Short stretches of rare codons regulate translation of the transcription factor ZEB2 in cancer cells.

ABSTRACT: Two proteins comprising the ZEB family of zinc finger transcription factors, ZEB1 and ZEB2, execute EMT programs in embryonic development and cancer. By studying regulation of their expression, we describe a novel mechanism that limits ZEB2 protein synthesis. A protein motif located at the border of the SMAD-binding domain of ZEB2 protein induces ribosomal pausing and compromises protein synthesis. The function of this protein motif is dependent on stretches of rare codons, Leu(UUA)-Gly(GGU)-Val(GUA). Incorporation of these triplets in the homologous region of ZEB1 does not affect protein translation. Our data suggest that rare codons have a regulatory role only if they are present within appropriate protein structures. We speculate that pools of transfer RNA available for protein translat

SUBMITTER: Wan Makhtar WR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5681250 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature