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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
08:47
Monitoring eIF4F Assembly by Measuring eIF4E-eIF4G Interaction in Live Cells
Published on: May 1, 2020
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Eukaryotic initiation factor 4F-sidestepping resistance mechanisms arising from expression heterogeneity
Jennifer Chu1, Santiago Ramon Y Cajal2, Nahum Sonenberg3
1Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|November 24, 2017
Summary
Targeting the eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) complex offers a novel strategy to overcome tumor heterogeneity and resistance to cancer therapies. This approach addresses key cancer hallmarks by targeting a crucial driver of tumor growth.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Genetics
Background:
- Tumor genetic diversity and gene expression variability drive phenotypic differences and treatment resistance.
- Molecular targeted therapies often fail due to intra-tumor heterogeneity.
- The eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) complex is essential for multiple cancer hallmarks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a conceptual framework for targeting the eIF4F complex in cancer treatment.
- To explore how targeting eIF4F can overcome challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity.
- To highlight the druggability of eIF4F as a therapeutic strategy.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual framework development.
- Analysis of eIF4F's role in cancer hallmarks.
- Evaluation of eIF4F druggability in the context of tumor heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- eIF4F is a central regulator of multiple cancer hallmarks.
- The unique characteristics of eIF4F make it a promising therapeutic target.
- Targeting eIF4F may circumvent resistance mechanisms associated with tumor heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- A conceptual framework for targeting eIF4F in cancer is proposed.
- Targeting eIF4F presents a viable strategy to address therapeutic resistance.
- The druggability of eIF4F offers a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.
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