Codon Bias as a Means to Fine-Tune Gene Expression

The redundancy of the genetic code implies that most amino acids are encoded by multiple synonymous codons. In all domains of life, a biased frequency of synonymous codons is observed at the genome level, in functionally related genes (e.g., in operons), and within single genes. Other codon bias var...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular cell 2015-07, Vol.59 (2), p.149-161
Main Authors: Quax, Tessa E.F., Claassens, Nico J., Söll, Dieter, van der Oost, John
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cell Cycle - genetics
Cell Differentiation - genetics
Codon - genetics
Gene Expression
Genes, Synthetic
Genetic Code
Genetic Variation
Humans
Laboratorium voor Microbiologie
Microbiological Laboratory
Microbiologie
Microbiology
Operon
Protein Biosynthesis
Protein Folding
RNA, Transfer - genetics
Selection, Genetic
VLAG
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Summary:The redundancy of the genetic code implies that most amino acids are encoded by multiple synonymous codons. In all domains of life, a biased frequency of synonymous codons is observed at the genome level, in functionally related genes (e.g., in operons), and within single genes. Other codon bias variants include biased codon pairs and codon co-occurrence. Although translation initiation is the key step in protein synthesis, it is generally accepted that codon bias contributes to translation efficiency by tuning the elongation rate of the process. Moreover, codon bias plays an important role in controlling a multitude of cellular processes, ranging from differential protein production to protein folding. Here we review currently known types of codon bias and how they may influence translation. We discuss how understanding the principles of codon bias and translation can contribute to improved protein production and developments in synthetic biology. Several types of codon bias are observed at different levels. Codon bias plays an important role in translation and can control multiple processes, such as protein production and protein folding. Understanding the principles of codon bias contributes to improving protein production and developments in synthetic biology.
ISSN:1097-2765
1097-4164
DOI:10.1016/j.molcel.2015.05.035