Differential Requirements for eIF4E Dose in Normal Development and Cancer

Cell. 2015 Jul 2;162(1):59-71. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.05.049. Epub 2015 Jun 18.

Abstract

eIF4E, the major cap-binding protein, has long been considered limiting for translating the mammalian genome. However, the eIF4E dose requirement at an organismal level remains unexplored. By generating an Eif4e haploinsufficient mouse, we found that a 50% reduction in eIF4E expression, while compatible with normal development and global protein synthesis, significantly impeded cellular transformation. Genome-wide translational profiling uncovered a translational program induced by oncogenic transformation and revealed a critical role for the dose of eIF4E, specifically in translating a network of mRNAs enriched for a unique 5' UTR signature. In particular, we demonstrate that the dose of eIF4E is essential for translating mRNAs that regulate reactive oxygen species, fueling transformation and cancer cell survival in vivo. Our findings indicate eIF4E is maintained at levels in excess for normal development that are hijacked by cancer cells to drive a translational program supporting tumorigenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 5' Untranslated Regions
  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism*
  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-4E / genetics*
  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-4E / metabolism*
  • Gene Dosage*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • 5' Untranslated Regions
  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-4E
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • eIF4E protein, mouse

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE68238