translation regulator activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Any molecular function involved in the initiation, activation, perpetuation, repression or termination of polypeptide synthesis at the ribosome. [GOC:ai]

Translation regulator activity is a molecular function that involves the regulation of the process of translation, which is the synthesis of proteins from messenger RNA (mRNA). Translation regulators can influence the efficiency and specificity of translation by interacting with mRNA, ribosomes, and other translation factors. They can act to promote or inhibit translation, depending on the specific regulatory mechanism. Here are some key aspects of translation regulator activity:

* **mRNA Binding:** Many translation regulators bind to specific sequences within mRNA molecules. These binding sites can be located in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR), the coding sequence, or the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). Binding to these regions can influence the accessibility of the mRNA to ribosomes, the initiation of translation, or the efficiency of translation elongation.

* **Ribosome Interaction:** Some translation regulators interact directly with ribosomes, either at the initiation or elongation stages. This interaction can affect the rate of translation initiation or the stability of the ribosome-mRNA complex.

* **Regulation of Translation Initiation:** Translation regulators can influence the formation of the initiation complex, which is essential for the start of translation. They can facilitate or hinder the recruitment of the small ribosomal subunit (40S) to the mRNA, the binding of the initiator tRNA (methionine), or the assembly of the complete initiation complex.

* **Regulation of Translation Elongation:** Translation regulators can also affect the elongation phase of translation, which involves the sequential addition of amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain. They can modulate the speed of elongation, the fidelity of translation, or the termination of translation.

* **Regulation of Translation Termination:** Translation regulators can influence the termination of translation, the process by which the ribosome releases the completed polypeptide chain from the mRNA. They can regulate the recruitment of release factors, which are essential for termination.

* **Regulation of mRNA Stability:** Some translation regulators can influence the stability of mRNA molecules. They can protect mRNA from degradation or promote its degradation, depending on the specific mechanism.

* **Regulation of Protein Folding and Degradation:** After translation, proteins need to fold into their correct three-dimensional structures. Some translation regulators can assist in this process or facilitate the degradation of misfolded proteins.

Translation regulator activity plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and cellular function. It allows cells to control the levels of specific proteins in response to environmental cues or developmental signals. Dysregulation of translation regulator activity can contribute to various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (2)