Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Initiation of Translation and Initiation Factors
Nuclear control of lung cancer cells migration, invasion and bioenergetics by eukaryotic translation initiation
Pauline Esteves1,2, Laetitia Dard1,2, Aurélia Brillac1,2
1Bordeaux University, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33000, Bordeaux, France.
Abstract:
The basic understanding of the biological effects of eukaryotic translation initiation factors (EIFs) remains incomplete, notably for their roles independent of protein translation. Different EIFs exhibit nuclear localization and DNA-related functions have been proposed, but the understanding of EIFs novel functions beyond protein translation lacks of integrative analyses between the genomic and the proteomic levels. Here, the noncanonical function of EIF3F was studied in human lung adenocarcinoma by combining methods that revealed both the protein-protein and the protein-DNA interactions of this factor. We discovered that EIF3F promotes cell metastasis in vivo. The underpinning molecular mechanisms involved the regulation of a cluster of 34 metastasis-promoting genes including Snail2, as revealed by proteomics combined with immuno-affinity purification of EIF3F and ChIP-seq/Q-PCR analyses. The interaction between EIF3F and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) controlled the EIF3F-mediated increase in Snail2 expression and cellular invasion, which were specifically abrogated using the STAT3 inhibitor Nifuroxazide or knockdown approaches. Furthermore, EIF3F overexpression reprogrammed energy metabolism through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and the stimulation of oxidative phosphorylation. Our findings demonstrate the role of EIF3F in the molecular control of cell migration, invasion, bioenergetics, and metastasis. The discovery of a role for EIF3F-STAT3 interaction in the genetic control of cell migration and metastasis in human lung adenocarcinoma could lead to the development of diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit F (EIF3F) drives lung cancer metastasis by regulating genes involved in cell migration and metabolism. Targeting the EIF3F-STAT3 interaction may offer new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The non-translational roles of eukaryotic translation initiation factors (EIFs) are not fully understood.
- EIFs, including EIF3F, have proposed nuclear and DNA-related functions.
- Integrated genomic and proteomic analyses are needed to explore novel EIF functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the noncanonical functions of EIF3F in human lung adenocarcinoma.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying EIF3F's role in metastasis.
- To explore EIF3F's impact on cell migration, invasion, and energy metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Combined proteomics, immuno-affinity purification, and ChIP-seq to analyze EIF3F interactions.
- Utilized in vivo models to assess EIF3F's effect on cell metastasis.
- Employed STAT3 inhibition and knockdown approaches to study molecular pathways.
Main Results:
- EIF3F was found to promote cell metastasis in vivo.
- EIF3F regulates 34 metastasis-promoting genes, including Snail2, via interaction with STAT3.
- EIF3F overexpression altered energy metabolism by activating AMP-activated protein kinase and stimulating oxidative phosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- EIF3F plays a significant role in controlling cell migration, invasion, bioenergetics, and metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma.
- The EIF3F-STAT3 interaction is crucial for the genetic control of cell migration and metastasis.
- This discovery could inform the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for lung cancer.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Initiation of Translation
First, the initiator tRNA must be selected from the pool of elongator tRNAs by eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2). The initiator tRNA (Met-tRNAi) has conserved sequence elements including modified bases at...
Initiation of Translation
06:36A Modified In vitro Invasion Assay to Determine the Potential Role of Hormones, Cytokines and/or Growth Factors in Mediating Cancer Cell Invasion
09:23Impedance-based Real-time Measurement of Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion
09:17A Simple Migration/Invasion Workflow Using an Automated Live-cell Imager
09:55In vitro Cell Migration and Invasion Assays

