Protein Synthesis and Translational Control: A Historical Perspective

Protein synthesis and its regulation are central to all known forms of life and impinge on biological arenas as varied as agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine. Otherwise known as translation and translational control, these processes have been investigated with increasing intensity since the middle of the 20th century, and in increasing depth with advances in molecular and cell biology. We review the origins of the field, focusing on the underlying concepts and early studies of the cellular machinery and mechanisms involved. We highlight key discoveries and events on a timeline, consider areas where current research has engendered new ideas, and conclude with some speculation on future directions for the field.