Abstract
Translational control is a vital aspect of gene expression. Message specific translational repressors have been known for decades. Recent evidence, however, suggests that a general machinery exists that dampens the translational capacity of the majority of mRNAs. This activity has been best ascribed to a conserved family of RNA helicases called the DHH1/RCKp54 family. The function of these helicases is to promote translational silencing. By transitioning mRNA into quiescence, DHH1/RCKp54 helicases promote either mRNA destruction or storage. In this review we describe the known roles of these helicases and propose a mechanistic model to explain their mode of action. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Biology of RNA helicases - Modulation for life.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 817-823 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Gene Regulatory Mechanisms |
Volume | 1829 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- MRNA decay
- MRNA degradation
- MRNA translational silencing
- RNA helicase
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biophysics
- Structural Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics