Translation factors promote the formation of two states of the closed-loop mRNP

Abstract

The 5′ and 3′ ends of eukaryotic mRNAs are brought together to form a closed loop. This involves the cap structure at the 5′ end of the mRNA, and the poly(A) tail that comprises the 3′ end. This loop structure helps stabilize the mRNA and facilitates translation. In this work, Amrani et al. find that there are two distinct closed loops formed in yeast, which differ in the form of the ribosome bound. The form containing the full ribosome is also surprisingly associated with termination factors, even though termination is not required for loop formation. The 5′ and 3′ ends of eukaryotic mRNAs are brought together to form a closed loop, which helps stabilize the mRNA and facilitates translation. There are two distinct closed loops formed in yeast, which differ in the form of the ribosome that is bound. The form containing the full ribosome is also surprisingly associated with termination factors, even though termination is not required for loop formation. Efficient translation initiation and optimal stability of most eukaryotic messenger RNAs depends on the formation of a closed-loop structure and the resulting synergistic interplay between the 5′ m7G cap and the 3′ poly(A) tail1,2. Evidence of eIF4G and Pab1 interaction supports the notion of a closed-loop mRNP3, but the mechanistic events that lead to its formation and maintenance are still unknown. Here we use toeprinting and polysome profiling assays to delineate ribosome positioning at initiator AUG codons and ribosome–mRNA association, respectively, and find that two distinct stable (resistant to cap analogue) closed-loop structures are formed during initiation in yeast cell-free extracts. The integrity of both forms requires the mRNA cap and poly(A) tail, as well as eIF4E, eIF4G, Pab1 and eIF3, and is dependent on the length of both the mRNA and the poly(A) tail. Formation of the first structure requires the 48S ribosomal complex, whereas the second requires an 80S ribosome and the termination factors eRF3/Sup35 and eRF1/Sup45. The involvement of the termination factors is independent of a termination event.