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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Improving Translational Accuracy02:07

Improving Translational Accuracy

Base complementarity between the three base pairs of mRNA codon and the tRNA anticodon is not a failsafe mechanism. Inaccuracies can range from a single mismatch to no correct base pairing at all. The free energy difference between the correct and nearly correct base pairs can be as small as 3 kcal/ mol. With complementarity being the only proofreading step, the estimated error frequency would be one wrong amino acid in every 100 amino acids incorporated. However, error frequencies observed in...
Leaky Scanning02:28

Leaky Scanning

During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA.  Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R stands for...
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
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

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Monitoring eIF4F Assembly by Measuring eIF4E-eIF4G Interaction in Live Cells
08:47

Monitoring eIF4F Assembly by Measuring eIF4E-eIF4G Interaction in Live Cells

Published on: May 1, 2020

Is there a role for eIF5A in translation?

C F Zanelli1, S R Valentini

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Araraquara, Brazil.

Amino Acids
|June 21, 2007
PubMed
Summary

The essential translation factor eIF5A, uniquely modified by hypusination, plays a critical role in cell viability. Its precise function in protein synthesis and cell cycle control is still under investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) is a highly conserved protein essential for cell viability.
  • eIF5A is unique for undergoing hypusination, a post-translational modification dependent on the polyamine spermidine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the functional characterization of eIF5A.
  • To discuss the controversial roles of eIF5A in translation initiation, nuclear export, and mRNA decay.
  • To examine the involvement of eIF5A and hypusination in cell cycle control and proliferation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on eIF5A function.
  • Analysis of evidence regarding eIF5A's role in translation, nuclear export, and cell cycle.
  • Discussion of recent findings on eIF5A's potential role as a translation factor.

More Related Videos

Xenopus laevis as a Model to Identify Translation Impairment
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Xenopus laevis as a Model to Identify Translation Impairment

Published on: September 27, 2015

Toeprinting Analysis of Translation Initiation Complex Formation on Mammalian mRNAs
10:37

Toeprinting Analysis of Translation Initiation Complex Formation on Mammalian mRNAs

Published on: May 10, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Monitoring eIF4F Assembly by Measuring eIF4E-eIF4G Interaction in Live Cells
08:47

Monitoring eIF4F Assembly by Measuring eIF4E-eIF4G Interaction in Live Cells

Published on: May 1, 2020

Xenopus laevis as a Model to Identify Translation Impairment
10:24

Xenopus laevis as a Model to Identify Translation Impairment

Published on: September 27, 2015

Toeprinting Analysis of Translation Initiation Complex Formation on Mammalian mRNAs
10:37

Toeprinting Analysis of Translation Initiation Complex Formation on Mammalian mRNAs

Published on: May 10, 2018

Main Results:

  • Early identification of eIF5A as a translation initiation factor is not consistently supported by subsequent studies.
  • eIF5A's roles in HIV-1 Rev nuclear export and mRNA decay are debated and may be secondary effects.
  • Evidence suggests eIF5A and hypusination are involved in regulating cell cycle and proliferation.

Conclusions:

  • The precise mechanism by which eIF5A influences protein synthesis requires further investigation.
  • Reconsidering eIF5A's role as a translation factor is warranted based on recent evidence.
  • eIF5A and its unique hypusination modification are crucial for cellular functions beyond general translation initiation.