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The hidden nature of protein translational control by diphthamide: the secrets under the leather
Kayoko Tsuda-Sakurai1, Masayuki Miura1
1Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
The protein translation elongation factor eEF2 undergoes a unique posttranslational modification called diphthamidation. eEF2 is an essential factor in protein translation, and the diphthamide modification has been a famous target of the diphtheria toxin for a long time. On the other hand, the physiological function of this rare modification in vivo remains unknown. Recent studies have suggested that diphthamide has specific functions for the cellular stress response and active proliferation. In this review, we summarize the history and findings of diphthamide obtained to date and discuss the possibility of a specific function for diphthamide in regulating protein translation.
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