Item – Theses Canada

OCLC number
1006918686
Link(s) to full text
LAC copy
LAC copy
Author
Kim, Hyung Chan,1972-
Title
Characterization of a novel mammalian cap-binding protein.
Degree
M. Sc. -- McGill University, 1998
Publisher
Ottawa : National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, [2001]
Description
2 microfiches
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
All eukaryotic mRNAs (except organellar) are capped at their 5' end. The cap structure (m7GpppN, where N is any nucleotide) is extremely important for the processing and translation of mRNA. A modified form of this cap is also present in some snRNAs. Several cap-recognizing proteins that mediate these processes have been characterized. This thesis describes a novel human cytoplasmic protein that is 30% identical and 60% similar in sequence to the human translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). This protein, named 4E-Homologous Protein (4EHP), binds specifically to the cap structure. Sequence alignment and site-directed mutagenesis analysis of 4EHP strongly suggest that it shares with eIF4E a common mechanism for cap binding. Some of its characteristics include: (1) it has two alternative N-termini, (2) it is a phosphoprotein, (3) it interacts with higher-molecular-weight proteins, and (4) it is low in cellular amount. Putative functions for 4EHP are discussed.
ISBN
0612508064
9780612508064