Gene Expression - Time to Change Point of View?

Analysis of transcription profiles has been the focus of genome wide characterization of gene expression during the last decade. Downstream of transcription, regulation of translation represents a less explored step in the gene expression pathway. Differential translation can be caused by differential ribosome recruitment, translational elongation or termination although the ribosome recruitment step is thought to be the major source of differential translation. Genome wide studies of differential translation through analysis of ribosome recruitment in a variety of model systems indicate better correlation to protein levels as compared to transcriptional regulation. These studies also indicate translational control as a major transcript specific regulation step. Here we review the current literature on genome wide regulation of ribosome recruitment. We conclude that without considering regulation of ribosome recruitment, important information regarding the links between gene expression and protein levels is lost and that ribosome recruitment will be an integral part of a systems level understanding for regulation of gene expression.