Protein Synthesis Initiation in Eukaryotic Cells

William C Merrick, Graham D Pavitt

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

This review summarizes our current understanding of the major pathway for the initiation phase of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells, with a focus on recent advances. We describe the major scanning or messenger RNA (mRNA) m7G cap-dependent mechanism, which is a highly coordinated and stepwise regulated process that requires the combined action of at least 12 distinct translation factors with initiator transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomes, and mRNAs. We limit our review to studies involving either mammalian or budding yeast cells and factors, as these represent the two best-studied experimental systems, and only include a reference to other organisms where particular insight has been gained. We close with a brief description of what we feel are some of the major unknowns in eukaryotic initiation.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbera033092
JournalCold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
Volume10
Issue number12
Early online date7 May 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Dec 2018

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