Integrating rna structure and protein interactions to uncover the mechanisms of viral and cellular ires function.

ABSTRACT:

Background

RNAs fold into complex structures that critically influence gene expression. A prominent class of regulatory elements resides in the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR), where internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) promote cap-independent translation by directly engaging the ribosome. First discovered in viral genomes, IRESs have been classified into four types according to their structural compactness and factor requirements. While viral IRESs are well studied, cellular IRESs remain poorly understood: they display limited sequence conservation, reduced structural compactness, and variable dependence on auxiliary RNA-binding proteins known as IRES trans-acting factors (ITAFs). Whether their activity relies mainly on RNA structure or protein assistance remains unresolved. Here

SUBMITTER: Delli Ponti R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12801896 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature