Dual function of the messenger RNA cap structure in poly(A)-tail-promoted translation in yeast

Nature
T Preiss, M W Hentze

Abstract

The messenger RNA 3' poly(A) tail critically affects the initiation and control of translation in eukaryotes. By analogy to elements involved in transcription initiation, the poly(A) tail has been described as a 'translational enhancer' that enhances the 'translational promoter' activity of the mRNA 5'-cap structure. Elongation or shortening of the poly(A) tail regulates translation during development. Here we show, using cell-free and in vivo translation analyses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, that the poly(A) tail can act as an independent 'translational promoter', delivering ribosomes to uncapped mRNAs even if their 5' end is blocked. When mRNAs compete for ribosome binding, neither the cap structure nor the poly(A) tail alone is enough to drive efficient translation, but together they synergize and direct ribosome entry to the 5' end. The cap structure both promotes ribosome recruitment, together with the poly(A) tail, and tethers recruited ribosomes to the 5' end. Correct choice of translation initiation codons and the function of translational regulators acting on the 5' untranslated region are thus ensured by the functional interaction of the poly(A) tail with the cap structure.

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Citations

Dec 26, 2007·Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS·C R MandelL Tong
Nov 24, 2007·Journal of Structural and Functional Genomics·Kate Qin ZhaoRobert F Bulleit
Apr 27, 1999·Trends in Biochemical Sciences·T V Pestova, C U Hellen
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Apr 12, 2012·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Barret D PfeifferGerald M Rubin
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Apr 16, 1999·The EMBO Journal·C H de Moor, J D Richter
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Aug 31, 2006·Journal of Virology·Hilda MonteroSusana Lopez
Sep 29, 2006·Journal of Virology·Ruizhong ShenW Allen Miller
Feb 12, 2002·Journal of Virology·N Muge Kuyumcu-MartinezRichard E Lloyd

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