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Updated: Jun 24, 2025

Toeprinting Analysis of Translation Initiation Complex Formation on Mammalian mRNAs
Published on: May 10, 2018
Crystal-packing analysis of translation initiation factor 2 reveals new details of its function
O S Nikonov1, E Y Nikonova1, N V Lekontseva1
1Institute of Protein Research, Institutskaya 4, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russian Federation.
Abstract:
Eukaryotic and archaeal translation initiation factor 2 in complex with GTP delivers the initiator methionyl-tRNA to the small ribosomal subunit. Over the past 20 years, thanks to the efforts of various research groups, including ours, this factor from the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus and its individual subunits have been crystallized in ten different space groups. Analysis of the molecular packing in these crystals makes it possible to better understand the roles of functionally significant switches and other elements of the nucleotide-binding pocket during the function of the factor as well as the influence of external effects on its transition between active and inactive states.
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