Work

Initiation of protein synthesis by internal entry of ribosomes into the 5' nontranslated region of encephalomyocarditis virus RNA in vivo

Year: 1989

Type: article

Abstract: Expression vectors that yield mono-, di-, and tricistronic mRNAs upon transfection of COS-1 cells were used to assess the influence of the 5' nontranslated regions (5'NTRs) on translation of reporter genes. A segment of the 5'NTR of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) allowed translation of an adjacent downstream reporter gene (CAT) regardless of its position in the mRNAs. A deletion in the EMCV 5'NTR abolishes this effect. Poliovirus infection completely inhibits translation of the first cistron of a dicistronic mRNA that is preceded by the capped globin 5'NTR, whereas the second cistron preceded by the EMCV 5'NTR is still translated. We conclude that the EMCV 5'NTR contains an internal ribosomal entry site that allows cap-independent initiation of translation. mRNA containing the adenovirus tripartite leader is also resistant to inhibition of translation by poliovirus.

Source: Journal of Virology

DOI: 10.1128/jvi.63.4.1651-1660.1989

Authors: S K Jang, M V Davies, R J Kaufman, E Wimmer

Institution: Stony Brook University

Language: English

Topic: RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Awards: G1185418969, Tumor Virus Host Interactions