Reversible inhibition by methioninyl adenylate of protein synthesis and growth in chick embryo fibroblasts

Abstract

Summary Methioninyl adenylate (MAMP) inhibits protein synthesis by interacting with the enzyme methionyl-tRNA synthetase. Addition of 1 mM of inhibitor to a growing culture of chick embryo fibroblasts arrests immediately cell growth and incorporation of ( 3 H)leucine into protein. This effect is reversed after up to 2 days of inhibition, by addition of L-methionine or renewal of the medium. The extent and reversibility of the inhibition depend on the concentration of MAMP in the medium and the duration of exposure of the cells to the inhibitor. Growing cells are more sensitive than density-inhibited cells.