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Monitoring eIF4F Assembly by Measuring eIF4E-eIF4G Interaction in Live Cells
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Monitoring eIF4F Assembly by Measuring eIF4E-eIF4G Interaction in Live Cells

Published on: May 1, 2020

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Mnks, eIF4E phosphorylation and cancer

Christopher G Proud1

  • 1South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|December 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

MAP kinase-interacting protein kinases (Mnks) activate eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E, a proto-oncogene implicated in cancer. Mnk activity and eIF4E phosphorylation are linked to tumor progression and may be a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • MAP kinase-interacting protein kinases (Mnks) are activated by the oncogenic MAP kinase (ERK) pathway.
  • Eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E, a key regulator of translation, is a primary substrate of Mnks.
  • eIF4E is a proto-oncogene linked to cell transformation and tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of Mnks and eIF4E phosphorylation in cancer.
  • To explore the impact of Mnks on gene expression and cellular processes.
  • To evaluate Mnks as potential cancer therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on Mnks, eIF4E, and cancer.
  • Analysis of evidence linking Mnk activity and eIF4E phosphorylation to tumorigenesis.
  • Discussion of potential therapeutic strategies targeting Mnks.

Main Results:

  • Mnks phosphorylate eIF4E at a single site, influencing its function.
  • Evidence suggests Mnks and eIF4E phosphorylation are involved in cell transformation, tumorigenesis, and progression.
  • Mnks/eIF4E may regulate proteins controlling cell cycle, survival, and motility.

Conclusions:

  • Mnks and eIF4E phosphorylation play significant roles in various cancers.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate Mnk-mediated gene expression and biochemical mechanisms.
  • Targeting Mnks presents a potential avenue for cancer therapy.
Keywords:
ERKInitiation factorTumorigenesismRNA translationmTOR

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