An mRNA m7G cap binding-like motif within human Ago2 represses translation.
Publication/Presentation Date
6-15-2007
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) bind to Argonaute (Ago) proteins and inhibit translation or promote degradation of mRNA targets. Human let-7 miRNA inhibits translation initiation of mRNA targets in an m(7)G cap-dependent manner and also appears to block protein production, but the molecular mechanism(s) involved is unknown and the role of Ago proteins in translational regulation remains elusive. Here we identify a motif (MC) within the Mid domain of Ago proteins, which bears significant similarity to the m(7)G cap-binding domain of eIF4E, an essential translation initiation factor. We identify conserved aromatic residues within the MC motif of human Ago2 that are required for binding to the m(7)G cap and for translational repression but do not affect the assembly of Ago2 with miRNA or its catalytic activity. We propose that Ago2 represses the initiation of mRNA translation by binding to the m(7)G cap of mRNA targets, thus likely precluding the recruitment of eIF4E.
Volume
129
Issue
6
First Page
1141
Last Page
1151
ISSN
0092-8674
Published In/Presented At
Kiriakidou, M., Tan, G. S., Lamprinaki, S., De Planell-Saguer, M., Nelson, P. T., & Mourelatos, Z. (2007). An mRNA m7G cap binding-like motif within human Ago2 represses translation. Cell, 129(6), 1141–1151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2007.05.016
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
17524464
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article