Conserved +1 translational frameshifting in theS. cerevisiaegene encoding YPL034W

Abstract

AbstractLiving cells have developed exquisite mechanisms to ensure accurate translation of mRNA. Many of them are dedicated to preventing the change in reading frame during translation elongation. A minority of chromosomally encoded genes have evolved sequences that subvert standard decoding to program +1 translational frameshifting, either constitutively or in response to external stimuli. In the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae, three chromosomal genes are known to employ programmed +1 translational frameshifting for expression of full-length functional products. Here we identify a fourth yeast gene,YFS1, encompassing the existing predicted open reading frameYPL034W, with conserved programmed +1 frameshifting. Like the previously known examples, it appears to exploit peculiarities in tRNA abundance inS. cerevisiae.