Identification of a developmentally regulated translation elongation factor-2 in Tetrahymena thermophila
Abstract
Protein synthesis occurs in all living organisms and regulation of this process frequently occurs at the level of initiation. In contrast, only a few examples of alterations in elongation are known and these typically involve reversible modification of eEF2. We have identified a gene family in Tetrahymena thermophila that encodes a developmentally regulated eEF2 called EFR (elongation factor-2 related). The mRNA encoded by this family is present only during sexual reproduction when extensive genome alterations occur in the developing macronucleus. We have also cloned and sequenced the “standard” eEF2 from T. thermophila that is transcribed in vegetative cells and down regulated during sexual reproduction. T. thermophila eEF2 is over 60% identical to eEF2 proteins from various organisms including yeast and human. EFR is 45% identical to eEF2 from other organisms and 50% identical to T. thermophila eEF2. These data suggest that EFR may have a special role in elongation and one possibility is that they may be involved in regulation of protein translation during macronuclear development.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Forney, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Biochemistry
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