Computational Analyses of mRNA Ribosome Loading in Arabidopsis Thaliana

Translation of mRNA into protein is a critical step in gene expression, but the principles guiding its regulation at the genome level are not completely understood. Translation can be quantified at a genome scale by measuring the ribosome loading of mRNA—the extent to which mRNA is associated with ribosomes. In this dissertation, I present investigations into how genome-wide ribosome loading is controlled in Arabidopsis thaliana. In chapter 1, I give an overview of regulation of ribosome loading and translation. In chapter 2, I present research demonstrating for the first time that genome-wide ribosome loading in plants is partially controlled by the circadian clock. In chapter 3, I present a study of a computational model that describes how various biochemical steps control ribosome loading. And in chapter 4, I conclude by briefly summarizing the dissertation as a whole and discussing future perspectives.