Unique role for translation initiation factor 3 in the light color regulation of photosynthetic gene expression

The regulation of photosynthesis is important, yet poorly understood. Our work reveals a previously undescribed form of photosynthesis gene regulation in cyanobacteria that apparently also controls gene expression in plants, including commercially important crops. This finding may provide a unique approach to modifying the environmental responses and developmental programs of agriculturally important species. In addition, translation is a key biological process, and many of its important features and regulation remain to be described. Initiation is the rate-limiting step of translation, making it a critical point for regulation. Our finding that translation initiation factor 3 families exist with common roles in initiation and individual roles in regulating gene expression provides additional insights into the translation mechanism and its regulation.