Elongation factor-1 alpha is a selective regulator of growth factor withdrawal and ER stress-induced apoptosis

To identify genes that contribute to apoptotic resistance, IL-3 dependent hematopoietic cells were transfected with a cDNA expression library and subjected to growth factor withdrawal. Transfected cells were enriched for survivors over two successive rounds of IL-3 withdrawal and reconstitution, resulting in the identification of a full-length elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1alpha) cDNA. Ectopic EF-1alpha expression conferred protection from growth factor withdrawal and agents that induce endoplasmic reticulum stress, but not from nuclear damage or death receptor signaling. Overexpression of EF-1alpha did not lead to growth factor independent cell proliferation or global alterations in protein levels or rates of synthesis. These findings suggest that overexpression of EF-1alpha results in selective resistance to apoptosis induced by growth factor withdrawal and ER stress.