Control of protein synthesis (translation) is vital for cell proliferation and differentiation. In human, initiation of translation is a multi-step process that involves two key GTP hydrolysis steps. Translation initiation relies on a dynamic network of interactions among ribosomes, RNAs and proteins within a mega-dalton translation initiation complex. This is particularly true for the two GTPase steps: start codon selection and ribosomal subunit joining, where a number of interactions are cooperative while others are competing with each other. We hypothesize that synergistic interactions among components of the initiation complex ensure their recruitment to the complex, their proper positioning, as well as the stability of the initiation complex as a whole. We propose that pairs of competing interactions are responsible for remodeling of the initiation complex, whereby one set of interactions are replaced by another set of interactions as the complex matures toward the formation of an active ribosome ready to start synthesizing protein. To test these hypotheses, we propose a multidisciplinary innovative approach, which will use a combination of NMR, fluorescence spectroscopy and other biophysical and biochemical methods. 1. We will use biophysical assays and NMR to determine which interactions among the proteins responsible for start codon selection and ribosomal subunit joining are cooperative and which are competitive and to characterize structurally the binding interfaces involved. 2. We will use steady-state fluorescence anisotropy, time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy decay and biochemical assays on in vitro reconstituted translation initiation complexes to elucidate the temporal regulation of the recruitment of proteins to the initiation complex and their release. 3. We will use Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) to determine the positions and mutual orientations within the initiation complex of the proteins responsible for start codon selection and ribosomal subunit joining. Proteins with known positions will serve as reference. Together, the results from these aims will provide a comprehensive understanding of the coordination and regulation of start codon selection and ribosomal subunit joining. The long term goals of this proposal are to elucidate the structural organization of the human translation initiation complexes, as well as the mechanisms of their assembly and remodeling. This work will identify key steps in the translation initiation process that are promising targets in manipulating the rates of protein synthesis for therapeutic purposes.

Public Health Relevance

Actively dividing cells, such as cancer cells, require increased rates of protein synthesis and inhibitors of protein synthesis have proved effective in cancer therapy. The work outlined in this proposal will establish new targets for direct and specific inhibition of protein synthesis for use in cancer therapy.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01GM095720-02
Application #
8334654
Study Section
Molecular Genetics C Study Section (MGC)
Program Officer
Bender, Michael T
Project Start
2011-09-25
Project End
2016-08-31
Budget Start
2012-09-01
Budget End
2013-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$308,984
Indirect Cost
$120,234
Name
Boston University
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
604483045
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02118
Lin, Kai Ying; Nag, Nabanita; Pestova, Tatyana V et al. (2018) Human eIF5 and eIF1A Compete for Binding to eIF5B. Biochemistry 57:5910-5920
Yu, Jielin; Marintchev, Assen (2018) Comparative sequence and structure analysis of eIF1A and eIF1AD. BMC Struct Biol 18:11
Bogorad, Andrew M; Lin, Kai Ying; Marintchev, Assen (2018) eIF2B Mechanisms of Action and Regulation: A Thermodynamic View. Biochemistry 57:1426-1435
Bogorad, Andrew M; Lin, Kai Ying; Marintchev, Assen (2017) Novel mechanisms of eIF2B action and regulation by eIF2? phosphorylation. Nucleic Acids Res 45:11962-11979
Nag, Nabanita; Lin, Kai Ying; Edmonds, Katherine A et al. (2016) eIF1A/eIF5B interaction network and its functions in translation initiation complex assembly and remodeling. Nucleic Acids Res 44:7441-56
Bogorad, Andrew M; Xia, Bing; Sandor, Dana G et al. (2014) Insights into the architecture of the eIF2B?/?/? regulatory subcomplex. Biochemistry 53:3432-45
Marintchev, Assen (2013) Roles of helicases in translation initiation: a mechanistic view. Biochim Biophys Acta 1829:799-809
Luna, Rafael E; Arthanari, Haribabu; Hiraishi, Hiroyuki et al. (2012) The C-terminal domain of eukaryotic initiation factor 5 promotes start codon recognition by its dynamic interplay with eIF1 and eIF2?. Cell Rep 1:689-702
Abaeva, Irina S; Marintchev, Assen; Pisareva, Vera P et al. (2011) Bypassing of stems versus linear base-by-base inspection of mammalian mRNAs during ribosomal scanning. EMBO J 30:115-29
Yu, Yingpu; Abaeva, Irina S; Marintchev, Assen et al. (2011) Common conformational changes induced in type 2 picornavirus IRESs by cognate trans-acting factors. Nucleic Acids Res 39:4851-65