title: Heterogeneity of the translational machinery: Variations on a common theme.
abstract: In all organisms the universal process of protein synthesis is performed by the ribosome, a complex multi-component assembly composed of RNA and protein elements. Although ribosome heterogeneity was observed already more than 40 years ago, the ribosome is still traditionally viewed as an unchangeable entity that has to be equipped with all ribosomal components and translation factors in order to precisely accomplish all steps in protein synthesis. In the recent years this concept was challenged by several studies highlighting a broad variation in the composition of the translational machinery in response to environmental signals, which leads to its adaptation and functional specialization. Here, we summarize recent reports on the variability of the protein synthesis apparatus in diverse organisms and discuss the multiple mechanisms and possibilities that can lead to functional ribosome heterogeneity. Collectively, these results indicate that all cells are equipped with a remarkable toolbox to fine tune gene expression at the level of translation and emphasize the physiological importance of ribosome heterogeneity for the immediate implementation of environmental information.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Centre for Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Dr. Bohrgasse 9/4, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sauert
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Centre for Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Dr. Bohrgasse 9/4, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Hannes
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Temmel
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Centre for Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Dr. Bohrgasse 9/4, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Moll
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D010448:Peptide Initiation Factors / Q000502:physiology; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000502:physiology; D012343:RNA, Transfer / Q000502:physiology; D012269:Ribosomal Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000502:physiology*; D013312:Stress, Physiological
chemical_list: D010448:Peptide Initiation Factors; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal; D012269:Ribosomal Proteins; D012343:RNA, Transfer
keywords: Gene expression regulation; Protein synthesis; Ribosome heterogeneity; Stress response; Translation regulation