Recent studies of mRNA distribution and translation show that, in addition to serving as the site of protein translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ER-bound ribosomes translate a large fraction of mRNAs that encode cytosolic proteins. This, along with the discovery of many mechanisms for recruiting translation to the ER, suggests an expansive role for the ER in post-transcriptional gene expression.
- David W. Reid
- Christopher V. Nicchitta
