Protein synthesis, the process of creating proteins, is initiated by a complex interplay of factors. It's not simply a single cause, but rather a cascade of events driven by various internal and external signals.
Key Triggers of Protein Synthesis:
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Genetic Information (DNA & RNA): The fundamental cause is the genetic code within DNA. This code is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the blueprint for protein construction to the ribosomes. [Reference: Protein synthesis represents the major route of disposal of amino acids. Amino acids are activated by binding to specific molecules of transfer RNA and assembled by ribosomes into a sequence that has been specified by messenger RNA, which in turn has been transcribed from the DNA template. ]
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Nutritional Factors: The availability of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, is crucial. Sufficient dietary protein intake ensures the necessary supply for protein synthesis. Specific dietary protein sources like whey and soy can even enhance muscle protein synthesis more effectively than carbohydrates alone. [Reference: found both whey and soy protein supplements promoted skeletal muscle protein synthesis more than a carbohydrate-only supplement. and The anabolic effects of nutrition are principally driven by the transfer and incorporation of amino acids captured from dietary protein sources...]
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Hormonal Regulation: Hormones play a significant regulatory role. Growth factors, for instance, modulate protein synthesis rates. [Reference: Hormones (ie, growth factors), nutrition, and exercise are key determinants of protein synthesis. Hormones modulate protein synthesis via their respective...]
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Physical Activity (Exercise): Resistance training and other forms of exercise stimulate muscle protein synthesis, leading to muscle growth (hypertrophy). However, chronic exercise can also initially decrease anabolic signaling, a process which can be recovered. [Reference: skeletal muscle shows remarkable plasticity in response to changes in the mode, temporal pattern, and intensity of loading, which can cause hypertrophy or... and Indeed, chronic exposure to resistance type exercise in rats causes a decrease in anabolic signaling through mTORC1 which can be recovered...]
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Cellular Signals: Internal cellular mechanisms, such as signaling pathways (like mTORC1), also regulate the rate of protein synthesis. Dysregulation in these pathways can lead to diseases. [Reference: Dysregulation of protein synthesis and disease...]
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Microbial Actions: In some cases, excessive protein synthesis in specific cell types, such as microglia, can contribute to conditions like autism-like behaviors in mice. [Reference: We show that exaggerated translation in microglia, but not neurons or astrocytes, leads to autism-like behaviors in male mice. ]
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Mutations: Genetic mutations, even in non-coding regions, can affect protein synthesis by altering RNA processing. [Reference: We find that a noncoding mutation acquired during lymphoma progression affects noncoding rRNA processing, thereby rewiring protein synthesis. and Mutations in global translation factors. One of the best-characterized neurological diseases cause by dysfunctional translational control is...]
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Antibiotic Action: Certain antibiotics, such as linezolid, work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. [Reference: Linezolid, an oxazolidinone antibiotic, inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). ]
