Maturation of eukaryotic ribosomes: acquisition of functionality

Trends Biochem Sci. 2010 May;35(5):260-6. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2010.01.001.

Abstract

In eukaryotic cells, ribosomes are pre-assembled in the nucleus and exported to the cytoplasm where they undergo final maturation. This involves the release of trans-acting shuttling factors, transport factors, incorporation of the remaining ribosomal proteins, and final rRNA processing steps. Recent work, particularly on the large (60S) ribosomal subunit, has confirmed that the 60S subunit is exported from the nucleus in a functionally inactive state. Its arrival in the cytoplasm triggers events that render it translationally competent. Here we focus on these cytoplasmic maturation events and speculate why eukaryotic cells have evolved such an elaborate maturation pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Transport / genetics
  • Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Cytoplasm / genetics
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism*
  • Eukaryota
  • Eukaryotic Cells / metabolism*
  • Ribosomal Proteins / genetics
  • Ribosomal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Ribosomes / genetics
  • Ribosomes / metabolism*
  • Trans-Activators / genetics
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism

Substances

  • Ribosomal Proteins
  • Trans-Activators