tRNA's modifications bring order to gene expression

Coadaptation of isoacceptor tRNA genes and codon usage bias for translation efficiency in Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae

The transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are essential components of translational machinery. We determined that tRNA isoacceptors (tRNAs with different anticodons but incorporating the same amino acid in protein synthesis) show differential copy number abundance, genomic distribution patterns and sequence evolution between Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The tRNA-Ala genes are present in unusually high copy number in the Ae. aegypti genome but not in An. gambiae. Many of the tRNA-Ala genes of Ae. aegypti are flanked by a highly conserved sequence that is not observed in An. gambiae. The relative abundance of tRNA isoacceptor genes is correlated with preferred (or optimal) and nonpreferred (or rare) codons for ∼2-4% of the predicted protein coding genes in both species. The majority (∼74-85%) of these genes are related to pathways involved with translation, energy metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. Our results suggest that these genes and the related pathways may be under translational selection in these mosquitoes.

Dependence of RelA-mediated (p)ppGpp formation on tRNA identity

The bacterial stringent response is a cellular response to amino acid limitations and is characterized by the accumulation of the alarmone polyphosphate guanosine ((p)ppGpp). A key molecular event leading to (p)ppGpp synthesis is the binding of a deacylated tRNA to the vacant A-Site of a ribosome. The resulting ribosomal complex is recognized by and activates RelA, the (p)ppGpp synthetase. Activated RelA catalyzes (p)ppGpp formation until the deacylated tRNA passively dissociates from the ribosomal A-Site. In this report, we have investigated a novel role for the identity of A-Site bound tRNA in RelA-mediated (p)ppGpp synthesis. A comparison in the stimulation of RelA activity was made using ribosome complexes with either a tightly or weakly binding deacylated tRNA occupying the A-Site. In vitro analysis reveals that ribosome complexes formed with tight binding tRNA(Val) stimulate RelA activity at lower concentrations than that required for ribosome complexes formed with the weaker binding tRNA(Phe). The data suggest that the recovery from the stringent response may be dependent on the identity of the amino acid that was initially limiting for the bacteria.

A proteomic and transcriptomic approach reveals new insight into beta-methylthiolation of Escherichia coli ribosomal protein S12

β-methylthiolation is a novel post-translational modification mapping to a universally conserved Asp 88 of the bacterial ribosomal protein S12. This S12 specific modification has been identified on orthologs from multiple bacterial species. The origin and functional significance was investigated with both a proteomic strategy to identify candidate S12 interactors and expression microarrays to search for phenotypes that result from targeted gene knockouts of select candidates. Utilizing an endogenous recombinant E. coli S12 protein with an affinity tag as bait, mass spectrometric analysis identified candidate S12 binding partners including RimO (previously shown to be required for this post-translational modification) and YcaO, a conserved protein of unknown function. Transcriptomic analysis of bacterial strains with deleted genes for RimO and YcaO identified an overlapping transcriptional phenotype suggesting that YcaO and RimO likely share a common function. As a follow up, quantitative mass spectrometry additionally indicated that both proteins dramatically impacted the modification status of S12. Collectively, these results indicate that the YcaO protein is involved in β-methylthiolation of S12 and its absence impairs the ability of RimO to modify S12. Additionally, the proteomic data from this study provides direct evidence that the E. coli specific β-methylthiolation likely occurs when S12 is assembled as part of a ribosomal subunit.

The human mitochondrial tRNAMet: structure/function relationship of a unique modification in the decoding of unconventional codons

Human mitochondrial mRNAs utilize the universal AUG and the unconventional isoleucine AUA codons for methionine. In contrast to translation in the cytoplasm, human mitochondria use one tRNA, hmtRNA(Met)(CAU), to read AUG and AUA codons at both the peptidyl- (P-), and aminoacyl- (A-) sites of the ribosome. The hmtRNA(Met)(CAU) has a unique post-transcriptional modification, 5-formylcytidine, at the wobble position 34 (f(5)C(34)), and a cytidine substituting for the invariant uridine at position 33 of the canonical U-turn in tRNAs. The structure of the tRNA anticodon stem and loop domain (hmtASL(Met)(CAU)), determined by NMR restrained molecular modeling, revealed how the f(5)C(34) modification facilitates the decoding of AUA at the P- and the A-sites. The f(5)C(34) defined a reduced conformational space for the nucleoside, in what appears to have restricted the conformational dynamics of the anticodon bases of the modified hmtASL(Met)(CAU). The hmtASL(Met)(CAU) exhibited a C-turn conformation that has some characteristics of the U-turn motif. Codon binding studies with both Escherichia coli and bovine mitochondrial ribosomes revealed that the f(5)C(34) facilitates AUA binding in the A-site and suggested that the modification favorably alters the ASL binding kinetics. Mitochondrial translation by many organisms, including humans, sometimes initiates with the universal isoleucine codons AUU and AUC. The f(5)C(34) enabled P-site codon binding to these normally isoleucine codons. Thus, the physicochemical properties of this one modification, f(5)C(34), expand codon recognition from the traditional AUG to the non-traditional, synonymous codons AUU and AUC as well as AUA, in the reassignment of universal codons in the mitochondria.

Mechanism of N-methylation by the tRNA m1G37 methyltransferase Trm5

Trm5 is a eukaryal and archaeal tRNA methyltransferase that catalyzes methyl transfer from S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) to the N(1) position of G37 directly 3' to the anticodon. While the biological role of m(1)G37 in enhancing translational fidelity is well established, the catalytic mechanism of Trm5 has remained obscure. To address the mechanism of Trm5 and more broadly the mechanism of N-methylation to nucleobases, we examined the pH-activity profile of an archaeal Trm5 enzyme, and performed structure-guided mutational analysis. The data reveal a marked dependence of enzyme-catalyzed methyl transfer on hydrogen ion equilibria: the single-turnover rate constant for methylation increases by one order of magnitude from pH 6.0 to reach a plateau at pH 7.0. This suggests a mechanism involving proton transfer from G37 as the key element in catalysis. Consideration of the kinetic data in light of the Trm5-tRNA-AdoMet ternary cocrystal structure, determined in a precatalytic conformation, suggests that proton transfer is associated with an induced fit rearrangement of the complex that precedes formation of the reactive configuration in the active site. Key roles for the conserved R145 side chain in stabilizing a proposed oxyanion at G37-O(6), and for E185 as a general base to accept the proton from G37-N(1), are suggested based on the mutational analysis.

The RNA Modification Database, RNAMDB: 2011 update

Since its inception in 1994, The RNA Modification Database (RNAMDB, http://rna-mdb.cas.albany.edu/RNAmods/) has served as a focal point for information pertaining to naturally occurring RNA modifications. In its current state, the database employs an easy-to-use, searchable interface for obtaining detailed data on the 109 currently known RNA modifications. Each entry provides the chemical structure, common name and symbol, elemental composition and mass, CA registry numbers and index name, phylogenetic source, type of RNA species in which it is found, and references to the first reported structure determination and synthesis. Though newly transferred in its entirety to The RNA Institute, the RNAMDB continues to grow with two notable additions, agmatidine and 8-methyladenosine, appended in the last year. The RNA Modification Database is staying up-to-date with significant improvements being prepared for inclusion within the next year and the following year. The expanded future role of The RNA Modification Database will be to serve as a primary information portal for researchers across the entire spectrum of RNA-related research.

Structure of a tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase containing an iron-sulfur cluster

A novel aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase that contains an iron-sulfur cluster in the tRNA anticodon-binding region and efficiently charges tRNA with tryptophan has been found in Thermotoga maritima. The crystal structure of TmTrpRS (tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase; TrpRS; EC 6.1.1.2) reveals an iron-sulfur [4Fe-4S] cluster bound to the tRNA anticodon-binding (TAB) domain and an L-tryptophan ligand in the active site. None of the other T. maritima aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) contain this [4Fe-4S] cluster-binding motif (C-x₂₂-C-x₆-C-x₂-C). It is speculated that the iron-sulfur cluster contributes to the stability of TmTrpRS and could play a role in the recognition of the anticodon.

Multi-site-specific 16S rRNA methyltransferase RsmF from Thermus thermophilus

Cells devote a significant effort toward the production of multiple modified nucleotides in rRNAs, which fine tune the ribosome function. Here, we report that two methyltransferases, RsmB and RsmF, are responsible for all four 5-methylcytidine (m(5)C) modifications in 16S rRNA of Thermus thermophilus. Like Escherichia coli RsmB, T. thermophilus RsmB produces m(5)C967. In contrast to E. coli RsmF, which introduces a single m(5)C1407 modification, T. thermophilus RsmF modifies three positions, generating m(5)C1400 and m(5)C1404 in addition to m(5)C1407. These three residues are clustered near the decoding site of the ribosome, but are situated in distinct structural contexts, suggesting a requirement for flexibility in the RsmF active site that is absent from the E. coli enzyme. Two of these residues, C1400 and C1404, are sufficiently buried in the mature ribosome structure so as to require extensive unfolding of the rRNA to be accessible to RsmF. In vitro, T. thermophilus RsmF methylates C1400, C1404, and C1407 in a 30S subunit substrate, but only C1400 and C1404 when naked 16S rRNA is the substrate. The multispecificity of T. thermophilus RsmF is potentially explained by three crystal structures of the enzyme in a complex with cofactor S-adenosyl-methionine at up to 1.3 A resolution. In addition to confirming the overall structural similarity to E. coli RsmF, these structures also reveal that key segments in the active site are likely to be dynamic in solution, thereby expanding substrate recognition by T. thermophilus RsmF.

Genome-wide analysis of N1-methyl-adenosine modification in human tRNAs

The N(1)-methyl-Adenosine (m(1)A58) modification at the conserved nucleotide 58 in the TPsiC loop is present in most eukaryotic tRNAs. In yeast, m(1)A58 modification is essential for viability because it is required for the stability of the initiator-tRNA(Met). However, m(1)A58 modification is not required for the stability of several other tRNAs in yeast. This differential m(1)A58 response for different tRNA species raises the question of whether some tRNAs are hypomodified at A58 in normal cells, and how hypomodification at A58 may affect the stability and function of tRNA. Here, we apply a genomic approach to determine the presence of m(1)A58 hypomodified tRNAs in human cell lines and show how A58 hypomodification affects stability and involvement of tRNAs in translation. Our microarray-based method detects the presence of m(1)A58 hypomodified tRNA species on the basis of their permissiveness in primer extension. Among five human cell lines examined, approximately one-quarter of all tRNA species are hypomodified in varying amounts, and the pattern of the hypomodified tRNAs is quite similar. In all cases, no hypomodified initiator-tRNA(Met) is detected, consistent with the requirement of this modification in stabilizing this tRNA in human cells. siRNA knockdown of either subunit of the m(1)A58-methyltransferase results in a slow-growth phenotype, and a marked increase in the amount of m(1)A58 hypomodified tRNAs. Most m(1)A58 hypomodified tRNAs can associate with polysomes in varying extents. Our results show a distinct pattern for m(1)A58 hypomodification in human tRNAs, and are consistent with the notion that this modification fine tunes tRNA functions in different contexts.

Identification of eukaryotic and prokaryotic methylthiotransferase for biosynthesis of 2-methylthio-N6-threonylcarbamoyladenosine in tRNA

Bacterial and eukaryotic transfer RNAs have been shown to contain hypermodified adenosine, 2-methylthio-N(6)-threonylcarbamoyladenosine, at position 37 (A(37)) adjacent to the 3'-end of the anticodon, which is essential for efficient and highly accurate protein translation by the ribosome. Using a combination of bioinformatic sequence analysis and in vivo assay coupled to HPLC/MS technique, we have identified, from distinct sequence signatures, two methylthiotransferase (MTTase) subfamilies, designated as MtaB in bacterial cells and e-MtaB in eukaryotic and archaeal cells. Both subfamilies are responsible for the transformation of N(6)-threonylcarbamoyladenosine into 2-methylthio-N(6)-threonylcarbamoyladenosine. Recently, a variant within the human CDKAL1 gene belonging to the e-MtaB subfamily was shown to predispose for type 2 diabetes. CDKAL1 is thus the first eukaryotic MTTase identified so far. Using purified preparations of Bacillus subtilis MtaB (YqeV), a CDKAL1 bacterial homolog, we demonstrate that YqeV/CDKAL1 enzymes, as the previously studied MTTases MiaB and RimO, contain two [4Fe-4S] clusters. This work lays the foundation for elucidating the function of CDKAL1.

A compendium of human mitochondrial gene expression machinery with links to disease

Mammalian mitochondrial DNA encodes 37 essential genes required for ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation, instability or misregulation of which is associated with human diseases and aging. Other than the mtDNA-encoded RNA species (13 mRNAs, 12S and 16S rRNAs, and 22 tRNAs), the remaining factors needed for mitochondrial gene expression (i.e., transcription, RNA processing/modification, and translation), including a dedicated set of mitochondrial ribosomal proteins, are products of nuclear genes that are imported into the mitochondrial matrix. Herein, we inventory the human mitochondrial gene expression machinery, and, while doing so, we highlight specific associations of these regulatory factors with human disease. Major new breakthroughs have been made recently in this burgeoning area that set the stage for exciting future studies on the key outstanding issue of how mitochondrial gene expression is regulated differentially in vivo. This should promote a greater understanding of why mtDNA mutations and dysfunction cause the complex and tissue-specific pathology characteristic of mitochondrial disease states and how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to more common human pathology and aging.

Structural aspects of messenger RNA reading frame maintenance by the ribosome

One key question in protein biosynthesis is how the ribosome couples mRNA and tRNA movements to prevent disruption of weak codon-anticodon interactions and loss of the translational reading frame during translocation. Here we report the complete path of mRNA on the 70S ribosome at the atomic level (3.1-A resolution), and we show that one of the conformational rearrangements that occurs upon transition from initiation to elongation is a narrowing of the downstream mRNA tunnel. This rearrangement triggers formation of a network of interactions between the mRNA downstream of the A-site codon and the elongating ribosome. Our data elucidate the mechanism by which hypermodified nucleoside 2-methylthio-N6 isopentenyl adenosine at position 37 (ms(2)i(6)A37) in tRNA(Phe)(GAA) stabilizes mRNA-tRNA interactions in all three tRNA binding sites. Another network of contacts is formed between this tRNA modification and ribosomal elements surrounding the mRNA E/P kink, resulting in the anchoring of P-site tRNA. These data allow rationalization of how modification deficiencies of ms(2)i(6)A37 in tRNAs may lead to shifts of the translational reading frame.

Elongator, a conserved multitasking complex?

Post-transcriptional modifications on transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules occur frequently but their implication on the translational regulation is only recently becoming fully appreciated. Several tRNA molecules in the eukaryotic cytoplasm carry a methoxycarbonylmethyl (mcm) or carbamoylmethyl (ncm) group on their wobble uridine to ensure the efficient and reliable decoding of A- or G-ending codons. Evidence suggests that the six subunits of the conserved Elongator complex are all required for an early step in the synthesis of the mcm and ncm groups in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as in Caenorhabditis elegans. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Mehlgarten et al. convincingly show that the tRNA-modifying role of Elongator is also conserved in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, combinations of subunits of the Arabidopsis Elongator complex can structurally and functionally complement deletion mutants in yeast and substitute for the tRNA modification activity. The data suggest that Elongator might be a unique multitasking complex with at least two conserved roles in all eukaryotes, i.e. transcriptional activation via histone acetylation in the nucleus and translational control through tRNA modification in the cytoplasm.

Stabilization of G domain conformations in the tRNA-modifying MnmE-GidA complex observed with double electron electron resonance spectroscopy

MnmE is a GTP-binding protein conserved between bacteria and eukarya. It is a dimeric three-domain protein where the two G domains have to approach each other for activation of the potassium-stimulated GTPase reaction. Together with GidA, in a heterotetrameric alpha(2)beta(2) complex, it is involved in the modification of the wobble uridine base U34 of the first anticodon position of particular tRNAs. Here we show, using various spin-labeled MnmE mutants and EPR spectroscopy, that GidA binding induces large conformational and dynamic changes in MnmE. It stimulates the GTPase reaction by stabilizing the GTP-bound conformation in a potassium-independent manner. Surprisingly, GidA binding influences not only the GTP- but also the GDP-bound conformation. Thus GidA is a new type of regulator for a G protein activated by dimerization.

Deciphering synonymous codons in the three domains of life: co-evolution with specific tRNA modification enzymes

The strategies organisms use to decode synonymous codons in cytosolic protein synthesis are not uniform. The complete isoacceptor tRNA repertoire and the type of modified nucleoside found at the wobble position 34 of their anticodons were analyzed in all kingdoms of life. This led to the identification of four main decoding strategies that are diversely used in Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya. Many of the modern tRNA modification enzymes acting at position 34 of tRNAs are present only in specific domains and obviously have arisen late during evolution. In an evolutionary fine-tuning process, these enzymes must have played an essential role in the progressive introduction of new amino acids, and in the refinement and standardization of the canonical nuclear genetic code observed in all extant organisms (functional convergent evolutionary hypothesis).

The Sua5 protein is essential for normal translational regulation in yeast

The anticodon stem-loop of tRNAs requires extensive posttranscriptional modifications in order to maintain structure and stabilize the codon-anticodon interaction. These modifications also play a role in accommodating wobble, allowing a limited pool of tRNAs to recognize degenerate codons. Of particular interest is the formation of a threonylcarbamoyl group on adenosine 37 (t(6)A(37)) of tRNAs that recognize ANN codons. Located adjacent and 3' to the anticodon, t(6)A(37) is a conserved modification that is critical for reading frame maintenance. Recently, the highly conserved YrdC/Sua5 family of proteins was shown to be required for the formation of t(6)A(37). Sua5 was originally identified in a screen by virtue of its ability to affect expression from an aberrant upstream AUG codon in the cyc1 transcript. Together, these findings implicate Sua5 in protein translation at the level of codon recognition. Here, we show that Sua5 is critical for normal translation. The loss of SUA5 causes increased leaky scanning through AUG codons, +1 frameshifting, and nonsense suppression. In addition, the loss of SUA5 amplifies the 20S RNA virus found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, possibly through an internal ribosome entry site-mediated mechanism. This study reveals a critical role for Sua5 and the t(6)A(37) modification in translational fidelity.

Computational analysis of tRNA identity

I review recent developments in computational analysis of tRNA identity. I suggest that the tRNA-protein interaction network is hierarchically organized, and coevolutionarily flexible. Its functional specificity of recognition and discrimination persists despite generic structural constraints and perturbative evolutionary forces. This flexibility comes from its arbitrary nature as a self-recognizing shape code. A revisualization of predicted Proteobacterial tRNA identity highlights open research problems. tRNA identity elements and their coevolution with proteins must be mapped structurally over the Tree of Life. These traits can also resolve deep roots in the Tree. I show that histidylation identity elements phylogenetically reposition Pelagibacter ubique within alpha-Proteobacteria.

Free energy calculation of modified base-pair formation in explicit solvent: A predictive model

The maturation of RNAs includes site-specific post-transcriptional modifications that contribute significantly to hydrogen bond formation within RNA and between different RNAs, especially in formation of mismatch base pairs. Thus, an understanding of the geometry and strength of the base-pairing of modified ribonucleoside 5'-monophosphates, previously not defined, is applicable to investigations of RNA structure and function and of the design of novel RNAs. The geometry and free energies of base-pairings were calculated in aqueous solution under neutral conditions with AMBER force fields and molecular dynamics simulations (MDSs). For example, unmodified uridines were observed to bind to uridine and cytidine with significant stability, but the ribose C1'-C1' distances were far short ( approximately 8.9 A) of distances observed for canonical A-form RNA helices. In contrast, 5-oxyacetic acid uridine, known to bind adenosine, wobble to guanosine, and form mismatch base pairs with uridine and cytidine, bound adenosine and guanosine with geometries and energies comparable to an unmodified uridine. However, the 5-oxyacetic acid uridine base paired to uridine and cytidine with a C1'-C1' distance comparable to that of an A-form helix, approximately 11 A, when a H(2)O molecule migrated between and stably hydrogen bonded to both bases. Even in formation of canonical base pairs, intermediate structures with a second energy minimum consisted of transient H(2)O molecules forming hydrogen bonded bridges between the two bases. Thus, MDS is predictive of the effects of modifications, H(2)O molecule intervention in the formation of base-pair geometry, and energies that are important for native RNA structure and function.

Mitochondrial tRNA import--the challenge to understand has just begun

Mitochondrial translation is important for the synthesis of proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation, which yields the bulk of the ATP made in cells. During evolution most mitochondria-containing organisms have lost tRNA genes from their mitochondrial genomes. Thus, to support the essential process of nuanced mitochondrial translation, mechanisms to actively transport tRNAs from the cytoplasm across the mitochondrial membranes into the mitochondrion have evolved. Here, we review the currently known tRNA import mechanisms, comment on recent discoveries of various import factors, and suggest a rationale for forces that lie behind the evolution of mitochondrial tRNA import.

Kissing G domains of MnmE monitored by X-ray crystallography and pulse electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

The authors of this research article demonstrate the nature of the conformational changes MnmE was previously suggested to undergo during its GTPase cycle, and show the nucleotide-dependent dynamic movements of the G domains around two swivel positions relative to the rest of the protein. These movements are of crucial importance for understanding the mechanistic principles of this GAD.

MnmE, which is involved in the modification of the wobble position of certain tRNAs, belongs to the expanding class of G proteins activated by nucleotide-dependent dimerization (GADs). Previous models suggested the protein to be a multidomain protein whose G domains contact each other in a nucleotide dependent manner. Here we employ a combined approach of X-ray crystallography and pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to show that large domain movements are coupled to the G protein cycle of MnmE. The X-ray structures show MnmE to be a constitutive homodimer where the highly mobile G domains face each other in various orientations but are not in close contact as suggested by the GDP-AlF_x structure of the isolated domains. Distance measurements by pulse double electron-electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopy show that the G domains adopt an open conformation in the nucleotide free/GDP-bound and an open/closed two-state equilibrium in the GTP-bound state, with maximal distance variations of 18 Å. With GDP and AlF_x, which mimic the transition state of the phosphoryl transfer reaction, only the closed conformation is observed. Dimerization of the active sites with GDP-AlF_x requires the presence of specific monovalent cations, thus reflecting the requirements for the GTPase reaction of MnmE. Our results directly demonstrate the nature of the conformational changes MnmE was previously suggested to undergo during its GTPase cycle. They show the nucleotide-dependent dynamic movements of the G domains around two swivel positions relative to the rest of the protein, and they are of crucial importance for understanding the mechanistic principles of this GAD.

MnmE is an evolutionary conserved G protein that is involved in modification of the wobble U position of certain tRNAs to suppress translational wobbling. Despite high homology between its G domain and the small G protein Ras, MnmE displays entirely different regulatory properties to that of many molecular switch-type G proteins of the Ras superfamily, as its GTPase is activated by nucleotide-dependent homodimerization across the nucleotide-binding site. Here we explore the unusual G domain cycle of the MnmE protein by combining X-ray crystallography with pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, which enables distance determinations between spin markers introduced at specific sites within the G domain. We determined the structures of the full-length MnmE dimer in the diphosphate and triphosphate states, which represent distinct steps of the G domain cycle, and demonstrate that the G domain cycle of MnmE comprises large conformational changes and domain movements of up to 18 Å, in which the G domains of the dimeric protein traverse from a GDP-bound open state through an open/closed equilibrium in the triphosphate state to a closed conformation in the transition state, so as to assemble the catalytic machinery.

Tertiary network in mammalian mitochondrial tRNAAsp revealed by solution probing and phylogeny

Primary and secondary structures of mammalian mitochondrial (mt) tRNAs are divergent from canonical tRNA structures due to highly skewed nucleotide content and large size variability of D- and T-loops. The nonconservation of nucleotides involved in the expected network of tertiary interactions calls into question the rules governing a functional L-shaped three-dimensional (3D) structure. Here, we report the solution structure of human mt-tRNA^Asp in its native post-transcriptionally modified form and as an in vitro transcript. Probing performed with nuclease S1, ribonuclease V1, dimethylsulfate, diethylpyrocarbonate and lead, revealed several secondary structures for the in vitro transcribed mt-tRNA^Asp including predominantly the cloverleaf. On the contrary, the native tRNA^Asp folds into a single cloverleaf structure, highlighting the contribution of the four newly identified post-transcriptional modifications to correct folding. Reactivities of nucleotides and phosphodiester bonds in the native tRNA favor existence of a full set of six classical tertiary interactions between the D-domain and the variable region, forming the core of the 3D structure. Reactivities of D- and T-loop nucleotides support an absence of interactions between these domains. According to multiple sequence alignments and search for conservation of Leontis–Westhof interactions, the tertiary network core building rules apply to all tRNA^Asp from mammalian mitochondria.

Structural and functional studies of the Thermus thermophilus 16S rRNA methyltransferase RsmG

The RsmG methyltransferase is responsible for N(7) methylation of G527 of 16S rRNA in bacteria. Here, we report the identification of the Thermus thermophilus rsmG gene, the isolation of rsmG mutants, and the solution of RsmG X-ray crystal structures at up to 1.5 A resolution. Like their counterparts in other species, T. thermophilus rsmG mutants are weakly resistant to the aminoglycoside antibiotic streptomycin. Growth competition experiments indicate a physiological cost to loss of RsmG activity, consistent with the conservation of the modification site in the decoding region of the ribosome. In contrast to Escherichia coli RsmG, which has been reported to recognize only intact 30S subunits, T. thermophilus RsmG shows no in vitro methylation activity against native 30S subunits, only low activity with 30S subunits at low magnesium concentration, and maximum activity with deproteinized 16S rRNA. Cofactor-bound crystal structures of RsmG reveal a positively charged surface area remote from the active site that binds an adenosine monophosphate molecule. We conclude that an early assembly intermediate is the most likely candidate for the biological substrate of RsmG.

Defects in tRNA modification associated with neurological and developmental dysfunctions in Caenorhabditis elegans elongator mutants

Elongator is a six subunit protein complex, conserved from yeast to humans. Mutations in the human Elongator homologue, hELP1, are associated with the neurological disease familial dysautonomia. However, how Elongator functions in metazoans, and how the human mutations affect neural functions is incompletely understood. Here we show that in Caenorhabditis elegans, ELPC-1 and ELPC-3, components of the Elongator complex, are required for the formation of the 5-carbamoylmethyl and 5-methylcarboxymethyl side chains of wobble uridines in tRNA. The lack of these modifications leads to defects in translation in C. elegans. ELPC-1::GFP and ELPC-3::GFP reporters are strongly expressed in a subset of chemosensory neurons required for salt chemotaxis learning. elpc-1 or elpc-3 gene inactivation causes a defect in this process, associated with a posttranscriptional reduction of neuropeptide and a decreased accumulation of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. elpc-1 and elpc-3 mutations are synthetic lethal together with those in tuc-1, which is required for thiolation of tRNAs having the 5′methylcarboxymethyl side chain. elpc-1; tuc-1 and elpc-3; tuc-1 double mutants display developmental defects. Our results suggest that, by its effect on tRNA modification, Elongator promotes both neural function and development.

The efficiency of protein synthesis can be modulated by alterations of various components of the translation machinery. In translation, transfer RNAs act as adapter molecules that decode mRNA into protein and thereby play a central role in gene expression. In the tRNA maturation process, a subset of the normal nucleosides undergoes modifications. Modified nucleosides in the tRNA anticodon region are important for efficient translation. We found that, in the worm C. elegans, components of the Elongator complex are required for the formation of a certain set of tRNA modifications in the anticodon region. We observed a reduced efficiency of translation as well as a lower production of neurotransmitters in Elongator mutant worms. Elongator is conserved in eukaryotes, and mutations in a subunit of human Elongator cause a severe neurodegenerative disease, familial dysautonomia (FD). It is unclear in humans whether Elongator acts on the translational level through tRNA modification to regulate neuronal processes. Our observations in C. elegans, together with the role of yeast Elongator in translation, show that the function of Elongator in tRNA modification is conserved. Inactivation of Elongator may cause neuronal defects by affecting translation.

Structure of the thiostrepton resistance methyltransferase.S-adenosyl-L-methionine complex and its interaction with ribosomal RNA

The x-ray crystal structure of the thiostrepton resistance RNA methyltransferase (Tsr).S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) complex was determined at 2.45-A resolution. Tsr is definitively confirmed as a Class IV methyltransferase of the SpoU family with an N-terminal "L30-like" putative target recognition domain. The structure and our in vitro analysis of the interaction of Tsr with its target domain from 23 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) demonstrate that the active biological unit is a Tsr homodimer. In vitro methylation assays show that Tsr activity is optimal against a 29-nucleotide hairpin rRNA though the full 58-nucleotide L11-binding domain and intact 23 S rRNA are also effective substrates. Molecular docking experiments predict that Tsr.rRNA binding is dictated entirely by the sequence and structure of the rRNA hairpin containing the A1067 target nucleotide and is most likely driven primarily by large complementary electrostatic surfaces. One L30-like domain is predicted to bind the target loop and the other is near an internal loop more distant from the target site where a nucleotide change (U1061 to A) also decreases methylation by Tsr. Furthermore, a predicted interaction with this internal loop by Tsr amino acid Phe-88 was confirmed by mutagenesis and RNA binding experiments. We therefore propose that Tsr achieves its absolute target specificity using the N-terminal domains of each monomer in combination to recognize the two distinct structural elements of the target rRNA hairpin such that both Tsr subunits contribute directly to the positioning of the target nucleotide on the enzyme.

RNA cytosine methylation analysis by bisulfite sequencing

Covalent modifications of nucleic acids play an important role in regulating their functions. Among these modifications, (cytosine-5) DNA methylation is best known for its role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Post-transcriptional RNA modification is a characteristic feature of noncoding RNAs, and has been described for rRNAs, tRNAs and miRNAs. (Cytosine-5) RNA methylation has been detected in stable and long-lived RNA molecules, but its function is still unclear, mainly due to technical limitations. In order to facilitate the analysis of RNA methylation patterns we have established a protocol for the chemical deamination of cytosines in RNA, followed by PCR-based amplification of cDNA and DNA sequencing. Using tRNAs and rRNAs as examples we show that cytosine methylation can be reproducibly and quantitatively detected by bisulfite sequencing. The combination of this method with deep sequencing allowed the analysis of a large number of RNA molecules. These results establish a versatile method for the identification and characterization of RNA methylation patterns, which will be useful for defining the biological function of RNA methylation.

tRNAdb 2009: compilation of tRNA sequences and tRNA genes

One of the first specialized collections of nucleic acid sequences in life sciences was the 'compilation of tRNA sequences and sequences of tRNA genes' (http://www.trna.uni-bayreuth.de). Here, an updated and completely restructured version of this compilation is presented (http://trnadb.bioinf.uni-leipzig.de). The new database, tRNAdb, is hosted and maintained in cooperation between the universities of Leipzig, Marburg, and Strasbourg. Reimplemented as a relational database, tRNAdb will be updated periodically and is searchable in a highly flexible and user-friendly way. Currently, it contains more than 12 000 tRNA genes, classified into families according to amino acid specificity. Furthermore, the implementation of the NCBI taxonomy tree facilitates phylogeny-related queries. The database provides various services including graphical representations of tRNA secondary structures, a customizable output of aligned or un-aligned sequences with a variety of individual and combinable search criteria, as well as the construction of consensus sequences for any selected set of tRNAs.

RNomics and Modomics in the halophilic archaea Haloferax volcanii: identification of RNA modification genes

Background

Naturally occurring RNAs contain numerous enzymatically altered nucleosides. Differences in RNA populations (RNomics) and pattern of RNA modifications (Modomics) depends on the organism analyzed and are two of the criteria that distinguish the three kingdoms of life. If the genomic sequences of the RNA molecules can be derived from whole genome sequence information, the modification profile cannot and requires or direct sequencing of the RNAs or predictive methods base on the presence or absence of the modifications genes.

Results

By employing a comparative genomics approach, we predicted almost all of the genes coding for the t+rRNA modification enzymes in the mesophilic moderate halophile Haloferax volcanii. These encode both guide RNAs and enzymes. Some are orthologous to previously identified genes in Archaea, Bacteria or in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but several are original predictions.

Conclusion

The number of modifications in t+rRNAs in the halophilic archaeon is surprisingly low when compared with other Archaea or Bacteria, particularly the hyperthermophilic organisms. This may result from the specific lifestyle of halophiles that require high intracellular salt concentration for survival. This salt content could allow RNA to maintain its functional structural integrity with fewer modifications. We predict that the few modifications present must be particularly important for decoding, accuracy of translation or are modifications that cannot be functionally replaced by the electrostatic interactions provided by the surrounding salt-ions. This analysis also guides future experimental validation work aiming to complete the understanding of the function of RNA modifications in Archaeal translation.

The crystal structure of Pyrococcus abyssi tRNA (uracil-54, C5)-methyltransferase provides insights into its tRNA specificity

The 5-methyluridine is invariably found at position 54 in the TΨC loop of tRNAs of most organisms. In Pyrococcus abyssi, its formation is catalyzed by the S-adenosyl-l-methionine-dependent tRNA (uracil-54, C5)-methyltransferase (_PabTrmU54), an enzyme that emerged through an ancient horizontal transfer of an RNA (uracil, C5)-methyltransferase-like gene from bacteria to archaea. The crystal structure of _PabTrmU54 in complex with S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine at 1.9 Å resolution shows the protein organized into three domains like Escherichia coli RumA, which catalyzes the same reaction at position 1939 of 23S rRNA. A positively charged groove at the interface between the three domains probably locates part of the tRNA-binding site of _PabTrmU54. We show that a mini-tRNA lacking both the D and anticodon stem-loops is recognized by _PabTrmU54. These results were used to model yeast tRNA^Asp in the _PabTrmU54 structure to get further insights into the different RNA specificities of RumA and _PabTrmU54. Interestingly, the presence of two flexible loops in the central domain, unique to _PabTrmU54, may explain the different substrate selectivities of both enzymes. We also predict that a large TΨC loop conformational change has to occur for the flipping of the target uridine into the _PabTrmU54 active site during catalysis.