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Updated: Oct 25, 2025

Toeprinting Analysis of Translation Initiation Complex Formation on Mammalian mRNAs
Published on: May 10, 2018
Translation Initiation Regulated by RNA-Binding Protein in Mammals: The Modulation of Translation Initiation Complex
Akira Fukao1, Takumi Tomohiro1, Toshinobu Fujiwara1
1Department of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Kowakae 3-4-1, Higashi-Osaka City 577-8502, Japan.
Abstract:
Protein synthesis is tightly regulated at each step of translation. In particular, the formation of the basic cap-binding complex, eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) complex, on the 5' cap structure of mRNA is positioned as the rate-limiting step, and various cis-elements on mRNA contribute to fine-tune spatiotemporal protein expression. The cis-element on mRNAs is recognized and bound to the trans-acting factors, which enable the regulation of the translation rate or mRNA stability. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanism of how the assembly of the eIF4F complex is regulated on the cap structure of mRNAs. We also summarize the fine-tuned regulation of translation initiation by various trans-acting factors through cis-elements on mRNAs.
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