Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E mRNA (eIF4E mRNA) (eIF4E mRNA)

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) mRNA is the messenger RNA transcript that encodes the eIF4E protein, a key component of the eIF4F complex responsible for cap-dependent translation initiation (UniProt P06730). The eIF4E protein is the rate-limiting factor in this process and is frequently overexpressed in a wide range of human cancers, where it facilitates the translation of mRNAs encoding potent oncogenic proteins such as VEGF, c-Myc, and Cyclin D1 (Graff et al., 2007, J Clin Invest). By targeting the eIF4E mRNA with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), researchers aim to reduce the cellular pool of eIF4E protein, thereby selectively inhibiting the synthesis of proteins that drive tumor progression and chemoresistance. Drugs like ISIS 183750 (also known as LY2275796) are designed to hybridize with the eIF4E mRNA, leading to its enzymatic degradation via RNase H and a subsequent decrease in oncogenic signaling (Hong et al., 2011, ASCO). This strategy provides a means to modulate a target that has historically been difficult to inhibit with conventional small molecules. However, therapeutic development faces hurdles such as achieving sufficient drug concentration in target tissues and managing potential systemic side effects related to the inhibition of essential protein synthesis in healthy cells.

Other names

EIF4E transcriptEIF4E1 mRNAEukaryotic initiation factor 4E mRNA

Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated mRNA degradation via RNase H activation, leading to reduced eIF4E protein expression and subsequent inhibition of oncogenic protein translation (Hong et al., 2011, ASCO).