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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...

Translation in Prokaryotes

Translation in Prokaryotes

Prokaryote translation is a complex, highly coordinated process that converts genetic information from mRNA into functional proteins. It involves three stages: initiation, elongation, and termination, each facilitated by specific molecular components.Initiation of TranslationThe process begins with the assembly of the ribosomal subunits and initiation factors on the mRNA. In bacteria, the 30S ribosomal subunit recognizes the Shine-Dalgarno sequence in the mRNA, a conserved region upstream of...

Improving Translational Accuracy

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...

Termination of Translation

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...

General Transcription Factors

General Transcription Factors

Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Toeprinting Analysis of Translation Initiation Complex Formation on Mammalian mRNAs

Toeprinting Analysis of Translation Initiation Complex Formation on Mammalian mRNAs

Published on: May 10, 2018

Eukaryotic type translation initiation factor 2: structure-functional aspects.

E A Stolboushkina¹, M B Garber

¹Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia. esmail@vega.protres.ru

Biochemistry. Biokhimiia

|May 17, 2011

Summary

Translation initiation factor 2 (IF2) is crucial for protein synthesis. This study details the structure and function of eukaryotic IF2 (eIF2), highlighting its interactions with factors eIF5 and eIF2B.

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Toeprinting Analysis of Translation Initiation Complex Formation on Mammalian mRNAs

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Cellular Biology
Biochemistry

Background:

Translation initiation factor 2 (IF2) is essential for protein synthesis.
Bacterial IF2 is monomeric, while eukaryotic and archaean IF2 (e/aIF2) is a heterotrimer (αβγ).

Purpose of the Study:

To present data on the structure and function of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2).
To introduce new findings on initiation factors eIF5 and eIF2B that regulate eIF2 activity.

Main Methods:

Structural analysis of eIF2.
Functional assays investigating eIF2 interactions.
Biochemical studies on nucleotide exchange.

Main Results:

Detailed structural and functional data for eIF2 are provided.
New insights into the roles of eIF5 and eIF2B in modulating eIF2 function.
Demonstration of eIF5 and eIF2B controlling nucleotide exchange in eIF2.

Conclusions:

eIF2, along with eIF5 and eIF2B, forms a critical complex for translation initiation.
Understanding these interactions is key to deciphering protein synthesis regulation.