Translation Initiation

Cells under stress rapidly reduce global translation while preserving or enhancing translation of selected mRNAs needed for survival and repair. Translation initiation is emphasized as the main control point because it determines global translation rate and requires assembly of many macromolecules. Translation is presented as the earliest and most direct gene-regulatory layer affected by cellular stress. Cap-dependent initiation depends on eIF4F binding the 5-prime cap and PABP binding the poly(A) tail.