Changed in translation: mRNA recoding by -1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting

Neva Caliskan; Frank Peske; Marina V Rodnina

doi:10.1016/j.tibs.2015.03.006

Changed in translation: mRNA recoding by -1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting

Trends Biochem Sci. 2015 May;40(5):265-74. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2015.03.006. Epub 2015 Apr 4.

Authors

Neva Caliskan¹, Frank Peske¹, Marina V Rodnina²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Goettingen, Germany.
² Department of Physical Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Goettingen, Germany. Electronic address: rodnina@mpibpc.mpg.de.

Abstract

Programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting (-1PRF) is an mRNA recoding event commonly utilized by viruses and bacteria to increase the information content of their genomes. Recent results have implicated -1PRF in quality control of mRNA and DNA stability in eukaryotes. Biophysical experiments demonstrated that the ribosome changes the reading frame while attempting to move over a slippery sequence of the mRNA--when a roadblock formed by a folded downstream segment in the mRNA stalls the ribosome in a metastable conformational state. The efficiency of -1PRF is modulated not only by cis-regulatory elements in the mRNA but also by trans-acting factors such as proteins, miRNAs, and antibiotics. These recent results suggest a molecular mechanism and new important cellular roles for -1PRF.

Keywords: decoding; gene expression; mRNA reading frame maintenance; protein synthesis; ribosome; translation.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Frameshifting, Ribosomal / genetics*
Protein Biosynthesis / genetics
Protein Biosynthesis / physiology
RNA, Messenger / genetics*
Ribosomes / metabolism*

Substances

RNA, Messenger