Regulation of mRNA translation by 5′- and 3′-UTR-binding factors

Wilkie, G. S., Dickson, K. S. and Gray, N. K. (2003) Regulation of mRNA translation by 5′- and 3′-UTR-binding factors. Trends in Biochemical Sciences, 28(4), pp. 182-188. (doi: 10.1016/S0968-0004(03)00051-3)

Abstract

he translational regulation of specific mRNAs is important for controlling gene expression. The past few years have seen a rapid expansion in the identification and characterization of mRNA regulatory elements and their binding proteins. For the majority of these examples, the mechanism by which translational regulation is achieved is not well understood. Nevertheless, detailed analyses of a few examples show that almost every event in the initiation pathway, from binding of the cap complex to the joining of the 60S ribosomal subunit, is subject to regulation. Translational control of specific mRNAs is a widespread mechanism of gene regulation and contributes to diverse biological processes in many cell types. A large number of regulatory elements and their binding proteins have been identified, and their characterization is leading to a greater understanding of the mechanisms of translational control. In some cases, the biological consequences of mis-regulation are also becoming clear. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which RNA elements and their interacting factors regulate translation, highlighting a few examples from animals and referring to yeast, plant and viral mRNAs as needed. Although many features of an mRNA can contribute to its translation, most control elements are located within the untranslated regions (UTRs; Fig. 1). The 5′ m7GpppG cap and the 3′ poly(A) tail are important determinants of translational efficiency. Overall translation rates are also affected by characteristics of the 5′ UTR, including length and start-site consensus sequences as well as the presence of secondary structure, upstream AUGs, upstream open reading frames (uORFs) and internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) 1 and 2. In addition, 5′ UTRs can contain sequences that function as binding sites for regulatory proteins. Similarly, 3′ UTRs contain numerous binding sites for regulatory factors 1, 2 and 3; these factors are usually proteins, but in a few cases trans-acting RNAs have been described. Most, but not all, of the elements described affect translation at the level of initiation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wilkie, Dr Gavin
• Authors: Wilkie, G. S., Dickson, K. S., and Gray, N. K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Trends in Biochemical Sciences
• ISSN: 0968-0004
• ISSN (Online): 1362-4326