A mechanistic model of nutritional control of protein synthesis in animal tissues

Regulation of mRNA translation has been held responsible for effects of diet, age, alcohol, hormones, hibernation, disease and hypoxia on protein synthesis in animal tissues. Dietary effects are due to concentrations of amino acids and insulin in circulation that affect activities of two key translational regulators, eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (F2) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (Bp). To construct a platform for prediction of global protein synthesis to nutritional stimuli, a dynamic, mechanistic model of translational control in whole tissues was developed. The model was composed of a set of differential equations which describe the dynamics of 11 state variables: tRNA and acyl-tRNA for leucine (Leu), limiting (Laa) and other amino acids (Oaa), inactivated F2 with GDP (F2d), activated F2 with GTP (F2t), F4e, Bp and its complex with F4e (4eBp), available mRNA start codons (AUG), and active ribosomes (Arib). Material was assumed to flow from one variable to another according to mass-action kinetics or Michaelis-Menten form. Uncharged tRNA inhibit GTP exchange on eIF2, and free amino acids and insulin inhibit reversible sequestration of F4e by Bp. Initial conditions and parameters were set for a skeletal muscle fractional synthesis rate of 10%/d and ribosome transit time of 80 s. Between amino acid concentrations of 500 and 4000×103 nM, protein synthesis increased from 0.9 to 11.7%/d at 0 μU/mL insulin, and from 5.0 to 12.8%/d at 30 μU/mL insulin. Predicted responses to graded levels of a deficient amino acid were asymptotic. A single parameter accomodated differences between tissues in insulin sensitivity. Seven parameters must be changed to simulate initiation and elongation rates in more active tissues such as liver, or in tissues of older mature animals. An increase in uncharged tRNA during insulin stimulation highlighted the physiological importance of coordinated regulation of amino acid supply by insulin. In conclusion, the regulation of F4e release from Bp by Ins and Leu, and of F2d recycling by uncharged tRNA can be tied together to describe a wide range of FSR values across tissues and physiological states.