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Related Concept Videos

Initiation of Translation02:33

Initiation of Translation

34.6K
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.
First, the initiator tRNA must be selected from the pool of elongator tRNAs by eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2). The initiator tRNA (Met-tRNAi) has conserved sequence elements including modified bases at...
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Improving Translational Accuracy02:07

Improving Translational Accuracy

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Base complementarity between the three base pairs of mRNA codon and the tRNA anticodon is not a failsafe mechanism. Inaccuracies can range from a single mismatch to no correct base pairing at all. The free energy difference between the correct and nearly correct base pairs can be as small as 3 kcal/ mol. With complementarity being the only proofreading step, the estimated error frequency would be one wrong amino acid in every 100 amino acids incorporated. However, error frequencies observed in...
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Translation in Prokaryotes01:29

Translation in Prokaryotes

230
Prokaryote translation is a complex, highly coordinated process that converts genetic information from mRNA into functional proteins. It involves three stages: initiation, elongation, and termination, each facilitated by specific molecular components.Initiation of TranslationThe process begins with the assembly of the ribosomal subunits and initiation factors on the mRNA. In bacteria, the 30S ribosomal subunit recognizes the Shine-Dalgarno sequence in the mRNA, a conserved region upstream of...
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Termination of Translation01:44

Termination of Translation

25.8K
The large ribosomal subunit has several important structures essential to translation. These include the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) - which is the site where the peptide bond is formed - and a large, internal, water-filled tube through which the nascent polypeptide moves. This latter structure is called the Peptide Exit Tunnel, and it begins at the PTC and spans the body of the large ribosomal subunit. During translation, as the nascent polypeptide chain is synthesized, it passes through...
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General Transcription Factors01:30

General Transcription Factors

5.6K
Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...
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Leaky Scanning02:28

Leaky Scanning

5.2K
During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA.  Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 20, 2025

Toeprinting Analysis of Translation Initiation Complex Formation on Mammalian mRNAs
10:37

Toeprinting Analysis of Translation Initiation Complex Formation on Mammalian mRNAs

Published on: May 10, 2018

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Exploring the interaction dynamics of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2.

Assen Marintchev1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, & Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, U.S.A.

Biochemical Society Transactions
|May 24, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Eukaryotic translation initiation involves precise protein interactions for start codon selection. Recent advances clarify how eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) and its partners regulate this process and trigger the integrated stress response (ISR).

Keywords:
ISReIF2translation initiationtranslation pre-initiation complextranslation regulation

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Eukaryotic translation initiation is a complex process involving ribosomal pre-initiation complexes (PICs) and initiation factors.
  • The accurate selection of the start codon is crucial for proper protein synthesis and is influenced by nucleotide context.
  • The integrated stress response (ISR) is a cellular pathway triggered by stress factors that inhibit translation initiation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding the interactions of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) and its partners during translation initiation.
  • To highlight the regulation of start codon selection stringency and the integrated stress response (ISR).

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes recent findings on the molecular mechanisms of translation initiation.
  • Focuses on the dynamics of eIF2 and its associated factors binding and release from the PIC.
  • Discusses the regulation of start codon selection and ISR activation.

Main Results:

  • Recent studies have elucidated the intricate timing and dynamics of eIF2 and its partners' interactions within the PIC.
  • Key insights into how the stringency of start codon selection is regulated have been uncovered.
  • The mechanisms by which eIF2B inhibition triggers the ISR have been further clarified.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the precise molecular interactions governing translation initiation is vital for comprehending cellular responses to stress.
  • Further research into these mechanisms could offer insights into diseases associated with translation dysregulation.
  • This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on eIF2 function in translation initiation and ISR.