Ribosomes translate mRNAs with non-uniform speed. Translation velocity patterns are a conserved feature of mRNA and have evolved to fine-tune protein folding, expression and function. Synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (sSNPs) that alter programmed translational speed affect expression and function of the encoded protein. Synergistic advances in next-generation sequencing have led to the identification of sSNPs associated with disease penetrance. Here, we draw on studies with disease-related proteins to enhance our understanding of mechanistic contributions of sSNPs to functional alterations of the encoded protein. We emphasize the importance of identification of sSNPs along with disease-causing mutations to understand genotype–phenotype relationships.
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Cover Image
Cover Image
The image represents a simplified ‘open’ cell of the gram-positive bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor and selected components of its zinc metabolism. The zinc sensor protein – zinc uptake regulator (Zur) – is shown in metallic blue in the middle, bound to DNA (green) where it works as a transcriptional repressor when zinc levels are adequate. The Zur-regulated high-affinity zinc uptake system ZnuABC is shown in purple. Synthesis of the secreted zincophore coelibactin is also Zur-regulated. Zinc ions are shown as silver balls surrounding the cell, and bound to Zur; for details see pages 983–1001.
The image has been created by Alevtina Mikhaylina with the help of Claudia A. Blindauer and David J. Scanlan.
Timing during translation matters: synonymous mutations in human pathologies influence protein folding and function
Robert Rauscher, Zoya Ignatova; Timing during translation matters: synonymous mutations in human pathologies influence protein folding and function. Biochem Soc Trans 20 August 2018; 46 (4): 937–944. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20170422
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