Biopolymers and cell. 2005; 21 (5): 381 - 391

Chaperone-like properties of the protein synthesis components

Ò. Î. Lukash, Í. V. Turkivska

The review analyzes the results of research concerning chaperone- like properties of the ribosomes and translation factors. In addition to their role in the protein biosynthesis, pro- and eukaryotic ribosomes, elongation factors EF1A, eEFIA, EF2 and initiation factor 1F2 are able to promote the reactivation of several partly denatured enzymes and protect them against denaturation. We conclude, that chaperone-like activity of the ribosomes and translational factors might be important for maintaining the enzymes activities in the cytoplasm.

Key words: molecular chaperone, folding, protein synthesis system, ribosomes, protein translation factors.