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Characterization of the Drosophila ortholog of mouse eIF-3p48/INT-6

S Miyazaki1, S Rasmussen, A Imatani

  • 1Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Gene
|June 22, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Researchers isolated the Drosophila eIF-3p48/INT-6, a conserved gene crucial for translation initiation. This gene encodes a protein similar to its mammalian counterpart and is expressed throughout fruit fly development.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The INT6 gene is highly conserved and encodes a component of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF-3) complex.
  • Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) frequently integrates into INT6 in MMTV-induced mouse mammary tumors, highlighting its biological significance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize the Drosophila homolog of the eIF-3p48/INT-6 gene.
  • To investigate the expression and localization of the Drosophila eIF-3p48/INT-6 protein.

Main Methods:

  • Gene isolation and characterization from Drosophila melanogaster.
  • RNA and protein analysis, including sequence similarity comparison.
  • Developmental expression profiling and subcellular fractionation.

Main Results:

  • The Drosophila eIF-3p48/INT-6 gene was isolated, comprising three exons within 1.8kb of genomic DNA at position 73C2.
  • A 1.5kb RNA species encodes a 364-amino-acid protein with 71% sequence similarity to mouse/human eIF-3/INT-6.
  • Drosophila eIF-3p48/INT-6 RNA is expressed throughout development, and the protein localizes to the microsomal fraction.

Conclusions:

  • The Drosophila eIF-3p48/INT-6 represents a conserved component of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 complex.
  • Its expression pattern and subcellular localization suggest a critical role in Drosophila development and protein synthesis.

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