Genetic and molecualr analysis of initiation of protein synthesis in eukaryotes

Control of gene expression operating at the level of initiation of protein synthesis has been increasingly considered to play a major role in eukaryotic cells. The complexity of the translational machinery involved in the efficient utilization of a message is reflected in the number of initiation factors present in eukaryotes. Their functions are far from being completely understood at the molecular level. This review is centered particularly in the translation initiation factor eIF-2, and in how it may play a role in the recognition of the initiator AUG codon.