title: Quality control and infiltration of translation by amino acids outside of the genetic code.
abstract: Translation of the genome into functional proteins is critical for cellular life. Accurate protein synthesis relies on proper decoding of mRNAs by the ribosome using aminoacyl-tRNAs. During aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis, stringent substrate discrimination and rigorous product proofreading ensure tRNAs are paired with the correct amino acid, as defined by the rules of the genetic code. What has remained far less clear is the extent to which amino acids that are not part of the genetic code might also threaten translational accuracy. Here, we review the broad range of nonproteinogenic, or nonprotein, amino acids that can naturally accumulate under different conditions, the ability of the translation quality control machinery to deal with such substrates, and their potential impact on the integrity of the genetic code and cellular viability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210.
authors.forename: Tammy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bullwinkle
authors.forename: Beth
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lazazzera
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ibba
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000235:genetics*; D005815:Genetic Code; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D012346:RNA, Transfer, Amino Acyl / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000235:genetics; D046249:Transfer RNA Aminoacylation / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012346:RNA, Transfer, Amino Acyl
keywords: aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase; nonproteinogenic; protein synthesis; quality control; tRNA