Polypyrimidine-tract-binding protein: a multifunctional RNA-binding protein

Sawicka, K., Bushell, M. , Spriggs, K. A. and Willis, A. E. (2008) Polypyrimidine-tract-binding protein: a multifunctional RNA-binding protein. Biochemical Society Transactions, 36(4), pp. 641-647. (doi: 10.1042/BST0360641) (PMID:18631133)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

PTB (polypyrimidine-tract-binding protein) is a ubiquitous RNA-binding protein. It was originally identified as a protein with a role in splicing but it is now known to function in a large number of diverse cellular processes including polyadenylation, mRNA stability and translation initiation. Specificity of PTB function is achieved by a combination of changes in the cellular localization of this protein (its ability to shuttle from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is tightly controlled) and its interaction with additional proteins. These differences in location and trans-acting factor requirements account for the fact that PTB acts both as a suppressor of splicing and an activator of translation. In the latter case, the role of PTB in translation has been studied extensively and it appears that this protein is required for an alternative form of translation initiation that is mediated by a large RNA structural element termed an IRES (internal ribosome entry site) that allows the synthesis of picornaviral proteins and cellular proteins that function to control cell growth and cell death. In the present review, we discuss how PTB regulates these disparate processes.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:K.S. is funded by a studentship from the BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) and M.B. holds a BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bushell, Professor Martin
Authors: Sawicka, K., Bushell, M., Spriggs, K. A., and Willis, A. E.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
Journal Name:Biochemical Society Transactions
Publisher:Portland Press for The Biochemical Society
ISSN:0300-5127
ISSN (Online):1470-8752

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record