Translation factors are proteins that associate with ribosomes, messenger RNA, or transfer RNA to coordinate stages of protein synthesis. Initiation factors assemble the components required to recognize a start codon and begin polypeptide synthesis [1]. Their contacts with ribosomal subunits and RNA organize successive initiation complexes and regulate transitions between these states [2][2]. In eukaryotes, initiation factors participate in recruitment to the messenger RNA and in scanning through its leader sequence; RNA structure and upstream open reading frames can alter this process [3][4]. The initiator transfer RNA is delivered with eIF2 and GTP. Start-codon recognition promotes factor rearrangement and GTP-related transitions, after which eIF5B supports joining of the large ribosomal subunit to produce an elongation-competent ribosome [5][6].
- initiation factors
- elongation factors
- release factors
- ribosome
RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms·Molecular Biology·Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology·Life Sciences
References
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- Alan G. Hinnebusch; The Scanning Mechanism of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation. Annu. Rev. Biochem. 2014, 83, 779-812. [CrossRef]