The article discusses the molecular mechanisms of translational control, which is a crucial process in regulating gene expression. Translational control can be global, affecting most mRNAs in the cell, or mRNA-specific, modulating the translation of a specific group of mRNAs without affecting the overall protein synthesis. The authors highlight the importance of regulatory sequences within mRNAs, such as the cap structure (m7GpppN) and the poly(A) tail, which promote translation initiation. They also discuss the role of regulatory protein complexes that recognize specific elements in the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs. Additionally, they explore the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mRNA-specific translational control, where miRNAs bind to specific sequences in the 3' UTRs of target mRNAs to inhibit translation. The article provides detailed examples of translational control mechanisms, including the regulation by iron regulatory proteins (IRPs), message-specific eIF4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs), and the cap-independent inhibition by Sex-lethal (Sxl) in Drosophila. The authors also discuss the role of post-initiation steps in translational control, such as the regulation of ribosomal subunit association and elongation/termination processes. Finally, they emphasize the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying translational control for various biological processes, including embryonic development, cell differentiation, and metabolism.The article discusses the molecular mechanisms of translational control, which is a crucial process in regulating gene expression. Translational control can be global, affecting most mRNAs in the cell, or mRNA-specific, modulating the translation of a specific group of mRNAs without affecting the overall protein synthesis. The authors highlight the importance of regulatory sequences within mRNAs, such as the cap structure (m7GpppN) and the poly(A) tail, which promote translation initiation. They also discuss the role of regulatory protein complexes that recognize specific elements in the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs. Additionally, they explore the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mRNA-specific translational control, where miRNAs bind to specific sequences in the 3' UTRs of target mRNAs to inhibit translation. The article provides detailed examples of translational control mechanisms, including the regulation by iron regulatory proteins (IRPs), message-specific eIF4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs), and the cap-independent inhibition by Sex-lethal (Sxl) in Drosophila. The authors also discuss the role of post-initiation steps in translational control, such as the regulation of ribosomal subunit association and elongation/termination processes. Finally, they emphasize the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying translational control for various biological processes, including embryonic development, cell differentiation, and metabolism.