Conducting the initiation of protein synthesis: the role of eIF4G

Biol Cell. 2003 May-Jun;95(3-4):141-56. doi: 10.1016/s0248-4900(03)00031-5.

Abstract

The eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4G is a large modular protein which serves as a docking site for initiation factors and proteins involved in RNA translation. Together with eIF4E and eIF4A, eIF4G constitutes the eIF4F complex which is a key component in promoting ribosome binding to the mRNA. Thus, the central role of eIF4G in initiation makes it a valid target for events aimed at modulating translation. Such events occur during viral infection by picornaviruses and lentiviruses and result in the hijack of the translational machinery through cleavage of eIF4G. Proteolysis of eIF4G is also mediated by caspases during the onset of apoptosis causing inhibition of protein synthesis. We will review the role of eIF4G and protein partners as well as the cellular and viral events that modulate eIF4G activity in the initiation of translation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-4G / genetics*
  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-4G / physiology*
  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factors / genetics
  • Humans
  • Protein Biosynthesis* / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Virus Replication / genetics

Substances

  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-4G
  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factors
  • RNA, Messenger