Publisher's Synopsis
The timely reviews and research papers contained in this publication provide a unique snapshot on the current status of research on hypusine formation, a unique post-translational modification occurring in archaebacteria and eukaryotic cells, but not in eubacteria. Only one cellular protein, the eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A), is known to contain the modified amino acid residue, termed hypusine. Molecular genetic and pharmacological studies indicate that this modification is essential for cell survival and proliferation. Recently, eIF-5A has also been implicated as a cofactor in the action of HIV-1 viral protein Rev. Several laboratories have initiated efforts to exploit hypusine formation as a potential target site for cancer and AIDS chemotherapy. Currently, most of the molecular biological tools are available for studying the biochemistry and function of hypusine formation. The major challenge now is to define precisely the physiological role of elF-5A in cell growth regulation. This publication represents the first collection of papers devoted exclusively to hypusine research. Life scientists in all areas will find this publication informative and useful.
