Akinao Kobo

Abstract Protein synthesis by ribosomes produces functional proteins but also serves diverse regulatory functions, which depend on the coding amino acid sequences. Certain nascent peptides interact with the ribosome exit tunnel to arrest translation and modulate themselves or the expression of downstream genes. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of such ribosome stalling and its regulation remains elusive.

Abstract Protein synthesis by ribosomes not only produces functional proteins but also serves diverse functions depending on the coding amino acid sequences. Certain nascent peptides interact with the ribosome exit tunnel to arrest translation and modulate the expression of downstream genes or themselves. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of such ribosome stalling and its regulation remains elusive.

The nascent polypeptide chains passing through the ribosome tunnel not only serve as an intermediate of protein synthesis but also, in some cases, act as dynamic genetic information, controlling translation through interaction with the ribosome. One notable example is Escherichia coli SecM, in which translation of the ribosome arresting peptide (RAP) sequence in SecM leads to robust elongation arrest.