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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Differential usage of two in-frame translational start codons regulates subcellular localization of Arabidopsis thaliana THI1

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Author(s):
Chabregas, Sabrina M. ; Luche, Douglas D. ; Van Sluys, Marie-Anne ; Menck, Carlos F. M. ; Silva-Filho, Marcio C. [5]
Total Authors: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: Journal of Cell Science; v. 116, n. 2, p. 285-291, Jan. 2003.
Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics
Abstract

Arabidopsis thaliana THI1 is encoded by a single nuclear gene and directed simultaneously to mitochondria and chloroplasts from a single major transcript. In vitro transcription/translation experiments revealed the presence of two translational products by the differential usage of two in-frame translational start codons. The coupling site-specific mutations on the THI1 encoding sequence with green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene fusions showed that translation initiation at the first AUG directs translocation of THI1 to chloroplasts. However, when translation starts from the second AUG, THI1 is addressed to mitochondria. Analysis of the translation efficiency of thi1 mRNA revealed that the best context for translation initiation is to use the first AUG. In addition, a suboptimal context in the vicinity of the second AUG initiation codon, next to a stable stem-and-loop structure that is likely to slow translation, has been noted. The fact that translation preferentially occurs in the first AUG of this protein suggests a high requirement for TH1 in chloroplasts. Although the frequency of upstream AUG translation is higher, according to the first AUG rule, initiation at the second AUG deviates significantly from Kozak’s consensus. It suggests leaky ribosomal scanning, reinitiation or the internal entry of ribosomes to assure mitochondrial protein import. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 98/11119-7 - Repair of damaged DNA and biological consequences
Grantee:Carlos Frederico Martins Menck
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants