Translation termination in human mitochondria  - substrate specificity of mitochondrial release factors

We describe how mtRF1a resembles bacterial RF1 mechanistically and summarize in vitro and recent in vivo data leading to the conclusion of mtRF1a being the major mitochondrial release factor. On the other hand, we discuss the ongoing debate about the function of the second codon-dependent mitochondrial release factor mtRF1 regarding its role as a specialized termination factor. Finally, we link defects in mitochondrial translation termination to the activation of mitochondrial rescue mechanisms highlighting the importance of ribosome-associated quality control for sufficient respiratory function and therefore for human health.PMID:37377370 | DOI:10.1515/hsz-2023-0127
Source: Biological Chemistry - Category: Chemistry Authors: Source Type: research