The role of protein synthesis in cell cycling and cancer.
Cell cycling and protein synthesis are both key physiological tasks for cancer cells. Here we present a model for how the elongation phase of protein synthesis, governed by elongation factor 2 and elongation factor 2 kinase, both modulates and responds to cell cycling. Within this framework we also discuss survivin, a protein with both pro-mitotic and anti-apoptotic roles whose persistence in the cell is tied to protein synthesis due to its short half-life. Finally, we provide a brief overview of efforts of cancer researchers to target EF2 and EF2 kinase.
White-Gilbertson
Shai
S
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Kurtz
David T
DT
Voelkel-Johnson
Christina
C
D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D054736:Elongation Factor 2 Kinase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D051034:Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D020652:Peptide Elongation Factor 2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D000077022:Survivin
C107489:BIRC5 protein, human; D051034:Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins; D020652:Peptide Elongation Factor 2; D000077022:Survivin; D054736:Elongation Factor 2 Kinase