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PKR: a new name and new roles

C G Proud1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK.

Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|June 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Protein kinase PKR, activated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), regulates cell growth and differentiation. It phosphorylates eIF-2 and may control gene transcription via I-kappa B, mediating dsRNA

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Protein kinase PKR (dsRNA-activated protein kinase) was initially identified for its role in inhibiting protein synthesis by phosphorylating eIF-2.
  • Recent research suggests PKR influences cell growth and differentiation, as inactive PKR mutants induce transformed cell characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of PKR in normal cell growth and differentiation.
  • To explore potential substrates of PKR beyond eIF-2, such as I-kappa B.
  • To elucidate the mechanism by which dsRNA regulates gene expression through PKR.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing inactive PKR mutants in cell culture experiments.
  • Investigating protein-protein interactions and kinase activity assays.
  • Analyzing gene expression patterns in response to dsRNA treatment.

Main Results:

  • Expression of inactive PKR mutants led to transformed cell phenotypes.
  • PKR likely phosphorylates additional substrates, including I-kappa B.
  • Evidence suggests PKR mediates dsRNA-induced regulation of specific genes.

Conclusions:

  • PKR plays a crucial role in the regulation of normal cell growth and differentiation.
  • PKR's function extends beyond eIF-2 phosphorylation, involving other substrates like I-kappa B.
  • PKR is a key mediator of gene regulation by double-stranded RNA.

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