Focus
Translational Control
Editorial
Focus on Translational Control
Translational control decrypted - p559
doi:10.1038/nsmb.2321
Recent research efforts have made great strides in elucidating the process, machinery and mechanisms that control how mRNAs are decoded by ribosomes in the process of protein translation.
Full Text - Translational control decrypted | PDF (138 KB) - Translational control decrypted
Reviews
Focus on Translational Control
One core, two shells: bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes - pp560 - 567
Sergey Melnikov, Adam Ben-Shem, Nicolas Garreau de Loubresse, Lasse Jenner, Gulnara Yusupova & Marat Yusupov
doi:10.1038/nsmb.2313
The recent X-ray structures of the complete ribosome and large and small subunits from eukaryotes allow these structures to be compared to the previously determined structures of bacterial ribosomes. This Review describes bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes as a conserved core and two specific shells and focuses on selected bacteria- and eukaryote-specific structural features and their functional implications.
Abstract - One core, two shells: bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes | Full Text - One core, two shells: bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes | PDF (2,646 KB) - One core, two shells: bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes | Supplementary information
Focus on Translational Control
A mechanistic overview of translation initiation in eukaryotes - pp568 - 576
Colin Echeverría Aitken & Jon R Lorsch
doi:10.1038/nsmb.2303
Translation initiation requires the formation of a pre-initiation complex that recruits the 5A end of the mRNA and scans along it to locate the start codon. Genetic, biochemical and structural studies have shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the individual steps of this complex process. This Review describes our current understanding of eukaryotic translation initiation and outlines some important outstanding questions in the field.
Abstract - A mechanistic overview of translation initiation in eukaryotes | Full Text - A mechanistic overview of translation initiation in eukaryotes | PDF (1,078 KB) - A mechanistic overview of translation initiation in eukaryotes
Focus on Translational Control
Translational control by changes in poly(A) tail length: recycling mRNAs - pp577 - 585
Laure Weill, Eulàlia Belloc, Felice-Alessio Bava & Raúl Méndez
doi:10.1038/nsmb.2311
Recent studies have revealed how poly(A) tail length and the selection of alternative polyadenylation sites contribute to translational control. This Review discusses how mechanisms of alternative polyadenylation, deadenylation and cytoplasmic polyadenylation are coordinated to modulate gene expression in inflammation, learning and memory acquisition, and early development.
Abstract - Translational control by changes in poly(A) tail length: recycling mRNAs | Full Text - Translational control by changes in poly(A) tail length: recycling mRNAs | PDF (1,399 KB) - Translational control by changes in poly(A) tail length: recycling mRNAs
Focus on Translational Control
The mechanics of miRNA-mediated gene silencing: a look under the hood of miRISC - pp586 - 593
Marc R Fabian & Nahum Sonenberg
doi:10.1038/nsmb.2296
Understanding how microRNAs (miRNAs) silence targeted mRNAs has been the focus of intensive research. This Review describes recent advances, with an emphasis on how the miRNA-mediated silencing complex (miRISC) controls gene expression by inhibiting translation and/or mRNA decay, and how trans-acting factors control miRNA action.
Abstract - The mechanics of miRNA-mediated gene silencing: a look under the hood of miRISC | Full Text - The mechanics of miRNA-mediated gene silencing: a look under the hood of miRISC | PDF (1,213 KB) - The mechanics of miRNA-mediated gene silencing: a look under the hood of miRISC
Perspective
Focus on Translational Control
Translation drives mRNA quality control - pp594 - 601
Christopher J Shoemaker & Rachel Green
doi:10.1038/nsmb.2301
Cells have evolved so-called mRNA surveillance mechanisms to monitor mRNAs as they are translated and to degrade troublesome transcripts. Studies of mRNA surveillance have traditionally focused on mRNA fate. In this Perspective, the authors explore mRNA surveillance from the viewpoint of its origins on the ribosome, which should lead to new and unanticipated insights that inform future studies.
Abstract - Translation drives mRNA quality control | Full Text - Translation drives mRNA quality control | PDF (817 KB) - Translation drives mRNA quality control
Top of page