Rab1b and ARF5 are novel RNA-binding proteins involved in IRES-driven RNA localization

Internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements are organized in domains that guide internal initiation of translation. Here we have combined proteomic and imaging analysis to study novel IRES interactors recognizing specific RNA structural subdomains. Besides known IRES-binding proteins, we identified novel factors belonging to networks involved in RNA and protein transport. Among those, Rab1b and ARF5, two components of the ER-Golgi, revealed direct binding to IRES transcripts. However, these proteins exert different effects on translation. While a dominant-negative mutant of Rab1b decreased IRES function, ARF5 silencing stimulated IRES activity. RNA FISH studies revealed novel features of the IRES element. First, IRES-RNA formed clusters within the cell cytoplasm, whereas cap-RNA displayed disperse punctuated distribution. Second, the IRES-driven RNA colocalized with ARF5 and Rab1b, but not with the dominant-negative of Rab1b. Thus, our data suggest a role for domain 3 of the IRES in RNA localization around ER-Golgi, a ribosome-rich cellular compartment.