Translation initiation factor a/eIF2(-gamma) counteracts 5' to 3' mRNA decay in the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus.
The trimeric translation initiation factor a/eIF2 of the crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus is pivotal for binding of initiator tRNA to the ribosome. Here, we present in vitro and in vivo evidence that the a/eIF2 gamma-subunit exhibits an additional function with resemblance to the eukaryotic cap-complex. It binds to the 5'-triphosphate end of mRNA and protects the 5' part from degradation. This unprecedented capacity of the archaeal initiation factor further indicates that 5' --> 3' directional mRNA decay is a pathway common to all domains of life.
Hasenöhrl
David
D
Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
Lombo
Tania
T
Kaberdin
Vladimir
V
Londei
Paola
P
Bläsi
Udo
U
D001483:Base Sequence; D017931:DNA Primers; D015852:Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D011485:Protein Binding; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000378:metabolism; D048229:Sulfolobus solfataricus / Q000235:genetics*
D017931:DNA Primers; D015852:Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2; D012333:RNA, Messenger