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.

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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

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.

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