eIF3 Peripheral Subunits Rearrangement after mRNA Binding and Start-Codon Recognition

A dynamic compositional equilibrium governs mRNA recognition by eIF3

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 3 is a multi-subunit protein complex that binds both ribosomes and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in order to drive a diverse set of mechanistic steps during translation. Despite its importance, a unifying framework explaining how eIF3 performs these numerous activities is lacking. Using single-molecule light scattering microscopy, we demonstrate that Saccharomyces cerevisiae eIF3 is an equilibrium mixture of the full complex, subcomplexes, and subunits. By extending our microscopy approach to an in vitro reconstituted eIF3 and complementing it with biochemical assays, we define the subspecies comprising this equilibrium and show that, rather than being driven by the full complex, mRNA binding by eIF3 is instead driven by the eIF3a subunit within eIF3a-containing subcomplexes. Our findings provide a mechanistic model for the role of eIF3 in the mRNA recruitment step of translation initiation and establish a mechanistic framework for explaining and investigating the other activities of eIF3.

The role of molecular chaperone CCT/TRiC in translation elongation: A literature review

Protein synthesis from mRNA is an energy-intensive and strictly controlled biological process. Translation elongation is a well-coordinated and multifactorial step in translation that ensures the accurate and efficient addition of amino acids to a growing nascent-peptide chain encoded in the sequence of messenger RNA (mRNA). Which undergoes dynamic regulation due to cellular state and environmental determinants. An expanding body of research points to translational elongation as a crucial process that controls the translation of an mRNA through multiple feedback mechanisms. Molecular chaperones are key players in protein homeostasis to keep the balance between protein synthesis, folding, assembly, and degradation. Chaperonin-containing tailless complex polypeptide 1 (CCT) or tailless complex polypeptide 1 ring complex (TRiC) is an essential eukaryotic molecular chaperone that plays an essential role in assisting cellular protein folding and suppressing protein aggregation. In this review, we give an overview of the factors that influence translation elongation, focusing on different functions of molecular chaperones in translation elongation, including how they affect translation rates and post-translational modifications. We also provide an understanding of the mechanisms by which the molecular chaperone CCT plays multiple roles in the elongation phase of eukaryotic protein synthesis.

The structure of a human translation initiation complex reveals two independent roles for the helicase eIF4A

Eukaryotic translation initiation involves recruitment of the 43S pre-initiation complex to the 5' end of mRNA by the cap-binding complex eIF4F, forming the 48S translation initiation complex (48S), which then scans along the mRNA until the start codon is recognized. We have previously shown that eIF4F binds near the mRNA exit channel of the 43S, leaving open the question of how mRNA secondary structure is removed as it enters the mRNA channel on the other side of the 40S subunit. Here we report the structure of a human 48S that shows that, in addition to the eIF4A that is part of eIF4F, there is a second eIF4A helicase bound at the mRNA entry site, which could unwind RNA secondary structures as they enter the 48S. The structure also reveals conserved interactions between eIF4F and the 43S, probaby explaining how eIF4F can promote mRNA recruitment in all eukaryotes.

The molecular basis of translation initiation and its regulation in eukaryotes

The regulation of gene expression is fundamental for life. Whereas the role of transcriptional regulation of gene expression has been studied for several decades, it has been clear over the past two decades that post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, of which translation regulation is a major part, can be equally important. Translation can be divided into four main stages: initiation, elongation, termination and ribosome recycling. Translation is controlled mainly during its initiation, a process which culminates in a ribosome positioned with an initiator tRNA over the start codon and, thus, ready to begin elongation of the protein chain. mRNA translation has emerged as a powerful tool for the development of innovative therapies, yet the detailed mechanisms underlying the complex process of initiation remain unclear. Recent studies in yeast and mammals have started to shed light on some previously unclear aspects of this process. In this Review, we discuss the current state of knowledge on eukaryotic translation initiation and its regulation in health and disease. Specifically, we focus on recent advances in understanding the processes involved in assembling the 43S pre-initiation complex and its recruitment by the cap-binding complex eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) at the 5' end of mRNA. In addition, we discuss recent insights into ribosome scanning along the 5' untranslated region of mRNA and selection of the start codon, which culminates in joining of the 60S large subunit and formation of the 80S initiation complex.

eIF3 mRNA selectivity profiling reveals eIF3k as a cancer-relevant regulator of ribosome content

eIF3, whose subunits are frequently overexpressed in cancer, regulates mRNA translation from initiation to termination, but mRNA-selective functions of individual subunits remain poorly defined. Using multiomic profiling upon acute depletion of eIF3 subunits, we observed that while eIF3a, b, e, and f markedly differed in their impact on eIF3 holo-complex formation and translation, they were each required for cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. Remarkably, eIF3k showed the opposite pattern with depletion promoting global translation, cell proliferation, tumor growth, and stress resistance through repressing the synthesis of ribosomal proteins, especially RPS15A. Whereas ectopic expression of RPS15A mimicked the anabolic effects of eIF3k depletion, disruption of eIF3 binding to the 5'-UTR of RSP15A mRNA negated them. eIF3k and eIF3l are selectively downregulated in response to endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress. Supported by mathematical modeling, our data uncover eIF3k-l as a mRNA-specific module which, through controlling RPS15A translation, serves as a rheostat of ribosome content, possibly to secure spare translational capacity that can be mobilized during stress.

Specific mechanisms of translation initiation in higher eukaryotes: the eIF4G2 story

The eukaryotic initiation factor 4G2 (eIF4G2, DAP5, Nat1, p97) was discovered in 1997. Over the past two decades, dozens of papers have presented contradictory data on eIF4G2 function. Since its identification, eIF4G2 has been assumed to participate in noncanonical translation initiation mechanisms, but recent results indicate that it can be involved in scanning as well. In particular, eIF4G2 provides leaky scanning through some upstream open reading frames (uORFs), which are typical for long 5' UTRs of mRNAs from higher eukaryotes. It is likely the protein can also help the ribosome overcome other impediments during scanning of the 5' UTRs of animal mRNAs. This may explain the need for eIF4G2 in higher eukaryotes, as many mRNAs that encode regulatory proteins have rather long and highly structured 5' UTRs. Additionally, they often bind to various proteins, which also hamper the movement of scanning ribosomes. This review discusses the suggested mechanisms of eIF4G2 action, denotes obscure or inconsistent results, and proposes ways to uncover other fundamental mechanisms in which this important protein factor may be involved in higher eukaryotes.

Rapid 40S scanning and its regulation by mRNA structure during eukaryotic translation initiation

How the eukaryotic 43S preinitiation complex scans along the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of a capped mRNA to locate the correct start codon remains elusive. Here, we directly track yeast 43S-mRNA binding, scanning, and 60S subunit joining by real-time single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy. 43S engagement with mRNA occurs through a slow, ATP-dependent process driven by multiple initiation factors including the helicase eIF4A. Once engaged, 43S scanning occurs rapidly and directionally at ∼100 nucleotides per second, independent of multiple cycles of ATP hydrolysis by RNA helicases post ribosomal loading. Scanning ribosomes can proceed through RNA secondary structures, but 5' UTR hairpin sequences near start codons drive scanning ribosomes at start codons backward in the 5' direction, requiring rescanning to arrive once more at a start codon. Direct observation of scanning ribosomes provides a mechanistic framework for translational regulation by 5' UTR structures and upstream near-cognate start codons.

Molecular and Structural Characterization of Lenalidomide-Mediated Sequestration of eIF3i

Lenalidomide is a ligand of the E3 ligase substrate adapter cereblon (CRBN) that achieves its clinical effects in part by the promotion of substrate recruitment and degradation. In contrast to prior targets, eIF3i is recruited but not degraded upon complex formation with lenalidomide and CRBN, although the structural details and mechanistic outcomes of this interaction are unresolved. Here, we characterize the structural basis and mechanistic outcomes of lenalidomide-induced sequestration of eIF3i from the eIF3 complex. Identification of the binding interface on eIF3i by a covalent lenalidomide probe and mass spectrometry rationalizes the sequestration event. We further connect eIF3i and CRBN to lenalidomide-driven effects on angiogenic markers, Akt1 phosphorylation, and associated antiangiogenesis phenotypes. Finally, we find that eIF3i sequestration is observed in MM.1S and MOLM13 cells after the degradation of other substrates, such as IKZF1. The defined binding interface elucidated by chemical proteomics and the observation of eIF3i sequestration as a lenalidomide function open future directions in designing new chemical adapters for protein sequestration as a strategy to selectively control protein functions.

eIF3j inhibits translation of a subset of circular RNAs in eukaryotic cells

Increasing studies have revealed that a subset of circular RNAs (circRNAs) harbor an open reading frame and can act as protein-coding templates to generate functional proteins that are closely associated with multiple physiological and disease-relevant processes, and thus proper regulation of synthesis of these circRNA-derived proteins is a fundamental cellular process required for homeostasis maintenance. However, how circRNA translation initiation is coordinated by different trans-acting factors remains poorly understood. In particular, the impact of different eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) on circRNA translation and the physiological relevance of this distinct regulation have not yet been characterized. In this study, we screened all 43 Drosophila eIFs and revealed the conflicting functions of eIF3 subunits in the translational control of the translatable circRNA circSfl: eIF3 is indispensable for circSfl translation, while the eIF3-associated factor eIF3j is the most potent inhibitor. Mechanistically, the binding of eIF3j to circSfl promotes the disassociation of eIF3. The C-terminus of eIF3j and an RNA regulon within the circSfl untranslated region (UTR) are essential for the inhibitory effect of eIF3j. Moreover, we revealed the physiological relevance of eIF3j-mediated circSfl translation repression in response to heat shock. Finally, additional translatable circRNAs were identified to be similarly regulated in an eIF3j-dependent manner. Altogether, our study provides a significant insight into the field of cap-independent translational regulation and undiscovered functions of eIF3.

eIF3 Interacts with Selenoprotein mRNAs

The synthesis of selenoproteins requires the co-translational recoding of an in-frame UGASec codon. Interactions between the Selenocysteine Insertion Sequence (SECIS) and the SECIS binding protein 2 (SBP2) in the 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of selenoprotein mRNAs enable the recruitment of the selenocysteine insertion machinery. Several selenoprotein mRNAs undergo unusual cap hypermethylation and are not recognized by the translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) but nevertheless translated. The human eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3), composed of 13 subunits (a-m), can selectively recruit several cellular mRNAs and plays roles in specialized translation initiation. Here, we analyzed the ability of eIF3 to interact with selenoprotein mRNAs. By combining ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation (RNP IP) in vivo and in vitro with cross-linking experiments, we found interactions between eIF3 and a subgroup of selenoprotein mRNAs. We showed that eIF3 preferentially interacts with hypermethylated capped selenoprotein mRNAs rather than m⁷G-capped mRNAs. We identified direct contacts between GPx1 mRNA and eIF3 c, d, and e subunits and showed the existence of common interaction patterns for all hypermethylated capped selenoprotein mRNAs. Differential interactions of eIF3 with selenoprotein mRNAs may trigger specific translation pathways independent of eIF4E. eIF3 could represent a new player in the translation regulation and hierarchy of selenoprotein expression.

Molecular architecture of 40S translation initiation complexes on the hepatitis C virus IRES

Hepatitis C virus mRNA contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) that mediates end-independent translation initiation, requiring a subset of eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs). Biochemical studies revealed that direct binding of the IRES to the 40S ribosomal subunit places the initiation codon into the P site, where it base pairs with eIF2-bound Met-tRNAiMet forming a 48S initiation complex. Subsequently, eIF5 and eIF5B mediate subunit joining, yielding an elongation-competent 80S ribosome. Initiation can also proceed without eIF2, in which case Met-tRNAiMet is recruited directly by eIF5B. However, the structures of initiation complexes assembled on the HCV IRES, the transitions between different states, and the accompanying conformational changes have remained unknown. To fill these gaps, we now obtained cryo-EM structures of IRES initiation complexes, at resolutions up to 3.5 Å, that cover all major stages from the initial ribosomal association, through eIF2-containing 48S initiation complexes, to eIF5B-containing complexes immediately prior to subunit joining. These structures provide insights into the dynamic network of 40S/IRES contacts, highlight the role of IRES domain II, and reveal conformational changes that occur during the transition from eIF2- to eIF5B-containing 48S complexes and prepare them for subunit joining.

eIF5B and eIF1A reorient initiator tRNA to allow ribosomal subunit joining

Translation initiation defines the identity and quantity of a synthesized protein. The process is dysregulated in many human diseases1,2. A key commitment step is when the ribosomal subunits join at a translation start site on a messenger RNA to form a functional ribosome. Here, we combined single-molecule spectroscopy and structural methods using an in vitro reconstituted system to examine how the human ribosomal subunits join. Single-molecule fluorescence revealed when the universally conserved eukaryotic initiation factors eIF1A and eIF5B associate with and depart from initiation complexes. Guided by single-molecule dynamics, we visualized initiation complexes that contained both eIF1A and eIF5B using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. The resulting structure revealed how eukaryote-specific contacts between the two proteins remodel the initiation complex to orient the initiator aminoacyl-tRNA in a conformation compatible with ribosomal subunit joining. Collectively, our findings provide a quantitative and architectural framework for the molecular choreography orchestrated by eIF1A and eIF5B during translation initiation in humans.

Changes in the Transcriptome Caused by Mutations in the Ribosomal Protein uS10 Associated with a Predisposition to Colorectal Cancer

A number of mutations in the RPS20 gene encoding the ribosomal protein uS10 have been found to be associated with a predisposition to hereditary non-polyposis colorectal carcinoma (CRC). We transfected HEK293T cells with constructs carrying the uS10 minigene with mutations identical to those mentioned above and examined the effects of the produced proteins on the cellular transcriptome. We showed that uS10 with mutations p.V50SfsX23 or p.L61EfsX11 cannot be incorporated into 40S ribosomal subunits, while the protein with the missense mutation p.V54L functionally replaces the respective endogenous protein in the 40S subunit assembly and the translation process. The comparison of RNA-seq data obtained from cells producing aberrant forms of uS10 with data for those producing the wild-type protein revealed overlapping sets of upregulated and downregulated differently expressed genes (DEGs) related to several pathways. Among the limited number of upregulated DEGs, there were genes directly associated with the progression of CRC, e.g., PPM1D and PIGN. Our findings indicate that the accumulation of the mutant forms of uS10 triggers a cascade of cellular events, similar to that which is triggered when the cell responds to a large number of erroneous proteins, suggesting that this may increase the risk of cancer.

Conformational rearrangements upon start codon recognition in human 48S translation initiation complex

Selection of the translation start codon is a key step during protein synthesis in human cells. We obtained cryo-EM structures of human 48S initiation complexes and characterized the intermediates of codon recognition by kinetic methods using eIF1A as a reporter. Both approaches capture two distinct ribosome populations formed on an mRNA with a cognate AUG codon in the presence of eIF1, eIF1A, eIF2–GTP–Met-tRNA_i^Met and eIF3. The ‘open’ 40S subunit conformation differs from the human 48S scanning complex and represents an intermediate preceding the codon recognition step. The ‘closed’ form is similar to reported structures of complexes from yeast and mammals formed upon codon recognition, except for the orientation of eIF1A, which is unique in our structure. Kinetic experiments show how various initiation factors mediate the population distribution of open and closed conformations until 60S subunit docking. Our results provide insights into the timing and structure of human translation initiation intermediates and suggest the differences in the mechanisms of start codon selection between mammals and yeast.

Eukaryotic initiation factor 4F promotes a reorientation of eukaryotic initiation factor 3 binding on the 5' and the 3' UTRs of barley yellow dwarf virus mRNA

Viral mRNAs that lack a 5′ m⁷GTP cap and a 3′ poly-A tail rely on structural elements in their untranslated regions (UTRs) to form unique RNA-protein complexes that regulate viral translation. Recent studies of the barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) have revealed eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) plays a significant role in facilitating communication between its 5′ and 3′ UTRs by binding both UTRs simultaneously. This report uses in vitro translation assays, fluorescence anisotropy binding assays, and selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) footprinting to identify secondary structures that are selectively interacting with eIF3. SHAPE data also show that eIF3 alters its interaction with BYDV structures when another factor crucial for BYDV translation, eIF4F, is introduced by the 3′ BYDV translational enhancer (BTE). The observed BTE and eIF4F-induced shift of eIF3 position on the 5’ UTR and the translational effects of altering eIF3-binding structures (SLC and SLII) support a new model for BYDV translation initiation that requires the reorientation of eIF3 on BYDV UTRs. This eIF3 function in BYDV translation initiation is both reminiscent of and distinct from eIF3–RNA interactions found in other non-canonically translating mRNAs (e.g. HCV). This characterization of a new role in translation initiation expands the known functionality of eIF3 and may be broadly applicable to other non-canonically translating mRNAs.

Dynamic interaction network involving the conserved intrinsically disordered regions in human eIF5

Translation initiation in eukaryotes requires multiple eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) and involves continuous remodeling of the ribosomal preinitiation complex (PIC). The GTPase eIF2 brings the initiator Met-tRNA_i to the PIC. Upon start codon selection and GTP hydrolysis, promoted by eIF5, eIF2-GDP is released in complex with eIF5. Here, we report that two intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in eIF5, the DWEAR motif and the C-terminal tail (CTT) dynamically contact the folded C-terminal domain (CTD) and compete with each other. The eIF5-CTD•CTT interaction favors eIF2β binding to eIF5-CTD, whereas the eIF5-CTD•DWEAR interaction favors eIF1A binding, which suggests how intramolecular contact rearrangement could play a role in PIC remodeling. We show that eIF5 phosphorylation by CK2, which is known to stimulate translation and cell proliferation, significantly increases the eIF5 affinity for eIF2. Our results also indicate that the eIF2β subunit has at least two, and likely three eIF5-binding sites.

Development of Photolenalidomide for Cellular Target Identification

The thalidomide analogue lenalidomide (Len) is a clinical therapeutic that alters the substrate engagement of cereblon (CRBN), a substrate receptor for the CRL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase. Here, we report the development of photolenalidomide (pLen), a Len probe with a photoaffinity label and enrichment handle, designed for target identification by chemical proteomics. pLen preserves the substrate degradation profile, phenotypic antiproliferative and immunomodulatory properties of Len, and enhances interactions with the thalidomide-binding domain of CRBN, as revealed by binding site mapping and molecular modeling. Using pLen, we captured the known targets IKZF1 and CRBN from multiple myeloma MM.1S cells and further identified a new target, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit i (eIF3i), from HEK293T cells. eIF3i is directly labeled by pLen and forms a ternary complex with CRBN in the presence of Len across several epithelial cell lines but is itself not ubiquitylated or degraded. These data point to the existence of a broader array of targets induced by ligands to CRBN that may or may not be degraded, which can be identified by the highly translatable application of pLen to additional biological systems.

eIF3 and Its mRNA-Entry-Channel Arm Contribute to the Recruitment of mRNAs With Long 5′-Untranslated Regions

Translation initiation in eukaryotes is a multi-step pathway and the most regulated phase of translation. Eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) is the largest and most complex of the translation initiation factors, and it contributes to events throughout the initiation pathway. In particular, eIF3 appears to play critical roles in mRNA recruitment. More recently, eIF3 has been implicated in driving the selective translation of specific classes of mRNAs. However, unraveling the mechanism of these diverse contributions—and disentangling the roles of the individual subunits of the eIF3 complex—remains challenging. We employed ribosome profiling of budding yeast cells expressing two distinct mutations targeting the eIF3 complex. These mutations either disrupt the entire complex or subunits positioned near the mRNA-entry channel of the ribosome and which appear to relocate during or in response to mRNA binding and start-codon recognition. Disruption of either the entire eIF3 complex or specific targeting of these subunits affects mRNAs with long 5′-untranslated regions and whose translation is more dependent on eIF4A, eIF4B, and Ded1 but less dependent on eIF4G, eIF4E, and PABP. Disruption of the entire eIF3 complex further affects mRNAs involved in mitochondrial processes and with structured 5′-untranslated regions. Comparison of the suite of mRNAs most sensitive to both mutations with those uniquely sensitive to disruption of the entire complex sheds new light on the specific roles of individual subunits of the eIF3 complex.

A C-term truncated EIF2Bγ protein encoded by an intronically polyadenylated isoform introduces unfavorable EIF2Bγ-EIF2γ interactions

Eukaryotic translation initiates upon recruitment of the EIF2-GTP·Met-tRNA_i ternary complex (TC) to the ribosomes. EIF2 (α, β, γ subunits) is a GTPase. The GDP to GTP exchange within EIF2 is facilitated by the guanine nucleotide exchange factor EIF2B (α-ε subunits). During stress-induced conditions, phosphorylation of the α-subunit of EIF2 turns EIF2 into an inhibitor of EIF2B. In turn, inhibition of EIF2B decreases TC formation and triggers the internal stress response (ISR), which determines the cell fate. Deregulated ISR has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders and cancer, positioning EIF2B as a promising therapeutic target. Hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms/factors that regulate EIF2B activity is required. Here, combining transcript and protein level analyses, we describe an intronically polyadenylated (IPA) transcript of EIF2B's γ-subunit. We show that the IPA mRNA isoform is translated into a C-terminus truncated protein. Using structural modeling, we predict that the truncated EIF2Bγ protein has unfavorable interactions with EIF2γ, leading to a potential decrease in the stability of the nonproductive EIF2:EIF2B complex. While we discovered and confirmed the IPA mRNA isoform in breast cancer cells, the expression of this isoform is not cancer-specific and is widely present in normal tissues. Overall, our data show that a truncated EIF2Bγ protein co-exists with the canonical protein and is an additional player to regulate the equilibrium between productive and nonproductive states of the EIF2:EIF2B complex. These results may have implications in stress-induced translation control in normal and disease states. Our combinatorial approach demonstrates the need to study noncanonical mRNA and protein isoforms to understand protein interactions and intricate molecular mechanisms.

Large-scale movement of eIF3 domains during translation initiation modulate start codon selection

The eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) complex is involved in every step of translation initiation, but there is limited understanding of its molecular functions. Here, we present a single particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) reconstruction of yeast 48S ribosomal preinitiation complex (PIC) in an open conformation conducive to scanning, with core subunit eIF3b bound on the 40S interface near the decoding center in contact with the ternary complex eIF2·GTP·initiator tRNA. eIF3b is relocated together with eIF3i from their solvent interface locations observed in other PIC structures, with eIF3i lacking 40S contacts. Re-processing of micrographs of our previous 48S PIC in a closed state also suggests relocation of the entire eIF3b-3i-3g-3a-Cter module during the course of initiation. Genetic analysis indicates that high fidelity initiation depends on eIF3b interactions at the 40S subunit interface that promote the closed PIC conformation, or facilitate the relocation of eIF3b/eIF3i to the solvent interface, on start codon selection.

Reprogramming mRNA Expression in Response to Defect in RNA Polymerase III Assembly in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The coordinated transcription of the genome is the fundamental mechanism in molecular biology. Transcription in eukaryotes is carried out by three main RNA polymerases: Pol I, II, and III. One basic problem is how a decrease in tRNA levels, by downregulating Pol III efficiency, influences the expression pattern of protein-coding genes. The purpose of this study was to determine the mRNA levels in the yeast mutant rpc128-1007 and its overdose suppressors, RBS1 and PRT1. The rpc128-1007 mutant prevents assembly of the Pol III complex and functionally mimics similar mutations in human Pol III, which cause hypomyelinating leukodystrophies. We applied RNAseq followed by the hierarchical clustering of our complete RNA-seq transcriptome and functional analysis of genes from the clusters. mRNA upregulation in rpc128-1007 cells was generally stronger than downregulation. The observed induction of mRNA expression was mostly indirect and resulted from the derepression of general transcription factor Gcn4, differently modulated by suppressor genes. rpc128-1007 mutation, regardless of the presence of suppressors, also resulted in a weak increase in the expression of ribosome biogenesis genes. mRNA genes that were downregulated by the reduction of Pol III assembly comprise the proteasome complex. In summary, our results provide the regulatory links affected by Pol III assembly that contribute differently to cellular fitness.

Iron in Translation: From the Beginning to the End

Iron is an essential element for all eukaryotes, since it acts as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in basic cellular functions, including translation. While the mammalian iron-regulatory protein/iron-responsive element (IRP/IRE) system arose as one of the first examples of translational regulation in higher eukaryotes, little is known about the contribution of iron itself to the different stages of eukaryotic translation. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, iron deficiency provokes a global impairment of translation at the initiation step, which is mediated by the Gcn2-eIF2α pathway, while the post-transcriptional regulator Cth2 specifically represses the translation of a subgroup of iron-related transcripts. In addition, several steps of the translation process depend on iron-containing enzymes, including particular modifications of translation elongation factors and transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and translation termination by the ATP-binding cassette family member Rli1 (ABCE1 in humans) and the prolyl hydroxylase Tpa1. The influence of these modifications and their correlation with codon bias in the dynamic control of protein biosynthesis, mainly in response to stress, is emerging as an interesting focus of research. Taking S. cerevisiae as a model, we hereby discuss the relevance of iron in the control of global and specific translation steps.

Interactome Mapping of eIF3A in a Colon Cancer and an Immortalized Embryonic Cell Line Using Proximity-Dependent Biotin Identification

Translation initiation comprises complex interactions of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) subunits and the structural elements of the mRNAs. Translation initiation is a key process for building the cell's proteome. It not only determines the total amount of protein synthesized but also controls the translation efficiency for individual transcripts, which is important for cancer or ageing. Thus, understanding protein interactions during translation initiation is one key that contributes to understanding how the eIF subunit composition influences translation or other pathways not yet attributed to eIFs. We applied the BioID technique to two rapidly dividing cell lines (the immortalized embryonic cell line HEK-293T and the colon carcinoma cell line HCT-166) in order to identify interacting proteins of eIF3A, a core subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor 3 complex. We identified a total of 84 interacting proteins, with very few proteins being specific to one cell line. When protein biosynthesis was blocked by thapsigargin-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, the interacting proteins were considerably smaller in number. In terms of gene ontology, although eIF3A interactors are mainly part of the translation machinery, protein folding and RNA binding were also found. Cells suffering from ER-stress show a few remaining interactors which are mainly ribosomal proteins or involved in RNA-binding.

Molecular Regulation of Skeletal Muscle Growth and Organelle Biosynthesis: Practical Recommendations for Exercise Training

The regulation of skeletal muscle mass and organelle homeostasis is dependent on the capacity of cells to produce proteins and to recycle cytosolic portions. In this investigation, the mechanisms involved in skeletal muscle mass regulation-especially those associated with proteosynthesis and with the production of new organelles-are presented. Thus, the critical roles of mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway and its regulators are reviewed. In addition, the importance of ribosome biogenesis, satellite cells involvement, myonuclear accretion, and some major epigenetic modifications related to protein synthesis are discussed. Furthermore, several studies conducted on the topic of exercise training have recognized the central role of both endurance and resistance exercise to reorganize sarcomeric proteins and to improve the capacity of cells to build efficient organelles. The molecular mechanisms underlying these adaptations to exercise training are presented throughout this review and practical recommendations for exercise prescription are provided. A better understanding of the aforementioned cellular pathways is essential for both healthy and sick people to avoid inefficient prescriptions and to improve muscle function with emergent strategies (e.g., hypoxic training). Finally, current limitations in the literature and further perspectives, notably on epigenetic mechanisms, are provided to encourage additional investigations on this topic.

eIF3i regulation of protein synthesis, cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and tumorigenesis

eIF3i, a 36-kDa protein, is a putative subunit of the eIF3 complex important for translation initiation of mRNAs. It is a WD40 domain-containing protein with seven WD40 repeats that forms a β-propeller structure with an important function in pre-initiation complex formation and mRNA translation initiation. In addition to participating in the eIF3 complex formation for global translational control, eIF3i may bind to specific mRNAs and regulate their translation individually. Furthermore, eIF3i has been shown to bind to TGF-β type II receptor and participate in TGF-β signaling. It may also participate in and regulate other signaling pathways including Wnt/β-catenin pathway via translational regulation of COX-2 synthesis. These multiple canonical and noncanonical functions of eIF3i in translational control and in regulating signal transduction pathways may be responsible for its role in cell differentiation, cell cycle regulation, proliferation, and tumorigenesis. In this review, we will critically evaluate recent progresses and assess future prospects in studying eIF3i.

A structural inventory of native ribosomal ABCE1-43S pre-initiation complexes

In eukaryotic translation, termination and ribosome recycling phases are linked to subsequent initiation of a new round of translation by persistence of several factors at ribosomal sub‐complexes. These comprise/include the large eIF3 complex, eIF3j (Hcr1 in yeast) and the ATP‐binding cassette protein ABCE1 (Rli1 in yeast). The ATPase is mainly active as a recycling factor, but it can remain bound to the dissociated 40S subunit until formation of the next 43S pre‐initiation complexes. However, its functional role and native architectural context remains largely enigmatic. Here, we present an architectural inventory of native yeast and human ABCE1‐containing pre‐initiation complexes by cryo‐EM. We found that ABCE1 was mostly associated with early 43S, but also with later 48S phases of initiation. It adopted a novel hybrid conformation of its nucleotide‐binding domains, while interacting with the N‐terminus of eIF3j. Further, eIF3j occupied the mRNA entry channel via its ultimate C‐terminus providing a structural explanation for its antagonistic role with respect to mRNA binding. Overall, the native human samples provide a near‐complete molecular picture of the architecture and sophisticated interaction network of the 43S‐bound eIF3 complex and the eIF2 ternary complex containing the initiator tRNA.

Structural Differences in Translation Initiation between Pathogenic Trypanosomatids and Their Mammalian Hosts

Canonical mRNA translation in eukaryotes begins with the formation of the 43S pre-initiation complex (PIC). Its assembly requires binding of initiator Met-tRNA_i^Met and several eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) to the small ribosomal subunit (40S). Compared to their mammalian hosts, trypanosomatids present significant structural differences in their 40S, suggesting substantial variability in translation initiation. Here, we determine the structure of the 43S PIC from Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite causing Chagas disease. Our structure shows numerous specific features, such as the variant eIF3 structure and its unique interactions with the large rRNA expansion segments (ESs) 9^S, 7^S, and 6^S, and the association of a kinetoplastid-specific DDX60-like helicase. It also reveals the 40S-binding site of the eIF5 C-terminal domain and structures of key terminal tails of several conserved eIFs underlying their activities within the PIC. Our results are corroborated by glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assays in both human and T. cruzi and mass spectrometry data.

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Structure of the 43S pre-initiation complex from Trypanosoma cruzi is solved at 3.33 Å

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The kinetoplastids’ eIF3 core is a septamer that binds mainly the unique, extended ES7^s

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A kinetoplastid-specific DDX60-like helicase binds to the 43S PIC entry pore

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The 40S positions of eIF5-CTD and key tails of several eIFs are determined

Unorthodox Mechanisms to Initiate Translation Open Novel Paths for Gene Expression

Translation in eukaryotes is dependent on the activity of translation initiation factor (eIF) 4G family of proteins, a scaffold protein that, during the initiation step, coordinates the activity of other eIFs to recruit the 40S ribosomal subunit to the mRNA. Three decades of research on protein synthesis and its regulation has provided a wealth of evidence supporting the crucial role of cap-dependent translation initiation, which involves eIF4G. However, the recent discovery of a surprising variety of alternative mechanisms to initiate translation in the absence of eIF4G has stirred the orthodox view of how protein synthesis is performed. These mechanisms involve novel interactions among known eIFs, or between known eIFs and other proteins not previously linked to translation. Thus, a new picture is emerging in which the unorthodox translation initiation complexes contribute to the diversity of mechanisms that regulate gene expression in eukaryotes.

Selective Translation Complex Profiling Reveals Staged Initiation and Co-translational Assembly of Initiation Factor Complexes

Translational control targeting the initiation phase is central to the regulation of gene expression. Understanding all of its aspects requires substantial technological advancements. Here we modified yeast translation complex profile sequencing (TCP-seq), related to ribosome profiling, and adapted it for mammalian cells. Human TCP-seq, capable of capturing footprints of 40S subunits (40Ss) in addition to 80S ribosomes (80Ss), revealed that mammalian and yeast 40Ss distribute similarly across 5'TRs, indicating considerable evolutionary conservation. We further developed yeast and human selective TCP-seq (Sel-TCP-seq), enabling selection of 40Ss and 80Ss associated with immuno-targeted factors. Sel-TCP-seq demonstrated that eIF2 and eIF3 travel along 5' UTRs with scanning 40Ss to successively dissociate upon AUG recognition; notably, a proportion of eIF3 lingers on during the initial elongation cycles. Highlighting Sel-TCP-seq versatility, we also identified four initiating 48S conformational intermediates, provided novel insights into ATF4 and GCN4 mRNA translational control, and demonstrated co-translational assembly of initiation factor complexes.

eIF-Three to Tango: emerging functions of translation initiation factor eIF3 in protein synthesis and disease

Studies over the past three years have substantially expanded the involvements of eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) in messenger RNA (mRNA) translation. It now appears that this multi-subunit complex is involved in every possible form of mRNA translation, controlling every step of protein synthesis from initiation to elongation, termination, and quality control in positive as well as negative fashion. Through the study of eIF3, we are beginning to appreciate protein synthesis as a highly integrated process coordinating protein production with protein folding, subcellular targeting, and degradation. At the same time, eIF3 subunits appear to have specific functions that probably vary between different tissues and individual cells. Considering the broad functions of eIF3 in protein homeostasis, it comes as little surprise that eIF3 is increasingly implicated in major human diseases and first attempts at therapeutically targeting eIF3 have been undertaken. Much remains to be learned, however, about subunit- and tissue-specific functions of eIF3 in protein synthesis and disease and their regulation by environmental conditions and post-translational modifications.

eIF3 Associates with 80S Ribosomes to Promote Translation Elongation, Mitochondrial Homeostasis, and Muscle Health

eIF3, a multi-subunit complex with numerous functions in canonical translation initiation, is known to interact with 40S and 60S ribosomal proteins and translation elongation factors, but a direct involvement in translation elongation has never been demonstrated. We found that eIF3 deficiency reduced early ribosomal elongation speed between codons 25 and 75 on a set of ∼2,700 mRNAs encoding proteins associated with mitochondrial and membrane functions, resulting in defective synthesis of their encoded proteins. To promote elongation, eIF3 interacts with 80S ribosomes translating the first ∼60 codons and serves to recruit protein quality-control factors, functions required for normal mitochondrial physiology. Accordingly, eIF3e^+/- mice accumulate defective mitochondria in skeletal muscle and show a progressive decline in muscle strength. Hence, eIF3 interacts with 80S ribosomes to enhance, at the level of early elongation, the synthesis of proteins with membrane-associated functions, an activity that is critical for mitochondrial physiology and muscle health.

uS3/Rps3 controls fidelity of translation termination and programmed stop codon readthrough in co-operation with eIF3

Ribosome was long considered as a critical yet passive player in protein synthesis. Only recently the role of its basic components, ribosomal RNAs and proteins, in translational control has begun to emerge. Here we examined function of the small ribosomal protein uS3/Rps3, earlier shown to interact with eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF3, in termination. We identified two residues in consecutive helices occurring in the mRNA entry pore, whose mutations to the opposite charge either reduced (K108E) or increased (R116D) stop codon readthrough. Whereas the latter increased overall levels of eIF3-containing terminating ribosomes in heavy polysomes in vivo indicating slower termination rates, the former specifically reduced eIF3 amounts in termination complexes. Combining these two mutations with the readthrough-reducing mutations at the extreme C-terminus of the a/Tif32 subunit of eIF3 either suppressed (R116D) or exacerbated (K108E) the readthrough phenotypes, and partially corrected or exacerbated the defects in the composition of termination complexes. In addition, we found that K108 affects efficiency of termination in the termination context-specific manner by promoting incorporation of readthrough-inducing tRNAs. Together with the multiple binding sites that we identified between these two proteins, we suggest that Rps3 and eIF3 closely co-operate to control translation termination and stop codon readthrough.

Structural Insights into the Mammalian Late-Stage Initiation Complexes

In higher eukaryotes, the mRNA sequence in the direct vicinity of the start codon, called the Kozak sequence (CRCCaugG, where R is a purine), is known to influence the rate of the initiation process. However, the molecular basis underlying its role remains poorly understood. Here, we present the cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of mammalian late-stage 48S initiation complexes (LS48S ICs) in the presence of two different native mRNA sequences, β-globin and histone 4, at overall resolution of 3 and 3.5 Å, respectively. Our high-resolution structures unravel key interactions from the mRNA to eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs): 1A, 2, 3, 18S rRNA, and several 40S ribosomal proteins. In addition, we are able to study the structural role of ABCE1 in the formation of native 48S ICs. Our results reveal a comprehensive map of ribosome/eIF-mRNA and ribosome/eIF-tRNA interactions and suggest the impact of mRNA sequence on the structure of the LS48S IC.

Adapted formaldehyde gradient cross-linking protocol implicates human eIF3d and eIF3c, k and l subunits in the 43S and 48S pre-initiation complex assembly, respectively

One of the key roles of the 12-subunit eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) is to promote the formation of the 43S and 48S pre-initiation complexes (PICs). However, particular contributions of its individual subunits to these two critical initiation reactions remained obscure. Here, we adapted formaldehyde gradient cross-linking protocol to translation studies and investigated the efficiency of the 43S and 48S PIC assembly in knockdowns of individual subunits of human eIF3 known to produce various partial subcomplexes. We revealed that eIF3d constitutes an important intermolecular bridge between eIF3 and the 40S subunit as its elimination from the eIF3 holocomplex severely compromised the 43S PIC assembly. Similarly, subunits eIF3a, c and e were found to represent an important binding force driving eIF3 binding to the 40S subunit. In addition, we demonstrated that eIF3c, and eIF3k and l subunits alter the efficiency of mRNA recruitment to 43S PICs in an opposite manner. Whereas the eIF3c knockdown reduces it, downregulation of eIF3k or eIF3l increases mRNA recruitment, suggesting that the latter subunits possess a regulatory potential. Altogether this study provides new insights into the role of human eIF3 in the initial assembly steps of the translational machinery.

Grad-cryo-EM: Tool to Isolate Translation Initiation Complexes from Rabbit Reticulocyte Lysate Suitable for Structural Studies

Since its development, single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has played a central role in the study at medium resolution of both bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomal complexes. With the advent of the direct electron detectors and new processing software which allow obtaining structures at atomic resolution, formerly obtained only by X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM has become the method of choice for the structural analysis of the translation machinery. In most of the cases, the ribosomal complexes at different stages of the translation process are assembled in vitro from purified components, which limit the analysis to previously well-characterized complexes with known factors composition. The initiation phase of the protein synthesis is a very dynamic process during which several proteins interact with the translation apparatus leading to the formation of a chronological series of initiation complexes (ICs). Here we describe a method to isolate ICs assembled on natural in vitro transcribed mRNA directly from rabbit reticulocyte lysate (RRL) by sucrose density gradient centrifugation . The Grad-cryo-EM approach allows investigating structures and composition of intermediate ribosomal complexes prepared in near-native condition by cryo-EM and mass spectrometry analyses. This is a powerful approach, which could be used to study translation initiation of any mRNAs, including IRES containing ones, and which could be adapted to different cell extracts.

Binding of eIF3 in complex with eIF5 and eIF1 to the 40S ribosomal subunit is accompanied by dramatic structural changes

eIF3 is a large multiprotein complex serving as an essential scaffold promoting binding of other eIFs to the 40S subunit, where it coordinates their actions during translation initiation. Perhaps due to a high degree of flexibility of multiple eIF3 subunits, a high-resolution structure of free eIF3 from any organism has never been solved. Employing genetics and biochemistry, we previously built a 2D interaction map of all five yeast eIF3 subunits. Here we further improved the previously reported in vitro reconstitution protocol of yeast eIF3, which we cross-linked and trypsin-digested to determine its overall shape in 3D by advanced mass-spectrometry. The obtained cross-links support our 2D subunit interaction map and reveal that eIF3 is tightly packed with its WD40 and RRM domains exposed. This contrasts with reported cryo-EM structures depicting eIF3 as a molecular embracer of the 40S subunit. Since the binding of eIF1 and eIF5 further fortified the compact architecture of eIF3, we suggest that its initial contact with the 40S solvent-exposed side makes eIF3 to open up and wrap around the 40S head with its extended arms. In addition, we mapped the position of eIF5 to the region below the P- and E-sites of the 40S subunit.

The role of eukaryotic initiation factor 3 in plant translation regulation

Regulation of translation represents a critical step in the regulation of gene expression. In plants, the translation regulation plays an important role at all stages of development and, during stress responses, functions as a fast and flexible tool which not only modulates the global translation rate but also controls the production of specific proteins. Regulation of translation is mostly focused on the initiation phase. There, one of essential initiation factors is the large multisubunit protein complex of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3). In all eukaryotes, the general eIF3 function is to scaffold the formation of the translation initiation complex and to enhance the accuracy of scanning mechanism for start codon selection. Over the past decades, additional eIF3 functions were described as necessary for development in various eukaryotic organisms, including plants. The importance of the eIF3 complex lies not only at the global level of initiation event, but also in the precise translation regulation of specific transcripts. This review gathers the available information on functions of the plant eIF3 complex.

eIF2B-catalyzed nucleotide exchange and phosphoregulation by the integrated stress response

The integrated stress response (ISR) tunes the rate of protein synthesis. Control is exerted by phosphorylation of the general translation initiation factor eIF2. eIF2 is a guanosine triphosphatase that becomes activated by eIF2B, a two-fold symmetric and heterodecameric complex that functions as eIF2's dedicated nucleotide exchange factor. Phosphorylation converts eIF2 from a substrate into an inhibitor of eIF2B. We report cryo-electron microscopy structures of eIF2 bound to eIF2B in the dephosphorylated state. The structures reveal that the eIF2B decamer is a static platform upon which one or two flexible eIF2 trimers bind and align with eIF2B's bipartite catalytic centers to catalyze nucleotide exchange. Phosphorylation refolds eIF2α, allowing it to contact eIF2B at a different interface and, we surmise, thereby sequestering it into a nonproductive complex.

Downregulation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3b inhibited proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) plays an important role in the regulation of mRNA translation, cell growth and cancer development. eIF3b is the main scaffolding subunit in the eIF3 complex and has been demonstrated to contribute to the development of several cancers. First, our study found that the downregulation of eIF3b could inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer cells by regulating the expression of cancer-related genes. In addition, the expression of eIF3b correlated with the stage and progression of gastric cancer and was shown to be upregulated in human chronic gastritis and in gastric cancer tissues compared with the expression of eIF3b in normal gastric tissues. Moreover, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection could upregulate the expression of eIF3b in gastric cancer cells, suggesting that eIF3b might be involved in the carcinogenic process of H. pylori. The above findings identified the oncogenic role of eIF3b in gastric cancer development, and this may contribute to the exploration and discovery of novel therapeutic targets for gastric cancer treatment.

Control of Translation at the Initiation Phase During Glucose Starvation in Yeast

Glucose is one of the most important sources of carbon across all life. Glucose starvation is a key stress relevant to all eukaryotic cells. Glucose starvation responses have important implications in diseases, such as diabetes and cancer. In yeast, glucose starvation causes rapid and dramatic effects on the synthesis of proteins (mRNA translation). Response to glucose deficiency targets the initiation phase of translation by different mechanisms and with diverse dynamics. Concomitantly, translationally repressed mRNAs and components of the protein synthesis machinery may enter a variety of cytoplasmic foci, which also form with variable kinetics and may store or degrade mRNA. Much progress has been made in understanding these processes in the last decade, including with the use of high-throughput/omics methods of RNA and RNA:protein detection. This review dissects the current knowledge of yeast reactions to glucose starvation systematized by the stage of translation initiation, with the focus on rapid responses. We provide parallels to mechanisms found in higher eukaryotes, such as metazoans, for the most critical responses, and point out major remaining gaps in knowledge and possible future directions of research on translational responses to glucose starvation.

Translation initiation of alphavirus mRNA reveals new insights into the topology of the 48S initiation complex

The topology and dynamics of the scanning ribosomal 43S pre-initiation complex (PIC) bound to mRNA and initiation factors (eIFs) are probably the least understood aspects of translation initiation in eukaryotes. Recently, we described a trapping mechanism in alphavirus that stalls the PIC during scanning of viral mRNA. Using this model, we were able to snapshot for the first time the eIF4A helicase bound to mRNA in a 48S initiation complex assembled in vitro. This interaction was only detected in the presence of the natural stem loop structure (DLP) located downstream from the AUG in viral mRNA that promoted stalling of the PIC, suggesting that DLP stability was enough to jam the helicase activity of eIF4A in a fraction of assembled 48S complexes. However, a substantial proportion of DLP mRNA molecules were effectively unwound by eIF4A in vitro, an activity that alphaviruses counteract in infected cells by excluding eIF4A from viral factories. Our data indicated that eIF4A–mRNA contact occurred in (or near) the ES6S region of the 40S subunit, suggesting that incoming mRNA sequences penetrate through the ES6S region during the scanning process. We propose a topological model of the scanning PIC and how some viruses have exploited this topology to translate their mRNAs with fewer eIF requirements.

Fluorescently-tagged human eIF3 for single-molecule spectroscopy

Human translation initiation relies on the combined activities of numerous ribosome-associated eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs). The largest factor, eIF3, is an ∼800 kDa multiprotein complex that orchestrates a network of interactions with the small 40S ribosomal subunit, other eIFs, and mRNA, while participating in nearly every step of initiation. How these interactions take place during the time course of translation initiation remains unclear. Here, we describe a method for the expression and affinity purification of a fluorescently-tagged eIF3 from human cells. The tagged eIF3 dodecamer is structurally intact, functions in cell-based assays, and interacts with the HCV IRES mRNA and the 40S-IRES complex in vitro. By tracking the binding of single eIF3 molecules to the HCV IRES RNA with a zero-mode waveguides-based instrument, we show that eIF3 samples both wild-type IRES and an IRES that lacks the eIF3-binding region, and that the high-affinity eIF3-IRES interaction is largely determined by slow dissociation kinetics. The application of single-molecule methods to more complex systems involving eIF3 may unveil dynamics underlying mRNA selection and ribosome loading during human translation initiation.

Structure of a human cap-dependent 48S translation pre-initiation complex

Eukaryotic translation initiation is tightly regulated, requiring a set of conserved initiation factors (eIFs). Translation of a capped mRNA depends on the trimeric eIF4F complex and eIF4B to load the mRNA onto the 43S pre-initiation complex comprising 40S and initiation factors 1, 1A, 2, 3 and 5 as well as initiator-tRNA. Binding of the mRNA is followed by mRNA scanning in the 48S pre-initiation complex, until a start codon is recognised. Here, we use a reconstituted system to prepare human 48S complexes assembled on capped mRNA in the presence of eIF4B and eIF4F. The highly purified h-48S complexes are used for cross-linking/mass spectrometry, revealing the protein interaction network in this complex. We report the electron cryo-microscopy structure of the h-48S complex at 6.3 Å resolution. While the majority of eIF4B and eIF4F appear to be flexible with respect to the ribosome, additional density is detected at the entrance of the 40S mRNA channel which we attribute to the RNA-recognition motif of eIF4B. The eight core subunits of eIF3 are bound at the 40S solvent-exposed side, as well as the subunits eIF3d, eIF3b and eIF3i. elF2 and initiator-tRNA bound to the start codon are present at the 40S intersubunit side. This cryo-EM structure represents a molecular snap-shot revealing the h-48S complex following start codon recognition.

History of tRNA research in strasbourg

The tRNA molecules, in addition to translating the genetic code into protein and defining the second genetic code via their aminoacylation by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, act in many other cellular functions and dysfunctions. This article, illustrated by personal souvenirs, covers the history of ~60 years tRNA research in Strasbourg. Typical examples point up how the work in Strasbourg was a two-way street, influenced by and at the same time influencing investigators outside of France. All along, research in Strasbourg has nurtured the structural and functional diversity of tRNA. It produced massive sequence and crystallographic data on tRNA and its partners, thereby leading to a deeper physicochemical understanding of tRNA architecture, dynamics, and identity. Moreover, it emphasized the role of nucleoside modifications and in the last two decades, highlighted tRNA idiosyncrasies in plants and organelles, together with cellular and health-focused aspects. The tRNA field benefited from a rich local academic heritage and a strong support by both university and CNRS. Its broad interlinks to the worldwide community of tRNA researchers opens to an exciting future. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019 © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(8):1066-1087, 2019.

Start Codon Recognition in Eukaryotic and Archaeal Translation Initiation: A Common Structural Core

Understanding molecular mechanisms of ribosomal translation sheds light on the emergence and evolution of protein synthesis in the three domains of life. Universally, ribosomal translation is described in three steps: initiation, elongation and termination. During initiation, a macromolecular complex assembled around the small ribosomal subunit selects the start codon on the mRNA and defines the open reading frame. In this review, we focus on the comparison of start codon selection mechanisms in eukaryotes and archaea. Eukaryotic translation initiation is a very complicated process, involving many initiation factors. The most widespread mechanism for the discovery of the start codon is the scanning of the mRNA by a pre-initiation complex until the first AUG codon in a correct context is found. In archaea, long-range scanning does not occur because of the presence of Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequences or of short 5′ untranslated regions. However, archaeal and eukaryotic translation initiations have three initiation factors in common: e/aIF1, e/aIF1A and e/aIF2 are directly involved in the selection of the start codon. Therefore, the idea that these archaeal and eukaryotic factors fulfill similar functions within a common structural ribosomal core complex has emerged. A divergence between eukaryotic and archaeal factors allowed for the adaptation to the long-range scanning process versus the SD mediated prepositioning of the ribosome.

New Insights into Ribosome Structure and Function

In the past 4 years, because of the advent of new cameras, many ribosome structures have been solved by cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) at high, often near-atomic resolution, bringing new mechanistic insights into the processes of translation initiation, peptide elongation, termination, and recycling. Thus, cryo-EM has joined X-ray crystallography as a powerful technique in structural studies of translation. The significance of this new development is that structures of ribosomes in complex with their functional binding partners can now be determined to high resolution in multiple states as they perform their work. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of these new studies and assess the contributions they have made toward an understanding of translation and translational control.

Protein Synthesis Initiation in Eukaryotic Cells

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.

Translational initiation factor eIF5 replaces eIF1 on the 40S ribosomal subunit to promote start-codon recognition

In eukaryotic translation initiation, AUG recognition of the mRNA requires accommodation of Met-tRNAi in a 'PIN' state, which is antagonized by the factor eIF1. eIF5 is a GTPase activating protein (GAP) of eIF2 that additionally promotes stringent AUG selection, but the molecular basis of its dual function was unknown. We present a cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) reconstruction of a yeast 48S pre-initiation complex (PIC), at an overall resolution of 3.0 Å, featuring the N-terminal domain (NTD) of eIF5 bound to the 40S subunit at the location vacated by eIF1. eIF5 interacts with and allows a more accommodated orientation of Met-tRNAi. Substitutions of eIF5 residues involved in the eIF5-NTD/tRNAi interaction influenced initiation at near-cognate UUG codonsin vivo, and the closed/open PIC conformation in vitro, consistent with direct stabilization of the codon:anticodon duplex by the wild-type eIF5-NTD. The present structure reveals the basis for a key role of eIF5 in start-codon selection.

Dysregulated Translation in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: An Overview of Autism-Risk Genes Involved in Translation

Regulated local translation-whereby specific mRNAs are transported and localized in subcellular domains where they are translated in response to regional signals-allows for remote control of gene expression to concentrate proteins in subcellular compartments. Neurons are highly polarized cells with unique features favoring local control for axonal pathfinding and synaptic plasticity, which are key processes involved in constructing functional circuits in the developing brain. Neurodevelopmental disorders are caused by genetic or environmental factors that disturb the nervous system's development during prenatal and early childhood periods. The growing list of genetic mutations that affect mRNA translation raises the question of whether aberrant translatomes in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders share common molecular features underlying their stereotypical phenotypes and, vice versa, cause a certain degree of phenotypic heterogeneity. Here, we briefly give an overview of the role of local translation during neuronal development. We take the autism-risk gene list and discuss the molecules that (perhaps) are involved in mRNA transport and translation. Both exaggerated and suppressed translation caused by mutations in those genes have been identified or suggested. Finally, we discuss some proof-of-principle regimens for use in autism mouse models to correct dysregulated translation.