The Elongator subcomplex Elp456 is a hexameric RecA-like ATPase

Insights into molecular plasticity in protein complexes from Trm9-Trm112 tRNA modifying enzyme crystal structure

Most of the factors involved in translation (tRNA, rRNA and proteins) are subject to post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications, which participate in the fine-tuning and tight control of ribosome and protein synthesis processes. In eukaryotes, Trm112 acts as an obligate activating platform for at least four methyltransferases (MTase) involved in the modification of 18S rRNA (Bud23), tRNA (Trm9 and Trm11) and translation termination factor eRF1 (Mtq2). Trm112 is then at a nexus between ribosome synthesis and function. Here, we present a structure-function analysis of the Trm9-Trm112 complex, which is involved in the 5-methoxycarbonylmethyluridine (mcm⁵U) modification of the tRNA anticodon wobble position and hence promotes translational fidelity. We also compare the known crystal structures of various Trm112-MTase complexes, highlighting the structural plasticity allowing Trm112 to interact through a very similar mode with its MTase partners, although those share less than 20% sequence identity.

Yeast Elongator protein Elp1p does not undergo proteolytic processing in exponentially growing cells

In eukaryotic organisms, Elongator is a six-subunit protein complex required for the formation of 5-carbamoylmethyl (ncm(5) ) and 5-methylcarboxymethyl (mcm(5) ) side chains on uridines present at the wobble position (U34 ) of tRNA. The open reading frame encoding the largest Elongator subunit Elp1p has two in-frame 5' AUG methionine codons separated by 48 nucleotides. Here, we show that the second AUG acts as the start codon of translation. Furthermore, Elp1p was previously shown to exist in two major forms of which one was generated by proteolysis of full-length Elp1p and this proteolytic cleavage was suggested to regulate Elongator complex activity. In this study, we found that the vacuolar protease Prb1p was responsible for the cleavage of Elp1p. The cleavage occurs between residues 203 (Lys) and 204 (Ala) as shown by amine reactive Tandem Mass Tag followed by LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography mass spectrometry) analysis. However, using a modified protein extraction procedure, including trichloroacetic acid, only full-length Elp1p was observed, showing that truncation of Elp1p is an artifact occurring during protein extraction. Consequently, our results indicate that N-terminal truncation of Elp1p is not likely to regulate Elongator complex activity.

Dimerization of elongator protein 1 is essential for Elongator complex assembly

The evolutionarily conserved Elongator complex, which is composed of six subunits elongator protein 1 (Elp1 to -6), plays vital roles in gene regulation. The molecular hallmark of familial dysautonomia (FD) is the splicing mutation of Elp1 [also known as IκB kinase complex-associated protein (IKAP)] in the nervous system that is believed to be the primary cause of the devastating symptoms of this disease. Here, we demonstrate that disease-related mutations in Elp1 affect Elongator assembly, and we have determined the structure of the C-terminal portion of human Elp1 (Elp1-CT), which is sufficient for full-length Elp1 dimerization, as well as the structure of the cognate dimerization domain of yeast Elp1 (yElp1-DD). Our study reveals that the formation of the Elp1 dimer contributes to its stability in vitro and in vivo and is required for the assembly of both the human and yeast Elongator complexes. Functional studies suggest that Elp1 dimerization is essential for yeast viability. Collectively, our results identify the evolutionarily conserved dimerization domain of Elp1 and suggest that the pathological mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of Elp1 mutation-related disease may result from impaired Elongator activities.

The Elp2 subunit is essential for elongator complex assembly and functional regulation

Elongator is a highly conserved multiprotein complex composed of six subunits (Elp1-6). Elongator has been associated with various cellular activities and has attracted clinical attention because of its role in certain neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we present the crystal structure of the Elp2 subunit revealing two seven-bladed WD40 β propellers, and show by structure-guided mutational analyses that the WD40 fold integrity of Elp2 is necessary for its binding to Elp1 and Elp3 subunits in multiple species. The detailed biochemical experiments indicate that Elp2 binds microtubules through its conserved alkaline residues in vitro and in vivo. We find that both the mutually independent Elp2-mediated Elongator assembly and the cytoskeleton association are important for yeast viability. In addition, mutation of Elp2 greatly affects the histone H3 acetylation activity of Elongator in vivo. Our results indicate that Elp2 is a necessary component for functional Elongator and acts as a hub in the formation of various complexes.

Meta-regulation of Arabidopsis auxin responses depends on tRNA maturation

Polar transport of the phytohormone auxin throughout plants shapes morphogenesis and is subject to stringent and specific control. Here, we identify basic cellular activities connected to translational control of gene expression as sufficient to specify auxin-mediated development. Mutants in subunits of Arabidopsis Elongator, a protein complex modulating translational efficiency via maturation of tRNAs, exhibit defects in auxin-controlled developmental processes, associated with reduced abundance of PIN-formed (PIN) auxin transport proteins. Similar anomalies are observed upon interference with tRNA splicing by downregulation of RNA ligase (AtRNL), pointing to a general role of tRNA maturation in auxin signaling. Elongator Protein 6 (ELP6) and AtRNL expression patterns underline an involvement in adjusting PIN protein levels, whereas rescue of mutant defects by auxin indicates rate-limiting activities in auxin-controlled organogenesis. This emphasizes mechanisms in which auxin serves as a bottleneck for plant morphogenesis, translating common cellular activities into defined developmental readouts.

Silencing SlELP2L, a tomato Elongator complex protein 2-like gene, inhibits leaf growth, accelerates leaf, sepal senescence, and produces dark-green fruit

The multi-subunit complex Elongator interacts with elongating RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and is thought to facilitate transcription through histone acetylation. Elongator is highly conserved in eukaryotes, yet has multiple kingdom-specific functions in diverse organisms. Recent genetic studies performed in Arabidopsis have demonstrated that Elongator functions in plant growth and development, and in response to biotic and abiotic stress. However, little is known about its roles in other plant species. Here, we study the function of an Elongator complex protein 2-like gene in tomato, here designated as SlELP2L, through RNAi-mediated gene silencing. Silencing SlELP2L in tomato inhibits leaf growth, accelerates leaf and sepal senescence, and produces dark-green fruit with reduced GA and IAA contents in leaves, and increased chlorophyll accumulation in pericarps. Gene expression analysis indicated that SlELP2L-silenced plants had reduced transcript levels of ethylene- and ripening-related genes during fruit ripening with slightly decreased carotenoid content in fruits, while the expression of DNA methyltransferase genes was up-regulated, indicating that SlELP2L may modulate DNA methylation in tomato. Besides, silencing SlELP2L increases ABA sensitivity in inhibiting seedling growth. These results suggest that SlELP2L plays important roles in regulating plant growth and development, as well as in response to ABA in tomato.

Phosphorylation of Elp1 by Hrr25 is required for elongator-dependent tRNA modification in yeast

Elongator is a conserved protein complex comprising six different polypeptides that has been ascribed a wide range of functions, but which is now known to be required for modification of uridine residues in the wobble position of a subset of tRNAs in yeast, plants, worms and mammals. In previous work, we showed that Elongator's largest subunit (Elp1; also known as Iki3) was phosphorylated and implicated the yeast casein kinase I Hrr25 in Elongator function. Here we report identification of nine in vivo phosphorylation sites within Elp1 and show that four of these, clustered close to the Elp1 C-terminus and adjacent to a region that binds tRNA, are important for Elongator's tRNA modification function. Hrr25 protein kinase directly modifies Elp1 on two sites (Ser-1198 and Ser-1202) and through analyzing non-phosphorylatable (alanine) and acidic, phosphomimic substitutions at Ser-1198, Ser-1202 and Ser-1209, we provide evidence that phosphorylation plays a positive role in the tRNA modification function of Elongator and may regulate the interaction of Elongator both with its accessory protein Kti12 and with Hrr25 kinase.

tRNA molecules function as adapters in protein synthesis, bringing amino acids to the ribosome and reading the genetic code through codon-anticodon base pairing. When the tRNA contains a uridine residue in the “wobble position” of its anticodon, which base-pairs with purine residues in the third position of a cognate codon, it is almost always chemically modified and modification is required for efficient decoding. In eukaryotic cells, these wobble uridine modifications require a conserved protein complex called Elongator. Our work shows that Elp1, Elongator's largest subunit, is phosphorylated on several sites. By blocking phosphorylation at these positions using mutations, we identified four phosphorylation sites that are important for Elongator's role in tRNA modification. We have also shown that Hrr25 protein kinase, a member of the casein kinase I (CKI) family, is responsible for modification of two of the sites that are important for Elongator function. Phosphorylation appears to affect interaction of the Elongator complex both with its kinase (Hrr25) and with Kti12, an accessory protein previously implicated in Elongator function. Our studies imply that Elp1 phosphorylation plays a positive role in Elongator-mediated tRNA modification and raise the possibility that wobble uridine modification may be regulated, representing a potential translational control mechanism.

It takes two to rule translation elongation

In this issue of Structure, Glatt and colleagues report the structure of the Kti11/Kti13 heterodimer. This study reveals how dimerization and Fe(2+) binding are required for modification of both tRNA and EF2, thus suggesting a mechanism for regulation of translation elongation via two different pathways.

Elongator and its epigenetic role in plant development and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses

Elongator, a six-subunit protein complex, was initially isolated as an interactor of hyperphosphorylated RNA polymerase II in yeast, and was subsequently identified in animals and plants. Elongator has been implicated in multiple cellular activities or biological processes including tRNA modification, histone modification, DNA demethylation or methylation, tubulin acetylation, and exocytosis. Studies in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana suggest that the structure of Elongator and its functions are highly conserved between plants and yeast. Disruption of the Elongator complex in plants leads to aberrant growth and development, resistance to abiotic stresses, and susceptibility to plant pathogens. The morphological and physiological phenotypes of Arabidopsis Elongator mutants are associated with decreased histone acetylation and/or altered DNA methylation. This review summarizes recent findings related to the epigenetic function of Elongator in plant development and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses.

Structure of the Kti11/Kti13 heterodimer and its double role in modifications of tRNA and eukaryotic elongation factor 2

The small, highly conserved Kti11 alias Dph3 protein encoded by the Kluyveromyces lactis killer toxin insensitive gene KTI11/DPH3 is involved in the diphthamide modification of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 and, together with Kti13, in Elongator-dependent tRNA wobble base modifications, thereby affecting the speed and accuracy of protein biosynthesis through two distinct mechanisms. We have solved the crystal structures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Kti13 and the Kti11/Kti13 heterodimer at 2.4 and 2.9 Å resolution, respectively, and validated interacting residues through mutational analysis in vitro and in vivo. We show that metal coordination by Kti11 and its heterodimerization with Kti13 are essential for both translational control mechanisms. Our structural and functional analyses identify Kti13 as an additional component of the diphthamide modification pathway and provide insight into the molecular mechanisms that allow the Kti11/Kti13 heterodimer to coregulate two consecutive steps in ribosomal protein synthesis.

Iron-sulfur proteins responsible for RNA modifications

RNA molecules are decorated with various chemical modifications, which are introduced post-transcriptionally by RNA-modifying enzymes. These modifications are required for proper RNA function. Among more than 100 known species of RNA modifications, several modified bases in tRNAs and rRNAs are introduced by RNA-modifying enzymes containing iron-sulfur (Fe/S) clusters. Most Fe/S-containing RNA-modifying enzymes contain radical SAM domains that catalyze a variety of chemical reactions, including methylation, methylthiolation, carboxymethylation, tricyclic purine formation, and deazaguanine formation. Lack of these modifications can cause pathological consequences. Here, we review recent studies on the biogenesis and function of RNA modifications mediated by Fe/S proteins. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Fe/S proteins: Analysis, structure, function, biogenesis and diseases.

Transcript elongation factors: shaping transcriptomes after transcript initiation

Elongation is a dynamic and highly regulated step of eukaryotic gene transcription. A variety of transcript elongation factors (TEFs), including modulators of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) activity, histone chaperones, and histone modifiers, have been characterized from plants. These factors control the efficiency of transcript elongation of subsets of genes in the chromatin context and thus contribute to tuning gene expression programs. We review here how genetic and biochemical analyses, primarily in Arabidopsis thaliana, have advanced our understanding of how TEFs adjust plant gene transcription. These studies have revealed that TEFs regulate plant growth and development by modulating diverse processes including hormone signaling, circadian clock, pathogen defense, responses to light, and developmental transitions.

A conserved and essential basic region mediates tRNA binding to the Elp1 subunit of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Elongator complex

Elongator is a conserved, multi-protein complex discovered in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, loss of which confers a range of pleiotropic phenotypes. Elongator in higher eukaryotes is required for normal growth and development and a mutation in the largest subunit of human Elongator (Elp1) causes familial dysautonomia, a severe recessive neuropathy. Elongator promotes addition of mcm(5) and ncm(5) modifications to uridine in the tRNA anticodon 'wobble' position in both yeast and higher eukaryotes. Since these modifications are required for the tRNAs to function efficiently, a translation defect caused by hypomodified tRNAs may therefore underlie the variety of phenotypes associated with Elongator dysfunction. The Elp1 carboxy-terminal domain contains a highly conserved arginine/lysine-rich region that resembles a nuclear localization sequence (NLS). Using alanine substitution mutagenesis, we show that this region is essential for Elongator's function in tRNA wobble uridine modification. However, rather than acting to determine the nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution of Elongator, we find that the basic region plays a critical role in a novel interaction between tRNA and the Elp1 carboxy-terminal domain. Thus the conserved basic region in Elp1 may be essential for tRNA wobble uridine modification by acting as tRNA binding motif.

Developing and mature human granulocytes express ELP 6 in the cytoplasm

BACKGROUND

c3orf75 is a conserved open reading frame within the human genome and has recently been identified as the Elongator subunit, ELP6 [1]. The Elongator enzyme complex has diverse roles, including translational control, neuronal development, cell migration and tumorigenicity [2].

OBJECTIVE

To identify genes expressed early in human eosinophil development.

METHODS

Eosinophilopoiesis was investigated by gene profiling of IL-5 stimulated CD34+ cells; ELP6 mRNA is upregulated. A monoclonal antibody was raised to the recombinant protein predicted by the open reading frame.

RESULTS

ELP6 transcripts are upregulated in a human tissue culture model of eosinophil development during gene profiling experiments. Transcripts are expressed in most tissue types, as shown by reverse-transcriptase PCR. Western blot experiments show that human ELP6 is a 30 kDa protein expressed in the bone marrow, as well as in many other tissues. Flow cytometry experiments of human bone marrow mononuclear cells show that ELP6 is expressed intracellularly, in developing and mature human neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

ELP6 is expressed intracellularly in developing and mature granulocytes and monocytes but not in lymphocytes and erythrocytes.

Ikbkap/Elp1 deficiency causes male infertility by disrupting meiotic progression

Mouse Ikbkap gene encodes IKAP—one of the core subunits of Elongator—and is thought to be involved in transcription. However, the biological function of IKAP, particularly within the context of an animal model, remains poorly characterized. We used a loss-of-function approach in mice to demonstrate that Ikbkap is essential for meiosis during spermatogenesis. Absence of Ikbkap results in defects in synapsis and meiotic recombination, both of which result in increased apoptosis and complete arrest of gametogenesis. In Ikbkap-mutant testes, a few meiotic genes are down-regulated, suggesting IKAP's role in transcriptional regulation. In addition, Ikbkap-mutant testes exhibit defects in wobble uridine tRNA modification, supporting a conserved tRNA modification function from yeast to mammals. Thus, our study not only reveals a novel function of IKAP in meiosis, but also suggests that IKAP contributes to this process partly by exerting its effect on transcription and tRNA modification.

The process of meiosis is responsible for gamete formation and ensures that offspring will inherit a complete set of chromosomes from each parent. Errors arising during this process generally result in spontaneous abortions, birth defects, or infertility. Many genes that are essential in regulating meiosis have also been implicated in DNA repair. Importantly, defects in DNA repair are common causes of cancers. Therefore, identification of genes important for normal meiosis contributes not only to the field of reproduction but also to the field of cancer biology. We studied the effects of deleting mouse Ikbkap, a gene that encodes one of the subunit of the Elongator complex initially described as an RNA polymerase II–associated transcription elongation factor. We demonstrate that Ikbkap mutant mice exhibit infertility and defects in meiotic progression. Specifically, homologous and sex chromosomes fail to synapse (become associated), DNA double-strand breaks are inefficiently repaired, and DNA crossovers are significantly decreased in Ikbkap males. We also demonstrate that the requirement for Elongator in tRNA modification, which has been shown in lower eukaryotes, is conserved in mammals. Our findings suggest novel roles for Ikbkap in meiosis progression and tRNA modification, which have not been reported previously.

Structural insights into Elongator function

The eukaryotic Elongator complex was initially identified in yeast as a RNA polymerase II (Pol II) associated transcription elongation factor, although there is accumulating evidence that its main cellular function is the specific modification of uridines at the wobble base position of tRNAs. Elongator complex is built up by six highly conserved subunits and was shown to be involved in a variety of different cellular activities. Here, we summarize structural and functional information on individual Elongator subunits or subcomplexes. On the basis of homology models of the Elp1, Elp2 and Elp3 subunits and the crystal structure of the Elp456 subcomplex, the role of each subunit in Elongator complex assembly and catalytic activity is discussed.

Expression in Escherichia coli: becoming faster and more complex

Escherichia coli is the major expression host for the production of homogeneous protein samples for structural studies. The introduction of high-throughput technologies in the last decade has further revitalized E. coli expression, with rapid assessment of different expression strategies and successful production of an ever-increasing number of proteins. In addition, miniaturization of biophysical characterizations should soon help choosing expression strategies based on quantitative and qualitative observations. Since many proteins form larger assemblies in vivo, dedicated co-expression systems for E. coli are now addressing the reconstitution of protein complexes. Yet, co-expression approaches show an increasing experimental combinatorial intricacy when considering larger complexes. The current combination of high-throughput and co-expression technologies paves the way, however, for tackling larger and more complex macromolecular assemblies.

A coordinated codon-dependent regulation of translation by Elongator

More than a decade ago, the purification of the form of the RNA polymerase II (PolII) engaged in elongation led to the discovery of an associated, multi-subunit (Elp1-6) complex named "Elongator" by the Svejstrup lab. Although further evidence supported the original notion that Elongator is involved in transcription, Elongator lacked some of the expected features for a regulator of the elongating PolII. The discovery by the Byström lab, based on genetic dissection, that Elongator is pivotal for tRNA modifications, and that all the reported phenotypes of Elongator mutants are suppressed by the overexpression of two tRNAs added to the confusion. The increasing range of both potential substrates and biological processes regulated by Elongator in higher eukaryotes indicates that the major challenge of the field is to determine the biologically relevant function of Elongator. Our recent proteome-wide study in fission yeast supports a coordinated codon-dependent regulation of translation by Elongator. Here we provide additional analyses extending this hypothesis to budding yeast and worm.

DERP6 (ELP5) and C3ORF75 (ELP6) regulate tumorigenicity and migration of melanoma cells as subunits of Elongator

The Elongator complex is composed of 6 subunits (Elp1-Elp6) and promotes RNAPII transcript elongation through histone acetylation in the nucleus as well as tRNA modification in the cytoplasm. This acetyltransferase complex directly or indirectly regulates numerous biological processes ranging from exocytosis and resistance to heat shock in yeast to cell migration and neuronal differentiation in higher eukaryotes. The identity of human ELP1 through ELP4 has been reported but human ELP5 and ELP6 have remained uncharacterized. Here, we report that DERP6 (ELP5) and C3ORF75 (ELP6) encode these subunits of human Elongator. We further investigated the importance and function of these two subunits by a combination of biochemical analysis and cellular assays. Our results show that DERP6/ELP5 is required for the integrity of Elongator and directly connects ELP3 to ELP4. Importantly, the migration and tumorigenicity of melanoma-derived cells are significantly decreased upon Elongator depletion through ELP1 or ELP3. Strikingly, DERP6/ELP5 and C3ORF75/ELP6-depleted melanoma cells have similar defects, further supporting the idea that DERP6/ELP5 and C3ORF75/ELP6 are essential for Elongator function. Together, our data identify DERP6/ELP5 and C3ORF75/ELP6 as key players for migration, invasion and tumorigenicity of melanoma cells, as integral subunits of Elongator.

Elongator: transcriptional or translational regulator?

The conserved multi-subunit Elongator complex was initially described as a RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) associated transcription elongation factor, but since has been shown to be involved a variety of different cellular activities. Here, we summarize recent developments in the field and discuss the resulting implications for the proposed multi-functionality of Elongator.

Crystal structure of elongator subcomplex Elp4-6

Elongator is a multiprotein complex composed of two subcomplexes, Elp1-3 and Elp4-6. Elongator is highly conserved between yeast and humans and plays an important role in RNA polymerase II-mediated transcriptional elongation and many other processes, including cytoskeleton organization, exocytosis, and tRNA modification. Here, we determined the crystal structure of the Elp4-6 subcomplex of yeast. The overall structure of Elp4-6 revealed that Elp6 acts as a bridge to assemble Elp4 and Elp5. Detailed structural and sequence analyses revealed that each subunit in the Elp4-6 subcomplex forms a RecA-ATPase-like fold, although it lacks the key sequence signature of ATPases. Site-directed mutagenesis and biochemical analyses indicated that the Elp4-6 subcomplex can assemble into a hexameric ring-shaped structure in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, GST pulldown assays showed that the ring-shaped assembly of the Elp4-6 subcomplex is important for its specific histone H3 binding. Our results may shed light on the substrate recognition and assembly of the holo-Elongator complex.