EIF2α interactions with mRNA control accurate start codon selection by the translation preinitiation complex.

ABSTRACT: In translation initiation, AUG recognition triggers rearrangement of the 48S preinitiation complex (PIC) from an open conformation to a closed state with more tightly-bound Met-tRNAi. Cryo-EM structures have revealed interactions unique to the closed complex between arginines R55/R57 of eIF2α with mRNA, including the -3 nucleotide of the 'Kozak' context. We found that R55/R57 substitutions reduced recognition of a UUG start codon at HIS4 in Sui- cells (Ssu- phenotype); and in vitro, R55G-R57E accelerated dissociation of the eIF2·GTP·Met-tRNAi ternary complex (TC) from reconstituted PICs with a UUG start codon, indicating destabilization of the closed complex. R55/R57 substitutions also decreased usage of poor-context AUGs in SUI1 and GCN4 mRNAs in vivo. In contrast, eIF2α-R53 interacts wit

SUBMITTER: Thakur A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7544238 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature