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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Single Molecule Fluorescence Energy Transfer Study of Ribosome Protein Synthesis

Single Molecule Fluorescence Energy Transfer Study of Ribosome Protein Synthesis

Published on: July 6, 2021

Ribosome flow model with positive feedback.

Michael Margaliot¹, Tamir Tuller

¹School of Electrical Engineering-Systems, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel.

Journal of the Royal Society, Interface

|May 31, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Eukaryotic mRNA translation exhibits positive feedback, where increased ribosome flow enhances initiation. This study models this system, revealing a unique steady state for ribosome distribution and translation rate.

Keywords:

contraction theory cooperative systems gene translation monotone dynamical systems ribosomal recycling systems biology

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Biophysics
Systems Biology

Background:

Eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) typically form circular structures, facilitating ribosome recycling.
This circularization enables a positive feedback loop where increased translation termination enhances translation initiation.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and analyze a mathematical model for mRNA translation with feedback.
To investigate the dynamics and stability of ribosome flow on mRNA.

Main Methods:

Modification of the ribosome flow model to include input (initiation rate) and output (translation rate).
Analysis of the closed-loop system with positive linear feedback.
Mathematical derivation of equilibrium points and stability analysis.

Main Results:

The closed-loop system demonstrates a unique, globally asymptotically stable equilibrium point.
This equilibrium signifies a unique steady-state distribution of ribosomes along the mRNA.
The steady-state ribosome density decreases along the coding sequence.

Conclusions:

The model predicts a single, stable translation rate achievable from any initial condition.
Understanding these feedback mechanisms allows for potential re-engineering of biological systems to control translation rates.