Multi-Color Single-Molecule Imaging Uncovers Extensive Heterogeneity in mRNA Decoding.

ABSTRACT: mRNA translation is a key step in decoding genetic information. Genetic decoding is surprisingly heterogeneous because multiple distinct polypeptides can be synthesized from a single mRNA sequence. To study translational heterogeneity, we developed the MoonTag, a fluorescence labeling system to visualize translation of single mRNAs. When combined with the orthogonal SunTag system, the MoonTag enables dual readouts of translation, greatly expanding the possibilities to interrogate complex translational heterogeneity. By placing MoonTag and SunTag sequences in different translation reading frames, each driven by distinct translation start sites, start site selection of individual ribosomes can be visualized in real time. We find that start site selection is largely stochastic but that the pr

SUBMITTER: Boersma S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6630898 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature