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. 2013 Oct 3;9(10):e1003663. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003663

Figure 6. Competition between IFIT1 and translation factor EIF4E for mRNA templates.

Figure 6

(a) Recovery of recombinant human EIF4E based on RNA affinity binding in the presence or absence of IFIT1. Streptavidin beads were coupled to 250 ng of the indicated RNA and mixed with 5 µg of recombinant His-tagged hIFIT1 and/or His-tagged EIF4E, as indicated. Bound proteins were analysed by western blotting with antibodies directed against the His-tag. (b) As in (a), except that RNA-coated beads were incubated with lysates of interferon-treated Ifit1+/+ and Ifit1−/− mouse embryo fibroblasts. Bound proteins were analysed by western blotting with antibodies directed against murine Eif4e and mIfit1. (c) Proposed model for IFIT1-mediated translational inhibition of 2′O-unmethylated viral RNA. Capped and 2′O-methylated cellular and viral RNA is bound by EIF4E to initiate translation. Viral mRNA lacking 2′O methylation at the first ribose is recognized by IFIT1 which prevents binding of cellular factors required for efficient translation. The model is based on data presented here and elsewhere [16], [17], [19], [20].