mRNA cap binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a 7-methylguanosine (m7G) group or derivative located at the 5' end of an mRNA molecule. [GOC:dos]

mRNA cap binding is a crucial molecular process involved in the initiation and regulation of translation in eukaryotic cells. The 5' cap, a 7-methylguanosine (m7G) structure, is added to the 5' end of nascent mRNA transcripts during transcription. This cap serves as a recognition signal for various cellular factors that play essential roles in mRNA metabolism, including translation initiation. The key molecular function of mRNA cap binding is mediated by proteins known as cap-binding proteins (CBPs), such as eIF4E in eukaryotes. These CBPs possess a highly conserved cap-binding domain that specifically recognizes and binds to the m7G cap structure. Upon binding, CBPs facilitate the recruitment of other translation initiation factors, such as eIF4G, to form a complex at the 5' end of the mRNA. This complex then interacts with the 40S ribosomal subunit, promoting the assembly of the translation initiation complex. The interaction between CBPs and the mRNA cap is essential for efficient and accurate translation initiation. It prevents degradation of the mRNA by exonucleases, enhances mRNA stability, and facilitates the recruitment of the ribosome to the correct start codon. In addition to their role in translation initiation, CBPs are also involved in other processes related to mRNA metabolism, including mRNA export from the nucleus, mRNA splicing, and mRNA degradation. Overall, mRNA cap binding is a fundamental process in gene expression, ensuring the proper initiation and regulation of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (8)