Translational control of gene expression
Regulation of translation initiation allows rapid and precise changes in gene expression in response to changing cellular and external conditions. A well-characterized, but poorly understood mode of translational control is the epigenetic modification of translation initiation factors, which is thought to modulate the functions of initiation factors that promote translation complex assembly at the start codon. Understanding the conserved mechanisms of epigenetic control over translation carries important implications, as modifications of initiation factors are prevalent in eukaryotic organisms, and misregulation of initiation factor modification in mammals has profound effects in perpetuating disease states. We aim to understand the molecular basis for translational control by investigating the underlying mechanics of translation and effects of epigenetic modifications of the yeast translation apparatus, using both directed biochemical and genetic techniques and global surveys of conditions and proteins that promote changes in cap-dependent translation.