circadian regulation of translation

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of mRNA translation with a regularity of approximately 24 hours. [GOC:ans, PMID:17264215]

Circadian regulation of translation is a complex process that involves the rhythmic control of protein synthesis in response to the daily light-dark cycle. This rhythmic control is essential for maintaining proper cellular function and organismal homeostasis. The molecular mechanisms underlying circadian regulation of translation involve a combination of transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational control mechanisms.

**Transcriptional Control:**

- Transcription factors, such as CLOCK and BMAL1, regulate the expression of genes involved in translation, including ribosomal proteins, translation initiation factors, and elongation factors. The expression of these genes fluctuates throughout the day, leading to rhythmic changes in the abundance of the proteins they encode.

**Post-Transcriptional Control:**

- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in regulating the stability and translation of mRNAs involved in protein synthesis. The expression of certain miRNAs is regulated by the circadian clock, and these miRNAs can target mRNAs encoding translation factors or ribosomal proteins.

**Translational Control:**

- **Initiation Factors:** The activity of translation initiation factors, such as eIF4E and eIF2, is also regulated in a circadian manner. These factors are critical for the assembly of the translation initiation complex and the recruitment of the ribosome to the mRNA.
- **Ribosomal Proteins:** The abundance and activity of ribosomal proteins, which form the core of the ribosome, also exhibit circadian rhythms. This ensures that ribosome assembly and translation occur at specific times of the day.
- **Elongation Factors:** Elongation factors, which mediate the movement of the ribosome along the mRNA and the incorporation of amino acids into the growing polypeptide chain, are also subject to circadian regulation.

**Consequences of Circadian Regulation of Translation:**

- **Metabolic Rhythms:** The rhythmic production of proteins involved in metabolism, such as enzymes involved in glucose metabolism and fatty acid synthesis, is critical for maintaining energy homeostasis and cellular function.
- **Cell Cycle Regulation:** The circadian regulation of translation plays a role in regulating the cell cycle, ensuring that cell division occurs at appropriate times.
- **Organismal Physiology:** The coordinated regulation of translation throughout the body contributes to the rhythmic functioning of various organs and systems, including the liver, pancreas, and brain.

**Disruption of Circadian Regulation of Translation:**

- **Metabolic Disorders:** Disruption of the circadian regulation of translation has been implicated in the development of metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- **Sleep Disorders:** Changes in the timing of protein synthesis can affect sleep-wake cycles and contribute to sleep disorders.
- **Cancer:** The deregulation of circadian rhythms has been linked to increased cancer risk and progression.

In summary, circadian regulation of translation is an intricate process involving multiple levels of control that ensures the timely production of proteins essential for maintaining cellular function, organismal homeostasis, and overall health.'
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