Recruitment of the ribosomal 40S subunit to the 3'untranslated region of a viral mRNA, via the eIF4 complex, facilitates cap-independent translation

Author

Sohani Das Sharma, Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

6-2014

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Program

Chemistry

Advisor

Dixie J. Goss

Subject Categories

Biochemistry | Biophysics | Molecular Biology

Keywords

BYDV, Ribosome

Abstract

Translation of uncapped plant viral RNAs can be facilitated by either an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) or a cap-independent translation element (CITE) in the 3' UTR. Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) mRNA, which lacks both cap and poly(A) tail, has a translation element (3'BTE) in its 3' UTR that is essential for efficient translation initiation at the 5'-proximal AUG. This mechanism requires binding of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (eIF4G) subunit of the heterodimer eIF4F to the 3'BTE and base pairing between the 3'BTE and the 5' UTR. Here we investigate how this interaction recruits the ribosome to the 5' end of the mRNA. Using fluorescence anisotropy, SHAPE analysis and toe printing, we found that (i) 40S ribosomal subunits bind to the 3'BTE, (ii) the helicase complex eIF4F-eIF4A-eIF4B-ATP increases affinity of 40S subunit binding to the conserved SL-I of the 3' BTE by exposing more unpaired bases of the 3'BTE and (iii) long-distance base pairing transfers this complex to the 5' end of the mRNA where translation initiates. These results reveal an utterly novel mechanism of ribosome recruitment to an mRNA.

Recommended Citation

Das Sharma, Sohani, "Recruitment of the ribosomal 40S subunit to the 3'untranslated region of a viral mRNA, via the eIF4 complex, facilitates cap-independent translation" (2014). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/196