The purpose of this review is to summarize recent experimental data describ
ing the regulation of the phosphorylation of eIF4E, the cap-binding protein
, by the MAPK-activated protein kinase Mnk1. Mnk1 does not interact directl
y with eIF4E, but uses a docking site in eIF4G, a partner of eIF4E. Consequ
ently, control of eIF4E phosphorylation may not strictly depend on changes
in Mnk1 activity. The possibility that integrity of the eIF4E/eIF4G/Mnk1 co
mplex also impinges upon eIF4E phosphorylation is discussed. BIOCHEM PHARMA
COL 60;8:1237-1243, 2000. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.