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Related Concept Videos

Initiation of Translation02:33

Initiation of Translation

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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.
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The Eukaryotic Promoter Region02:40

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The eukaryotic promoter region is a segment of DNA located upstream of a gene. It contains an RNA polymerase binding site, a transcription start site, and several cis-regulatory sequences.  The proximal promoter region is located in the vicinity of the gene and has cis-regulatory sequences and the core promoter. The core promoter is the binding site for RNA polymerase and is usually located between -35 and +35 nucleotides from the transcription start site. The distal promoter regions are...
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RNA Polymerase (RNAP) is conserved in all animals, with bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic RNAPs sharing significant sequence, structural, and functional similarities. Among the three eukaryotic RNAPs, RNA Polymerase II is most similar to bacterial RNAP in terms of both structural organization and folding topologies of the enzyme subunits. However, these similarities are not reflected in their mechanism of action.
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One of the unique features of tRNA is the presence of modified bases. In some tRNAs, modified bases account for nearly 20% of the total bases in the molecule. Altogether, these unusual bases protect the tRNA from enzymatic degradation by RNases.
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Tandem Affinity Purification of Protein Complexes from Eukaryotic Cells
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Protein Synthesis Initiation in Eukaryotic Cells.

William C Merrick1, Graham D Pavitt2

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|May 9, 2018
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Summary

This review details the eukaryotic protein synthesis initiation phase, focusing on the messenger RNA (mRNA) cap-dependent scanning mechanism. It highlights the coordinated roles of translation factors, ribosomes, and initiator transfer RNA (tRNA) in this essential cellular process.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Protein synthesis is fundamental to all cellular life.
  • The initiation phase is a critical, highly regulated step.
  • Eukaryotic initiation involves complex interactions between multiple factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding of eukaryotic protein synthesis initiation.
  • To focus on recent advances in the field.
  • To describe the messenger RNA (mRNA) cap-dependent scanning mechanism.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on eukaryotic protein synthesis initiation.
  • Focus on studies involving mammalian and budding yeast systems.
  • Inclusion of insights from other organisms where relevant.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of the mRNA cap-dependent scanning mechanism.
  • Identification of at least 12 distinct translation factors involved.
  • Emphasis on the coordinated and stepwise regulation of the process.

Conclusions:

  • Eukaryotic initiation is a complex, multi-factor process.
  • The scanning mechanism is a major pathway for initiation.
  • Further research is needed to address major unknowns in eukaryotic initiation.