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. 2000 Oct;6(10):1468–1479. doi: 10.1017/s1355838200001242

Suppression of eukaryotic translation termination by selected RNAs.

J Carnes 1, L Frolova 1, S Zinnen 1, G Drugeon 1, M Phillippe 1, J Justesen 1, A L Haenni 1, L Leinwand 1, L L Kisselev 1, M Yarus 1
PMCID: PMC1370017  PMID: 11073222

Abstract

Using selection-amplification, we have isolated RNAs with affinity for translation termination factors eRF1 and eRF1.eRF3 complex. Individual RNAs not only bind, but inhibit eRF1-mediated release of a model nascent chain from eukaryotic ribosomes. There is also significant but weaker inhibition of eRF1-stimulated eRF3 GTPase and eRF3 stimulation of eRF1 release activity. These latter selected RNAs therefore hinder eRF1.eRF3 interactions. Finally, four RNA inhibitors of release suppress a UAG stop codon in mammalian extracts dependent for termination on eRF1 from several metazoan species. These RNAs are therefore new specific inhibitors for the analysis of eukaryotic termination, and potentially a new class of omnipotent termination suppressors with possible therapeutic significance.

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Selected References

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