For over fifty years the Methods in Enzymology series has been the critically aclaimed laboratory standard and one of the most respected publications in the field of biochemistry. The highly relevant material makes it an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life and related sciences. This volume, the second of three on the topic of Translation Initiation includes articles written by leaders in the field.
Interaction of Translational and Transcriptional Controls in the Regulation of Gene Expression presents the proceedings of the Fogarty International Conference on Translational/Transcriptional Regulation of Gene Expression, held at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, on April 7-9, 1982. Speakers discussed the molecular strategies at work during the modulation of gene expression following transcriptional initiation. They also discussed recent developments in a number of key areas in which transcriptional and translational components interact. Organized into five sections encompassing 36 chapters, this volume explores both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, as well as structure-function correlations. It begins with an overview of translational/transcriptional controls in prokaryotes, the regulation of gene expression by transcription termination and RNA processing, and the structure and expression of initiation factor genes. It then examines the effect of the codon context on translational fidelity, including mistranslation of messenger RNA; protein synthesis for the construction of cell architecture; regulation of initiation factor activity; and translational regulation in cells. This book is a valuable resource for Fogarty International Scholars who want to broaden their knowledge and contribute their expertise to the National Institutes of Health community.
Molecular Mechanisms of Protein Biosynthesis is a collection of papers dealing with cell-free systems at the molecular level, including transfer RNA; the initiation, elongation, and termination processes; ribosome structure and function; mRNA translation; and DNA-directed in vitro protein synthesis. A couple of papers review tRNA, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and aspects of ribosome structure. One paper discusses affinity labeling in the study of binding and catalytic sites of large complex and heterogeneous systems such as the ribosome. The investigator should be aware of the chemically reactive or photoactivatible analogue reacting specifically with one or more ribosomal components. This reaction should be determined if it is dependent on the correct binding of the affinity label at the functional site. Another paper describes the series of reactions in protein synthesis as the process by which the ribosome moves relative to the messenger RNA. Other papers discuss messenger RNA and its translation, DNA-dependent cell-free protein synthesis, as well as the genetics of the translational apparatus. The collection will benefit microbiologists, biotechnologists, and academicians connected with the biological sciences.
The last ten years have witnessed a remarkable increase in our awareness of the importance of events subsequent to transcriptional initiation in terms of the regulation and control of gene expression. In particular, the development of recombinant DNA techniques that began in the 1970s provided powerful new tools with which to study the molecular basis of control and regulation at all levels. The resulting investigations revealed a diversity of post-transcriptional mechanisms in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Scientists working on translation, mRNA stability, transcriptional (anti)termination or other aspects of gene expression will often have met at specialist meetings for their own research area. However, only rarely do workers in different areas of post-transcriptional control/ regulation have the opportunity to meet under one roof. We therefore thought it was time to bring together leading representatives of most of the relevant areas in a small workshop intended to encourage interaction across the usual borders of research, both in terms of the processes studied, and with respect to the evolutionary division prokaryotes/eukaryotes. Given the breadth of topics covered and the restrictions in size imposed by the NATO workshop format, it was an extraordinarily difficult task to choose the participants. However, we regarded this first attempt as an experiment on a small scale, intended to explore the possibilities of a meeting of this kind. Judging by the response of the participants during and after the workshop, the effort had been worthwhile.
vi The intent, therefore, was to provide for a fresh and original review of all relevant topics and issues in the field, following a comprehensive and coherent programme. Such an ambitious goal could only be reached thanks to the unlimited collaboration of the lecturers: They were requested to produce nothing less than "freer, broader, speculative and personal "considerations of the subjects" they had to cover ••• And so they did: their presentations unfolded a fantastic picture, a most fascinating and meaningful identification of the field, its present problems and trends. But participants at this conference contributed many valuable observations while discussing specific points. Unfortunately, more often than not, it proved impossible to identify them in the records. Accordingly, we incorporated here and there some of these "anonymous" contributions as part of the edited version of the texts. To all of the participants, I would like to express my gratitude for their actively taking part in all the scientific (and social ••• ) activities (lectures, round tables, posters, encounters) of this N.A.T.O. ASl. The result was a stimulating atmosphere, conducive to authentic scientific exchanges. Hence, the success of this meeting should be credited only to them. Finally, on behalf of all participants, I would like to thank Professor Sissini, the Mayor of Maratea, and Mr. B. Vitolo, the Chairman of its Tourist Office: their enthusiastic support greatly contributed to make of our time in their wonderful seaside resort an unforgettable one.
