Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) is a major fetal growth factor. The IGF-II gene generates multiple mRNAs with different 5' untranslated regions (5' UTRs) that are translated in a differential manner during development. We have identified a human family of three IGF-II mRNA-binding proteins (IMPs) that exhibit multiple attachments to the 5' UTR from the translationally regulated IGF-II leader 3 mRNA but are unable to bind to the 5' UTR from the constitutively translated IGF-II leader 4 mRNA. IMPs contain the unique combination of two RNA recognition motifs and four hnRNP K homology domains and are homologous to the Xenopus Vera and chicken zipcode-binding proteins. IMP localizes to subcytoplasmic domains in a growth-dependent and cell-specific manner and causes a dose-dependent translational repression of IGF-II leader 3 -luciferase mRNA. Mouse IMPs are produced in a burst at embryonic day 12.5 followed by a decline towards birth, and, similar to IGF-II, IMPs are especially expressed in developing epithelia, muscle, and placenta in both mouse and human embryos. The results imply that cytoplasmic 5' UTR-binding proteins control IGF-II biosynthesis during late mammalian development.

A Family of Insulin-Like Growth Factor II mRNA-Binding Proteins Represses Translation in Late Development

Exoribonucleases play an important role in all aspects of RNA metabolism. Biochemical and genetic analyses in recent years have identified many new RNases and it is now clear that a single cell can contain multiple enzymes of this class. Here, we analyze the structure and phylogenetic distribution of the known exoribonucleases. Based on extensive sequence analysis and on their catalytic properties, all of the exoribonucleases and their homologs have been grouped into six superfamilies and various subfamilies. We identify common motifs that can be used to characterize newly-discovered exoribonucleases, and based on these motifs we correct some previously misassigned proteins. This analysis may serve as a useful first step for developing a nomenclature for this group of enzymes.

Exoribonuclease superfamilies: structural analysis and phylogenetic distribution

The poly(C) binding proteins (PCBPs) are encoded at five dispersed loci in the mouse and human genomes. These proteins, which can be divided into two groups, hnRNPs K/J and the aCPs (aCP1-4), are linked by a common evolutionary history, a shared triple KH domain configuration, and by their poly(C) binding specificity. Given these conserved characteristics it is remarkable to find a substantial diversity in PCBP functions. The roles of these proteins in mRNA stabilization, translational activation, and translational silencing suggest a complex and diverse set of post-transcriptional control pathways. Their additional putative functions in transcriptional control and as structural components of important DNA-protein complexes further support their remarkable structural and functional versatility. Clearly the identification of additional binding targets and delineation of corresponding control mechanisms and effector pathways will establish highly informative models for further exploration.

/pdf/the-poly-c-binding-proteins-a-multiplicity-of-functions-and-3dgubwfldo.pdf

The poly(C)-binding proteins: a multiplicity of functions and a search for mechanisms.

▪ Abstract All cells have the capacity to evoke appropriate and measured responses to signal molecules (such as peptide hormones), environmental changes, and other external stimuli. Tremendous progress has been made in identifying the proteins that mediate cellular response to such signals and in elucidating how events at the cell surface are linked to subsequent biochemical changes in the cytoplasm and nucleus. An emerging area of investigation concerns how signaling components are assembled and regulated (both spatially and temporally), so as to control properly the specificity and intensity of a given signaling pathway. A related question under intensive study is how the action of an individual signaling pathway is integrated with (or insulated from) other pathways to constitute larger networks that control overall cell behavior appropriately. This review describes the signal transduction pathway used by budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to respond to its peptide mating pheromones. This pathway ...

Regulation of G Protein–Initiated Signal Transduction in Yeast: Paradigms and Principles

The hnRNP K homology (KH) domain was first identified in the protein human heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) 14 years ago. Since then, KH domains have been identified as nucleic acid recognition motifs in proteins that perform a wide range of cellular functions. KH domains bind RNA or ssDNA, and are found in proteins associated with transcriptional and translational regulation, along with other cellular processes. Several diseases, e.g. fragile X mental retardation syndrome and paraneoplastic disease, are associated with the loss of function of a particular KH domain. Here we discuss the progress made towards understanding both general and specific features of the molecular recognition of nucleic acids by KH domains. The typical binding surface of KH domains is a cleft that is versatile but that can typically accommodate only four unpaired bases. Van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions and, to a lesser extent, electrostatic interactions, contribute to the nucleic acid binding affinity. 'Augmented' KH domains or multiple copies of KH domains within a protein are two strategies that are used to achieve greater affinity and specificity of nucleic acid binding. Isolated KH domains have been seen to crystallize as monomers, dimers and tetramers, but no published data support the formation of noncovalent higher-order oligomers by KH domains in solution. Much attention has been given in the literature to a conserved hydrophobic residue (typically Ile or Leu) that is present in most KH domains. The interest derives from the observation that an individual with this Ile mutated to Asn, in the KH2 domain of fragile X mental retardation protein, exhibits a particularly severe form of the syndrome. The structural effects of this mutation in the fragile X mental retardation protein KH2 domain have recently been reported. We discuss the use of analogous point mutations at this position in other KH domains to dissect both structure and function.

https://febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1742-4658.2008.06411.x

Structure and function of KH domains

The structure and dynamics of the first KH domain of FMR1 — the protein responsible for fragile X syndrome — reveal that an exposed loop is highly flexible despite containing a GxxG motif that is well conserved throughout the KH family. We suggest that this region provides a putative binding surface for RNA recognition.

Abdelhakim Kharrat

Papers

The solution structure of the first KH domain of FMR1, the protein responsible for the fragile X syndrome.

Conformational stability studies of the pleckstrin dep domain: definition of the domain boundaries

Conformational stability studies of the pleckstrin DEP domain