Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
05:56
Exploring Caspase Mutations and Post-Translational Modification by Molecular Modeling Approaches
Published on: October 13, 2022
1.7K
Molecular architecture and diversity of StopGo/2A translational recoding
Xueyan Li1, Philipp K Zuber1, Gary Loughran2
1Structural Studies Division, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom.
Summary
Viral 2A sequences use a StopGo mechanism for protein synthesis without termination. This study reveals the structural basis and sequence variations of this unique translation recoding event.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Viral 2A sequences mediate a unique "StopGo" translation recoding event.
- This process generates multiple proteins from a single open reading frame via ribosomal skipping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of the StopGo translation recoding event.
- To characterize the sequence variation and host association of StopGo sequences in viral genomes.
Main Methods:
- Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine ribosome structure at the F2A site.
- Bioinformatic analysis of viral genomes to identify StopGo sequences.
- Biochemical assays to confirm the function of identified motifs.
Main Results:
- The cryo-EM structure reveals how F2A nascent chain interactions induce ribosomal conformational changes for StopGo.
- Expanded the known core motif for StopGo activity and identified novel upstream regulatory motifs.
- Found no evidence of natural StopGo utilization by plant viruses, despite its known activity in plants.
Conclusions:
- The study provides structural and sequence-based insights into the StopGo translation recoding mechanism.
- Findings offer a foundation for optimizing multigene expression in biotechnological applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Translation
156.0K
Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of...
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of...
156.0K
02:00Molecular Models
43.6K
Physical models representing molecular architectures of chemical compounds play essential roles in understanding chemistry. The use of molecular models makes it easier to visualize the structures and shapes of atoms and molecules.
43.6K
02:33Initiation of Translation
38.5K
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...
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...
38.5K
01:44Termination of Translation
27.5K
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...
27.5K
02:07Improving Translational Accuracy
14.1K
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...
14.1K
01:30Diversity of Archaea I
567
Archaea, a domain of single-celled microorganisms, are classified into five major phyla based on genetic and biochemical characteristics: Euryarchaeota, Crenarchaeota, Thaumarchaeota, Korarchaeota, and Nanoarchaeota. Among these, the phylum Euryarchaeota is notable for its remarkable diversity in morphology, metabolism, and ecological adaptations.Morphological and Metabolic DiversityMembers of Euryarchaeota exhibit a variety of cellular shapes, including rods and cocci. Their metabolic pathways...
567