Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
12:26
Optical Tweezers to Study RNA-Protein Interactions in Translation Regulation
Published on: February 12, 2022
5.9K
Archaeal and eukaryal translation initiation factor 1 differ in their RNA interacting loops
Prerana Gogoi1, Shankar Prasad Kanaujia1
1Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India.
FEBS Letters
|April 3, 2018
Summary
Structural analysis reveals high homology between archaeal and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1 (aIF1 and eIF1). Despite similarities, critical differences in loop regions and surface structure suggest distinct functional roles in translation initiation.
Area of Science:
- Structural biology
- Molecular biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The functional homology between archaeal translation initiation factor 1 (aIF1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1 (eIF1) is established.
- A lack of direct structural comparison has hindered a detailed understanding of their similarities and differences.
Discussion:
- The crystal structure of Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3 aIF1 (PH1771.1) reveals significant structural homology with eIF1.
- Despite overall homology, critical differences are observed in the β1-β2 basic loop, acidic loop, and solvent-exposed surface.
Key Insights:
- High structural homology exists between aIF1 and eIF1, despite low sequence similarity.
- Specific structural variations at key regions suggest potentially divergent mechanisms of action in translation initiation.
Outlook:
- Further functional studies are warranted to elucidate the precise implications of these structural differences on archaeal translation initiation.
- This structural insight provides a foundation for understanding the evolution of translation machinery across different domains of life.
Related Concept Videos
02:33Initiation of Translation
39.2K
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...
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...
39.2K
02:33Initiation of Translation
8.2K
8.2K
01:31Translation
157.3K
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...
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...
157.3K
01:44Termination of Translation
27.9K
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...
27.9K
02:16Transcription Factors
82.9K
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...
82.9K
00:43Bacterial RNA Polymerase
32.9K
Unlike eukaryotes, bacteria use a single RNA Polymerase (RNAP) to transcribe all genes. The different subunits of bacterial RNAPhave distinct functions. The multisubunit structure of the bacterial RNAP helps the enzyme to maintain catalytic function, facilitate assembly, interact with DNA and RNA, and self-regulate its activity.
In most genes, the transcription site is a single base present upstream of the coding sequence. Though RNAP is a catalytically efficient enzyme, it does not recognize...
In most genes, the transcription site is a single base present upstream of the coding sequence. Though RNAP is a catalytically efficient enzyme, it does not recognize...
32.9K