Cocrystal structure of the messenger RNA 5' cap-binding protein (elF4E) bound to 7-methyl-GDP

Article Abstract:

2.2 A resolution determines the x-ray structure of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor (elF4E) which is attached to 7-methyl-GDP. The 5'7-methyl-G(5')ppp(5')N messenger RNA has been recognized by elF4E during the rate-limiting initiation step of translation. The protein looks like a cupped hand that has a curved, 8-stranded antiparallel beta sheet aided by three long alpha helices. Furthermore, 7-methly-GDP attaches in a slim cap-binding slot on the molecule's concave surface, where 7-methyl-guanine recognition is aided by base sandwiching between two maintained tryptophans.

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Mammalian staufen1 recruits Upf1 to specific mRNA 3'UTRs so as to elicit mRNA decay

Article Abstract:

An mRNA decay mechanism that involves mammalian staufen (Stau)1, the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) factor Upf1 and a termination condon is described. Findings show that ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf)1 mRNA is a natural target for Stau1-mediated decay and data indicate that other mRNA are also natural targets.

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Efficient transposition of the piggyBac (PB) transposon in mammalian cells and mice

Article Abstract:

The ability of piggyBac (PB), a DNA transposon from the cabbage looper moth Trichoplusia ni, to transpose in mammalian systems is discussed. Efficient transposition in human and mouse cell lines is possible with the help of PB elements carrying multiple genes.

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