Mechanochemistry in Translation

Sarah E. Leininger, Karthik Narayan, Carol Deutsch, Edward P. O'Brien

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

As the influence of translation rates on protein folding and function has come to light, the mechanisms by which translation speed is modulated have become an important issue. One mechanism entails the generation of force by the nascent protein. Cotranslational processes, such as nascent protein folding, the emergence of unfolded nascent chain segments from the ribosome's exit tunnel, and insertion of the nascent chain into or translocation of the nascent chain through membranes, can generate forces that are transmitted back to the peptidyl transferase center and affect translation rates. In this Perspective, we examine the processes that generate these forces, the mechanisms of transmission along the ribosomal exit tunnel to the peptidyl transferase center, and the effects of force on the ribosome's catalytic cycle. We also discuss the physical models that have been developed to predict and explain force generation for individual processes and speculate about other processes that may generate forces that have yet to be tested.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4657-4666
Number of pages10
JournalBiochemistry
Volume58
Issue number47
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 26 2019

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biochemistry

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