Towards Quantifying Global Translational Efficiency in Xenopus laevis Embryogenesis

Abstract

The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins, which are the macromolecules most closely associated with functional output. By quantifying protein dynamics over the course of embryogenesis, we can learn more about the role of proteins related to function, organization, and regulation of cellular processes important to development. Specifically, translational control of protein synthesis plays an important role in gene expression. One way to study translational regulation is by combining measurement of ribosome profiling with RNA expression levels and protein abundance measurements. By working to define the relationship between translational regulation and global protein levels over the course of embryogenesis in Xenopus laevis, we can better understand protein dynamics and the cellular functions they are implicated in. Foundational objectives of this study include optimizing ribosomal profiling for Xenopus embryos to measure protein translation rates in early development. This study aims to improve upon existing mass-action kinetics models to accurately predict protein dynamics during Xenopus embryogenesis using the initial maternal protein deposit in the egg, mRNA dynamics, and translational efficiency.