4B and -4E cross-linking, an observation that has been previously described more extensively. The interaction of eIF-2 with the 5' end of mRNA was extremely sensitive to K(+)-ions and was resistant to a high concentration of Mg(2+)-ions; this influence of mono- and divalent ions was in contrast with the cross-linking of eIF-4B and -4E. Optimal interaction of these factors was obtained at moderate K+ concentration and low Mg(2+)-ion concentrations. eIF-2 cross-linking was sensitive to high protein to mRNA ratios indicating a weak affinity as compared to eIF-4E and -4B. The interaction of eIF-3 with the cap of mRNA is also weak as it was counteracted by all other cap binding proteins, leading to an inability to detect the cross-linking of this protein in crude eIF preparations. Time kinetics of formation of complexes suggested eIF-2 to be one of the first factors to interact with mRNA. Preformed RNA-protein complexes were dissociated after cap analogue addition, suggesting reversible interactions between RNA and proteins.