Mathematical modelling of non-feedback and feedback modes within eIF2 machinery: Limited data aided with well-studied in-vivo system of yeast

The mechanism of protein synthesis in eukaryotes relies on biochemical reactions and universally conserved factors such as initiation (eIFs), elongation (eEFs), release factors (eRFs), and more. Eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) is one of the essential factors for the initiation of protein synthesis. In this study, for the analysis of eIF2 dependent translational initiation, a mathematical model representing all core elements required for eukaryotic translation initiation machinery is considered. Further in-silico analyses and comparisons of two distinct modes of phosphorylation i.e. non-feedback and feedback modes are also discussed. In the proposed model, when the eIF2 kinase activates, the translation stops within a few minutes; in addition, despite having limited access to quantitative data, the model can reach a steady state of translational activity at levels very similar to a well-studied in-vivo system (yeast).