A common function for mRNA 5' and 3' ends in translation initiation in yeast

Genes Dev. 1995 Dec 1;9(23):2997-3007. doi: 10.1101/gad.9.23.2997.

Abstract

The mRNA poly(A) tail and its associated poly(A) binding protein (Pab1p) are ubiquitous in eukaryotes. The function of the poly(A) tail is to stabilize mRNA and to stimulate its translation. The development of a poly(A)- and cap-dependent yeast in vitro translation system has allowed us to understand how poly(A) stimulates translation. We find that Pab1p but not the cap binding protein eIF-4E is required for poly(A) tail-dependent translation, and that the Pab1p-poly(A) tail complex functions to recruit the 40S ribosomal subunit to the mRNA. These data introduce a new step into the pathway of translation initiation and merge the translational functions of the two ends of mRNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-4E
  • Peptide Chain Initiation, Translational
  • Peptide Initiation Factors / genetics
  • Peptide Initiation Factors / metabolism
  • Poly A
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins
  • Protein Biosynthesis*
  • RNA Caps
  • RNA, Fungal*
  • RNA, Messenger*
  • RNA, Ribosomal / metabolism
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / genetics*

Substances

  • Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-4E
  • Peptide Initiation Factors
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins
  • RNA Caps
  • RNA, Fungal
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Poly A