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Exploring Internal Ribosome Entry Sites as Therapeutic Targets
Anton A Komar1, Maria Hatzoglou2
1Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Cleveland State University , Cleveland, OH , USA.
Frontiers in Oncology
|November 6, 2015
Summary
Eukaryotic mRNA translation initiation primarily uses cap-dependent or internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-dependent pathways. Targeting IRES elements offers potential therapeutic strategies for diseases like cancer and hepatitis C.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Eukaryotic mRNA translation initiation occurs via distinct pathways, primarily cap-dependent and cap-independent.
- Cap-dependent initiation accounts for most translation events, while internal initiation utilizes internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies for targeting viral and cellular IRES elements.
- To discuss the physiological consequences and therapeutic potential of modulating IRES-mediated translation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of IRES elements and their targeting strategies.
- Analysis of the role of IRES in disease pathogenesis.
- Exploration of pharmacological modulation of IRES activity.
Main Results:
- IRES elements facilitate cap-independent translation initiation through complex RNA structures.
- Internal initiation is implicated in diseases such as hepatitis C and cancer.
- Targeting IRES offers a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention.
Conclusions:
- Modulating IRES-mediated translation presents a viable therapeutic strategy.
- Understanding IRES function is crucial for developing treatments for IRES-associated diseases.
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