The amount of elongation factor 2 (EF-2) associated with different ribosomal fractions (mono- and polyribosomes) isolated from a methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma is estimated during tumor growth (exponential and plateau phase of growth). Direct EF-2 quantification is obtained by a modification of the method of the diphtheria toxin-catalyzed transfer of (14C)ADP-ribose from (14C)NAD+ to the enzyme. Data reported show that the amount of EF-2 associated with the monoribosomal fraction changes during tumor growth, and particularly, that this amount increases when the tumor cells enter into the plateau phase. In contrast, the EF-2 content of the polyribosomal fraction does not change during the different phases of tumor growth. Data also show that the amount of EF-2 bound to the monoribosomal fraction isolated from tumor cells is significantly and constantly lower than that of the corresponding fraction isolated from reticulocytes or hepatocytes. Moreover the tumor monoribosomes generated by the polyribosome breakdown induced by the "starvation" procedure did not show significant changes in their EF-2 content with respect to monoribosomes isolated from tumor cells maintained in physiological conditions. Besides, tumor monoribosomes generated by the polyribosome breakdown induced by puromycin or by running-off treatment exhibit a relevant increase of the EF-2 content. In these conditions the amount of EF-2 associated with the monoribosomes is similar to that associated with the monoribosomes of control cells (hepatocytes and reticulocytes). Results are discussed in view of a possible regulative role of the EF-2 enzyme in the ribosomal cycle of eukaryotic cells.
Animals Cell Division