Coping with stress: eIF2 kinases and translational control

In response to environmental stresses, a family of protein kinases phosphorylate eIF2 (eukaryotic initiation factor 2) to alleviate cellular injury or alternatively induce apoptosis. Phosphorylation of eIF2 reduces global translation, allowing cells to conserve resources and to initiate a reconfiguration of gene expression to effectively manage stress conditions. Accompanying this general protein synthesis control, eIF2 phosphorylation induces translation of specific mRNAs, such as that encoding the bZIP (basic leucine zipper) transcriptional regulator ATF4 (activating transcription factor 4). ATF4 also enhances the expression of additional transcription factors, ATF3 and CHOP (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein)/GADD153 (growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible protein), that assist in the regulation of genes involved in metabolism, the redox status of the cells and apoptosis. Reduced translation by eIF2 phosphorylation can also lead to activation of stress-related transcription factors, such as NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB), by lowering the steady-state levels of short-lived regulatory proteins such as IkappaB (inhibitor of NF-kappaB). While many of the genes induced by eIF2 phosphorylation are shared between different environmental stresses, eIF2 kinases function in conjunction with other stress-response pathways, such as those regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinases, to elicit gene expression programmes that are tailored for the specific stress condition. Loss of eIF2 kinase pathways can have important health consequences. Mice devoid of the eIF2 kinase GCN2 [general control non-derepressible-2 or EIF2AK4 (eIF2alpha kinase 4)] show sensitivity to nutritional deficiencies and aberrant eating behaviours, and deletion of PEK [pancreatic eIF2alpha kinase or PERK (RNA-dependent protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase) or EIF2AK3] leads to neonatal insulin-dependent diabetes, epiphyseal dysplasia and hepatic and renal complications.

Mechanism of activation of the double-stranded-RNA-dependent protein kinase, PKR: role of dimerization and cellular localization in the stimulation of PKR phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF2)

An important defense against viral infection involves inhibition of translation by PKR phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eIF2. Binding of viral dsRNAs to two dsRNA-binding domains (dsRBDs) in PKR leads to relief of an inhibitory region and activation of eIF2 kinase activity. Interestingly, while deletion of the regulatory region of PKR significantly induces activity in vitro, the truncated kinase does not inhibit translation in vivo, suggesting that these sequences carry out additional functions required for PKR control. To delineate these functions and determine the order of events leading to activation of PKR, we fused truncated PKR to domains of known function and assayed the chimeras for in vivo activity. We found that fusion of a heterologous dimerization domain with the PKR catalytic domain enhanced autophosphorylation and eIF2 kinase function in vivo. The dsRBDs also mediate ribosome association and we proposed that such targeting increases the localized concentration of PKR, enhancing interaction between PKR molecules. We addressed this premise by linking the truncated PKR to RAS sequences mediating farnesylation and membrane localization and found that the fusion protein was functional in vivo. These results indicate that cellular localization along with oligomerization enhances interaction between PKR molecules. Alanine substitution for the phosphorylation site, threonine 446, impeded in vivo and in vitro activity of the PKR fusion proteins, while aspartate or glutamate substitutions partially restored the function of the truncated kinase. These results indicate that both dimerization and cellular localization play a role in transient protein-protein interactions and that trans-autophosphorylation is the final step in the mechanism of activation of PKR.

Inhibitory sequences in the N-terminus of the double-stranded-RNA-dependent protein kinase, PKR, are important for regulating phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha (eIF2alpha)

During viral infection, phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2alpha) by the interferon-induced RNA-dependent protein kinase, PKR, leads to inhibition of translation initiation and viral proliferation. Activation of PKR is mediated by association of virally encoded double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) with two dsRNA binding domains (dsRBDs) located in the N-terminus of PKR. To better understand the molecular mechanisms regulating PKR, we characterized the activities of wild-type and mutant versions of human PKR expressed and purified from yeast. The catalytic rate of eIF2alpha phosphorylation by our purified PKR was increased in response to dsRNA, but not single-stranded RNA or DNA, consistent with the properties previously described for PKR purified from mammalian sources. While both dsRBD1 and dsRBD2 were required for activation of PKR by dsRNA, only deletion of dsRBD1 severely reduced the basal eIF2alpha kinase activity. Removal of as few as 25 residues at the C-terminal junction of dsRBD2 dramatically increased eIF2alpha kinase activity and characterization of larger deletions that included dsRBD1 demonstrated that removal of these negative-acting sequences could bypass the dsRBD1 requirement for in vitro phosphorylation of eIF2alpha. Heparin, a known in vitro activator of PKR, enhanced eIF2alpha phosphorylation by PKR mutants lacking their entire N-terminal sequences, including the dsRBDs. The results indicate that induction of PKR activity is mediated by multiple mechanisms, one of which involves release of inhibition by negative-acting sequences in PKR.

The double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase PKR is dispensable for regulation of translation initiation in response to either calcium mobilization from the endoplasmic reticulum or essential amino acid starvation

The alpha-subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor eIF2 is a preferred substrate for the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase, PKR. Phosphorylation of eIF2alpha converts the factor from a substrate into a competitive inhibitor of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor, eIF2B, leading to a decline in mRNA translation. Early studies provided evidence implicating PKR as the kinase that phosphorylates eIF2alpha under conditions of cell stress such as the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, i.e., the unfolded protein response (UPR). However, the recent identification of a trans-microsomal membrane eIF2alpha kinase, termed PEK or PERK, suggests that this kinase, and not PKR, might be the kinase that is activated by misfolded protein accumulation. Similarly, genetic studies in yeast provide compelling evidence that a kinase termed GCN2 phosphorylates eIF2alpha in response to amino acid deprivation. However, no direct evidence showing activation of the mammalian homologue of GCN2 by amino acid deprivation has been reported. In the present study, we find that in fibroblasts treated with agents that promote the UPR, protein synthesis is inhibited as a result of a decrease in eIF2B activity. Furthermore, the reduction in eIF2B activity is associated with enhanced phosphorylation of eIF2alpha. Importantly, the magnitude of the change in each parameter is identical in wildtype cells and in fibroblasts containing a chromosomal deletion in the PKR gene (PKR-KO cells). In a similar manner, we find that during amino acid deprivation the inhibition of protein synthesis and extent of increase in eIF2alpha phosphorylation are identical in wildtype and PKR-KO cells. Overall, the results show that PKR is not required for increased eIF2alpha phosphorylation or inhibition of protein synthesis under conditions promoting the UPR or in response to amino acid deprivation.

Glucose limitation induces GCN4 translation by activation of Gcn2 protein kinase

Phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2alpha) is a well-characterized mechanism regulating protein synthesis in response to environmental stresses. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, starvation for amino acids induces phosphorylation of eIF-2alpha by Gcn2 protein kinase, leading to elevated translation of GCN4, a transcriptional activator of more than 50 genes. Uncharged tRNA that accumulates during amino acid limitation is proposed to activate Gcn2p by associating with Gcn2p sequences homologous to histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HisRS) enzymes. Given that eIF-2alpha phosphorylation in mammals is induced in response to both carbohydrate and amino acid limitations, we addressed whether activation of Gcn2p in yeast is also controlled by different nutrient deprivations. We found that starvation for glucose induces Gcn2p phosphorylation of eIF-2alpha and stimulates GCN4 translation. Induction of eIF-2alpha phosphorylation by Gcn2p during glucose limitation requires the function of the HisRS-related domain but is largely independent of the ribosome binding sequences of Gcn2p. Furthermore, Gcn20p, a factor required for Gcn2 protein kinase stimulation of GCN4 expression in response to amino acid starvation, is not essential for GCN4 translational control in response to limitation for carbohydrates. These results indicate there are differences between the mechanisms regulating Gcn2p activity in response to amino acid and carbohydrate deficiency. Gcn2p induction of GCN4 translation during carbohydrate limitation enhances storage of amino acids in the vacuoles and facilitates entry into exponential growth during a shift from low-glucose to high-glucose medium. Gcn2p function also contributes to maintenance of glycogen levels during prolonged glucose starvation, suggesting a linkage between amino acid control and glycogen metabolism.

Pancreatic eukaryotic initiation factor-2alpha kinase (PEK) homologues in humans, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans that mediate translational control in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress

In response to different cellular stresses, a family of protein kinases regulates translation by phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF-2alpha). Recently, we identified a new family member, pancreatic eIF-2alpha kinase (PEK) from rat pancreas. PEK, also referred to as RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (PERK) is a transmembrane protein implicated in translational control in response to stresses that impair protein folding in the ER. In this study, we identified and characterized PEK homologues from humans, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. Expression of human PEK mRNA was found in over 50 different tissues examined, with highest levels in secretory tissues. In mammalian cells subjected to ER stress, we found that elevated eIF-2alpha phosphorylation was coincident with increased PEK autophosphorylation and eIF-2alpha kinase activity. Activation of PEK was abolished by deletion of PEK N-terminal sequences located in the ER lumen. To address the role of C. elegans PEK in translational control, we expressed this kinase in yeast and found that it inhibits growth by hyperphosphorylation of eIF-2alpha and inhibition of eIF-2B. Furthermore, we found that vaccinia virus K3L protein, an inhibitor of the eIF-2alpha kinase PKR involved in an anti-viral defence pathway, also reduced PEK activity. These results suggest that decreased translation initiation by PEK during ER stress may provide the cell with an opportunity to remedy the folding problem prior to introducing newly synthesized proteins into the secretory pathway.

A mammalian homologue of GCN2 protein kinase important for translational control by phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2alpha

A family of protein kinases regulates translation in response to different cellular stresses by phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF-2alpha). In yeast, an eIF-2alpha kinase, GCN2, functions in translational control in response to amino acid starvation. It is thought that uncharged tRNA that accumulates during amino acid limitation binds to sequences in GCN2 homologous to histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HisRS) enzymes, leading to enhanced kinase catalytic activity. Given that starvation for amino acids also stimulates phosphorylation of eIF-2alpha in mammalian cells, we searched for and identified a GCN2 homologue in mice. We cloned three different cDNAs encoding mouse GCN2 isoforms, derived from a single gene, that vary in their amino-terminal sequences. Like their yeast counterpart, the mouse GCN2 isoforms contain HisRS-related sequences juxtaposed to the kinase catalytic domain. While GCN2 mRNA was found in all mouse tissues examined, the isoforms appear to be differentially expressed. Mouse GCN2 expressed in yeast was found to inhibit growth by hyperphosphorylation of eIF-2alpha, requiring both the kinase catalytic domain and the HisRS-related sequences. Additionally, lysates prepared from yeast expressing mGCN2 were found to phosphorylate recombinant eIF-2alpha substrate. Mouse GCN2 activity in both the in vivo and in vitro assays required the presence of serine-51, the known regulatory phosphorylation site in eIF-2alpha. Together, our studies identify a new mammalian eIF-2alpha kinase, GCN2, that can mediate translational control.

Identification and characterization of pancreatic eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha-subunit kinase, PEK, involved in translational control

In response to various environmental stresses, eukaryotic cells down-regulate protein synthesis by phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF-2alpha). In mammals, the phosphorylation was shown to be carried out by eIF-2alpha kinases PKR and HRI. We report the identification and characterization of a cDNA from rat pancreatic islet cells that encodes a new related kinase, which we term pancreatic eIF-2alpha kinase, or PEK. In addition to a catalytic domain with sequence and structural features conserved among eIF-2alpha kinases, PEK contains a distinctive amino-terminal region 550 residues in length. Using recombinant PEK produced in Escherichia coli or Sf-9 insect cells, we demonstrate that PEK is autophosphorylated on both serine and threonine residues and that the recombinant enzyme can specifically phosphorylate eIF-2alpha on serine-51. Northern blot analyses indicate that PEK mRNA is expressed in all tissues examined, with highest levels in pancreas cells. Consistent with our mRNA assays, PEK activity was predominantly detected in pancreas and pancreatic islet cells. The regulatory role of PEK in protein synthesis was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. The addition of recombinant PEK to reticulocyte lysates caused a dose-dependent inhibition of translation. In the Saccharomyces model system, PEK functionally substituted for the endogenous yeast eIF-2alpha kinase, GCN2, by a process requiring the serine-51 phosphorylation site in eIF-2alpha. We also identified PEK homologs from both Caenorhabditis elegans and the puffer fish Fugu rubripes, suggesting that this eIF-2alpha kinase plays an important role in translational control from nematodes to mammals.

Mitochondrial respiratory mutants in yeast inhibit glycogen accumulation by blocking activation of glycogen synthase

Control of glycogen synthase activity by protein phosphorylation is important for regulating the synthesis of glycogen. In this report, we describe a regulatory linkage between the ability of yeast cells to respire and activation of glycogen synthase. Strains containing respiration-deficient mutations in genes such as COQ3, required for the synthesis of coenzyme Q, were reduced in their ability to accumulate glycogen in response to limiting glucose. This lowered glycogen accumulation results from inactivation of the rate-determining enzyme, glycogen synthase (Gsy2p). Reduced glycogen synthase activity is coincident with lowered glucose 6-phosphate and ATP levels in the respiration-deficient cells deprived of glucose. Alanine substitutions of three previously characterized phosphorylation sites in Gsy2p, Ser-650, Ser-654, or Thr-667, each suppressed the glycogen defect in cells unable to respire, suggesting that inactivation of this enzyme is mediated by phosphorylation of these residues. Inactivation of glycogen synthase requires the RAS signaling pathway that controls cAMP-dependent protein kinase and is independent of Pho85p previously identified as a Gsy2p kinase. These results suggest that yeast cells unable to shift from a fermentative to a respiratory metabolic regimen block accumulation of glycogen by inactivating Gsy2p through protein phosphorylation.

Isolation of the gene encoding the Drosophila melanogaster homolog of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae GCN2 eIF-2alpha kinase

Genomic and cDNA clones homologous to the yeast GCN2 eIF-2alpha kinase (yGCN2) were isolated from Drosophila melanogaster. The identity of the Drosophila GCN2 (dGCN2) gene is supported by the unique combination of sequence encoding a protein kinase catalytic domain and a domain homologous to histidyl-tRNA synthetase and by the ability of dGCN2 to complement a deletion mutant of the yeast GCN2 gene. Complementation of Deltagcn2 in yeast by dGCN2 depends on the presence of the critical regulatory phosphorylation site (serine 51) of eIF-2alpha. dGCN2 is composed of 10 exons encoding a protein of 1589 amino acids. dGCN2 mRNA is expressed throughout Drosophila development and is particularly abundant at the earliest stages of embryogenesis. The dGCN2 gene was cytogenetically and physically mapped to the right arm of the third chromosome at 100C3 in STS Dm2514. The discovery of GCN2 in higher eukaryotes is somewhat unexpected given the marked differences between the amino acid biosynthetic pathways of yeast vs. Drosophila and other higher eukaryotes. Despite these differences, the presence of GCN2 in Drosophila suggests at least partial conservation from yeast to multicellular organisms of the mechanisms responding to amino acid deprivation.

Ribosome-binding domain of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 kinase GCN2 facilitates translation control

A family of protein kinases regulate translation initiation in response to cellular stresses by phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF-2). One family member from yeast, GCN2, contains a region homologous to histidyl-tRNA synthetases juxtaposed to the kinase catalytic domain. It is thought that uncharged tRNA accumulating during amino acid starvation binds to the synthetase-related sequences and stimulates phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eIF-2. In this report, we define another domain in GCN2 that functions to target the kinase to ribosomes. A truncated version of GCN2 containing only amino acid residues 1467 to 1590 can independently associate with the translational machinery. Interestingly, this region of GCN2 shares sequence similarities with the core of the double-stranded RNA-binding domain (DRBD). Substitutions of the lysine residues conserved among DRBD sequences block association of GCN2 with ribosomes and impaired the ability of the kinase to stimulate translational control in response to amino acid limitation. Additionally, as found for other DRBD sequences, recombinant protein containing GCN2 residues 1467-1590 can bind double-stranded RNA in vitro, suggesting that interaction with rRNA mediates ribosome targeting. These results indicate that appropriate ribosome localization of the kinase is an obligate step in the mechanism leading to translational control by GCN2.

Ribosome targeting of PKR is mediated by two double-stranded RNA-binding domains and facilitates in vivo phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2

Protein kinase PKR is activated in mammalian cells during viral infection, leading to phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF-2alpha) and inhibition of protein synthesis. This antiviral response is thought to be mediated by association of double-stranded RNA (ds-RNA), a by-product of viral replication, with two ds-RNA-binding domains (DRBDs) located in the amino terminus of PKR. Recent studies have observed that expression of mammalian PKR in yeast leads to a slow growth phenotype due to hyperphosphorylation of eIF-2alpha. In this report, we observed that while DRBD sequences are required for PKR to function in the yeast model system, these sequences are not required for in vitro phosphorylation of eIF-2alpha. To explain this apparent contradiction, we proposed that these sequences are required to target the kinase to the translation machinery. Using sucrose gradient sedimentation, we found that wild-type PKR was associated with ribosomes, specifically with 40 S particles. Deletions or residue substitutions in the DRBD sequences blocked kinase interaction with ribosomes. These results indicate that in addition to mediating ds-RNA control of PKR, the DRBD sequences facilitate PKR association with ribosomes. Targeting to ribosomes may enhance in vivo phosphorylation of eIF-2alpha, by providing PKR access to its substrate.

Histidyl-tRNA synthetase-related sequences in GCN2 protein kinase regulate in vitro phosphorylation of eIF-2

In yeast, starvation for amino acids stimulates GCN2 phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF-2). Phosphorylation of eIF-2alpha induces the translational expression of GCN4, a transcriptional activator of the general amino acid control pathway. It has been proposed that GCN2 sequences containing homology to histidyl-tRNA synthetases (HisRS) bind uncharged tRNA that accumulate during amino acid limitation and stimulate the activity of GCN2 kinase. In this report we address whether the HisRS-related sequences are required for GCN2 phosphorylation of eIF-2alpha in an in vitro assay. To measure the activity of GCN2 kinase in cellular extracts, we expressed and purified a truncated form of yeast eIF-2alpha. Phosphorylation of the recombinant eIF-2alpha substrate was dependent on both GCN2 kinase activity and the eIF-2alpha phosphorylation site, serine 51. Mutations in the HisRS-related domain of GCN2, which have been shown to block phosphorylation of eIF-2alpha in vivo and the subsequent stimulation of the general control pathway, also greatly reduced eIF-2alpha phosphorylation in the in vitro assay. These results indicate that the HisRS-related sequences are required for activation of GCN2 kinase function.

Expression of vaccinia virus K3L protein in yeast inhibits eukaryotic initiation factor-2 kinase GCN2 and the general amino acid control pathway

Phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF-2) is a well characterized mechanism regulating protein synthesis. Viral and cellular proteins have been identified that regulate the activity of the eIF-2alpha kinases. The regulatory protein, K3L, from vaccinia virus is homologous to the amino terminus of eIF-2alpha and is thought to inhibit the activity of the double-stranded RNA-dependent kinase suppressing the antiviral mechanism mediated by this kinase. We investigated whether K3L can inhibit the activity of the yeast eIF-2alpha kinase GCN2. Expression of K3L protein in yeast reduced the level of eIF-2alpha phosphorylation by GCN2 and blocked the stimulation of the general amino acid control pathway in response to starvation conditions. Accompanying in vitro studies showed that recombinant K3L protein reduced GCN2 autophosphorylation and phosphorylation eIF-2alpha. In agreement with the hypothesis that K3L inhibits eIF-2alpha kinases by functioning as a pseudosubstrate, we observed that K3L directly interacted with the kinase catalytic domain of GCN2. Together, these results indicate that K3L is a specific inhibitor of eIF-2alpha kinases from mammals and yeast and suggest that the kinases contain common structural features important for recognition of their substrate eIF-2alpha.

The histidyl-tRNA synthetase-related sequence in the eIF-2 alpha protein kinase GCN2 interacts with tRNA and is required for activation in response to starvation for different amino acids

Protein kinase GCN2 is a multidomain protein that contains a region homologous to histidyl-tRNA synthetases juxtaposed to the kinase catalytic moiety. Previous studies have shown that in response to histidine starvation, GCN2 phosphorylates eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2), to induce the translational expression of GCN4, a transcriptional activator of genes subject to the general amino acid control. It was proposed that the synthetase-related sequences of GCN2 stimulate the activity of the kinase by interacting directly with uncharged tRNA that accumulates during amino acid limitation. In addition to histidine starvation, expression of GCN4 is also regulated by a number of other amino acid limitations. Questions that we posed in this report are whether uncharged tRNA is the most direct regulator of GCN2 and whether the function of this kinase is required to recognize each of the different amino acid starvation signals. We show that GCN2 phosphorylation of eIF-2, and the resulting general amino acid control pathway, is stimulated in response to starvation for each of several different amino acids, in addition to histidine limitation. Cells containing a defective aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase also stimulated GCN2 phosphorylation of eIF-2 in the absence of amino acid starvation, indicating that uncharged tRNA levels are the most direct regulator of GCN2 kinase. Using a Northwestern blot (RNA binding) assay, we show that uncharged tRNA can bind to the synthetase-related domain of GCN2. Mutations in the motif 2 sequence conserved among class II synthetases, including histidyl-tRNA synthetases, impair the ability of this synthetase-related domain to bind tRNA and abolish GCN2 phosphorylation of eIF-2 required to stimulate the general amino acid control response. These in vivo and in vitro experiments indicate that synthetase-related sequences regulate GCN2 kinase function by monitoring the levels of multiple uncharged tRNAs that accumulate during amino acid limitations.

Multicopy tRNA genes functionally suppress mutations in yeast eIF-2 alpha kinase GCN2: evidence for separate pathways coupling GCN4 expression to unchanged tRNA

GCN2 is a protein kinase that stimulates translation of GCN4 mRNA in amino acid-starved cells by phosphorylating the alpha subunit of translation initiation factor 2 (eIL-2). We isolated multicopy plasmids that overcome the defective derepression of GCN4 and its target genes caused by the leaky mutation gcn2-507. One class of plasmids contained tRNA(His) genes and conferred efficient suppression only when cells were starved for histidine; these plasmids suppressed a gcn2 deletion much less efficiently than they suppressed gcn2-507. This finding indicates that the reduction in GCN4 expression caused by gcn2-507 can be overcome by elevating tRNA(His) expression under conditions in which the excess tRNA cannot be fully aminoacylated. The second class of suppressor plasmids all carried the same gene encoding a mutant form of tRNA(Val) (AAC) with an A-to-G transition at the 3' encoded nucleotide, a mutation shown previously to reduce aminoacylation of tRNA(Val) in vitro. In contrast to the wild-type tRNA(His) genes, the mutant tRNA(Val) gene efficiently suppressed a gcn2 deletion, and this suppression was independent of the phosphorylation site on eIF-2 alpha (Ser-51). Overexpression of the mutant tRNA(Val) did, however, stimulate GCN4 expression at the translational level. We propose that the multicopy mutant tRNA(Val) construct leads to an accumulation of uncharged tRNA(Val) that derepresses GCN4 translation through a pathway that does not involve GCN2 or eIF-2 alpha phosphorylation. This GCN2-independent pathway was also stimulated to a lesser extent by the multicopy tRNA(His) constructs in histidine-deprived cells. Because the mutant tRNA(Val) exacerbated the slow-growth phenotype associated with eIF-2 alpha hyperphosphorylation by an activated GCN2c kinase, we suggest that the GCN2-independent derepression mechanism involves down-regulation of eIF-2 activity.

eIF-2 kinases: regulators of general and gene-specific translation initiation

Phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF-2) is an important mechanism regulating general translation initiation. Two mammalian eIF-2 kinases, the double-stranded-RNA-dependent kinase (PKR) and heme-regulated inhibitor kinase (HRI), have been characterized by sequencing, revealing shared sequence and structural features distinct from other eukaryotic protein kinases. Recent work in yeast has shown that a third related kinase, GCN2, also phosphorylates the regulated site in eIF-2. However, unlike the mammalian kinases, this kinase regulates gene-specific translation. Current models are presented for the regulation of each eIF-2 kinase, and the molecular basis for how this general form of regulation is adapted to control expression of a single species of messenger RNA is discussed.

Mutations activating the yeast eIF-2 alpha kinase GCN2: isolation of alleles altering the domain related to histidyl-tRNA synthetases

The protein kinase GCN2 stimulates expression of the yeast transcriptional activator GCN4 at the translational level by phosphorylating the alpha subunit of translation initiation factor 2 (eIF-2 alpha) in amino acid-starved cells. Phosphorylation of eIF-2 alpha reduces its activity, allowing ribosomes to bypass short open reading frames present in the GCN4 mRNA leader and initiate translation at the GCN4 start codon. We describe here 17 dominant GCN2 mutations that lead to derepression of GCN4 expression in the absence of amino acid starvation. Seven of these GCN2c alleles map in the protein kinase moiety, and two in this group alter the presumed ATP-binding domain, suggesting that ATP binding is a regulated aspect of GCN2 function. Six GCN2c alleles map in a region related to histidyl-tRNA synthetases, and two in this group alter a sequence motif conserved among class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that directly interacts with the acceptor stem of tRNA. These results support the idea that GCN2 kinase function is activated under starvation conditions by binding uncharged tRNA to the domain related to histidyl-tRNA synthetase. The remaining GCN2c alleles map at the extreme C terminus, a domain required for ribosome association of the protein. Representative mutations in each domain were shown to depend on the phosphorylation site in eIF-2 alpha for their effects on GCN4 expression and to increase the level of eIF-2 alpha phosphorylation in the absence of amino acid starvation. Synthetic GCN2c double mutations show greater derepression of GCN4 expression than the parental single mutations, and they have a slow-growth phenotype that we attribute to inhibition of general translation initiation. The phenotypes of the GCN2c alleles are dependent on GCN1 and GCN3, indicating that these two positive regulators of GCN4 expression mediate the inhibitory effects on translation initiation associated with activation of the yeast eIF-2 alpha kinase GCN2.

Truncated protein phosphatase GLC7 restores translational activation of GCN4 expression in yeast mutants defective for the eIF-2 alpha kinase GCN2

GCN2 is a protein kinase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is required for increased expression of the transcriptional activator GCN4 in amino acid-starved cells. GCN2 stimulates GCN4 synthesis at the translational level by phosphorylating the alpha subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF-2). We identified a truncated form of the GLC7 gene, encoding the catalytic subunit of a type 1 protein phosphatase, by its ability to restore derepression of GCN4 expression in a strain containing the partially defective gcn2-507 allele. Genetic analysis suggests that the truncated GLC7 allele has a dominant negative phenotype, reducing the level of native type 1 protein phosphatase activity in the cell. The truncated form of GLC7 does not suppress the regulatory defect associated with a gcn2 deletion or a mutation in the phosphorylation site of eIF-2 alpha (Ser-51). In addition, the presence of multiple copies of wild-type GLC7 impairs the derepression of GCN4 that occurs in response to amino acid starvation or dominant-activating mutations in GCN2. These findings suggest that the phosphatase activity of GLC7 acts in opposition to the kinase activity of GCN2 in modulating the level of eIF-2 alpha phosphorylation and the translational efficiency of GCN4 mRNA. This conclusion is supported by biochemical studies showing that the truncated GLC7 allele increases the level of eIF-2 alpha phosphorylation in the gcn2-507 mutant to a level approaching that seen in wild-type cells under starvation conditions. The truncated GLC7 allele also leads to reduced glycogen accumulation, indicating that this protein phosphatase is involved in regulating diverse metabolic pathways in yeast cells.

Phosphorylation of initiation factor 2 alpha by protein kinase GCN2 mediates gene-specific translational control of GCN4 in yeast

We show that phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) by the protein kinase GCN2 mediates translational control of the yeast transcriptional activator GCN4. In vitro, GCN2 specifically phosphorylates the alpha subunit of rabbit or yeast eIF-2. In vivo, phosphorylation of eIF-2 alpha increases in response to amino acid starvation, which is dependent on GCN2. Substitution of Ser-51 with alanine eliminates phosphorylation of eIF-2 alpha by GCN2 in vivo and in vitro and abolishes increased expression of GCN4 and amino acid biosynthetic genes under its control in amino acid-starved cells. The Asp-51 substitution mimics the phosphorylated state and derepresses GCN4 in the absence of GCN2. Thus, an established mechanism for regulating total protein synthesis in mammalian cells mediates gene-specific translational control in yeast.

Ribosome association of GCN2 protein kinase, a translational activator of the GCN4 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The GCN4 gene of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a transcriptional activator of amino acid biosynthetic genes that is regulated at the translational level according to the availability of amino acids. GCN2 is a protein kinase required for increased translation of GCN4 mRNA in amino acid-starved cells. Centrifugation of cell extracts in sucrose gradients indicated that GCN2 comigrates with ribosomal subunits and polysomes. The fraction of GCN2 cosedimenting with polysomes was reduced under conditions in which polysomes were dissociated, suggesting that GCN2 is physically bound to these structures. When the association of 40S and 60S subunits was prevented by omitting Mg2+ from the gradient, almost all of the GCN2 comigrated with 60S ribosomal subunits, and it remained bound to these particles during gel electrophoresis under nondenaturing conditions. GCN2 could be dissociated from 60S subunits by 0.5 M KCl, suggesting that it is loosely associated with ribosomes rather than being an integral ribosomal protein. Accumulation of GCN2 on free 43S-48S particles and 60S subunits occurred during polysome runoff in vitro and under conditions of reduced growth rate in vivo. These observations, plus the fact that GCN2 shows preferential association with free ribosomal subunits during exponential growth, suggest that GCN2 interacts with ribosomes during the translation initiation cycle. The extreme carboxyl-terminal segment of GCN2 is essential for its interaction with ribosomes. These sequences are also required for the ability of GCN2 to stimulate GCN4 translation in vivo, leading us to propose that ribosome association by GCN2 is important for its access to substrates in the translational machinery or for detecting uncharged tRNA in amino acid-starved cells.

The translational activator GCN3 functions downstream from GCN1 and GCN2 in the regulatory pathway that couples GCN4 expression to amino acid availability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The GCN4 protein of S. cerevisiae is a transcriptional activator of amino acid biosynthetic genes which are subject to general amino acid control. GCN3, a positive regulator required for increased GCN4 expression in amino acid-starved cells, is thought to function by antagonism of one or more negative regulators encoded by GCD genes. We isolated gcn3c alleles that lead to constitutively derepressed expression of GCN4 and amino acid biosynthetic genes under its control. These mutations map in the protein-coding sequences and, with only one exception, do not increase the steady-state level of GCN3 protein. All of the gcn3c alleles lead to derepression of genes under the general control in the absence of GCN1 and GCN2, two other positive regulators of GCN4 expression. This finding suggests that GCN3 functions downstream from GCN1 and GCN2 in the general control pathway. In accord with this idea, constitutively derepressing alleles of GCN2 are greatly dependent on GCN3 for their derepressed phenotype. The gcn3c alleles that are least dependent on GCN1 and GCN2 for derepression cause slow-growth under nonstarvation conditions. In addition, all of the gcn3c alleles are less effective than wild-type GCN3 in overcoming the temperature-sensitive lethality associated with certain mutations in the negative regulator GCD2. These results suggest that activation of GCN3 positive regulatory function by the gcn3c mutations involves constitutive antagonism of GCD2 function, leading to reduced growth rates and derepression of GCN4 expression in the absence of amino acid starvation.

Identification of positive-acting domains in GCN2 protein kinase required for translational activation of GCN4 expression

GCN4 is a transcriptional activator of amino acid-biosynthetic genes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. GCN2, a translational activator of GCN4 expression, contains a domain homologous to the catalytic subunit of eucaryotic protein kinases. Substitution of a highly conserved lysine residue in the kinase domain abolished GCN2 regulatory function in vivo and its ability to autophosphorylate in vitro, indicating that GCN2 acts as a protein kinase in stimulating GCN4 expression. Elevated GCN2 gene dosage led to derepression of GCN4 under nonstarvation conditions; however, we found that GCN2 mRNA and protein levels did not increase in wild-type cells in response to amino acid starvation. Therefore, it appears that GCN2 protein kinase function is stimulated posttranslationally in amino acid-starved cells. Three dominant-constitutive GCN2 point mutations were isolated that led to derepressed GCN4 expression under nonstarvation conditions. Two of the GCN2(Con) mutations mapped in the kinase domain itself. The third mapped just downstream from a carboxyl-terminal segment homologous to histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HisRS), which we suggested might function to detect uncharged tRNA in amino acid-starved cells and activate the adjacent protein kinase moiety. Deletions and substitutions in the HisRS-related sequences and in the carboxyl-terminal segment in which one of the GCN2(Con) mutation mapped abolished GCN2 positive regulatory function in vivo without lowering autophosphorylation activity in vitro. These results suggest that sequences flanking the GCN2 protein kinase moiety are positive-acting domains required to increase recognition of physiological substrates or lower the requirement for uncharged tRNA to activate kinase activity under conditions of amino acid starvation.

Juxtaposition of domains homologous to protein kinases and histidyl-tRNA synthetases in GCN2 protein suggests a mechanism for coupling GCN4 expression to amino acid availability

The GCN2 protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae stimulates the expression of amino acid biosynthetic genes under conditions of amino acid starvation by derepressing GCN4, a transcriptional activator of these genes. GCN2 contains sequences homologous to the catalytic domain of protein kinases. We show here that substitution of a highly conserved lysine in the presumed ATP-binding site of this domain impairs the derepression of histidine biosynthetic genes under GCN4 control. This result supports the idea that protein kinase activity is required for GCN2 positive regulatory function. Determination of the nucleotide sequence of the entire GCN2 complementation unit, and measurement of the molecular weight of GCN2 protein expressed in vivo, indicate that GCN2 is a Mr approximately 180,000 protein and contains a Mr approximately 60,000 segment homologous to histidyl-tRNA synthetases (HisRSs) juxtaposed to the protein kinase domain. Several two-codon insertion mutations in the HisRS-related coding sequences inactivate GCN2 regulatory function. Based on these results, we propose that the GCN2 HisRS domain responds to the presence of uncharged tRNA by activating the adjacent protein kinase moiety, thus providing a means of coupling GCN2-mediated derepression of GCN4 expression to the availability of amino acids.

Overlapping transcription and termination of the convergent ilvA and ilvY genes of Escherichia coli

The ilvY gene of Escherichia coli is transcribed in a direction opposite to the ilvGMEDA operon, and the translational stop codons of the ilvA and ilvY genes are only 52 base pairs (bp) apart. We have employed galK transcriptional analyses, in vitro transcription assays, and S1 nuclease mapping to show that the converging transcripts of the ilvGMEDA operon and the ilvY gene overlap. The ilvGMEDA transcript terminates at two sites in the distal amino acid coding region of the ilvY gene: a rho-independent termination site 116 bp downstream of the ilvA translational stop codon, ilvA t, and a 62-bp-long rho-dependent termination site, ilvA t', beginning 70 bp beyond the ilvA t site. This tt' termination pattern at the distal end of the ilvGMEDA operon is similar to that of the trp operon of E. coli and the leu operon of Salmonella typhimurium. Termination of ilvY transcription occurs over a broad stretch of DNA several hundred base pairs downstream of the ilvY translational stop codon in the middle of the amino acid coding region of the ilvA gene. These experiments demonstrate that the converging transcripts from the ilvA and ilvY genes terminate in the coding region of the opposing gene.

Transcriptional activation at adjacent operators in the divergent-overlapping ilvY and ilvC promoters of Escherichia coli

The ilvC gene encodes acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase (EC 1.1.1.89), the second enzyme in the parallel isoleucine-valine biosynthetic pathway. Expression of the ilvC gene is induced by acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase substrates, acetohydroxybutyrate or acetolactate. This substrate induction is mediated by a positive activator encoded by an adjacent gene, ilvY. The ilvY and ilvC genes are transcribed in opposite directions from promoters that are overlapping. In this paper we characterize the in vitro DNA binding properties of the ilvY-encoded activator protein. The ilvY product binds to two adjacent operator sites located in the divergent-overlapping ilvY and ilvC promoter region. One of these operators, designated O1 contains regions of dyad symmetry centered at position +17 relative to the ilvY transcriptional start site, and the second site, designated O2, contains an homologous inverted repeat sequence centered about the -35 region of the ilvC promoter. Binding of the ilvY product at the O1 and O2 operator sites is co-operative and this ilvY protein-DNA complex in the presence of acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase substrate is a prerequisite for RNA polymerase binding to the ilvC promoter as detected by DNase I protection experiments. Additionally, chromosomal galK transcriptional fusion assays were performed to characterize the regulation of the ilvY and ilvC promoters in vivo. Transcription of the ilvC gene is maintained at a basal level of activity which is elevated as much as 15-fold in the presence of ilvY product and acetohydroxybutyrate. The ilvY product represses ilvY transcription in a manner that does not appear to be dependent on acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase substrate. We discuss models in which activation of ilvC transcription results from a direct interaction of ilvY protein with RNA polymerase or an ilvY-mediated alteration of the DNA conformation of the ilvC -35 promoter region. Additionally, we discuss the role of acetohydroxybutyrate and acetolactate in ilvY transcriptional regulation.

Rho-dependent transcriptional polarity in the ilvGMEDA operon of wild-type Escherichia coli K12

It has been generally accepted that transcriptional polarity in prokaryotic systems is due to an uncoupling of translation and transcription which unmasks latent rho-dependent termination sites in a polycistronic messenger RNA. In this report, we identify and characterize rho-dependent termination sites responsible for transcriptional polarity in the ilvGMEDA operon of wild-type Escherichia coli K12. The ilvG gene in the wild-type E. coli K12 ilvGMEDA operon contains a frameshift site which results in termination of translation in the middle of the gene. Mutations have been characterized which restore the reading frame of this gene. In addition to allowing full-length expression of the ilvG product, these mutations cause a 3-4-fold elevation in the expression of the operon distal genes. This transcriptional polarity effect on operon distal genes also has been shown to be relieved by rho suppressor mutations. We have used in vitro transcription experiments to identify rho-dependent transcriptional termination sites downstream of the frameshift site in the ilvG gene. Three tandem rho-dependent sites have been located in the ilv'GM' gene region using transcription reactions containing linear or supercoiled plasmid DNA templates. Accumulatively, these rho-dependent termination sites account for about 80% in vitro transcription termination, which is in agreement with the in vivo measurements of transcriptional polarity on operon distal gene expression. These transcriptional experiments provide in vitro confirmation for the latent rho-dependent termination site model of transcriptional polarity.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the ilvGMEDA operon of Escherichia coli K-12

In this report we present the complete nucleotide sequence of the ilvGMEDA operon of Escherichia coli. This operon contains five genes encoding four of the five enzymes required for the biosynthesis of isoleucine and valine. We identify and describe the coding regions for these five structural genes and the structural and functional features of the flanking and internal regulatory regions of this operon. This new information contributes to a more complete understanding of the overall control of the biosynthesis of isoleucine and valine.

Examination of the internal promoter, PE, in the ilvGMEDA operon of E. coli K-12

The ilvGMEDA operon of Escherichia coli K-12 contains an internal promoter, PE, in the distal portion of the ilvM gene immediately upstream from the ilvE gene. The location of this promoter was determined using S1 nuclease protection analyses of in vivo and in vitro transcripts. The transcriptional activity of the internal promoter was compared to the transcriptional activity of the operon-proximal promoter P1P2 using transcriptional fusion vectors and plasmid copy number determinations. These measurements showed that the P1P2 promoter is 52-fold stronger than the internal PE promoter. Estimates of the transcriptional role of the internal promoter on ilvE gene expression during growth conditions in excess and limiting branch chain amino acids is presented.

Nucleotide sequence and in vivo expression of the ilvY and ilvC genes in Escherichia coli K12. Transcription from divergent overlapping promoters

The ilvC gene of Escherichia coli K12 encodes acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase, the second enzyme in the parallel isoleucine-valine biosynthetic pathway. Previous data have shown that transcription of the ilvC gene is induced by the acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase substrates, acetohydroxybutyrate or acetolactate, and that this substrate induction of ilvC expression is mediated by a positive activator encoded by the ilvY gene. We report here the isolation and complete nucleotide sequence of the ilvY and ilvC genes. The ilvY and ilvC genes encode polypeptides of Mr 33,200 and 54,000, respectively. In vitro transcription-translation of these gene templates results in the synthesis of gene products of these identical molecular weights. The ilvC gene is transcribed in the same direction as the genes of the adjacent ilvGMEDA operon. The ilvY gene is transcribed in a direction opposite to the ilvC and ilvGMEDA genes. The in vivo transcriptional initiation sites of the ilvY and ilvC genes have been determined by S1 nuclease protection experiments. These transcriptional initiation sites are 45 nucleotides apart, and transcription of the ilvY and ilvC genes is initiated via divergent overlapping promoters. The nucleotide sequence of the ilvY and ilvC promoters and 5'-coding regions of Salmonella typhimurium LT2 have been determined. A comparison of these sequences with E. coli K12 suggests regions important in the promotion, regulation, and translation of the ilvY and ilvC genes. A model is presented in which the ilvY-encoded activator binds to an operator site in the overlapping promoter region and reciprocally regulates the transcription of the ilvY and ilvC genes. The carboxyl-terminal amino acid sequence of threonine deaminase encoded by the ilvA gene of the ilv-GMEDA operon of E. coli K12 has been identified by homology with the previously deduced threonine deaminase amino acid sequence encoded by the ilv1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Based on the deduced amino acid sequences of the ilvA and ilvY genes, the translational termination codons for both genes are shown to be separated by 52 nucleotides. The proximity of the ilvA and ilvY genes suggests that the 3'-ends of these transcripts overlap.

The nucleotide sequence of the ilvBN operon of Escherichia coli: sequence homologies of the acetohydroxy acid synthase isozymes

Three acetohydroxy acid synthase isozymes, AHAS I (ilvBN), AHAS II (ilvGM) and AHAS III (ilvIH) catalyze the first step of the parallel isoleucine-valine biosynthetic pathway in Escherichia coli. Previous DNA sequence and protein purification data have shown that AHAS II and AHAS III are composed of large and small subunits encoded in the ilvGMEDA and ilvIH operons, respectively. Recent protein purification and characterization data have demonstrated that the AHAS I isozyme is also composed of large and small subunits (L. Eoyang, L. and P. M. Silverman [1984] J. Bacteriol. 157:184-189). Now the complete DNA sequence of the operon encoding the AHAS I isozyme has been determined. These data show that both AHAS I subunits (Mr 60,400 and Mr 11,100) are encoded in this operon. The coordinant regulation of both genes of the ilvBN operon has also been demonstrated. Comparisons of the DNA sequences of the genes encoding all three AHAS isozymes have been performed. Conserved homologies were observed between both the large and small subunits of all three isozymes. The closest homology was seen between the AHAS I and AHAS II isozymes. On the basis of these comparisons a rationale for the evolution of the AHAS isozymes in E. coli has been proposed.

Partial nucleotide sequence similarity within species of Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma

The nucleotide sequence relationships between 18 species of Mycoplasma and 3 species of Acholeplasma were examined by solution DNA hybridization. Radiolabeled DNAs from strains representing 13 Mycoplasma and 2 Acholeplasma species were used as hybridization probes. The mycoplasmas were heterogeneous but displayed a low degree of conserved information of the order of 3 to 5% of the genome. However, several species within each genus showed 13 to 15% homology. There was no detectable homology between species from the two genera, and M. pneumoniae and M. neurolyticum appeared to be unrelated to any of the other Mycoplasma species or to each other. These results suggest that it may be possible to isolate genes common to most, if not all, Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma species.