Vimentin is a component of a complex that binds to the 5′-UTR of human heme-regulated eIF2α kinase mRNA and regulates its translation

► The hHRI 5′-UTR is highly GC rich and has a complex secondary structure. ► The hHRI 5′ UTR acts as an inhibitor of its own translation by binding to cytoplasmic factors. ► Reduced binding of these factors during stress leads to up-regulation of its translation. ► We have identified different mRNP complexes in K562 cells under normal and stress conditions. ► Among these, vimentin has been identified as a component of the hHRI mRNP complex.