Key result
A theoretical equilibrium model of mRNA translation demonstrates that relative protein synthesis levels can be regulated by varying the supply or demand of ribosomal resources.
Why the study?
The number of ribosomes in a cell is limiting, making gene expression largely determined by cellular ribosome concentration and the balance between ribosomal supply and translational demand.
This theoretical framework demonstrates how competition for limited ribosomal resources can act as a mechanism for gene expression regulation and impact cellular physiology.
Does not inform clinical decisions; leaves open whether ribosomal competition regulates gene expression in cardiovascular cells.
The number of ribosomes in a cell is considered as limiting, and gene expression is thus largely determined by their cellular concentration. In this work we develop a toy model to study the trade-off between the ribosomal supply and the demand of the translation machinery, dictated by the composition of the transcript pool. Our equilibrium framework is useful to highlight qualitative behaviours and new means of gene expression regulation determined by the fine balance of this trade-off. We also speculate on the possible impact of these mechanisms on cellular physiology.
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Rogalla et al. (2019) studied this question. Equilibrium model for ribosome competition was evaluated. A theoretical equilibrium model of mRNA translation demonstrates that relative protein synthesis levels can be regulated by varying the supply or demand of ribosomal resources.
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