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Initiation factor modifications in the preapoptotic phase

S J Morley1, M J Coldwell, M J Clemens

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK. s.j.morley@sussex.ac.uk

Cell Death and Differentiation
|May 19, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Cell death involves changes in protein synthesis regulation. Key translation factors like eIF2 and eIF4G are modified by phosphorylation and cleavage during apoptosis, impacting cell growth.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Emerging evidence links translation regulation to apoptosis.
  • Protein synthesis rates are modulated by cell death inducers.
  • Changes in translational machinery often precede observable apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mechanistic links between translation control and apoptosis.
  • To highlight key regulatory modifications of translation factors.
  • To discuss the implications for cell growth regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on translation and apoptosis.
  • Focus on protein phosphorylation and proteolytic cleavage.
  • Analysis of specific translation initiation factors (eIF2, eIF4G) and eIF4E-binding proteins.

Main Results:

  • Identified phosphorylation and cleavage as primary mechanisms regulating translation during apoptosis.
  • Detailed how eIF2, eIF4G, and eIF4E-binding proteins are affected.
  • Showcased altered functions of these factors and interacting proteins.

Conclusions:

  • Apoptosis involves significant alterations in translational control.
  • These changes in translation factors are crucial for regulating cell death and growth.
  • Understanding these mechanisms offers insights into cell fate determination.

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