From factors to mechanisms: Translation and translational control in eukaryotes

Biochemical and genetic studies are revealing a network of interactions between eukaryotic translation initiation factors, further refining or redefining perceptions of their function. The notion of translated mRNA as a closed-loop has gained support from the identification of physical and functional interactions between the two mRNA ends and their associated factors. Translational control mechanisms are beginning to unravel in sufficient detail to pinpoint the affected step in the initiation pathway.