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Sequences for two cDNAs encoding Arabidopsis thaliana eukaryotic protein synthesis initiation factor 4A
A M Metz1, R T Timmer, K S Browning
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas, Austin 78712.
Gene
|October 21, 1992
Summary
Researchers identified two distinct genes for protein synthesis initiation factor 4A (eIF-4A) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Sequence analysis revealed conserved ATP-binding sites and RNA helicase motifs, suggesting functional similarities across species.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Plant Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Protein synthesis initiation is crucial for gene expression.
- eIF-4A is a key component of the eukaryotic translation initiation complex.
- Understanding plant eIF-4A provides insights into translational regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize cDNAs encoding protein synthesis initiation factor 4A (eIF-4A) from Arabidopsis thaliana.
- To compare the deduced amino acid sequences of Arabidopsis eIF-4A with orthologs from other species.
- To identify conserved functional motifs within Arabidopsis eIF-4A.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of cDNAs from an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA library.
- DNA sequencing of the isolated cDNAs.
- Bioinformatic analysis and comparison of deduced amino acid sequences.
Main Results:
- Two distinct cDNAs encoding eIF-4A were successfully isolated and sequenced.
- Deduced amino acid sequences were compared to eIF-4A from tobacco, mouse, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Putative ATP-binding sites and RNA helicase motifs were identified in the Arabidopsis sequences.
Conclusions:
- Arabidopsis thaliana possesses at least two distinct eIF-4A genes.
- The identified sequences share conserved functional domains with eIF-4A proteins from diverse organisms.
- These findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of translation initiation in plants.