The p53 target gene TRIM22 directly or indirectly interacts with the translation initiation factor eIF4E and inhibits the binding of eIF4E to eIF4G

Background information The interferon (IFN)-inducible protein TRIM22 (Staf50) is a member of the tripartite motif protein family and has been suggested a role in the regulation of viral replication as well as of protein ubiquitylation. In addition, we have previously shown that TRIM22 is a direct target gene for the tumour suppressor p53. Consistently, over-expression of TRIM22 inhibits the clonogenic growth of monoblastic U937 cells, suggesting anti-proliferative or cell death-inducing effects. Results Here, we demonstrate that TRIM22 directly or indirectly interacts with the eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF)4E, and inhibits the binding of eIF4E to eIF4G, thus disturbing the assembly of the eIF4F complex, which is necessary for cap-dependent translation. Furthermore, TRIM22 exerts a repressive effect on luciferase reporter protein levels and to some extent on radiolabelled methionine incorporation. Even though all nuclear mRNAs are capped, some are more dependent on eIF4F than others for translation. The translation of one of these mRNAs, IRF-7C, was indeed found to be repressed in the presence of TRIM22. Conclusions Our data suggest TRIM22 to repress protein translation preferably of some specific mRNAs. Taken together, we show that TRIM22 represses translation by inhibiting the binding of eIF4E to eIF4G, suggesting a mechanism for regulation of protein translation, which may be of importance in response to p53 and/or IFN signalling.