Understanding the Influence of Codon Translation Rates on Cotranslational Protein Folding

Protein domains can fold into stable tertiary structures while they are synthesized by the ribosome in a process known as cotranslational folding. If a protein does not fold cotranslationally, however, it has the opportunity to do so post-translationally, that is, after the nascent chain has been fully synthesized and released from the ribosome. The rate at which a ribosome adds an amino acid encoded by a particular codon to the elongating nascent chain can vary significantly and is called the codon translation rate. Recent experiments have illustrated the profound impact that codon translation rates can have on the cotranslational folding process and the acquisition of function by nascent proteins. Synonymous codon mutations in an mRNA molecule change the chemical identity of a codon and its translation rate without changing the sequence of the synthesized protein. This change in codon translation rate can, however, cause a nascent protein to malfunction as a result of cotranslational misfolding. In some situations, such dysfunction can have profound implications; for example, it can alter the substrate specificity of an ABC transporter protein, resulting in patients who are nonresponsive to chemotherapy treatment. Thus, codon translation rates are crucial in coordinating protein folding in a cellular environment and can affect downstream cellular processes that depend on the proper functioning of newly synthesized proteins. As the importance of codon translation rates makes clear, a necessary aspect of fully understanding cotranslational folding lies in considering the kinetics of the process in addition to its thermodynamics. In this Account, we examine the contributions that have been made to elucidating the mechanisms of cotranslational folding by using the theoretical and computational tools of chemical kinetics, molecular simulations, and systems biology. These efforts have extended our ability to understand, model, and predict the influence of codon translation rates on cotranslational protein folding and misfolding. The application of such approaches to this important problem is creating a framework for making quantitative predictions of the impact of synonymous codon substitutions on cotranslational folding that has led to a novel hypothesis regarding the role of fast-translating codons in coordinating cotranslational folding. In addition, it is providing new insights into proteome-wide cotranslational folding behavior and making it possible to identify potential molecular mechanisms by which molecular chaperones can influence such behavior during protein synthesis. As we discuss in this Account, bringing together these theoretical developments with experimental approaches is increasingly helping answer fundamental questions about the nature of nascent protein folding on the ribosome.