Structural basis for translational inhibition by the tumour suppressor Pdcd4

Portia G. Loh, Hsin Sheng Yang, Martin A. Walsh, Qing Wang, Xiaoxing Wang, Zhihong Cheng, Dingxiang Liu, Haiwei Song

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

111 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pdcd4 is a tumour suppressor protein. It inhibits translation through interaction with translation initiator eIF4A, resulting in the suppression of neoplastic transformation and tumour invasion. Here, we present the crystal structures of an N-terminal-truncated Pdcd4 in free form and in complex with eIF4A. Upon binding to eIF4A, Pdcd4 undergoes a marked conformational change to form a heterotrimeric complex with eIF4A, with one Pdcd4 binding to two eIF4A molecules in two different modes. The binding of Pdcd4 to eIF4A is required to inhibit the enzymatic activity of eIF4A, translation initiation, and AP-1-dependent transcription. Both MA3 domains are required to efficiently compete with the C-terminal domain of eIF4G (eIF4Gc) for binding to eIF4A whereas a single MA3 is sufficient to inhibit translation. Our structural and mutational analyses reveal that Pdcd4 inhibits translation initiation by trapping eIF4A in an inactive conformation, and blocking its incorporation into the eIF4F complex.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)274-285
Number of pages12
JournalEMBO Journal
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 4 2009

Keywords

  • Pdcd4
  • RNA helicase
  • Translation initiation
  • Translational control
  • Tumour suppressor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Structural basis for translational inhibition by the tumour suppressor Pdcd4'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this