Coupling transcription to translation: a novel site for the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression

Recent experiments using Xenopus oocytes demonstrate that the history of a particular mRNA in the nucleus can influence the efficiency with which that mRNA will be utilized by the translational machinery. Individual promoter elements, specific protein-RNA interactions and the splicing process within the nucleus can all influence translational fate within the cytoplasm. Central to the regulatory mechanisms influencing the translation process is the packaging of mRNA by a highly conserved family of Y-box proteins. These Y-box proteins are found in cytoplasmic messenger ribonucleoprotein particles where they have a causal role in restricting the recruitment of mRNA to the translational machinery. Nuclear processes influence the packaging of mRNA by the Y-box proteins in the cytoplasm and in consequence mRNA translation. This functional coupling provides a novel site for the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression.