Characterization of the ATP-dependent binding of wheat germ protein synthesis initiation factors eIF-(iso)4F and eIF-4A to mRNA

The ATP-dependent binding of wheat germ protein synthesis initiation factors eIF-(iso)4F and eIF-4A to an oligoribonucleotide has been investigated by direct fluorescence titration techniques. In addition, the effect of ATP on the interaction between another cap-binding initiation factor, eIF-4F, and eIF-4A was studied using the same methods. Comparison of the equilibrium association constants (K(eq)) indicate that 1) hydrolyzable ATP affects the affinity of eIF-(iso)4F for eIF-4A, regardless of whether or not mRNA was previously bound to the eIF-(iso)4F; in contrast, ATP had no effect on the eIF-(iso)4F/oligoribonucleotide interaction; 2) in the presence of ATP, the binding of the binary eIF-(iso)4F.eIF-4A complex to the oligoribonucleotide is of similar affinity as the binding of the oligoribonucleotide to the eIF-(iso)4F alone; the stoichiometry of this ternary eIF-(iso)4F.eIF-4A.mRNA complex was found to be 1:1:1; and 3) a similar ATP effect is observed for the eIF-4F/eIF-4A interaction as for the eIF-(iso)4F.eIF-4A complex.