The phylogenetic distribution of bacterial ribonucleases

Purification and some properties of an extracellular ribonuclease with antiviral activity against tobacco mosaic virus from Bacillus cereus

A new ribonuclease (RNase) with tobacco mosaic virus inhibition was isolated and purified from Bacillus cereus ZH14 through ammonium sulfate precipitation, ultrafiltration, ion-exchange chromatography of DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column, and gel chromatography of Sephacryl S-200HR column. The enzyme was purified approximately 134-fold with a recovery of 9.2%. The RNase had an MW of 75.6 kDa in SDS-PAGE, which differed from RNases reported previously. The inhibitory activity of the RNase in the purification process against tobacco mosaic virus was tested, and the percentage inhibition of the purified RNase (48 U/ml) reached 90%. The protein could tolerate 90 degrees C and pH 4.0.

Gel-based oligonucleotide microarray approach to analyze protein-ssDNA binding specificity

Gel-based oligonucleotide microarray approach was developed for quantitative profiling of binding affinity of a protein to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). To demonstrate additional capabilities of this method, we analyzed the binding specificity of ribonuclease (RNase) binase from Bacillus intermedius (EC 3.1.27.3) to ssDNA using generic hexamer oligodeoxyribonucleotide microchip. Single-stranded octamer oligonucleotides were immobilized within 3D hemispherical gel pads. The octanucleotides in individual pads 5'-{N}N(1)N(2)N(3)N(4)N(5)N(6){N}-3' consisted of a fixed hexamer motif N(1)N(2)N(3)N(4)N(5)N(6) in the middle and variable parts {N} at the ends, where {N} represent A, C, G and T in equal proportions. The chip has 4096 pads with a complete set of hexamer sequences. The affinity was determined by measuring dissociation of the RNase-ssDNA complexes with the temperature increasing from 0 degrees C to 50 degrees C in quasi-equilibrium conditions. RNase binase showed the highest sequence-specificity of binding to motifs 5'-NNG(A/T/C)GNN-3' with the order of preference: GAG > GTG > GCG. High specificity towards G(A/T/C)G triplets was also confirmed by measuring fluorescent anisotropy of complexes of binase with selected oligodeoxyribonucleotides in solution. The affinity of RNase binase to other 3-nt sequences was also ranked. These results demonstrate the applicability of the method and provide the ground for further investigations of nonenzymatic functions of RNases.

Maturation of the 5S rRNA 5' end is catalyzed in vitro by the endonuclease tRNase Z in the archaeon H. volcanii

Ribosomal RNA molecules are synthesized as precursors that have to undergo several processing steps to generate the functional rRNA. The 5S rRNA in the archaeon Haloferax volcanii is transcribed as part of a multicistronic transcript containing both large rRNAs and one or two tRNAs. Release of the 5S rRNA from the precursor requires two endonucleolytic cleavages by enzymes as yet not identified. Here we report the first identification of an archaeal 5S rRNA processing endonuclease. The enzyme tRNase Z, which was initially identified as tRNA processing enzyme, generates not only tRNA 3' ends but also mature 5S rRNA 5' ends in vitro. Interestingly, the sequence upstream of the 5S rRNA can be folded into a mini-tRNA, which might explain the processing of this RNA by tRNase Z. The endonuclease is active only at low salt concentrations in vitro, which is in contrast to the 2-4 M KCl concentration present inside the cell in vivo. Electron microscopy studies show that there are no compartments inside the Haloferax cell that could provide lower salt environments. Processing of the 5S rRNA 5' end is not restricted to the haloarchaeal tRNase Z since tRNase Z enzymes from a thermophilic archaeon, a lower and a higher eukaryote, are as well able to cleave the tRNA-like structure 5' of the 5S rRNA. Knock out of the tRNase Z gene in Haloferax volcanii is lethal, showing that the protein is essential for the cell.

Mechanism of mRNA destabilization by the glmS ribozyme

An array of highly structured domains that function as metabolite-responsive genetic switches has been found to reside within noncoding regions of certain bacterial mRNAs. In response to intracellular fluctuations of their target metabolite ligands, these RNA elements exert control over transcription termination or translation initiation. However, for a particular RNA class within the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the glmS gene, binding of glucosamine-6-phosphate stimulates autocatalytic site-specific cleavage near the 5' of the transcript in vitro, resulting in products with 2'-3' cyclic phosphate and 5' hydroxyl termini. The sequence corresponding to this unique natural ribozyme has been subjected to biochemical and structural scrutiny; however, the mechanism by which self-cleavage imparts control over gene expression has yet to be examined. We demonstrate herein that metabolite-induced self-cleavage specifically targets the downstream transcript for intracellular degradation. This degradation pathway relies on action of RNase J1, a widespread ribonuclease that has been proposed to be a functional homolog to the well-studied Escherichia coli RNase E protein. Whereas RNase E only poorly degrades RNA transcripts containing a 5' hydroxyl group, RNase J1 specifically degrades such transcripts in vivo. These findings elucidate key features of the mechanism for genetic control by a natural ribozyme and suggest that there may be fundamental biochemical differences in RNA degradation machinery between E. coli and other bacteria.

Structural insights into the dual activity of RNase J

The maturation and stability of RNA transcripts is controlled by a combination of endo- and exoRNases. RNase J is unique, as it combines an RNase E-like endoribonucleolytic and a 5'-to-3' exoribonucleolytic activity in a single polypeptide. The structural basis for this dual activity is unknown. Here we report the crystal structures of Thermus thermophilus RNase J and its complex with uridine 5'-monophosphate. A binding pocket coordinating the phosphate and base moieties of the nucleotide in the vicinity of the catalytic center provide a rationale for the 5'-monophosphate-dependent 5'-to-3' exoribonucleolytic activity. We show that this dependence is strict; an initial 5'-PPP transcript cannot be degraded exonucleolytically from the 5'-end. Our results suggest that RNase J might switch promptly from endo- to exonucleolytic mode on the same RNA, a property that has important implications for RNA metabolism in numerous prokaryotic organisms and plant organelles containing RNase J orthologs.

The RNA degradosome of Escherichia coli: an mRNA-degrading machine assembled on RNase E

The RNA degradosome of Escherichia coli is a multiprotein complex involved in the degradation of mRNA. The principal components are RNase E, PNPase, RhlB, and enolase. RNase E is a large multidomain protein with an N-terminal catalytic region and a C-terminal noncatalytic region that is mostly natively unstructured protein. The noncatalytic region contains sites for binding RNA and for protein-protein interactions with other components of the RNA degradosome. Several recent studies suggest that there are alternative forms of the RNA degradosome depending on growth conditions or other factors. These alternative forms appear to modulate RNase E activity in the degradation of mRNA. RNA degradosome-like complexes appear to be conserved throughout the Proteobacteria, but there is a surprising variability in composition that might contribute to the adaptation of these bacteria to the enormously wide variety of niches in which they live.

Proteins that interact with bacterial small RNA regulators

Small regulatory RNAs have been identified in a wide range of organisms, where they modify mRNA stability, translation or protein function. Small RNA regulators (sRNAs) either pair with mRNA targets or modify protein activities. Here we discuss current knowledge of the various proteins that interact with RNA regulators and review the physiologic implications of sRNA-protein complexes in DNA, RNA and protein metabolism, as well as in RNA and protein quality control in prokaryotes. Proteins that interact with the sRNAs can possess catalytic activity, induce conformational changes of the sRNA, or be sequestered by the sRNA to prevent the action of the protein.

5'-to-3' exoribonuclease activity in bacteria: role of RNase J1 in rRNA maturation and 5' stability of mRNA

Although the primary mechanism of eukaryotic messenger RNA decay is exoribonucleolytic degradation in the 5'-to-3' orientation, it has been widely accepted that Bacteria can only degrade RNAs with the opposite polarity, i.e. 3' to 5'. Here we show that maturation of the 5' side of Bacillus subtilis 16S ribosomal RNA occurs via a 5'-to-3' exonucleolytic pathway, catalyzed by the widely distributed essential ribonuclease RNase J1. The presence of a 5'-to-3' exoribonuclease activity in B. subtilis suggested an explanation for the phenomenon whereby mRNAs in this organism are stabilized for great distances downstream of "roadblocks" such as stalled ribosomes or stable secondary structures, whereas upstream sequences are never detected. We show that a 30S ribosomal subunit bound to a Shine Dalgarno-like element (Stab-SD) in the cryIIIA mRNA blocks exonucleolytic progression of RNase J1, accounting for the stabilizing effect of this element in vivo.

Maturation of the 5' end of Bacillus subtilis 16S rRNA by the essential ribonuclease YkqC/RNase J1

Functional ribosomal RNAs are generated from longer precursor species in every organism known. Maturation of the 5' side of 16S rRNA in Escherichia coli is catalysed in a two-step process by the cooperative action of RNase E and RNase G. However, many bacteria lack RNase E and RNase G orthologues, raising the question as to how 16S rRNA processing occurs in these organisms. Here we show that the maturation of Bacillus subtilis 16S rRNA is also a two-step process and that the enzyme responsible for the generation of the mature 5' end is the widely distributed essential ribonuclease YkqC/RNase J1. Depletion of B. subtilis of RNase J1 results in an accumulation of 16S rRNA precursors in vivo. The precursor species are found in polysomes suggesting that they can function in translation. Mutation of the predicted catalytic site of RNase J1 abolishes both 16S rRNA processing and cell viability. Finally, purified RNase J1 can correctly mature precursor 16S rRNA assembled in 70S ribosomes, showing that its role is direct.

YtqI from Bacillus subtilis has both oligoribonuclease and pAp-phosphatase activity

Oligoribonuclease is the only RNase in Escherichia coli that is able to degrade RNA oligonucleotides five residues and shorter in length. Firmicutes including Bacillus subtilis do not have an Oligoribonuclease (Orn) homologous protein and it is not yet understood which proteins accomplish the equivalent function in these organisms. We had previously identified oligoribonucleases Orn from E. coli and its human homolog Sfn in a screen for proteins that are regulated by 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphate (pAp). Here, we identify YtqI as a potential functional analog of Orn through its interaction with pAp. YtqI degrades RNA oligonucleotides in vitro with preference for 3-mers. In addition, YtqI has pAp-phosphatase activity in vitro. In agreement with these data, YtqI is able to complement both orn and cysQ mutants in E. coli. An ytqI mutant in B. subtilis shows impairment of growth in the absence of cysteine, a phenotype resembling that of a cysQ mutant in E. coli. Phylogenetic distribution of YtqI, Orn and CysQ supports bifunctionality of YtqI.

Nucleases of the metallo-beta-lactamase family and their role in DNA and RNA metabolism

Proteins of the metallo-beta-lactamase family with either demonstrated or predicted nuclease activity have been identified in a number of organisms ranging from bacteria to humans and has been shown to be important constituents of cellular metabolism. Nucleases of this family are believed to utilize a zinc-dependent mechanism in catalysis and function as 5' to 3' exonucleases and or endonucleases in such processes as 3' end processing of RNA precursors, DNA repair, V(D)J recombination, and telomere maintenance. Examples of metallo-beta-lactamase nucleases include CPSF-73, a known component of the cleavage/polyadenylation machinery, which functions as the endonuclease in 3' end formation of both polyadenylated and histone mRNAs, and Artemis that opens DNA hairpins during V(D)J recombination. Mutations in two metallo-beta-lactamase nucleases have been implicated in human diseases: tRNase Z required for 3' processing of tRNA precursors has been linked to the familial form of prostate cancer, whereas inactivation of Artemis causes severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). There is also a group of as yet uncharacterized proteins of this family in bacteria and archaea that based on sequence similarity to CPSF-73 are predicted to function as nucleases in RNA metabolism. This article reviews the cellular roles of nucleases of the metallo-beta-lactamase family and the recent advances in studying these proteins.

Quaternary structure and biochemical properties of mycobacterial RNase E/G

The RNase E/G family of endoribonucleases plays the central role in numerous post-transcriptional mechanisms in Escherichia coli and, presumably, in other bacteria, including human pathogens. To learn more about specific properties of RNase E/G homologues from pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria, a polypeptide comprising the catalytic domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNase E/G (MycRne) was purified and characterized in vitro. In the present study, we show that affinity-purified MycRne has a propensity to form dimers and tetramers in solution and possesses an endoribonucleolytic activity, which is dependent on the 5'-phosphorylation status of RNA. Our data also indicate that the cleavage specificities of the M. tuberculosis RNase E/G homologue and its E. coli counterpart are only moderately overlapping, and reveal a number of sequence determinants within MycRne cleavage sites that differentially affect the efficiency of cleavage. Finally, we demonstrate that, similar to E. coli RNase E, MycRne is able to cleave in an intercistronic region of the putative 9S precursor of 5S rRNA, thus suggesting a common function for RNase E/G homologues in rRNA processing.

Close relationship of RNase P RNA in Gemmata and anammox planctomycete bacteria

The relationship of RNase P RNA from anammox bacteria 'Candidatus Brocadia anammoxidans' and 'Candidatus Kuenenia stuttgartiensis' with that from other Planctomycetes was investigated. Newly identified rnpB gene sequences were aligned against existing planctomycete RNase P RNA sequences and secondary structures deduced by a comparative approach. Deduced secondary structures were similar in both anammox bacteria and both possessed an insert within the P13 helix analogous to that present in all Gemmata isolates. Phylogenetic analysis also revealed a possible relationship between the RNase P RNA molecules of the two anammox organisms and the genus Gemmata.

Information available at cut rates: structure and mechanism of ribonucleases

Ribonucleases are counterweights in the balance of gene expression and are also involved in the maturation of functional RNA. Recent structural data reveal how ribonucleases recognize and cleave targets, in most cases with the catalytic assistance of metal cofactors. Many of these enzymes are ‘processive’, in that they make multiple scissions following the binding of substrates; crystallographic data can account for this solution behaviour. These data not only explain how ribonucleases turn over transcripts, but also provide hints about how they often play dual roles in quality control checks on structured RNA.

Translation initiation and the fate of bacterial mRNAs

Studies in pro- and eukaryotes have revealed that translation can determine the stability of a given messenger RNA. In bacteria, intrinsic mRNA signals can confer efficient ribosome binding, whereas translational feedback inhibition or environmental cues can interfere with this process. Such regulatory mechanisms are often controlled by RNA-binding proteins, small noncoding RNAs and structural rearrangements within the 5' untranslated region. Here, we review molecular events occurring in the 5' untranslated region of primarily Escherichia coli mRNAs with regard to their effects on mRNA stability.

DEAD-box RNA helicases in Escherichia coli

In spite of their importance in RNA metabolism, the function of DExD/H-box proteins (including DEAD-box proteins) is poorly understood at the molecular level. Here, we present recent progress achieved with the five DEAD-box proteins from Escherichia coli, which have been particularly well studied. These proteins, which have orthologues in many bacteria, participate, in particular, in specific steps of mRNA decay and ribosome assembly. In vitro, they behave as poorly processive RNA helicases, presumably because they only unwind a few base pairs at each cycle so that stable duplexes can reanneal rather than dissociate. Except for one of them (DbpA), these proteins lack RNA specificity in vitro, and specificity in vivo is likely conferred by partners that target them to defined substrates. Interestingly, at least one of them is multifunctional, presumably because it can interact with different partners. Altogether, several aspects of the information gathered with these proteins have become paradigms for our understanding of DEAD-box proteins in general.

The tRNase Z family of proteins: physiological functions, substrate specificity and structural properties

tRNase Z is the endoribonuclease that generates the mature 3'-end of tRNA molecules by removal of the 3'-trailer elements of precursor tRNAs. This enzyme has been characterized from representatives of all three domains of life (Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya), as well as from mitochondria and chloroplasts. tRNase Z enzymes come in two forms: short versions (280-360 amino acids in length), present in all three kingdoms, and long versions (750-930 amino acids), present only in eukaryotes. The recently solved crystal structure of the bacterial tRNase Z provides the structural basis for the understanding of central functional elements. The substrate is recognized by an exosite that protrudes from the main protein body and consists of a metallo-beta-lactamase domain. Cleavage of the precursor tRNA occurs at the binuclear zinc site located in the other subunit of the functional homodimer. The first gene of the tRNase Z family was cloned in 2002. Since then a comprehensive set of data has been acquired concerning this new enzyme, including detailed functional studies on purified recombinant enzymes, mutagenesis studies and finally the determination of the crystal structure of three bacterial enzymes. This review summarizes the current knowledge about these exciting enzymes.

RraA rescues Escherichia coli cells over-producing RNase E from growth arrest by modulating the ribonucleolytic activity

RraA is an evolutionary conserved protein inhibitor of RNase E, which catalyzes the initial step in the decay and processing of numerous RNAs in Escherichia coli and forms the core component of the degradosome, a large protein complex involved in RNA metabolism. Here, we report that co-expression of RraA reduces the ribonucleolytic activity in cells over-producing RNase E and consequently rescues these cells from growth arrest. These findings suggest that inability of cells over-producing RNase E to normally grow results from increased cellular ribonucleolytic activity and RraA is able to effectively modulate the catalytic activity of RNase E in vivo.

Mycobacterial RNase E-associated proteins

RNase E and its complex with other proteins ('degradosome') play an important role in RNA processing and decay in Escherichia coli and in many other bacteria. To identify the proteins which can potentially interact with this enzyme in mycobacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv RNase E was cloned and expressed as a 6HisFLAG-tagged fusion protein. Analysis of the mycobacterial RNase E overexpressed and purified from M. bovis BCG revealed the presence of GroEL and two other copurified proteins, products of the Mb1721 (inorganic polyphosphate/ATP-NAD kinase) and Mb0825c (acetyltransferase) genes. Identical copies of these two genes can be found in M. tuberculosis H37Rv.

Purification and characterization of an extracellular, uracil specific ribonuclease from a Bizionia species isolated from the marine environment of the Sundarbans

The first ribonuclease (RNase) from the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides phylum, dominant in the marine environment, and also from the first Bizionia species isolated from the tropics was purified and characterized. Extracellular RNase production occurred when the culture medium contained 5-7% (w/v) NaCl. The 53.0 kDa enzyme was purified 29 folds with a recovery of 4% and specific activity of 630unit/mg protein. The pH and temperature optima are 6.5 and 35 degrees C, respectively and the enzyme retains more than half of its activity (relative to optimal assay conditions) after 1h pre-incubation separately with 5% (w/v) NaCl or from pH 5.0 to 8.5 or at 50 degrees C. Dithiothreitol and beta-mercaptoethanol do not inhibit whereas human placental RNase inhibitor protein halves the RNase activity. While Mg(2+), Ba(2+) and Ca(2+) enhanced the enzyme activity, Fe(2+), Cu(2+) and Hg(2+) inactivated it. This RNase degrades uracil containing nucleic acids only. Our isolate could be a novel renewable source of deoxyribonuclease (DNase)--free RNase enzyme.

Structure of the ubiquitous 3' processing enzyme RNase Z bound to transfer RNA

The highly conserved ribonuclease RNase Z catalyzes the endonucleolytic removal of the 3' extension of the majority of tRNA precursors. Here we present the structure of the complex between Bacillus subtilis RNase Z and tRNA(Thr), the first structure of a ribonucleolytic processing enzyme bound to tRNA. Binding of tRNA to RNase Z causes conformational changes in both partners to promote reorganization of the catalytic site and tRNA cleavage.

Identification and analysis of Escherichia coli ribonuclease E dominant-negative mutants

The Escherichia coli (E. coli) ribonuclease E protein (RNase E) is implicated in the degradation and processing of a large fraction of RNAs in the cell. To understand RNase E function in greater detail, we developed an efficient selection method for identifying nonfunctional RNase E mutants. A subset of the mutants was found to display a dominant-negative phenotype, interfering with wild-type RNase E function. Unexpectedly, each of these mutants contained a large truncation within the carboxy terminus of RNase E. In contrast, no point mutants that conferred a dominant-negative phenotype were found. We show that a representative dominant-negative mutant can form mixed multimers with RNase E and propose a model to explain how these mutants can block wild-type RNase E function in vivo.

Ribonuclease PH plays a major role in the exonucleolytic maturation of CCA-containing tRNA precursors in Bacillus subtilis

In contrast to Escherichia coli, where all tRNAs have the CCA motif encoded by their genes, two classes of tRNA precursors exist in the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Previous evidence had shown that ribonuclease Z (RNase Z) was responsible for the endonucleolytic maturation of the 3' end of those tRNAs lacking an encoded CCA motif, accounting for about one-third of its tRNAs. This suggested that a second pathway of tRNA maturation must exist for those precursors with an encoded CCA motif. In this paper, we examine the potential role of the four known exoribonucleases of B.subtilis, PNPase, RNase R, RNase PH and YhaM, in this alternative pathway. In the absence of RNase PH, precursors of CCA-containing tRNAs accumulate that are a few nucleotides longer than the mature tRNA species observed in wild-type strains or in the other single exonuclease mutants. Thus, RNase PH plays an important role in removing the last few nucleotides of the tRNA precursor in vivo. The presence of three or four exonuclease mutations in a single strain results in CCA-containing tRNA precursors of increasing size, suggesting that, as in E.coli, the exonucleolytic pathway consists of multiple redundant enzymes. Assays of purified RNase PH using in vitro-synthesized tRNA precursor substrates suggest that RNase PH is sensitive to the presence of a CCA motif. The division of labor between the endonucleolytic and exonucleolytic pathways observed in vivo can be explained by the inhibition of RNase Z by the CCA motif in CCA-containing tRNA precursors and by the inhibition of exonucleases by stable secondary structure in the 3' extensions of the majority of CCA-less tRNAs.

Co-evolution of tRNA 3' trailer sequences with 3' processing enzymes in bacteria

Maturation of the tRNA 3' terminus is a complicated process in bacteria. Usually, it is initiated by an endonucleolytic cleavage carried out by RNase E and Z in different bacteria. In Escherichia coli, RNase E cleaves AU-rich sequences downstream of tRNA, producing processing intermediates with a few extra residues at the 3' end; these are then removed by exoribonuclease trimming to generate the mature 3' end. Here we show that essentially all E. coli tRNA precursors contain a potential RNase E cleavage site, the AU-rich sequence element (AUE), in the 3' trailer. This suggests that RNase E cleavage and exonucleolytic trimming is a general pathway for tRNA maturation in this organism. Remarkably, the AUE immediately downstream of each tRNA is selectively conserved in bacteria having RNase E and tRNA-specific exoribonucleases, suggesting that this pathway for tRNA processing is also commonly used in these bacteria. Two types of RNase E-like proteins are identified in actinobacteria and the alpha-subdivision of proteobacteria. The tRNA 3' proximal AUE is conserved in bacteria with only one type of E-like protein. Selective conservation of the AUE is usually not observed in bacteria without RNase E. These results demonstrate a novel example of co-evolution of RNA sequences with processing activities.

Characterization of Aquifex aeolicus RNase E/G

The RNase E/G homologue from the thermophilic eubacterium Aquifex aeolicus has been overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and characterized in vitro. We show that A. aeolicus RNase E/G has a temperature-dependent, endoribonucleolytic activity. The enzyme site-specifically cleaves oligonucleotides and structured RNAs at locations that are partly overlapping or completely different when compared to the positions of E. coli RNase E and RNase G cleavage sites. The efficiency of cleavage by A. aeolicus RNase E/G is dependent on the 5'-phosphorylation status of RNA suggesting differential susceptibility of primary transcripts and their degradative intermediates to the nuclease activity of this enzyme in vivo. Similar to E. coli RNase E, A. aeolicus RNase E/G is able to selectively cleave internucleotide bonds in the 3'-5' direction, and to cut in intercistronic regions of putative tRNA precursors, thus suggesting a common function for RNase E/G homologues in eubacteria.

Structural characterization of the RNase E S1 domain and identification of its oligonucleotide-binding and dimerization interfaces

S1 domains occur in four of the major enzymes of mRNA decay in Escherichia coli: RNase E, PNPase, RNase II, and RNase G. Here, we report the structure of the S1 domain of RNase E, determined by both X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. The RNase E S1 domain adopts an OB-fold, very similar to that found with PNPase and the major cold shock proteins, in which flexible loops are appended to a well-ordered five-stranded beta-barrel core. Within the crystal lattice, the protein forms a dimer stabilized primarily by intermolecular hydrophobic packing. Consistent with this observation, light-scattering, chemical crosslinking, and NMR spectroscopic measurements confirm that the isolated RNase E S1 domain undergoes a specific monomer-dimer equilibrium in solution with a K(D) value in the millimolar range. The substitution of glycine 66 with serine dramatically destabilizes the folded structure of this domain, thereby providing an explanation for the temperature-sensitive phenotype associated with this mutation in full-length RNase E. Based on amide chemical shift perturbation mapping, the binding surface for a single-stranded DNA dodecamer (K(D)=160(+/-40)microM) was identified as a groove of positive electrostatic potential containing several exposed aromatic side-chains. This surface, which corresponds to the conserved ligand-binding cleft found in numerous OB-fold proteins, lies distal to the dimerization interface, such that two independent oligonucleotide-binding sites can exist in the dimeric form of the RNase E S1 domain. Based on these data, we propose that the S1 domain serves a dual role of dimerization to aid in the formation of the tetrameric quaternary structure of RNase E as described by Callaghan et al. in 2003 and of substrate binding to facilitate RNA hydrolysis by the adjacent catalytic domains within this multimeric enzyme.

Comparative analysis of ribonuclease P RNA of the planctomycetes

The planctomycetes, order Planctomycetales, are a distinct phylum of domain Bacteria. Genes encoding the RNA portion of ribonuclease P (RNase P) of some planctomycete members were sequenced and compared with existing database planctomycete sequences. rnpB gene sequences encoding RNase P RNA were generated by a conserved primer PCR strategy for Planctomyces brasiliensis, Planctomyces limnophilus, Pirellula marina, Pirellula staleyi strain ATCC 35122, Isosphaera pallida, one other Isosphaera strain, Gemmata obscuriglobus and three other strains of the Gemmata group. These sequences were aligned against reference bacterial sequences and secondary structures of corresponding RNase P RNAs deduced by a comparative approach. P12 helices were found to be highly variable in length, as were helices P16.1 and P19, when present. RNase P RNA secondary structures of Gemmata isolates were found to have unusual features relative to other planctomycetes, including a long P9 helix and an insert in the P13 helix not found in any other member of domain Bacteria. These unique features are consistent with other unusual properties of this genus, distinguishing it from other bacteria. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that relationships between planctomycetes derived from RNase P RNA are consistent with 16S rRNA-based analyses.

Determination of the catalytic parameters of the N-terminal half of Escherichia coli ribonuclease E and the identification of critical functional groups in RNA substrates

Ribonuclease E is required for the rapid decay and correct processing of RNA in Escherichia coli. A detailed understanding of the hydrolysis of RNA by this and related enzymes will require the integration of structural and molecular data with quantitative measurements of RNA hydrolysis. Therefore, an assay for RNaseE that can be set up to have relatively high throughput while being sensitive and quantitative will be advantageous. Here we describe such an assay, which is based on the automated high pressure liquid chromatography analysis of fluorescently labeled RNA samples. We have used this assay to optimize reaction conditions, to determine for the first time the catalytic parameters for a polypeptide of RNaseE, and to investigate the RNaseE-catalyzed reaction through the modification of functional groups within an RNA substrate. We find that catalysis is dependent on both protonated and unprotonated functional groups and that the recognition of a guanosine sequence determinant that is upstream of the scissile bond appears to consist of interactions with the exocyclic 2-amino group, the 7N of the nucleobase and the imino proton or 6-keto group. Additionally, we find that a ribose-like sugar conformation is preferred in the 5'-nucleotide of the scissile phosphodiester bond and that a 2'-hydroxyl group proton is not essential. Steric bulk at the 2' position in the 5'-nucleotide appears to be inhibitory to the reaction. Combined, these observations establish a foundation for the functional interpretation of a three-dimensional structure of the catalytic domain of RNaseE when solved.

The quaternary structure of RNase G from Escherichia coli

RNase G is the endoribonuclease responsible for forming the mature 5' end of 16S rRNA. This enzyme shares 35% identity with and 50% similarity to the N-terminal 470 amino acids encompassing the catalytic domain of RNase E, the major endonuclease in Escherichia coli. In this study, we developed non-denaturing purifications for overexpressed RNase G. Using mass spectrometry and N-terminal sequencing, we unambiguously identified the N-terminal sequence of the protein and found that translation is initiated at the second of two potential start sites. Using velocity sedimentation and oxidative cross-linking, we determined that RNase G exists largely as a dimer in equilibrium with monomers and higher multimers. Moreover, dimerization is required for activity. Four of the six cysteine residues of RNase G were mutated to serine. No single cysteine to serine mutation resulted in a complete loss of cross-linking, dimerization or activity. However, multiple mutations in a highly conserved cluster of cysteines, including C405 and C408, resulted in a partial loss of activity and a shift in the distribution of RNase G multimers towards monomers. We propose that many of the cysteines in RNase G lie on its surface and define, in part, the subunit-subunit interface.

Endonucleolytic processing of CCA-less tRNA precursors by RNase Z in Bacillus subtilis

In contrast to Escherichia coli, where the 3' ends of tRNAs are primarily generated by exoribonucleases, maturation of the 3' end of tRNAs is catalysed by an endoribonuclease, known as RNase Z (or 3' tRNase), in many eukaryotic and archaeal systems. RNase Z cleaves tRNA precursors 3' to the discriminator base. Here we show that this activity, previously unsuspected in bacteria, is encoded by the yqjK gene of Bacillus subtilis. Decreased yqjK expression leads to an accumulation of a population of B.subtilis tRNAs in vivo, none of which have a CCA motif encoded in their genes, and YqjK cleaves tRNA precursors with the same specificity as plant RNase Z in vitro. We have thus renamed the gene rnz. A CCA motif downstream of the discriminator base inhibits RNase Z activity in vitro, with most of the inhibition due to the first C residue. Lastly, tRNAs with long 5' extensions are poor substrates for cleavage, suggesting that for some tRNAs, processing of the 5' end by RNase P may have to precede RNase Z cleavage.

Genome-wide survey of mRNA half-lives in Bacillus subtilis identifies extremely stable mRNAs

We have used DNA microarrays to survey rates of mRNA decay on a genomic scale in early stationary-phase cultures of Bacillus subtilis. The decay rates for mRNAs corresponding to about 1500 genes could be estimated. About 80% of these mRNAs had a half-life of less than 7 min. More than 30 mRNAs, including both mono- and polycistronic transcripts, were found to be extremely stable, i.e. to have a half-life of > or =15 min. Only two such transcripts were known previously in B. subtilis. The results provide the first overview of mRNA decay rates in a gram-positive bacterium and help to identify polycistronic operons. We could find no obvious correlation between the stability of an mRNA and the function of the encoded protein. We have also not found any general features in the 5' regions of mRNAs that distinguish stable from unstable transcripts. The identified set of extremely stable mRNAs may be useful in the construction of stable recombinant genes for the overproduction of biomolecules in Bacillus species.

RNA processing and degradation in Bacillus subtilis

This review focuses on the enzymes and pathways of RNA processing and degradation in Bacillus subtilis, and compares them to those of its gram-negative counterpart, Escherichia coli. A comparison of the genomes from the two organisms reveals that B. subtilis has a very different selection of RNases available for RNA maturation. Of 17 characterized ribonuclease activities thus far identified in E. coli and B. subtilis, only 6 are shared, 3 exoribonucleases and 3 endoribonucleases. Some enzymes essential for cell viability in E. coli, such as RNase E and oligoribonuclease, do not have homologs in B. subtilis, and of those enzymes in common, some combinations are essential in one organism but not in the other. The degradation pathways and transcript half-lives have been examined to various degrees for a dozen or so B. subtilis mRNAs. The determinants of mRNA stability have been characterized for a number of these and point to a fundamentally different process in the initiation of mRNA decay. While RNase E binds to the 5' end and catalyzes the rate-limiting cleavage of the majority of E. coli RNAs by looping to internal sites, the equivalent nuclease in B. subtilis, although not yet identified, is predicted to scan or track from the 5' end. RNase E can also access cleavage sites directly, albeit less efficiently, while the enzyme responsible for initiating the decay of B. subtilis mRNAs appears incapable of direct entry. Thus, unlike E. coli, RNAs possessing stable secondary structures or sites for protein or ribosome binding near the 5' end can have very long half-lives even if the RNA is not protected by translation.