MCTS1

Translation regulator forming a complex with DENR to promote translation reinitiation. Translation reinitiation is the process where the small ribosomal subunit remains attached to the mRNA following termination of translation of a regulatory upstream ORF (uORF), and resume scanning on the same mRNA molecule to initiate translation of a downstream ORF, usually the main ORF (mORF). The MCTS1/DENR complex is pivotal to two linked mechanisms essential for translation reinitiation. Firstly, the dissociation of deacylated tRNAs from post-termination 40S ribosomal complexes during ribosome recycling. Secondly, the recruitment in an EIF2-independent manner of aminoacylated initiator tRNA to P site of 40S ribosomes for a new round of translation. This regulatory mechanism governs the translation of more than 150 genes which translation reinitiation is MCTS1/DENR complex-dependent. Consequently, modulates various unrelated biological processes including cell cycle regulation and DNA damage signaling and repair. Notably, it positively regulates interferon gamma immunity to mycobacteria by enhancing the translation of JAK2..

Function from UniProtKB (Q9ULC4), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.