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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Toeprinting Analysis of Translation Initiation Complex Formation on Mammalian mRNAs
Published on: May 10, 2018
Translation initiation factor a/eIF2(-gamma) counteracts 5' to 3' mRNA decay in the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus
David Hasenöhrl1, Tania Lombo, Vladimir Kaberdin
1Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
The trimeric translation initiation factor a/eIF2 of the crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus is pivotal for binding of initiator tRNA to the ribosome. Here, we present in vitro and in vivo evidence that the a/eIF2 gamma-subunit exhibits an additional function with resemblance to the eukaryotic cap-complex. It binds to the 5'-triphosphate end of mRNA and protects the 5' part from degradation. This unprecedented capacity of the archaeal initiation factor further indicates that 5' --> 3' directional mRNA decay is a pathway common to all domains of life.
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