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Updated: Feb 2, 2026
13:42
RNA Secondary Structure Prediction Using High-throughput SHAPE
Published on: May 31, 2013
32.2K
A helicase links upstream ORFs and RNA structure.
Eckhard Jankowsky1, Ulf-Peter Guenther2,3
1Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA. exj13@case.edu.
Current Genetics
|November 29, 2018
Summary
Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) utilize non-AUG start codons to regulate protein synthesis. mRNA structure, influenced by the Ded1p helicase, determines which uORF start sites are actually used.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in 5' UTRs regulate protein synthesis.
- uORFs can initiate from non-AUG codons, creating numerous potential start sites.
- Mechanisms selecting actual uORF start sites remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of mRNA structure in non-AUG uORF initiation.
- Determine how the DEAD-box helicase Ded1p influences uORF translation.
- Identify factors controlling uORF start site selection.
Main Methods:
- Studied the DEAD-box helicase Ded1p in S. cerevisiae.
- Analyzed translation of uORFs with non-AUG initiation codons.
- Assessed the impact of mRNA structures on uORF translation.
Main Results:
- Translation of non-AUG uORFs is linked to specific mRNA structures.
- Defective Ded1p is associated with uORF translation upstream of problematic mRNA structures.
- mRNA structure emerges as a key determinant for non-AUG uORF initiation.
Conclusions:
- Ded1p regulates uORF translation by controlling mRNA structure.
- mRNA structure is a critical factor in selecting non-AUG uORF start sites.
- Understanding uORF regulation provides insights into cellular protein synthesis control.
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