MRPG: In vivo Characterization of the Role of eIF 2B epsilonPhosphorylation in Control of Protein Synthesis

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Asuru 9724040 Technical Abstract: This minority research planning grant is aimed at laying the groundwork for a full proposal that would focus on the role of eIF-2B in the regulation of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells. Specifically, a mammalian expression system will be developed to study the role of phosphorylation of the largest subunit of eIF-2B in controlling protein synthesis. The cDNA for this subunit will be cloned and transfected into COS-7 cells. The cDNA currently in hand is incomplete, and the full length cDNA will be constructed using restriction enzymes. A 2-D gel electrophoresis system will be developed that will allow the characterization of the phosphorylation states of eIF-2B. Preliminary data will be developed for a competitive grant proposal. Non-Technical Abstract: Protein synthesis in higher animals and plants is regulated by a group of proteins called initiation factors. This project focuses on characterizing one initiation factor, eIF-2 alpha. EIF-2 alpha mediates the inhibition of protein synthesis in response to environmental stresses such as viral infection, heavy metal exposure, nutrient deprivation and heat shock. This research could lead to a better understanding of regulation of protein synthesis during stress.