Accumulating evidence demonstrates that cytokine receptor signaling is negatively regulated by a family of Src homology 2 domain-containing adaptor molecules termed SOCS (suppressor of cytokine signaling). Previous studies have indicated that the expression of SOCSrelated molecules is tightly controlled at the level of transcription. Furthermore, it has been reported that SOCS polypeptides are relatively unstable in cells, unless they are associated with elongins B and C. Herein, we document the existence of a third mechanism of regulation of SOCS function. Our data showed that expression of SOCS-1, a member of the SOCS family, is strongly repressed at the level of translation initiation. Structure-function analyses indicated that this effect is mediated by the 5 untranslated region of socs-1 and that it relates to the presence of two upstream AUGs in this region. Further studies revealed that socs-1 translation is cap-dependent and that it is modulated by eIF4E-binding proteins. In combination, these results uncover a novel level of regulation of SOCS-related molecules. Moreover, coupled with previous findings, they suggest that SOCS expression is tightly regulated through multiple mechanisms, in order to avoid inappropriate interference with cytokine-mediated effects.
Cytokines such as interleukins (ILs)1 and interferons (IFNs) play pivotal roles in a wide spectrum of processes (1-3). For example, they are required for normal hemopoietic cell development and immunity. Moreover, they participate in the pathophysiology of various autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Cytokines mediate their biological effects by binding to specific transmembrane receptors on target cells. As is the case for many other receptors, engagement of these receptors triggers the tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins, including the cytokine receptors themselves, members of the Jak family of proteintyrosine kinases, and the STAT transcription factors. Since cytokine receptors are devoid of intrinsic protein-tyrosine kinase activity, these phosphorylation events necessitate the participation of cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinases. Accumulating data show that receptor-associated Jak kinases are activated upon ligand stimulation, thus allowing tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor and subsequent recruitment and activation of Src homology 2 domain-containing effectors such as the STATs.Given the deleterious consequences of excessive cytokine stimulation, there has been significant interest in identifying mechanisms restricting their effects. The protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 and possibly its relative SHP-2 have been shown to play important roles in this process, by dephosphorylating the cytokine receptors and the Jak kinases (4 -6). Additionally, a new group of molecules termed PIAS (protein inhibitor of activated STAT) was found to inhibit STAT function by interfering with their ability to bind DNA (7, 8). Finally, members of the SOCS (suppressor of cytokine signaling) family of ada...