Exploring the dynamics of messenger ribonucleoprotein-mediated translation repression

Abstract

Translational control is crucial for well-balanced cellular function and viability of organisms. Different mechanisms have evolved to up- and down-regulate protein synthesis, including 3′ untranslated region (UTR)-mediated translation repression. RNA binding proteins or microRNAs interact with regulatory sequence elements located in the 3′ UTR and interfere most often with the rate-limiting initiation step of translation. Dysregulation of post-transcriptional gene expression leads to various kinds of diseases, emphasizing the significance of understanding the mechanisms of these processes. So far, only limited mechanistic details about kinetics and dynamics of translation regulation are understood. This mini-review focuses on 3′ UTR-mediated translational regulation mechanisms and demonstrates the potential of using single-molecule fluorescence-microscopy for kinetic and dynamic studies of translation regulation in vivo and in vitro.