4. Regulation of the fidelity of translation initiation and ribosome biogenesis
The failure of the 3GC mutant i-tRNA in initiation in vivo , formed the basis for our genetic screen to isolate suppressor mutations (in the genome) that allow initiation with the 3GC mutant i-tRNA (Fig. 2B, iv ). A detailed characterisation and molecular analysis revealed the roles of, (i) i-tRNA gene copy number and its abundance; (ii) one-carbon metabolism, Fmt and FolD; and (iii) ribosomal components, ribosome biogenesis factors, translation factors and their coevolution; in the fidelity of translation initiation. In addition, the suppressors have provided newer insights into the process of ribosome biogenesis/maturation. We discuss these findings in the context of translation initiation, and ribosome biogenesis.