title: Reprogramming the genetic code: The emerging role of ribosomal frameshifting in regulating cellular gene expression.
abstract: Reading frame maintenance is a critical property of ribosomes. However, a number of genetic elements have been described that can induce ribosomes to shift on mRNAs, the most well understood of which are a class that directs ribosomal slippage by one base in 5' (-1) direction. This is referred to as programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting (-1 PRF). Recently, a new -1 PRF promoting element was serendipitously discovered in a study examining the effects of stretches of adenosines in the coding sequences of mRNAs. Here, we discuss this finding, recent studies describing how -1 PRF is used to control gene expression in eukaryotes, and how -1 PRF is itself regulated. The implications of dysregulation of -1 PRF on human health are examined, as are possible new areas in which novel -1 PRF promoting elements might be discovered. Also watch the Video Abstract.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Vivek M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Advani
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Dinman
mesh_terms: D065150:Cellular Reprogramming / Q000235:genetics*; D018965:Frameshifting, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000235:genetics; D005815:Genetic Code; D006801:Humans; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger
keywords: NMD; SCA26; cancer; frameshifting; miRNA; polyA track; pseudoknot; ribosome; ribosomopathy; telomere; translation