title: Mitochondrial protein synthesis: figuring the fundamentals, complexities and complications, of mammalian mitochondrial translation.
abstract: Mitochondrial protein synthesis is essential for all mammals, being responsible for providing key components of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes. Although only thirteen different polypeptides are made, the molecular details of this deceptively simple process remain incomplete. Central to this process is a non-canonical ribosome, the mitoribosome, which has evolved to address its unique mandate. In this review, we integrate the current understanding of the molecular aspects of mitochondrial translation with recent advances in structural biology. We identify numerous key questions that we will need to answer if we are to increase our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial protein synthesis.
authors.affiliation: The Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, The Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK. Electronic address: Robert.Lightowlers@ncl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Robert N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Lightowlers
authors.affiliation: The Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, The Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
authors.forename: Agata
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rozanska
authors.affiliation: The Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, The Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK. Electronic address: Zofia.Chrzanowska-Lightowlers@ncl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Zofia M
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Chrzanowska-Lightowlers
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism*; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000077278:RNA, Mitochondrial; D012269:Ribosomal Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D000077278:RNA, Mitochondrial; D012269:Ribosomal Proteins; D012313:RNA
keywords: Gene expression; Mitochondria; RNA; Ribosomes; Translation