Unique features of mRNA translation initiation in trypanosomatids

The 43S pre-initiation complex (PIC) assembly requires establishment of numerous interactions among eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs), Met-tRNAiMet and the small ribosomal subunit (40S). Owing to several differences in the structure and composition of kinetoplastidian 40S compared to their mammalian counterparts, translation initiation in trypanosomatids is suspected to display substantial variability. Here, we determined the structure of the 43S PIC from Trypanosoma cruzi, the Chagas disease parasite, showing numerous specific features, such as different eIF3 structure and interactions with the large rRNA expansion segments 9S, 7S and 6S, and the association of a kinetoplastid-specific ~245 kDa DDX60-like helicase. We also revealed a previously undetermined binding site of the eIF5 C-terminal domain, and terminal tails of eIF2β, eIF1, eIF1A and eIF3 c and d subunits, uncovering molecular details of their critical activities.