A stimulatory role for the La-related protein 4B in translation

RNA. 2010 Aug;16(8):1488-99. doi: 10.1261/rna.2146910. Epub 2010 Jun 23.

Abstract

La-related proteins (LARPs) belong to an evolutionarily conserved family of factors with predicted roles in RNA metabolism. Here, we have analyzed the cellular interactions and function of LARP4B, a thus far uncharacterized member of the LARP family. We show that LARP4B is a cytosolic protein that accumulates upon arsenite treatment in cellular stress granules. Biochemical experiments further uncovered an interaction of LARP4B with the cytosolic poly(A) binding protein 1 (PABPC1) and the receptor for activated C Kinase (RACK1), a component of the 40S ribosomal subunit. Under physiological conditions, LARP4B co-sedimented with polysomes in cellular extracts, suggesting a role in translation. In agreement with this notion, overexpression of LARP4B stimulated protein synthesis, whereas knockdown of the factor by RNA interference impaired translation of a large number of cellular mRNAs. In sum, we identified LARP4B as a stimulatory factor of translation. We speculate that LARP4B exerts its function by bridging mRNA factors of the 3' end with initiating ribosomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Nuclear / genetics
  • Antigens, Nuclear / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Ku Autoantigen
  • Polyribosomes / genetics
  • Polyribosomes / metabolism
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • Ribosome Subunits, Small, Eukaryotic
  • Ribosomes / genetics
  • Ribosomes / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, Nuclear
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Ku Autoantigen