Inhibitors of Translation

• Inhibitors of Translation, the process of protein synthesis from mRNA, can be inhibited by various compounds that target specific components or stages of this process.
• These inhibitors are crucial in research for elucidating mechanisms of translation and serve as valuable antibiotics in medicine.

1. Tetracyclines

• Target: Small ribosomal subunit in prokaryotes.
• Mechanism: Prevent the binding of aminoacyl-tRNA to the A site of the ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis.
• Use: Treat bacterial infections.
• Examples: Tetracycline antibiotics.

2. Aminoglycosides

• Target: Small ribosomal subunit in prokaryotes.
• Mechanism: Cause misreading of mRNA, leading to the production of faulty proteins.
• Use: Treat various bacterial infections.
• Examples: Streptomycin, neomycin.

3. Macrolides

• Target: Large ribosomal subunit in prokaryotes.
• Mechanism: Block the exit tunnel for the growing polypeptide chain, inhibiting protein synthesis.
• Use: Treat bacterial infections, especially those caused by Gram-positive bacteria.
• Examples: Erythromycin, azithromycin.

4. Chloramphenicol

• Target: Large ribosomal subunit in prokaryotes.
• Mechanism: Inhibits peptidyl transferase activity, preventing peptide bond formation.
• Use: Treat a variety of bacterial infections, with cautious use due to potential side effects.
• Examples: Chloramphenicol.

5. Cycloheximide

• Target: Large ribosomal subunit in eukaryotes.
• Mechanism: Blocks the translocation step of translation.
• Use: Research tool to study protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells, not used therapeutically due to toxicity.
• Examples: Cycloheximide.

6. Puromycin

• Target: Affects both prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes.
• Mechanism: Resembles the 3′ end of an aminoacyl-tRNA and causes premature termination of translation by being incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain.
• Use: Research tool not typically used therapeutically.
• Examples: Puromycin.
  • These inhibitors play a critical role in both understanding the complex process of translation and providing therapeutic options against bacterial infections.
  • Their diverse mechanisms of action reflect the complexity of the translation process and the potential for developing targeted therapies.

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