Suppression of Cellular Transformation by Poly (A) Binding Protein Interacting Protein 2 (Paip2)

Controlling translation is crucial for the homeostasis of a cell. Its deregulation can facilitate the development and progression of many diseases including cancer. Poly (A) binding protein interacting protein 2 (Paip2) inhibits efficient initiation of translation by impairing formation of the necessary closed loop of mRNA. The over production of Paip2 in the presence of a constitutively active form of hRas(V12) can reduce colony formation in a semi-solid matrix and focus formation on a cell monolayer. The ability of Paip2 to bind to Pabp is required to suppress the transformed phenotype mediated by hRas(V12). These observations indicate that Paip2 is able to function as a tumor suppressor.