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Related Concept Videos

Translation01:31

Translation

Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Initiation of Translation02:33

Initiation of Translation

Initiating translation is complex because it involves multiple molecules. Initiator tRNA, ribosomal subunits, and eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) are all required to assemble on the initiation codon of mRNA. This process consists of several steps that are mediated by different eIFs.
First, the initiator tRNA must be selected from the pool of elongator tRNAs by eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2). The initiator tRNA (Met-tRNAi) has conserved sequence elements including modified bases at...
Termination of Translation01:44

Termination of Translation

The large ribosomal subunit has several important structures essential to translation. These include the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) - which is the site where the peptide bond is formed - and a large, internal, water-filled tube through which the nascent polypeptide moves. This latter structure is called the Peptide Exit Tunnel, and it begins at the PTC and spans the body of the large ribosomal subunit. During translation, as the nascent polypeptide chain is synthesized, it passes through...
Translation01:31

Translation

Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Initiation of Translation02:33

Initiation of Translation

Initiating translation is complex because it involves multiple molecules. Initiator tRNA, ribosomal subunits, and eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) are all required to assemble on the initiation codon of mRNA. This process consists of several steps that are mediated by different eIFs.
First, the initiator tRNA must be selected from the pool of elongator tRNAs by eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2). The initiator tRNA (Met-tRNAi) has conserved sequence elements including modified bases at...
Termination of Translation01:44

Termination of Translation

The large ribosomal subunit has several important structures essential to translation. These include the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) - which is the site where the peptide bond is formed - and a large, internal, water-filled tube through which the nascent polypeptide moves. This latter structure is called the Peptide Exit Tunnel, and it begins at the PTC and spans the body of the large ribosomal subunit. During translation, as the nascent polypeptide chain is synthesized, it passes through...

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Related Experiment Video

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Analysis of Translation Initiation During Stress Conditions by Polysome Profiling
10:59

Analysis of Translation Initiation During Stress Conditions by Polysome Profiling

Published on: May 19, 2014

Coupled folding during translation initiation.

Tatyana V Pestova1, Christopher U T Hellen

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.

Cell
|December 17, 2003
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and eIF4G proteins fold together, creating a stable complex. This complex enhances messenger RNA (mRNA) cap binding, promoting efficient protein synthesis initiation.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Translation initiation is a critical step in gene expression, regulated by various protein factors.
  • The eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) plays a central role in binding the 5' cap of messenger RNA (mRNA).
  • Understanding the structural basis of eIF4E interactions is crucial for deciphering translation regulation.

Discussion:

  • This study reveals the coupled folding mechanism of eIF4E and a domain of eIF4G.
  • The formation of a stable complex between eIF4E, eIF4G, and m(7)GDP highlights their functional interdependence.
  • High cap binding activity is achieved through this specific structural arrangement.

Key Insights:

  • The structure demonstrates how eIF4E and eIF4G cooperate to bind the mRNA cap.
  • Coupled folding leads to a high-affinity complex essential for translation initiation.
  • This structural insight explains the efficiency of ribosomal recruitment to mRNA.

Outlook:

  • Further structural studies could elucidate the role of other interacting factors in translation.
  • Understanding this complex may offer targets for modulating protein synthesis in disease.
  • Investigating dynamic aspects of this complex could reveal finer details of translation control.