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RACK1: The Molecular Maestro of Cellular Signaling and Translation

Delving into the multifaceted roles of RACK1, a critical scaffolding protein orchestrating diverse cellular processes from ribosomal function to signal transduction.

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Overview

A Pivotal Protein

Receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), also known by its alias guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit beta-2-like 1 (GNB2L1), is a 35 kilodalton (kDa) protein. This protein is encoded by the RACK1 gene in humans and plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, acting as a versatile scaffold to coordinate complex signaling pathways.

Dual Identity

Initially identified as an intracellular receptor for protein kinase C (PKC), RACK1's functional scope expanded significantly with later discoveries. It exhibits notable structural homology to the beta subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins, hinting at its involvement in diverse signal transduction mechanisms. This dual nature underscores its importance in integrating different cellular cues.

The Scaffold Concept

RACK1 functions primarily as a scaffolding protein. This means it provides a structural platform that brings together multiple signaling molecules, facilitating their interactions and ensuring the specificity and efficiency of cellular responses. Its strategic positioning within the cell allows it to mediate a wide array of protein-protein interactions, influencing both cytoplasmic and ribosomal activities.

Function

PKC Receptor & G Protein Homolog

RACK1 was first recognized for its ability to bind to protein kinase C (PKC), a family of enzymes involved in controlling the function of other proteins through phosphorylation. Its structural similarity to the beta subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins further suggests its role in modulating G protein-coupled receptor signaling, a fundamental mechanism for cells to respond to external stimuli.

Ribosomal Integration

Subsequent research revealed RACK1, along with its yeast homolog Asc1, as an integral component of the eukaryotic small (40S) ribosomal subunit. Its strategic location on the 'head' of the 40S ribosomal subunit positions it to influence critical aspects of protein synthesis and quality control, acting as a nexus for regulatory inputs.

Translational Regulation

RACK1's presence on the ribosome is not merely structural; it actively participates in several facets of eukaryotic translation and ribosome quality control. These include:

  • IRES-mediated translation: Facilitating the initiation of protein synthesis at internal ribosome entry sites, crucial for certain viral and stress-response proteins.
  • Non-stop decay: A quality control mechanism that degrades mRNAs lacking a stop codon, preventing the synthesis of aberrant proteins.
  • Non-functional 18S ribosomal RNA decay: Involved in the degradation of defective 18S rRNA, ensuring the integrity of the ribosomal machinery.
  • Frameshifting: Influencing the ribosomal reading frame during translation, a process that can lead to the production of multiple proteins from a single mRNA.

Interactions

Ribosomal Anchoring

RACK1 is strategically situated on the solvent-exposed surface of the 40S ribosomal subunit. Its stable integration into this complex is maintained through direct contacts with both the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and other essential ribosomal proteins. Specifically, it interacts with proteins such as uS3, uS9, and eS17, forming a robust network that supports its regulatory functions within the ribosome.

Extensive Protein Network

Beyond its ribosomal associations, RACK1 engages in a vast array of protein-protein interactions, highlighting its role as a central hub in cellular signaling. These interactions allow RACK1 to modulate diverse pathways, influencing processes from receptor signaling to cell growth and apoptosis.

RACK1 has been shown to interact with a wide range of proteins, including but not limited to:

  • AGTRAP (Angiotensin II Receptor-Associated Protein)
  • Androgen receptor
  • CD18 and CD29 (Integrin subunits)
  • Cyclin A1
  • EIF6 (Eukaryotic initiation factor 6)
  • FYN (a Src family tyrosine kinase)
  • IFNAR2 (Interferon alpha/beta receptor subunit 2)
  • Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)
  • OTUB1 (Ovarian tumor domain-containing ubiquitin aldehyde-binding protein 1)
  • P73 (a tumor suppressor protein)
  • PDE4D (Phosphodiesterase 4D)
  • PRKCB1 and PRKCE (Protein Kinase C beta 1 and epsilon)
  • PTPRM (Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type M)
  • RAS p21 protein activator 1 (RasGAP)
  • ST7 (Suppression of tumorigenicity 7)
  • STAT1 (Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1)
  • Src (a proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase)
  • Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2)

Genomics

Human Gene Location

In the human genome, the RACK1 gene is precisely mapped to Chromosome 5. Its specific locus is identified as band 5q35.3. This genomic address provides crucial information for understanding its genetic context and potential associations with human health and disease.

The precise coordinates for the RACK1 gene on human chromosome 5 are:

  • Start: 181,236,897 base pairs (bp)
  • End: 181,248,096 base pairs (bp)

These coordinates are based on the GRCh38 Ensembl release 89.

Mouse Ortholog Location

The mouse ortholog of RACK1 is located on Chromosome 11. This conservation across species highlights the fundamental importance of RACK1 in biological systems. The mouse model is frequently used to study the gene's function and its implications for human biology.

The precise coordinates for the mouse RACK1 ortholog on chromosome 11 are:

  • Band: 11|11 B1.2
  • Start: 48,691,159 base pairs (bp)
  • End: 48,697,261 base pairs (bp)

These coordinates are based on the GRCm38 Ensembl release 89.

Expression

Human RNA Expression

The expression pattern of RACK1 RNA in humans is widespread, indicating its ubiquitous and essential role across various tissues and organs. This broad expression profile is consistent with its function as a fundamental scaffolding and ribosomal protein, critical for basic cellular processes.

Top expressed tissues for RACK1 in humans include:

  • Pericardium
  • Superior surface of tongue
  • Body of tongue
  • Mucosa of pharynx
  • Vena cava
  • Nipple
  • Saphenous vein
  • Trachea
  • Lower lobe of lung
  • Cerebellar vermis

Mouse RNA Expression

Similar to humans, the mouse ortholog of RACK1 also exhibits a broad expression pattern, particularly prominent during developmental stages and in tissues with high cellular activity. This reinforces its conserved role in fundamental biological processes across mammalian species.

Top expressed tissues for RACK1 in mice include:

  • Epiblast
  • Ventricular zone
  • Bone marrow
  • Ovary
  • Ganglionic eminence
  • Spleen
  • Uterus
  • Zone of skin
  • Placenta
  • Morula

Gene Ontology

Molecular Function

RACK1's molecular functions are diverse, reflecting its role as a versatile adaptor and scaffold protein. It participates in various binding activities and modulates the activity of several enzymes, underscoring its central position in cellular regulatory networks.

  • Protein homodimerization activity
  • Receptor tyrosine kinase binding
  • SH2 domain binding
  • Signaling adaptor activity
  • Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor activity
  • Protein binding and enzyme binding
  • Cysteine-type endopeptidase activator activity involved in apoptotic process
  • Molecular adaptor activity
  • Protein phosphatase binding
  • Signaling receptor binding
  • Ion channel inhibitor activity
  • RNA binding and cadherin binding
  • Ribosome binding
  • Protein kinase C binding and cyclin binding

Cellular Component

RACK1 is found in numerous cellular compartments, consistent with its broad functional spectrum. Its localization is key to its ability to mediate interactions and regulate processes in different parts of the cell, from the cytoplasm to the ribosome and beyond.

  • Cytoplasm, cell body, perikaryon, soma
  • Cell projection, neuron projection, dendrite
  • Membrane, plasma membrane
  • Midbody
  • Mitochondrion
  • Perinuclear region of cytoplasm
  • Phagocytic cup
  • Extracellular exosome
  • Nucleus, nucleoplasm
  • Cytosol
  • Ribosome, small ribosomal subunit, cytosolic small ribosomal subunit
  • IRE1-RACK1-PP2A complex

Biological Process

The biological processes influenced by RACK1 are extensive, encompassing fundamental aspects of cell growth, division, signaling, and response to stimuli. Its regulatory roles are often characterized by both positive and negative modulation, highlighting its fine-tuned control over cellular dynamics.

  • Positive regulation of protein homooligomerization
  • Positive regulation of Golgi to plasma membrane protein transport
  • Negative regulation of protein kinase B signaling
  • Positive regulation of protein phosphorylation
  • Positive regulation of ceramide biosynthetic process
  • Regulation of cell division and cell cycle
  • Negative regulation of phagocytosis
  • Positive regulation of gastrulation
  • Rhythmic process
  • Positive regulation of cell migration
  • Negative regulation of endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response
  • Cellular response to growth factor stimulus and glucose stimulus
  • Negative regulation of Wnt signaling pathway
  • Regulation of tumor necrosis factor-mediated signaling pathway
  • Negative regulation of gene expression and translation
  • Regulation of protein localization to plasma membrane
  • Multicellular organism development
  • Positive regulation of GTPase activity
  • Negative regulation of hydrogen peroxide-induced neuron death
  • Positive regulation of mitochondrial depolarization
  • Negative regulation of cell growth
  • Negative regulation of peptidyl-serine phosphorylation
  • Positive regulation of apoptotic process and intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway
  • Regulation of growth
  • Viral process
  • Regulation of establishment of cell polarity
  • Activation of cysteine-type endopeptidase activity involved in apoptotic process
  • Positive regulation of proteasomal ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process
  • Positive regulation of cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity
  • Apoptotic process
  • Negative regulation of protein tyrosine kinase activity
  • Protein biosynthesis and protein ubiquitination
  • Pigmentation
  • Rescue of stalled ribosome

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Receptor for activated C kinase 1 Wikipedia page

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