Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

07:32
Genome-wide Analysis of Aminoacylation (Charging) Levels of tRNA Using Microarrays
Published on: June 18, 2010
Transcriptional termination. Charging it cancels the order
1Section of Genetics and Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-2703.
Current Biology : CB
|January 1, 1994
Summary
A newly discovered mechanism reveals that transfer RNA (tRNA) directly influences transcription termination. Uncharged tRNA molecules promote transcription readthrough, impacting gene regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Transcription termination is a critical process in gene expression.
- Regulatory mechanisms controlling termination are essential for cellular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate a novel mechanism regulating transcription termination.
- To investigate the direct role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in this process.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the interaction between tRNA and transcription machinery.
- Utilized biochemical assays to assess transcription readthrough.
- Analyzed the impact of uncharged tRNA on termination events.
Main Results:
- Identified a direct role for cognate uncharged tRNA in regulating transcription.
- Demonstrated that uncharged tRNA promotes transcription readthrough.
- Uncovered a new layer of gene expression control.
Conclusions:
- Cognate uncharged tRNA acts as a direct regulator of transcription termination.
- This mechanism provides a novel pathway for controlling gene expression.
- Findings open new avenues for understanding tRNA's multifaceted roles in the cell.
Related Concept Videos
Termination of Translation
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...
Transcription Attenuation in Prokaryotes
Transcriptional attenuation occurs when RNA transcription is prematurely terminated due to the formation of a terminator mRNA hairpin structure. Bacteria use these hairpins to regulate the transcription process and control the synthesis of several amino acids including histidine, lysine, threonine, and phenylalanine. Transcription attenuation takes place in the non-coding regions of mRNA.
There are several different mechanisms used to attenuate transcription. In ribosome mediated...
There are several different mechanisms used to attenuate transcription. In ribosome mediated...
Bacterial Transcription
RNA polymerase (RNAP) carries out DNA-dependent RNA synthesis in both bacteria and eukaryotes. Bacteria do not have a membrane-bound nucleus. So, transcription and translation occur simultaneously, on the same DNA template.
Transcription can be divided into three main stages, each involving distinct DNA sequences to guide the polymerase. These are:
Transcription can be divided into three main stages, each involving distinct DNA sequences to guide the polymerase. These are:
Transcription
Transcription is the synthesis of RNA from a DNA sequence by RNA polymerase. It is the first step in producing a protein from a gene sequence. Additionally, many other proteins and regulatory sequences are involved in correctly synthesizing messenger RNA (mRNA). Transcriptional regulation is responsible for the differentiation of different types of cells and often for the proper cellular response to environmental signals.
Transcription Can Produce Different Kinds of RNA Molecules
In eukaryotes,...
Transcription Can Produce Different Kinds of RNA Molecules
In eukaryotes,...
Termination of Translation
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...
Transcription in Prokaryotes
Transcription is a highly regulated process that converts genetic information into RNA molecules. The transcription cycle is divided into three key stages: initiation, elongation, and termination, each driven by specific molecular mechanisms.Initiation of TranscriptionIn bacteria, transcription begins when the RNA polymerase core enzyme associates with a sigma factor to form a holoenzyme. For example, the E. coli sigma factor called σ70 forms a holoenzyme, which recognizes the -10 (Pribnow box)...

