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Mechanistic studies of ribosome function and potential implications for translational control
Author(s) -
Green Rachel
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.398.2
Subject(s) - ribosome , transfer rna , eukaryotic ribosome , translation (biology) , computational biology , biology , a site , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology , rna , messenger rna , binding site , gene
Translation of the genetic code is mediated by the adaptor tRNA substrates and protein factors interacting with two distinct active sites in the RNA‐rich functional centers of the ribosome. We are using mutant analysis coupled with pre‐steady state kinetic approaches to decipher the molecular details of ribosome function in these active sites. Recent studies have focused on the protein class I release factors (RF1 and RF2) and (1) how they interact with the large subunit active site to trigger the hydrolytic reaction of peptide release and (2) how their interactions with the decoding center of the small subunit are critical to this function. In related studies, we have focused on the process of decoding and how the tRNA itself and conserved nucleotides in the small subunit of the ribosome conspire in this rapid and high fidelity process. These studies by us (and by others) are converging on a common theme that the ribosome samples discrete on and off states during each step of the translation cycle. We are intrigued by the idea that these same states are directly manipulated by extra‐ribosomal factors that regulate translation and are currently extending our studies in bacterial and eukaryotic systems to characterize such potential effects. Through these approaches we hope to provide some mechanistic insights into broad aspects of translation regulation.