Shared regulatory factors influencing mRNA translation rate and half-life in yeast

Extensive research has highlighted the role of codon composition in regulating co-translational mRNA decay. Translational efficiency is often measured using a codon usage metric like the codon adaptation index (CAI), while mRNA stability is assessed through sequence- and structure-dependent metrics such as codon stabilization coefficient and internal unstructured segments (IUS). However, the question remains whether sequence-dependent translation parameters can influence mRNA stability, or if stability-related parameters can, in turn, regulate mRNA translation and overall co-translational decay. Our approach integrates yeast mRNA sequence, structural, and ribosomal density (RD) data to explore the interconnected regulatory determinants that govern mRNA translation and degradation. Our findings offer new insights into how codon preferences and mRNA structuredness impact these processes, with CAI predominantly shaping translation rates and IUS affecting mRNA decay. Additionally, we observe that the impact of RD on co-translational mRNA decay is context-specific, depending on the dynamics of the primary regulators. These primary regulators are conserved across the genome and throughout evolution, emphasizing their importance in maintaining cellular function. We propose that optimizing both CAI and IUS is essential for improving mRNA-based drug delivery systems. A deeper understanding of the relationship between these factors could lead to more effective mRNA therapeutics.