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Rna Review : The Rna

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RNA GQ structures in cap-independent translation initiation.
RNA G-quadruplex (GQ) is a secondary structure that can act as both necessary elements of translation and as translation repressors.1-3 The role of GQ structures in translational modulation depends on the context in which the GQ structure is present.4 However, it is well established that these structures mostly inhibit translation.2,5-7 In fact, rational introduction of GQ structures specifically downregulate the expression of targeted genes.8,9 AlternativelyHowever, the presence of the GQ structures in IRES reverses its inhibitory role. In the cases of FGF and VEGF where the GQ structures are present in the context of an IRES, they act as essential elements for translation initiation.10,11 HoweverNevertheless, the mechanism by which the GQ structures play a context-dependent regulatory role is unknown. Here we report that the direct interaction of the independently folding GQ domain with the 40S ribosomal subunit (40S subunit) is critical for the cap-independent translation initiation in a cellular IRES. It is a unique example of a non-canonical and well-defined RNA secondary structure that has the ability to recruit the 40S subunit directly and modulate the function of a cellular IRES.
The IRES mediated translation initiation, although initially observed in viral mRNAs, has also been identified in many cellular mRNAs.12 The 5′-UTR of human vascular endothelial growth factor (hVEGF) encompasses IRES elements.

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