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Initiation of Translation

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 Translation

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...

Translational Regulation

Translational Regulation

Translational regulation in prokaryotes ensures efficient protein synthesis by controlling ribosome access to mRNA. This regulation is mediated by secondary RNA structures, including translational riboswitches, RNA thermometers, and small RNAs (sRNAs), which respond to intracellular and environmental signals to modulate gene expression.Translational RiboswitchesRiboswitches in the leader region of mRNAs can regulate translation by altering the accessibility of the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence,...

Small GTPases - Ras and Rho

Small GTPases - Ras and Rho

Ras and Rho are small monomeric GTPases that act downstream of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and regulate various cellular processes. These GTPases switch between active and inactive states by binding to guanine nucleotides.
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:

Cotranslational Protein Translocation

Cotranslational Protein Translocation

Translocation of proteins across membranes is an ancient process that occurs even in bacteria and archaebacteria. In fact, the components of the translocation machinery are still conserved between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Sec61 channel partners for cotranslational translocation
During cotranslational translocation, the Sec61 channel partners with the signal recognition particle (SRP), the signal recognition particle receptor (SR), and the ribosomes to transport the nascent polypeptide chain...

Leaky Scanning

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR

Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR

Published on: February 6, 2026

Axon growth-stimulus package includes local translation.

Ian G Macara¹, Hidekazu Iioka, Stavroula Mili

¹Ian G. Macara, Hidekazu Iioka and Stavroula Mili are in the Center for Cell Signaling, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0577, USA. igm9c@virginia.edu

Nature Cell Biology

|August 4, 2009

Summary

Localized messenger RNA (mRNA) translation controls cell processes. In neurons, Par-3 protein is translated in axons, driving axonal outgrowth in response to nerve growth factor (NGF) and netrin-1.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR

Isolation and Quantification of Axonal mRNAs Using Porous Membrane Inserts and RTddPCR

Published on: February 6, 2026

Quantitative Immunofluorescence to Measure Global Localized Translation

Quantitative Immunofluorescence to Measure Global Localized Translation

Published on: August 22, 2017

Translation Efficiency Test Using Polysome Profiles Under Heat Stress

Translation Efficiency Test Using Polysome Profiles Under Heat Stress

Published on: October 11, 2024

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Localized mRNA translation is crucial for controlling cellular functions in distinct spatial locations.
The polarity protein Par-3 plays a key role in establishing and maintaining cell polarity.

Discussion:

This study investigates the role of localized mRNA translation in neuronal development, specifically focusing on the axon.
The findings highlight the importance of localized Par-3 protein synthesis in the axon for mediating responses to external cues.

Key Insights:

Local translation of Par-3 mRNA within axons is essential for nerve growth factor (NGF) and netrin-1-stimulated axonal outgrowth.
This mechanism provides spatial control over cellular processes, ensuring targeted protein production where needed.

Outlook:

Further research can explore the specific regulatory mechanisms controlling Par-3 mRNA translation in axons.
Understanding this process could offer insights into developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.