smTI · Visualisation of translation initiation reaction on single mRNA molecules in vivo

Visualisation of translation initiation reaction on single mRNA molecules in vivo

Translation, an essential process in cell biology, controls the production of proteins. It is regulated at multiple stages, including initiation, elongation, and termination, through complex molecular networks. Understanding how translation is regulated is essential for unraveling various biological processes, such as development, but the underlying dynamics remain unclear. The objective of the project, which received from the Marie-Curie action, was threefold: 1. Develop a new method to visualize translation initiation in individual cells. 2. Uncover the dynamics and key mechanisms involved in translation initiation. 3. Provide a universally applicable method to study cellular processes. Thanks to the support received, the project has focused on developing an innovative approach to visualize translation processes at the single molecule levels. We successfully developed an advanced live-cell single-molecule imaging technique, utilizing nanostructures called zero-mode waveguides. In addition, we investigated translational dynamics using a new single-molecule imaging technique and acquired new insights into the molecular diversity involved in translation. The findings of this project significantly contribute to our understanding of how proteins are produced in cells. By visualizing translation processes and studying their intricacies, we have gained valuable insights that can be applied across various biological sciences. This knowledge has the potential to drive further advancements and discoveries in diverse biological fields.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union