Ribosome dynamics in mRNA translation under steady and non-steady state conditions

Abstract: Recent advances in fluorescence imaging have made it possible to track single ribosomes translating messenger RNA (mRNA) in vivo in real-time. These experiments are typically performed under non-steady state conditions, yet most models of mRNA translation assume the steady state. I will present a mathematical framework based on continuous-time random walk for tracking individual ribosomes in the standard model of mRNA translation, the totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP). In particular, I will consider translation under these three conditions: translation starting from a newly produced mRNA, translation in the steady state and run-off translation after inhibition of translation initiation.