Evidence that base-pairing interaction between intron and mRNA leader sequences inhibits initiation of HAC1 mRNA translation in yeast

Abstract

Background: Hac1 protein, encoded by a cytoplasmically spliced mRNA, activates the unfolded protein response to maintain cellular protein homeostasis and alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress. Results: Under non-stress conditions, translation initiation on the HAC1 mRNA is repressed. Conclusion: Base-pairing interaction between the 5' leader and intron represses translation initiation on the HAC1 mRNA. Significance: A unique mechanism of intron-mediated inhibition of ribosomal scanning.