Lecture 12: Translation II

eIF4G

A large scaffolding protein that is part of the cap binding complex essential for translation initiation.

mRNA cap recognition

The process by which the mRNA cap is identified to facilitate translation initiation.

ternary complex

A complex composed of initiator tRNA, eIF2, and GTP that is necessary for the initiation of translation.

apoptosis

Programmed cell death that enables the elimination of cells for development or in response to damage.

caspases

Enzymes involved in the process of apoptosis that can cleave other proteins.

internal ribosome entry sites (IRES)

RNA structures that allow translation to occur independently of the cap structure under certain conditions.

poly(A) binding protein (PABP)

A protein that binds to the poly(A) tail of mRNA and assists in regulating translation.

eIF4E

The protein that binds the mRNA cap, crucial for the assembly of the cap binding complex.

eIF3

A protein that is part of the pre-initiation complex and interacts with eIF4G to facilitate ribosome recruitment.

4E-BP

A binding protein that sequesters eIF4E, preventing it from participating in translation initiation.

mTOR

A key kinase involved in signaling pathways that regulate translation through the phosphorylation of various proteins.

phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often used to regulate protein activity.

GTP exchange factor (GEF)

A type of protein that facilitates the exchange of GDP for GTP on another protein.

eIF2

Eukaryotic initiation factor 2, which is involved in the initiation of translation.

eIF2B

A factor that recharges eIF2 by exchanging GDP for GTP.

Wolcott-Rallison syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by mutations in PERK that leads to diabetes and growth retardation.

vanishing white matter disease

A genetic disorder characterized by the loss of white matter in the brain due to decreased protein synthesis.

kinase

An enzyme that adds phosphate groups to proteins, often regulating their activity.

stress responses in cells

Cellular mechanisms activated in response to unfavorable conditions, leading to changes in gene expression.

mutagenic signals

External signals that indicate to a cell whether conditions are favorable for growth and replication.