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A code within the genetic code: codon usage regulates co-translational protein folding.

Yi Liu1

  • 1Department of Physiology, ND13.214A, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390-9040, USA. Yi.Liu@UTSouthwestern.edu.

Cell Communication and Signaling : CCS
|September 10, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Codon usage bias, the preference for synonymous codons, influences protein structure and gene expression. This review explores how codon usage regulates translation speed and co-translational protein folding.

Keywords:
Co-translational protein foldingCodon usageIntrinsically disordered proteinTranslation elongation

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The genetic code is degenerate, with most amino acids encoded by multiple synonymous codons.
  • Codon usage bias, a non-random selection of synonymous codons, is observed across all studied genomes.
  • Previously considered silent, synonymous codons are now known to influence protein structure and gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent literature on the role and mechanisms of codon usage in regulating translation kinetics.
  • To explore the impact of codon usage on co-translational protein folding.
  • To highlight the connection between codon usage, protein structure, and gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of biochemical and genetic studies.
  • Bioinformatic analyses correlating gene codon usage with protein structures.
  • Examination of evidence for codon usage effects on translation efficiency, accuracy, and mRNA stability.

Main Results:

  • Codon usage bias significantly impacts co-translational protein folding and protein function.
  • Translation elongation speed is regulated by codon usage, leading to non-uniform ribosome decoding rates.
  • Intrinsically disordered protein domains are particularly susceptible to misfolding induced by codon usage alterations.
  • Gene codon usage patterns correlate with distinct protein structures across diverse organisms, suggesting a 'codon usage code' for protein folding.

Conclusions:

  • Codon usage is a critical regulatory mechanism influencing protein folding and function.
  • The effects of codon usage on protein folding are dependent on protein structural types.
  • A codon usage code likely exists, guiding co-translational protein folding through translation kinetics.