scholarly journals Start codon context controls translation initiation in the fungal kingdom

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Wallace ◽  
Corinne Maufrais ◽  
Jade Sales-Lee ◽  
Laura Tuck ◽  
Luciana de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Start Codon ◽  
Sequence Context ◽  
Translational Initiation ◽  
Kozak Sequence ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
Dual Localization ◽  
Kozak Context ◽  
Codon Context ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames

AbstractEukaryotic protein synthesis initiates at a start codon defined by an AUG and its surrounding Kozak sequence context, but studies of S. cerevisiae suggest this context is of little importance in fungi. We tested this concept in two pathogenic Cryptococcus species by genome-wide mapping of translation and of mRNA 5’ and 3’ ends. We observed that upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are a major contributor to translation repression, that uORF use depends on the Kozak sequence context of its start codon, and that uORFs with strong contexts promote nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Numerous Cryptococcus mRNAs encode predicted dual-localized proteins, including many aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, in which a leaky AUG start codon is followed by a strong Kozak context in-frame AUG, separated by mitochondrial-targeting sequence. Further analysis shows that such dual-localization is also predicted to be common in Neurospora crassa. Kozak-controlled regulation is correlated with insertions in translational initiation factors in fidelity-determining regions that contact the initiator tRNA. Thus, start codon context is a signal that programs the expression and structures of proteins in fungi.

scholarly journals Quantitative global studies reveal differential translational control by start codon context across the fungal kingdom

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 2312-2331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward W J Wallace ◽  
Corinne Maufrais ◽  
Jade Sales-Lee ◽  
Laura R Tuck ◽  
Luciana de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Translational Control ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Start Codon ◽  
Sequence Context ◽  
Translational Initiation ◽  
Kozak Sequence ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
Kozak Context ◽  
Codon Context

Abstract Eukaryotic protein synthesis generally initiates at a start codon defined by an AUG and its surrounding Kozak sequence context, but the quantitative importance of this context in different species is unclear. We tested this concept in two pathogenic Cryptococcus yeast species by genome-wide mapping of translation and of mRNA 5′ and 3′ ends. We observed thousands of AUG-initiated upstream open reading frames (uORFs) that are a major contributor to translation repression. uORF use depends on the Kozak sequence context of its start codon, and uORFs with strong contexts promote nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Transcript leaders in Cryptococcus and other fungi are substantially longer and more AUG-dense than in Saccharomyces. Numerous Cryptococcus mRNAs encode predicted dual-localized proteins, including many aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, in which a leaky AUG start codon is followed by a strong Kozak context in-frame AUG, separated by mitochondrial-targeting sequence. Analysis of other fungal species shows that such dual-localization is also predicted to be common in the ascomycete mould, Neurospora crassa. Kozak-controlled regulation is correlated with insertions in translational initiation factors in fidelity-determining regions that contact the initiator tRNA. Thus, start codon context is a signal that quantitatively programs both the expression and the structures of proteins in diverse fungi.

Analysis of plant mRNA upstream open reading frames

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-66
Author(s):  
Jin Yong-Feng ◽  
Jin Hui-Qing ◽  
Zhou Ping ◽  
Bian Teng-Fei
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Untranslated Regions ◽  
Translation Efficiency ◽  
Consensus Sequences ◽  
Codon Context ◽  
Eukaryotic Mrnas ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Regulatory Functions ◽  
Reading Frames

AbstractUpstream open reading frames (uORFs) in 5′-untranslated regions (5′-UTRs) of eukaryotic mRNAs play an important role in translation efficiency. Computational analysis of the upstream ATG (uATG) and uORFs of 5′-UTRs of plant mRNAs, adopted from the nucleotide sequence databank, was carried out. Statistical analysis revealed that up to 18% of 5′-UTRs contain uATG, which is much higher than the earlier estimate. Among them, about 50% of the genes have one uATG and nearly 20% of them have two uATGs. About 85% of uORFs are non-overlapping. Thirty per cent of uORF peptides comprise 1–5 aa, and about 80% of uORFs fall in the range of below 20 aa. Sequences flanking the uATG codon differ strikingly from the functional initiation codon and the uATG triplet is more frequently located in a non-optimal context. Consensus sequences of the ATG codon context of mRNA with and without uATG are similar, whereas the ATG codon context of mRNA without uATG is more frequently located in an optimal context than is mRNA with uATG. Most mRNAs with uATGs are possibly related to regulatory functions. In addition, most mRNA uORFs have no similarity between plant species whereas sequences of a few uORFs are highly conserved. For example, mRNA uORFs encoding S-adenosyl-l-methionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) share 75–100% homology between plant species, which is much more conserved than AdoMetDC protein.

scholarly journals uS5/Rps2 residues at the 40S ribosome entry channel enhance initiation at suboptimal start codons in vivo

Genetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinsheng Dong ◽  
Alan G Hinnebusch
Keyword(s):  
Translation Initiation ◽  
Ternary Complex ◽  
Start Codon ◽  
Yeast Mutant ◽  
Initiation Complex ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
Codon Recognition ◽  
Open Conformation ◽  
Kozak Context

Abstract The eukaryotic 43S pre-initiation complex (PIC) containing Met-tRNAiMet in a ternary complex (TC) with eIF2-GTP scans the mRNA leader for an AUG codon in favorable “Kozak” context. AUG recognition triggers rearrangement of the PIC from an open conformation to a closed state with more tightly bound Met-tRNAiMet. Yeast ribosomal protein uS5/Rps2 is located at the mRNA entry channel of the 40S subunit in the vicinity of mRNA nucleotides downstream from the AUG codon or rRNA residues that communicate with the decoding center, but its participation in start codon recognition was unknown. We found that non-lethal substitutions of conserved Rps2 residues in the entry channel reduce bulk translation initiation and increase discrimination against poor initiation codons. A subset of these substitutions suppress initiation at near-cognate UUG start codons in a yeast mutant with elevated UUG initiation, and also increase discrimination against AUG codons in suboptimal Kozak context, thus resembling previously described substitutions in uS3/Rps3 at the 40S entry channel or initiation factors eIF1 and eIF1A. In contrast, other Rps2 substitutions selectively discriminate against either near-cognate UUG codons, or poor Kozak context of an AUG or UUG start codon. These findings suggest that different Rps2 residues are involved in distinct mechanisms involved in discriminating against different features of poor initiation sites in vivo.

scholarly journals Selective 40S footprinting reveals that scanning ribosomes remain cap-tethered in human cells

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Bohlen ◽  
Kai Fenzl ◽  
Günter Kramer ◽  
Bernd Bukau ◽  
Aurelio A. Teleman
Keyword(s):  
Translation Initiation ◽  
Human Cells ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Translation Regulation ◽  
List Type ◽  
Translation Efficiency ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames

SUMMARYTranslation regulation occurs largely during initiation. Currently, translation initiation can be studied in vitro, but these systems lack features present in vivo and on endogenous mRNAs. Here we develop selective 40S footprinting for visualizing initiating 40S ribosomes on endogenous mRNAs in vivo. It pinpoints where on an mRNA initiation factors join the ribosome to act, and where they leave. We discover that in human cells most scanning ribosomes remain attached to the 5’ cap. Consequently, only one ribosome scans a 5’UTR at a time, and 5’UTR length affects translation efficiency. We discover that eIF3B, eIF4G1 and eIF4E remain on translating 80S ribosomes with a decay half-length of ∼12 codons. Hence ribosomes retain these initiation factors while translating short upstream Open Reading Frames (uORFs), providing an explanation for how ribosomes can re-initiate translation after uORFs in humans. This method will be of use for studying translation initiation mechanisms in vivo.HIGHLIGHTSSelective 40S FPing visualizes regulation of translation initiation on mRNAs in vivoScanning ribosomes are cap-tethered in human cellsOnly one ribosome scans a 5’UTR at a time in human cellsRibosomes retain eIFs during early translation, allowing reinitiation after uORFs

scholarly journals Selection of start codon during mRNA scanning in eukaryotic translation initiation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ipsita Basu ◽  
Biswajit Gorai ◽  
Thyageshwar Chandran ◽  
Prabal K. Maiti ◽  
Tanweer Hussain
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Free Energy Calculations ◽  
Start Codon ◽  
Translational Initiation ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
Closed State ◽  
Open Conformation ◽  
Codon Selection ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractDuring translational initiation in eukaryotes, the small ribosomal subunit forms a 48S preinitiation complex (PIC) with initiation factors. The 48S PIC binds to the 5’ end of mRNA and inspects long untranslated region (UTR) for the presence of the start codon (AUG). Accurate and high speed of scanning 5’ UTR and subsequent selection of the correct start codon are crucial for protein synthesis. However, the conformational state of 48S PIC required for inspecting every codon is not clearly understood. Whether the scanning or open conformation of 48S PIC can accurately select the cognate start codon over near/non-cognate codons, or this discrimination is carried out only in the scanning-arrested or closed conformation of 48S PIC. Here, using atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and free energy calculations, we show that the scanning conformation of 48S PIC can reject all but 4 of the 63 non-AUG codons. Among nine near-cognate codons with a single mismatch, only codons with a first position mismatch (GUG, CUG and UUG) or a pyrimidine mismatch at the second position (ACG) are not discriminated by scanning state of 48S PIC. In contrast, any mismatch in the third position is rejected. Simulations runs in absence of one or more eukaryotic initiation factors (eIF1, eIF1+eIF1A, eIF2ɑ or eIF2β) from the system show critical role of eIF1 and eIF2ɑ in start codon selection. The structural analysis indicates that tRNAi dynamics at the widened P site of 48S open state drives codon selection. Further, a stable codon: anticodon interaction prepares the PIC to transit to the closed state. Overall, we provide insights into the selection of start codon during scanning and how the open conformation of 48S PIC can scan long 5’ UTRs with accuracy and high speed without the requirement of sampling the closed state for every codon.

scholarly journals Variation in upstream open reading frames contributes to allelic diversity in protein abundance

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph L Gage ◽  
Sujina Mali ◽  
Fionn McLoughlin ◽  
Merritt Khaipho-Burch ◽  
Brandon Monier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Translational Regulation ◽  
Rare Variants ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Allelic Diversity ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Start Codon ◽  
Protein Abundance ◽  
Common Variants ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Reading Frames

The 5' untranslated region (UTR) sequence of eukaryotic mRNAs may contain upstream open reading frames (uORFs), which can regulate translation of the main open reading frame (mORF). The current model of translational regulation by uORFs posits that when a ribosome scans an mRNA and encounters a uORF, translation of that uORF can prevent ribosomes from reaching the mORF and cause decreased mORF translation. In this study, we first observed that rare variants in the 5' UTR dysregulate protein abundance. Upon further investigation, we found that rare variants near the start codon of uORFs can repress or derepress mORF translation, causing allelic changes in protein abundance. This finding holds for common variants as well, and common variants that modify uORF start codons also contribute disproportionately to metabolic and whole-plant phenotypes, suggesting that translational regulation by uORFs serves an adaptive function. These results provide evidence for the mechanisms by which natural sequence variation modulates gene expression, and ultimately, phenotype.

scholarly journals Near-Cognate Codons Contribute Complexity to Translation Regulation

mBio ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Louise Glass
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Translation Initiation ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Translation Regulation ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
Translation Initiation Factors ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Response To Stress

ABSTRACT The interplay between translation initiation, modification of translation initiation factors, and selection of start sites on mRNA for protein synthesis can play a regulatory role in the cellular response to stress, development, and cell fate in eukaryotic species by shaping the proteome. As shown by Ivanov et al. (mBio 8:e00844-17, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00844-17 !), in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, both upstream open reading frames (uORFs) and near-cognate start codons negatively or positively regulate the translation of the transcription factor CPC1 and production of CPC1 isoforms, which mediate the cellular response to amino acid starvation. Dissecting the physiological roles that differentiate cellular choice of translation initiation is an important parameter to understanding mechanisms that determine cell fate via gene regulation and protein synthesis.

scholarly journals eIF4GI links nutrient sensing by mTOR to cell proliferation and inhibition of autophagy

2008 ◽  
Vol 181 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Ramírez-Valle ◽  
Steve Braunstein ◽  
Jiri Zavadil ◽  
Silvia C. Formenti ◽  
Robert J. Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Nutrient Sensing ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
Initiation Factors ◽  
Translation Initiation Factors ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
In Cells

Translation initiation factors have complex functions in cells that are not yet understood. We show that depletion of initiation factor eIF4GI only modestly reduces overall protein synthesis in cells, but phenocopies nutrient starvation or inhibition of protein kinase mTOR, a key nutrient sensor. eIF4GI depletion impairs cell proliferation, bioenergetics, and mitochondrial activity, thereby promoting autophagy. Translation of mRNAs involved in cell growth, proliferation, and bioenergetics were selectively inhibited by reduction of eIF4GI, as was the mRNA encoding Skp2 that inhibits p27, whereas catabolic pathway factors were increased. Depletion or overexpression of other eIF4G family members did not recapitulate these results. The majority of mRNAs that were translationally impaired with eIF4GI depletion were excluded from polyribosomes due to the presence of multiple upstream open reading frames and low mRNA abundance. These results suggest that the high levels of eIF4GI observed in many breast cancers might act to specifically increase proliferation, prevent autophagy, and release tumor cells from control by nutrient sensing.

scholarly journals Suppression of ribosomal reinitiation at upstream open reading frames in amino acid-starved cells forms the basis for GCN4 translational control.

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 486-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
J P Abastado ◽  
P F Miller ◽  
B M Jackson ◽  
A G Hinnebusch
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Translational Control ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Start Codon ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Substantial Fraction ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Reading Frames ◽  
Do So

GCN4 encodes a transcriptional activator of amino acid-biosynthetic genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is regulated at the translational level by upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in its mRNA leader. uORF4 (counting from the 5' end) is sufficient to repress GCN4 under nonstarvation conditions; uORF1 is required to overcome the inhibitory effect of uORF4 and stimulate GCN4 translation in amino acid-starved cells. Insertions of sequences with the potential to form secondary structure around uORF4 abolish derepression, indicating that ribosomes reach GCN4 by traversing uORF4 sequences rather than by binding internally to the GCN4 start site. By showing that wild-type regulation occurred even when uORF4 was elongated to overlap GCN4 by 130 nucleotides, we provide strong evidence that those ribosomes which translate GCN4 do so by ignoring the uORF4 AUG start codon. This conclusion is in accord with the fact that translation of a uORF4-lacZ fusion was lower in a derepressed gcd1 mutant than in a nonderepressible gcn2 strain. We also show that increasing the distance between uORF1 and uORF4 to the wild-type spacing that separates uORF1 from GCN4 specifically impaired the ability of uORF1 to derepress GCN4 translation. As expected, this alteration led to increased uORF4-lacZ translation in gcd1 cells. Our results suggest that under starvation conditions, a substantial fraction of ribosomes that translate uORF1 fail to reassemble the factors needed for reinitiation by the time they scan to uORF4, but become competent to reinitiate after scanning the additional sequences to GCN4. Under nonstarvation conditions, ribosomes would recover more rapidly from uORF1 translation, causing them all to reinitiate at uORF4 rather than at GCN4.

Suppression of ribosomal reinitiation at upstream open reading frames in amino acid-starved cells forms the basis for GCN4 translational control

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 486-496
Author(s):  
J P Abastado ◽  
P F Miller ◽  
B M Jackson ◽  
A G Hinnebusch
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Translational Control ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Open Reading Frames ◽  
Start Codon ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Substantial Fraction ◽  
Upstream Open Reading Frames ◽  
Reading Frames ◽  
Do So

GCN4 encodes a transcriptional activator of amino acid-biosynthetic genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is regulated at the translational level by upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in its mRNA leader. uORF4 (counting from the 5' end) is sufficient to repress GCN4 under nonstarvation conditions; uORF1 is required to overcome the inhibitory effect of uORF4 and stimulate GCN4 translation in amino acid-starved cells. Insertions of sequences with the potential to form secondary structure around uORF4 abolish derepression, indicating that ribosomes reach GCN4 by traversing uORF4 sequences rather than by binding internally to the GCN4 start site. By showing that wild-type regulation occurred even when uORF4 was elongated to overlap GCN4 by 130 nucleotides, we provide strong evidence that those ribosomes which translate GCN4 do so by ignoring the uORF4 AUG start codon. This conclusion is in accord with the fact that translation of a uORF4-lacZ fusion was lower in a derepressed gcd1 mutant than in a nonderepressible gcn2 strain. We also show that increasing the distance between uORF1 and uORF4 to the wild-type spacing that separates uORF1 from GCN4 specifically impaired the ability of uORF1 to derepress GCN4 translation. As expected, this alteration led to increased uORF4-lacZ translation in gcd1 cells. Our results suggest that under starvation conditions, a substantial fraction of ribosomes that translate uORF1 fail to reassemble the factors needed for reinitiation by the time they scan to uORF4, but become competent to reinitiate after scanning the additional sequences to GCN4. Under nonstarvation conditions, ribosomes would recover more rapidly from uORF1 translation, causing them all to reinitiate at uORF4 rather than at GCN4.

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