Selection of 5′-untranslated sequences that enhance initiation of translation in a cell-free protein synthesis system from wheat embryos

Random libraries of mRNA 5′-leader sequences were screened to obtain some sequences that can stimulate the translation initiation in a cell-free translation system from wheat embryos as efficiently as the Ω sequence from tobacco mosaic virus. Several sequences that are as useful as the Ω sequence and are homologous to no known sequences survived the screening. We expect that these sequences add useful options to the cell-free protein synthesis system that is becoming a powerful tool in the post-genomic researches.

Graphical abstractTwo novel sequences that enhance translation of downstream open reading frames were obtained by random library selection through isolation of polysomes generated in vitro.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide