1
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Rivera M, Ayon OS, Diaconescu-Grabari S, Pottel J, Moitessier N, Mittermaier A, McKeague M. A sensitive and scalable fluorescence anisotropy single stranded RNA targeting approach for monitoring riboswitch conformational states. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3164-3179. [PMID: 38375901 PMCID: PMC11014391 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The capacity of riboswitches to undergo conformational changes in response to binding their native ligands is closely tied to their functional roles and is an attractive target for antimicrobial drug design. Here, we established a probe-based fluorescence anisotropy assay to monitor riboswitch conformational switching with high sensitivity and throughput. Using the Bacillus subtillis yitJ S-Box (SAM-I), Fusobacterium nucleatum impX RFN element of (FMN) and class-I cyclic-di-GMP from Vibrio cholerae riboswitches as model systems, we developed short fluorescent DNA probes that specifically recognize either ligand-free or -bound riboswitch conformational states. We showed that increasing concentrations of native ligands cause measurable and reproducible changes in fluorescence anisotropy that correlate with riboswitch conformational changes observed by native gel analysis. Furthermore, we applied our assay to several ligand analogues and confirmed that it can discriminate between ligands that bind, triggering the native conformational change, from those that bind without causing the conformational change. This new platform opens the possibility of high-throughput screening compound libraries to identify potential new antibiotics that specifically target functional conformational changes in riboswitches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira Rivera
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Omma S Ayon
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | | | - Joshua Pottel
- Molecular Forecaster Inc. 910-2075 Robert Bourassa, Montreal, QC H3A 2L1, Canada
| | - Nicolas Moitessier
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
- Molecular Forecaster Inc. 910-2075 Robert Bourassa, Montreal, QC H3A 2L1, Canada
| | - Anthony Mittermaier
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Maureen McKeague
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
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2
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Wu Y, Zhu L, Zhang Y, Xu W. Multidimensional Applications and Challenges of Riboswitches in Biosensing and Biotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304852. [PMID: 37658499 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Riboswitches have received significant attention over the last two decades for their multiple functionalities and great potential for applications in various fields. This article highlights and reviews the recent advances in biosensing and biotherapy. These fields involve a wide range of applications, such as food safety detection, environmental monitoring, metabolic engineering, live cell imaging, wearable biosensors, antibacterial drug targets, and gene therapy. The discovery, origin, and optimization of riboswitches are summarized to help readers better understand their multidimensional applications. Finally, this review discusses the multidimensional challenges and development of riboswitches in order to further expand their potential for novel applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Longjiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yangzi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wentao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
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3
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Zheng L, Song Q, Xu X, Shen X, Li C, Li H, Chen H, Ren A. Structure-based insights into recognition and regulation of SAM-sensing riboswitches. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:31-50. [PMID: 36459353 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2188-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Riboswitches are highly conserved RNA elements that located in the 5'-UTR of mRNAs, which undergo real-time structure conformational change to achieve the regulation of downstream gene expression by sensing their cognate ligands. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is a ubiquitous methyl donor for transmethylation reactions in all living organisms. SAM riboswitch is one of the most abundant riboswitches that bind to SAM with high affinity and selectivity, serving as regulatory modules in multiple metabolic pathways. To date, seven SAM-specific riboswitch classes that belong to four families, one SAM/SAH riboswitch and one SAH riboswitch have been identified. Each SAM riboswitch family has a well-organized tertiary core scaffold to support their unique ligand-specific binding pocket. In this review, we summarize the current research progress on the distribution, structure, ligand recognition and gene regulation mechanism of these SAM-related riboswitch families, and further discuss their evolutionary prospects and potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luqian Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaochen Xu
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xin Shen
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hongcheng Li
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Aiming Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. .,Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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4
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Kallert E, Fischer TR, Schneider S, Grimm M, Helm M, Kersten C. Protein-Based Virtual Screening Tools Applied for RNA-Ligand Docking Identify New Binders of the preQ 1-Riboswitch. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:4134-4148. [PMID: 35994617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Targeting RNA with small molecules is an emerging field. While several ligands for different RNA targets are reported, structure-based virtual screenings (VSs) against RNAs are still rare. Here, we elucidated the general capabilities of protein-based docking programs to reproduce native binding modes of small-molecule RNA ligands and to discriminate known binders from decoys by the scoring function. The programs were found to perform similar compared to the RNA-based docking tool rDOCK, and the challenges faced during docking, namely, protomer and tautomer selection, target dynamics, and explicit solvent, do not largely differ from challenges in conventional protein-ligand docking. A prospective VS with the Bacillus subtilis preQ1-riboswitch aptamer domain performed with FRED, HYBRID, and FlexX followed by microscale thermophoresis assays identified six active compounds out of 23 tested VS hits with potencies between 29.5 nM and 11.0 μM. The hits were selected not solely based on their docking score but for resembling key interactions of the native ligand. Therefore, this study demonstrates the general feasibility to perform structure-based VSs against RNA targets, while at the same time it highlights pitfalls and their potential solutions when executing RNA-ligand docking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kallert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Tim R Fischer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Maike Grimm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, Mainz 55128, Germany
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5
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Panchal V, Brenk R. Riboswitches as Drug Targets for Antibiotics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:45. [PMID: 33466288 PMCID: PMC7824784 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Riboswitches reside in the untranslated region of RNA and regulate genes involved in the biosynthesis of essential metabolites through binding of small molecules. Since their discovery at the beginning of this century, riboswitches have been regarded as potential antibacterial targets. Using fragment screening, high-throughput screening and rational ligand design guided by X-ray crystallography, lead compounds against various riboswitches have been identified. Here, we review the current status and suitability of the thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), flavin mononucleotide (FMN), glmS, guanine, and other riboswitches as antibacterial targets and discuss them in a biological context. Further, we highlight challenges in riboswitch drug discovery and emphasis the need to develop riboswitch specific high-throughput screening methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Panchal
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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6
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Sun A, Gasser C, Li F, Chen H, Mair S, Krasheninina O, Micura R, Ren A. SAM-VI riboswitch structure and signature for ligand discrimination. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5728. [PMID: 31844059 PMCID: PMC6914780 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13600-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Riboswitches are metabolite-sensing, conserved domains located in non-coding regions of mRNA that are central to regulation of gene expression. Here we report the first three-dimensional structure of the recently discovered S-adenosyl-L-methionine responsive SAM-VI riboswitch. SAM-VI adopts a unique fold and ligand pocket that are distinct from all other known SAM riboswitch classes. The ligand binds to the junctional region with its adenine tightly intercalated and Hoogsteen base-paired. Furthermore, we reveal the ligand discrimination mode of SAM-VI by additional X-ray structures of this riboswitch bound to S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine and a synthetic ligand mimic, in combination with isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy to explore binding thermodynamics and kinetics. The structure is further evaluated by analysis of ligand binding to SAM-VI mutants. It thus provides a thorough basis for developing synthetic SAM cofactors for applications in chemical and synthetic RNA biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiai Sun
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Catherina Gasser
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, Leopold Franzens University, Innsbruck, A6020, Austria
| | - Fudong Li
- National Science Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale Division of Molecular & Cell Biophysics and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Stefan Mair
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, Leopold Franzens University, Innsbruck, A6020, Austria
| | - Olga Krasheninina
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, Leopold Franzens University, Innsbruck, A6020, Austria
| | - Ronald Micura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, Leopold Franzens University, Innsbruck, A6020, Austria.
| | - Aiming Ren
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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7
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Weickhmann AK, Keller H, Wurm JP, Strebitzer E, Juen MA, Kremser J, Weinberg Z, Kreutz C, Duchardt-Ferner E, Wöhnert J. The structure of the SAM/SAH-binding riboswitch. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:2654-2665. [PMID: 30590743 PMCID: PMC6411933 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is a central metabolite since it is used as a methyl group donor in many different biochemical reactions. Many bacteria control intracellular SAM concentrations using riboswitch-based mechanisms. A number of structurally different riboswitch families specifically bind to SAM and mainly regulate the transcription or the translation of SAM-biosynthetic enzymes. In addition, a highly specific riboswitch class recognizes S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH)—the product of SAM-dependent methyl group transfer reactions—and regulates enzymes responsible for SAH hydrolysis. High-resolution structures are available for many of these riboswitch classes and illustrate how they discriminate between the two structurally similar ligands SAM and SAH. The so-called SAM/SAH riboswitch class binds both ligands with similar affinities and is structurally not yet characterized. Here, we present a high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance structure of a member of the SAM/SAH-riboswitch class in complex with SAH. Ligand binding induces pseudoknot formation and sequestration of the ribosome binding site. Thus, the SAM/SAH-riboswitches are translational ‘OFF’-switches. Our results establish a structural basis for the unusual bispecificity of this riboswitch class. In conjunction with genomic data our structure suggests that the SAM/SAH-riboswitches might be an evolutionary late invention and not a remnant of a primordial RNA-world as suggested for other riboswitches.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Katharina Weickhmann
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Heiko Keller
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Jan P Wurm
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany.,Institute of Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Strebitzer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Centre for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael A Juen
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Centre for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Kremser
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Centre for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zasha Weinberg
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science and Interdisciplinary Centre for Bioinformatics, Institute of Informatics, University of Leipzig, Härtelstrasse 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph Kreutz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Centre for Molecular Biosciences (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elke Duchardt-Ferner
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Jens Wöhnert
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, 60438 Frankfurt/M., Germany
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8
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McGovern-Gooch KR, Baird NJ. Fluorescence-based investigations of RNA-small molecule interactions. Methods 2019; 167:54-65. [PMID: 31129289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Interrogating non-coding RNA structures and functions with small molecules is an area of rapidly increasing interest among biochemists and chemical biologists. However, many biochemical approaches to monitoring RNA structures are time-consuming and low-throughput, and thereby are only of limited utility for RNA-small molecule studies. Fluorescence-based techniques are powerful tools for rapid investigation of RNA conformations, dynamics, and interactions with small molecules. Many fluorescence methods are amenable to high-throughput analysis, enabling library screening for small molecule binders. In this review, we summarize numerous fluorescence-based approaches for identifying and characterizing RNA-small molecule interactions. We describe in detail a high-information content dual-reporter FRET assay we developed to characterize small molecule-induced conformational and stability changes. Our assay is uniquely suited as a platform for both small molecule discovery and thorough characterization of RNA-small molecule binding mechanisms. Given the growing recognition of non-coding RNAs as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention, we anticipate our FRET assay and other fluorescence-based techniques will be indispensable for the development of potent and specific small molecule inhibitors targeting RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh R McGovern-Gooch
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104 United States
| | - Nathan J Baird
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104 United States.
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9
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Šponer J, Bussi G, Krepl M, Banáš P, Bottaro S, Cunha RA, Gil-Ley A, Pinamonti G, Poblete S, Jurečka P, Walter NG, Otyepka M. RNA Structural Dynamics As Captured by Molecular Simulations: A Comprehensive Overview. Chem Rev 2018; 118:4177-4338. [PMID: 29297679 PMCID: PMC5920944 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With both catalytic and genetic functions, ribonucleic acid (RNA) is perhaps the most pluripotent chemical species in molecular biology, and its functions are intimately linked to its structure and dynamics. Computer simulations, and in particular atomistic molecular dynamics (MD), allow structural dynamics of biomolecular systems to be investigated with unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. We here provide a comprehensive overview of the fast-developing field of MD simulations of RNA molecules. We begin with an in-depth, evaluatory coverage of the most fundamental methodological challenges that set the basis for the future development of the field, in particular, the current developments and inherent physical limitations of the atomistic force fields and the recent advances in a broad spectrum of enhanced sampling methods. We also survey the closely related field of coarse-grained modeling of RNA systems. After dealing with the methodological aspects, we provide an exhaustive overview of the available RNA simulation literature, ranging from studies of the smallest RNA oligonucleotides to investigations of the entire ribosome. Our review encompasses tetranucleotides, tetraloops, a number of small RNA motifs, A-helix RNA, kissing-loop complexes, the TAR RNA element, the decoding center and other important regions of the ribosome, as well as assorted others systems. Extended sections are devoted to RNA-ion interactions, ribozymes, riboswitches, and protein/RNA complexes. Our overview is written for as broad of an audience as possible, aiming to provide a much-needed interdisciplinary bridge between computation and experiment, together with a perspective on the future of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Šponer
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences , Kralovopolska 135 , Brno 612 65 , Czech Republic
| | - Giovanni Bussi
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati , Via Bonomea 265 , Trieste 34136 , Italy
| | - Miroslav Krepl
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences , Kralovopolska 135 , Brno 612 65 , Czech Republic
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science , Palacky University Olomouc , 17. listopadu 12 , Olomouc 771 46 , Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Banáš
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science , Palacky University Olomouc , 17. listopadu 12 , Olomouc 771 46 , Czech Republic
| | - Sandro Bottaro
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen 2200 , Denmark
| | - Richard A Cunha
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati , Via Bonomea 265 , Trieste 34136 , Italy
| | - Alejandro Gil-Ley
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati , Via Bonomea 265 , Trieste 34136 , Italy
| | - Giovanni Pinamonti
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati , Via Bonomea 265 , Trieste 34136 , Italy
| | - Simón Poblete
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati , Via Bonomea 265 , Trieste 34136 , Italy
| | - Petr Jurečka
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science , Palacky University Olomouc , 17. listopadu 12 , Olomouc 771 46 , Czech Republic
| | - Nils G Walter
- Single Molecule Analysis Group and Center for RNA Biomedicine, Department of Chemistry , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , Michigan 48109 , United States
| | - Michal Otyepka
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science , Palacky University Olomouc , 17. listopadu 12 , Olomouc 771 46 , Czech Republic
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10
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Roy S, Onuchic JN, Sanbonmatsu KY. Cooperation between Magnesium and Metabolite Controls Collapse of the SAM-I Riboswitch. Biophys J 2017; 113:348-359. [PMID: 28746845 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-I riboswitch is a noncoding RNA that regulates the transcription termination process in response to metabolite (SAM) binding. The aptamer portion of the riboswitch may adopt an open or closed state depending on the presence of metabolite. Although the transition between the open and closed states is critical for the switching process, its atomistic details are not well understood. Using atomistic simulations, we calculate the effect of SAM and magnesium ions on the folding free energy landscape of the SAM-I riboswitch. These molecular simulation results are consistent with our previous wetlab experiments and aid in interpreting the SHAPE probing measurements. Here, molecular dynamics simulations explicitly identify target RNA motifs sensitive to magnesium ions and SAM. In the simulations, we observe that, whereas the metabolite mostly stabilizes the P1 and P3 helices, magnesium serves an important role in stabilizing a pseudoknot interaction between the P2 and P4 helices, even at high metabolite concentrations. The pseudoknot stabilization by magnesium, in combination with P1 stabilization by SAM, explains the requirement of both SAM and magnesium to form the fully collapsed metabolite-bound closed state of the SAM-I riboswitch. In the absence of SAM, frequent open-to-closed conformational transitions of the pseudoknot occur, akin to breathing. These pseudoknot fluctuations disrupt the binding site by facilitating fluctuations in the 5'-end of helix P1. Magnesium biases the landscape toward a collapsed state (preorganization) by coordinating pseudoknot and 5'-P1 fluctuations. The cooperation between SAM and magnesium in stabilizing important tertiary interactions elucidates their functional significance in transcription regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Roy
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Chemistry, and Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - José N Onuchic
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Chemistry, and Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas; Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, and Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas.
| | - Karissa Y Sanbonmatsu
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico; New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos, New Mexico.
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11
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Büttner L, Javadi-Zarnaghi F, Höbartner C. Site-specific labeling of RNA at internal ribose hydroxyl groups: terbium-assisted deoxyribozymes at work. J Am Chem Soc 2014; 136:8131-7. [PMID: 24825547 DOI: 10.1021/ja503864v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A general and efficient single-step method was established for site-specific post-transcriptional labeling of RNA. Using Tb(3+) as accelerating cofactor for deoxyribozymes, various labeled guanosines were site-specifically attached to 2'-OH groups of internal adenosines in in vitro transcribed RNA. The DNA-catalyzed 2',5'-phosphodiester bond formation proceeded efficiently with fluorescent, spin-labeled, biotinylated, or cross-linker-modified guanosine triphosphates. The sequence context of the labeling site was systematically analyzed by mutating the nucleotides flanking the targeted adenosine. Labeling of adenosines in a purine-rich environment showed the fastest reactions and highest yields. Overall, practically useful yields >70% were obtained for 13 out of 16 possible nucleotide (nt) combinations. Using this approach, we demonstrate preparative labeling under mild conditions for up to ~160-nt-long RNAs, including spliceosomal U6 small nuclear RNA and a cyclic-di-AMP binding riboswitch RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Büttner
- Research Group Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry , Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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12
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Hickey SF, Hammond MC. Structure-guided design of fluorescent S-adenosylmethionine analogs for a high-throughput screen to target SAM-I riboswitch RNAs. CHEMISTRY & BIOLOGY 2014; 21:345-56. [PMID: 24560607 PMCID: PMC4074398 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Many classes of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-binding RNAs and proteins are of interest as potential drug targets in diverse therapeutic areas, from infectious diseases to cancer. In the former case, the SAM-I riboswitch is an attractive target because this structured RNA element is found only in bacterial mRNAs and regulates multiple genes in several human pathogens. Here, we describe the synthesis of stable and fluorescent analogs of SAM in which the fluorophore is introduced through a functionalizable linker to the ribose. A Cy5-labeled SAM analog was shown to bind several SAM-I riboswitches via in-line probing and fluorescence polarization assays, including one from Staphylococcus aureus that controls the expression of SAM synthetase in this organism. A fluorescent ligand displacement assay was developed and validated for high-throughput screening of compounds to target the SAM-I riboswitch class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott F Hickey
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Synthetic Biology Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkely, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ming C Hammond
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Synthetic Biology Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkely, CA 94720, USA.
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13
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Yu W, Smil D, Li F, Tempel W, Fedorov O, Nguyen KT, Bolshan Y, Al-Awar R, Knapp S, Arrowsmith CH, Vedadi M, Brown PJ, Schapira M. Bromo-deaza-SAH: a potent and selective DOT1L inhibitor. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:1787-1794. [PMID: 23433670 PMCID: PMC4780262 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Chemical inhibition of proteins involved in chromatin-mediated signaling is an emerging strategy to control chromatin compaction with the aim to reprogram expression networks to alter disease states. Protein methyltransferases constitute one of the protein families that participate in epigenetic control of gene expression, and represent a novel therapeutic target class. Recruitment of the protein lysine methyltransferase DOT1L at aberrant loci is a frequent mechanism driving acute lymphoid and myeloid leukemias, particularly in infants, and pharmacological inhibition of DOT1L extends survival in a mouse model of mixed lineage leukemia. A better understanding of the structural chemistry of DOT1L inhibition would accelerate the development of improved compounds. Here, we report that the addition of a single halogen atom at a critical position in the cofactor product S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH, an inhibitor of SAM-dependent methyltransferases) results in an 8-fold increase in potency against DOT1L, and reduced activities against other protein and non-protein methyltransferases. We solved the crystal structure of DOT1L in complex with Bromo-deaza-SAH and rationalized the observed effects. This discovery reveals a simple strategy to engineer selectivity and potency towards DOT1L into the adenosine scaffold of the cofactor shared by all methyltransferases, and can be exploited towards the development of clinical candidates against mixed lineage leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Yu
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto; 101 College Street, MaRS Centre, South tower, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - David Smil
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto; 101 College Street, MaRS Centre, South tower, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto; 101 College Street, MaRS Centre, South tower, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Wolfram Tempel
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto; 101 College Street, MaRS Centre, South tower, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Oleg Fedorov
- University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Kong T. Nguyen
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto; 101 College Street, MaRS Centre, South tower, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Yuri Bolshan
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto; 101 College Street, MaRS Centre, South tower, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Rima Al-Awar
- Medicinal Chemistry Platform, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research; 101 College Street, MaRS Centre, South tower, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Stefan Knapp
- University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Cheryl H. Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto; 101 College Street, MaRS Centre, South tower, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto; 101 College Street, MaRS Centre, South tower, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Peter J. Brown
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto; 101 College Street, MaRS Centre, South tower, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Matthieu Schapira
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto; 101 College Street, MaRS Centre, South tower, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Lin PH, Tsai CW, Wu JW, Ruaan RC, Chen WY. Molecular dynamics simulation of the induced-fit binding process of DNA aptamer and L-argininamide. Biotechnol J 2012; 7:1367-75. [PMID: 22678933 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201200003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Revised: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are rare functional nucleic acids with binding affinity to and specificity for target ligands. Recent experiments have lead to the proposal of an induced-fit binding mechanism for L-argininamide (Arm) and its binding aptamer. However, at the molecular level, this mechanism between the aptamer and its coupled ligand is still poorly understood. The present study used explicit solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to examine the critical bases involved in aptamer-Arm binding and the induced-fit binding process at atomic resolution. The simulation results revealed that the Watson-Crick pair (G10-C16), C9, A12, and C17 bases play important roles in aptamer-Arm binding, and that binding of Arm results in an aptamer conformation optimized through a general induced-fit process. In an aqueous solution, the mechanism has the following characteristic stages: (a) adsorption stage, the Arm anchors to the binding site of aptamer with strong electrostatic interaction; (b) binding stage, the Arm fits into the binding site of aptamer by hydrogen-bond formation; and (c) complex stabilization stage, the hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions cooperatively stabilize the complex structure. This study provides dynamics information on the aptamer-ligand induced-fit binding mechanism. The critical bases in aptamer-ligand binding may provide a guideline in aptamer design for molecular recognition engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Hsun Lin
- Institute of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, National Central University, Jhong-Li, Taiwan
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15
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Huang W, Kim J, Jha S, Aboul-Ela F. Conformational heterogeneity of the SAM-I riboswitch transcriptional ON state: a chaperone-like role for S-adenosyl methionine. J Mol Biol 2012; 418:331-49. [PMID: 22425639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2012.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Revised: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Riboswitches are promising targets for the design of novel antibiotics and engineering of portable genetic regulatory elements. There is evidence that variability in riboswitch properties allows tuning of expression for genes involved in different stages of biosynthetic pathways by mechanisms that are not currently understood. Here, we explore the mechanism for tuning of S-adenosyl methionine (SAM)-I riboswitch folding. Most SAM-I riboswitches function at the transcriptional level by sensing the cognate ligand SAM. SAM-I riboswitches orchestrate the biosynthetic pathways of cysteine, methionine, SAM, and so forth. We use base-pair probability predictions to examine the secondary-structure folding landscape of several SAM-I riboswitch sequences. We predict different folding behaviors for different SAM-I riboswitch sequences. We identify several "decoy" base-pairing interactions involving 5' riboswitch residues that can compete with the formation of a P1 helix, a component of the ligand-bound "transcription OFF" state, in the absence of SAM. We hypothesize that blockage of these interactions through SAM contacts contributes to stabilization of the OFF state in the presence of ligand. We also probe folding patterns for a SAM-I riboswitch RNA using constructs with different 3' truncation points experimentally. Folding was monitored through fluorescence, susceptibility to base-catalyzed cleavage, nuclear magnetic resonance, and indirectly through SAM binding. We identify key decision windows at which SAM can affect the folding pathway towards the OFF state. The presence of decoy conformations and differential sensitivities to SAM at different transcript lengths is crucial for SAM-I riboswitches to modulate gene expression in the context of global cellular metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Biological Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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16
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Doshi U, Kelley JM, Hamelberg D. Atomic-level insights into metabolite recognition and specificity of the SAM-II riboswitch. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2012; 18:300-7. [PMID: 22194311 PMCID: PMC3264916 DOI: 10.1261/rna.028779.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Although S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), a metabolic by-product of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), differs from SAM only by a single methyl group and an overall positive charge, SAH binds the SAM-II riboswitch with more than 1000-fold less affinity than SAM. Using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the molecular basis of such high selectivity in ligand recognition by SAM-II riboswitch. The biosynthesis of SAM exclusively generates the (S,S) stereoisomer, and (S,S)-SAM can spontaneously convert to the (R,S) form. We, therefore, also examined the effects of (R,S)-SAM binding to SAM-II and its potential biological function. We find that the unfavorable loss in entropy in SAM-II binding is greater for (S,S)- and (R,S)-SAM than SAH, which is compensated by stabilizing electrostatic interactions with the riboswitch. The positively charged sulfonium moiety on SAM acts as the crucial anchor point responsible for the formation of key ionic interactions as it fits favorably in the negatively charged binding pocket. In contrast, SAH, with its lone pair of electrons on the sulfur, experiences repulsion in the binding pocket of SAM-II and is enthalpically destabilized. In the presence of SAH, similar to the unbound riboswitch, the pseudoknot structure of SAM-II is not completely formed, thus exposing the Shine-Dalgarno sequence. Unlike SAM, this may further facilitate ribosomal assembly and translation initiation. Our analysis of the conformational ensemble sampled by SAM-II in the absence of ligands and when bound to SAM or SAH reveals that ligand binding follows a combination of conformational selection and induced-fit mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmi Doshi
- Department of Chemistry and the Center for Biotechnology and Drug Design, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30302-4098, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Kelley
- Department of Chemistry and the Center for Biotechnology and Drug Design, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30302-4098, USA
| | - Donald Hamelberg
- Department of Chemistry and the Center for Biotechnology and Drug Design, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30302-4098, USA
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17
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Pajares MA, Markham GD. Methionine adenosyltransferase (s-adenosylmethionine synthetase). ADVANCES IN ENZYMOLOGY AND RELATED AREAS OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 78:449-521. [PMID: 22220481 DOI: 10.1002/9781118105771.ch11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- María A Pajares
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" (CSIC-UAM), Madrid Spain
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18
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Batey RT. Recognition of S-adenosylmethionine by riboswitches. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2011; 2:299-311. [PMID: 21957011 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Riboswitches are regulatory elements commonly found in the 5' leader sequences of bacterial mRNAs that bind cellular metabolites to direct expression at either the transcriptional or translational level. The effectors of these RNAs are chemically diverse, including nucleobases and nucleosides, amino acids, cofactors, and second messenger molecules. Over the last few years, a number of structures have revealed the architectural means by which RNA creates binding pockets of high affinity and specificity for these compounds. For most effectors, there is a single class of associated riboswitches. However, eight individual classes of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and/or S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) responsive riboswitches that control various aspects of sulfur metabolism have been validated, revealing a diverse set of solutions to the recognition of these ubiquitous metabolites. This review focuses upon the structures of RNAs that bind SAM and SAH and how they discriminate between these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T Batey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
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19
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Chemical and structural biology of nucleic acids and protein-nucleic acid complexes for novel drug discovery. Sci China Chem 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-010-4174-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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20
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Montange RK, Mondragón E, van Tyne D, Garst AD, Ceres P, Batey RT. Discrimination between closely related cellular metabolites by the SAM-I riboswitch. J Mol Biol 2009; 396:761-72. [PMID: 20006621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2009.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2009] [Revised: 11/30/2009] [Accepted: 12/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The SAM-I riboswitch is a cis-acting element of genetic control found in bacterial mRNAs that specifically binds S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). We previously determined the 2.9-A X-ray crystal structure of the effector-binding domain of this RNA element, revealing details of RNA-ligand recognition. To improve this structure, variations were made to the RNA sequence to alter lattice contacts, resulting in a 0.5-A improvement in crystallographic resolution and allowing for a more accurate refinement of the crystallographic model. The basis for SAM specificity was addressed by a structural analysis of the RNA complexed to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) and sinefungin and by measuring the affinity of SAM and SAH for a series of mutants using isothermal titration calorimetry. These data illustrate the importance of two universally conserved base pairs in the RNA that form electrostatic interactions with the positively charged sulfonium group of SAM, thereby providing a basis for discrimination between SAM and SAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Montange
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, Campus Box 215, Boulder, CO 80309-0215, USA
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21
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Kelley JM, Hamelberg D. Atomistic basis for the on-off signaling mechanism in SAM-II riboswitch. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 38:1392-400. [PMID: 19969538 PMCID: PMC3303485 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacterial genes are controlled by metabolite sensing motifs known as riboswitches, normally located in the 5' un-translated region of their mRNAs. Small molecular metabolites bind to the aptamer domain of riboswitches with amazing specificity, modulating gene regulation in a feedback loop as a result of induced conformational changes in the expression platform. Here, we report the results of molecular dynamics simulation studies of the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-II riboswitch that is involved in regulating translation in sulfur metabolic pathways in bacteria. We show that the ensemble of conformations of the unbound form of the SAM-II riboswitch is a loose pseudoknot structure that periodically visits conformations similar to the bound form, and the pseudoknot structure is only fully formed upon binding the metabolite, SAM. The rate of forming contacts in the unbound form that are similar to that in the bound form is fast. Ligand binding to SAM-II alters the curvature and base-pairing of the expression platform that could affect the interaction of the latter with the ribosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Munro Kelley
- Department of Chemistry and the Center for Biotechnology and Drug Design, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-4098, USA
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22
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Poiata E, Meyer MM, Ames TD, Breaker RR. A variant riboswitch aptamer class for S-adenosylmethionine common in marine bacteria. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2009; 15:2046-56. [PMID: 19776155 PMCID: PMC2764483 DOI: 10.1261/rna.1824209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2009] [Accepted: 08/12/2009] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Riboswitches that sense S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) are widely distributed throughout a variety of bacterial lineages. Four classes of SAM-binding riboswitches have been reported to date, constituting the most diverse collection of riboswitch classes that sense the same compound. Three of these classes, termed SAM-I, SAM-II, and SAM-III represent unique structures that form distinct binding pockets for the ligand. SAM-IV riboswitches carry different conserved sequence and structural features compared to other SAM riboswitches, but nucleotides and substructures corresponding to the ligand binding pocket are identical to SAM-I aptamers. In this article, we describe a fifth class of SAM binding aptamer, which we have termed SAM-V. SAM-V was discovered by analyzing GC-rich intergenic regions preceding metabolic genes in the marine alpha-proteobacterium "Candidatus Pelagibacter ubique." Although the motif is nearly unrepresented in cultured bacteria whose genomes have been completely sequenced, SAM-V is prevalent in marine metagenomic sequences. The consensus sequence and structure of SAM-V show some similarities to that of the SAM-II riboswitch, and it is likely that the two aptamers form similar ligand binding pockets. In addition, we identified numerous examples of a tandem SAM-II/SAM-V aptamer architecture. In this arrangement, the SAM-II aptamer is always positioned 5' of the SAM-V aptamer and the SAM-II aptamer is followed by a predicted intrinsic transcription terminator stem. The SAM-V aptamer, however, appears to use a ribosome binding site occlusion mechanism for genetic regulation. This tandem riboswitch arrangement exhibits an architecture that can potentially control both the transcriptional and translational stages of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Poiata
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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23
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RNA-amino acid binding: a stereochemical era for the genetic code. J Mol Evol 2009; 69:406-29. [PMID: 19795157 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-009-9270-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2009] [Accepted: 07/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
By combining crystallographic and NMR structural data for RNA-bound amino acids within riboswitches, aptamers, and RNPs, chemical principles governing specific RNA interaction with amino acids can be deduced. Such principles, which we summarize in a "polar profile", are useful in explaining newly selected specific RNA binding sites for free amino acids bearing varied side chains charged, neutral polar, aliphatic, and aromatic. Such amino acid sites can be queried for parallels to the genetic code. Using recent sequences for 337 independent binding sites directed to 8 amino acids and containing 18,551 nucleotides in all, we show a highly robust connection between amino acids and cognate coding triplets within their RNA binding sites. The apparent probability (P) that cognate triplets around these sites are unrelated to binding sites is congruent with 5.3 x 10(-45) for codons overall, and P congruent with 2.1 x 10(-46) for cognate anticodons. Therefore, some triplets are unequivocally localized near their present amino acids. Accordingly, there was likely a stereochemical era during evolution of the genetic code, relying on chemical interactions between amino acids and the tertiary structures of RNA binding sites. Use of cognate coding triplets in RNA binding sites is nevertheless sparse, with only 21% of possible triplets appearing. Reasoning from such broad recurrent trends in our results, a majority (approximately 75%) of modern amino acids entered the code in this stereochemical era; nevertheless, a minority (approximately 21%) of modern codons and anticodons were assigned via RNA binding sites. A Direct RNA Template scheme embodying a credible early history for coded peptide synthesis is readily constructed based on these observations.
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24
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Huang W, Kim J, Jha S, Aboul-ela F. A mechanism for S-adenosyl methionine assisted formation of a riboswitch conformation: a small molecule with a strong arm. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 37:6528-39. [PMID: 19720737 PMCID: PMC2770654 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The S-adenosylmethionine-1 (SAM-I) riboswitch mediates expression of proteins involved in sulfur metabolism via formation of alternative conformations in response to binding by SAM. Models for kinetic trapping of the RNA in the bound conformation require annealing of nonadjacent mRNA segments during a transcriptional pause. The entropic cost required to bring nonadjacent segments together should slow the folding process. To address this paradox, we performed molecular dynamics simulations on the SAM-I riboswitch aptamer domain with and without SAM, starting with the X-ray coordinates of the SAM-bound RNA. Individual trajectories are 200 ns, among the longest reported for an RNA of this size. We applied principle component analysis (PCA) to explore the global dynamics differences between these two trajectories. We observed a conformational switch between a stacked and nonstacked state of a nonadjacent dinucleotide in the presence of SAM. In the absence of SAM the coordination between a bound magnesium ion and the phosphate of A9, one of the nucleotides involved in the dinucleotide stack, is destabilized. An electrostatic potential map reveals a 'hot spot' at the Mg binding site in the presence of SAM. These results suggest that SAM binding helps to position J1/2 in a manner that is favorable for P1 helix formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
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25
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Abstract
The cellular concentrations of certain metabolites are assiduously monitored to achieve appropriate levels of gene expression. Although proteins have long been known to act as sensors in this capacity, metabolite-binding RNAs, or riboswitches, also play an important role. More than 20 distinct classes of riboswitches have been identified to date, and insights to the molecular recognition strategies of a significant subset of these have been provided by detailed structural studies. This diverse set of metabolite-sensing RNAs is found to exploit a variety of distinct mechanisms to regulate genes that are fundamental to metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Roth
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8103, USA.
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26
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Saavedra OM, Isakovic L, Llewellyn DB, Zhan L, Bernstein N, Claridge S, Raeppel F, Vaisburg A, Elowe N, Petschner AJ, Rahil J, Beaulieu N, MacLeod AR, Delorme D, Besterman JM, Wahhab A. SAR around (l)-S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine, an inhibitor of human DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) enzymes. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2009; 19:2747-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.03.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Revised: 03/23/2009] [Accepted: 03/25/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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27
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Blouin S, Mulhbacher J, Penedo JC, Lafontaine DA. Riboswitches: ancient and promising genetic regulators. Chembiochem 2009; 10:400-16. [PMID: 19101979 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.200800593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BAIT AND SWITCH: Metabolite-sensing riboswitches make use of RNA structural modulation to regulate gene expression, as illustrated in the scheme, in response to subtle changes in metabolite concentrations. This review describes the current knowledge about naturally occurring riboswitches and their growing potential as antibacterial cellular targets and as molecular biosensors. Newly discovered metabolite-sensing riboswitches have revealed that cellular processes extensively make use of RNA structural modulation to regulate gene expression in response to subtle changes in metabolite concentrations. Riboswitches are involved at various regulation levels of gene expression, such as transcription attenuation, translation initiation, mRNA splicing and mRNA processing. Riboswitches are found in the three kingdoms of life, and in various cases, are involved in the regulation of essential genes, which makes their regulation an essential part of cell survival. Because riboswitches operate without the assistance of accessory proteins, they are believed to be remnants of an ancient time, when gene regulation was strictly based on RNA, from which are left numerous "living molecular fossils", as exemplified by ribozymes, and more spectacularly, by the ribosome. Due to their nature, riboswitches hold high expectations for the manipulation of gene expression and the detection of small metabolites, and also offer an unprecedented potential for the discovery of novel classes of antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Blouin
- Département de biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
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28
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Gallo S, Oberhuber M, Sigel RKO, Kräutler B. The corrin moiety of coenzyme B12 is the determinant for switching the btuB riboswitch of E. coli. Chembiochem 2008; 9:1408-14. [PMID: 18506875 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.200800099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Riboswitches are regulatory elements in the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of bacterial mRNAs that bind certain metabolites with high specificity and affinity. The 202 nucleotide (nt)-long btuB riboswitch RNA of E. coli interacts specifically with coenzyme B12 and its derivatives thereby leading to changes in the RNA structure and hence to an altered expression of the downstream btuB gene. We report the investigations of the rearrangement of the three-dimensional structure of the btuB riboswitch upon binding to four different B12 derivatives: coenzyme B12, vitamin B12, adenosyl factor A and adenosyl-cobinamide. In-line probing experiments have shown that the corrin ring plays the crucial role in switching the three-dimensional riboswitch structure. Instead, the apical ligands influence only the binding affinity of the B12 derivative to the btuB riboswitch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Gallo
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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29
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Wang JX, Breaker RR. Riboswitches that sense S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylhomocysteine. Biochem Cell Biol 2008; 86:157-68. [PMID: 18443629 DOI: 10.1139/o08-008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous riboswitches have been discovered that specifically recognize metabolites and modulate gene expression. Each riboswitch class is defined either by the consensus sequence and structural features of its metabolite-binding aptamer domain, or by the distinct metabolite that the aptamer recognizes. Several distinct classes of riboswitches that respond to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM or AdoMet) have been discovered. Representatives of these classes have been shown to strongly discriminate against S-adenosylhomocystenine (SAH or AdoHcy), which is the metabolic byproduct produced when SAM is used as a cofactor for methylation reactions. However, a distinct class of riboswitches that selectively binds SAH, and strongly discriminates against SAM, also has been discovered. Herein we compare the features of SAM and SAH riboswitches, which help showcase the enormous structural diversity that RNA can harness to form precision genetic switches for compounds that are critical for fundamental metabolic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Xin Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 266 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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30
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Weinberg Z, Regulski EE, Hammond MC, Barrick JE, Yao Z, Ruzzo WL, Breaker RR. The aptamer core of SAM-IV riboswitches mimics the ligand-binding site of SAM-I riboswitches. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2008; 14:822-8. [PMID: 18369181 PMCID: PMC2327355 DOI: 10.1261/rna.988608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2008] [Accepted: 02/11/2008] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A novel family of riboswitches, called SAM-IV, is the fourth distinct set of mRNA elements to be reported that regulate gene expression via direct sensing of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM or AdoMet). SAM-IV riboswitches share conserved nucleotide positions with the previously described SAM-I riboswitches, despite rearranged structures and nucleotide positions with family-specific nucleotide identities. Sequence analysis and molecular recognition experiments suggest that SAM-I and SAM-IV riboswitches share similar ligand binding sites, but have different scaffolds. Our findings support the view that RNA has considerable structural versatility and reveal that riboswitches exploit this potential to expand the scope of RNA in genetic regulation.
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MESH Headings
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/chemistry
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/genetics
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/metabolism
- Base Sequence
- Binding Sites/genetics
- DNA Primers/genetics
- Evolution, Molecular
- Ligands
- Nucleic Acid Conformation
- RNA, Bacterial/chemistry
- RNA, Bacterial/genetics
- RNA, Bacterial/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/chemistry
- RNA, Messenger/classification
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- S-Adenosylmethionine/metabolism
- Streptomyces coelicolor/genetics
- Streptomyces coelicolor/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Zasha Weinberg
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
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Wang JX, Lee ER, Morales DR, Lim J, Breaker RR. Riboswitches that sense S-adenosylhomocysteine and activate genes involved in coenzyme recycling. Mol Cell 2008; 29:691-702. [PMID: 18374645 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2008.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2007] [Revised: 10/02/2007] [Accepted: 01/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We have identified a highly conserved RNA motif that occurs upstream of genes involved in S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) recycling in many Gram-positive and Gram-negative species of bacteria. The phylogenetic distribution and the conserved structural features of representatives of this motif are indicative of riboswitch function. Riboswitches are widespread metabolite-sensing gene control elements that are typically found in the 5' untranslated regions (UTRs) of bacterial mRNAs. We experimentally verified that examples of this RNA motif specifically recognize S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) in protein-free in vitro assays, and confirmed that these RNAs strongly discriminate against SAM and other closely related analogs. A representative SAH motif was found to activate expression of a downstream gene in vivo when the metabolite is bound. These observations confirm that SAH motif RNAs are distinct ligand-binding aptamers for a riboswitch class that selectively binds SAH and controls genes essential for recycling expended SAM coenzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Xin Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Gilbert SD, Rambo RP, Van Tyne D, Batey RT. Structure of the SAM-II riboswitch bound to S-adenosylmethionine. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2008; 15:177-82. [PMID: 18204466 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.1371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2007] [Accepted: 11/21/2007] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In bacteria, numerous genes harbor regulatory elements in the 5' untranslated regions of their mRNA, termed riboswitches, which control gene expression by binding small-molecule metabolites. These sequences influence the secondary and tertiary structure of the RNA in a ligand-dependent manner, thereby directing its transcription or translation. The crystal structure of an S-adenosylmethionine-responsive riboswitch found predominantly in proteobacteria, SAM-II, has been solved to reveal a second means by which RNA interacts with this important cellular metabolite. Notably, this is the first structure of a complete riboswitch containing all sequences associated with both the ligand binding aptamer domain and the regulatory expression platform. Chemical probing of this RNA in the absence and presence of ligand shows how the structure changes in response to S-adenosylmethionine to sequester the ribosomal binding site and affect translational gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny D Gilbert
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Campus Box 215, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
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Natural variability in S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent riboswitches: S-box elements in bacillus subtilis exhibit differential sensitivity to SAM In vivo and in vitro. J Bacteriol 2007; 190:823-33. [PMID: 18039762 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01034-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Riboswitches are regulatory systems in which changes in structural elements in the 5' region of the nascent RNA transcript (the "leader region") control expression of the downstream coding sequence in response to a regulatory signal in the absence of a trans-acting protein factor. The S-box riboswitch, found primarily in low-G+C gram-positive bacteria, is the paradigm for riboswitches that sense S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). Genes in the S-box family are involved in methionine metabolism, and their expression is induced in response to starvation for methionine. S-box genes exhibit conserved primary sequence and secondary structural elements in their leader regions. We previously demonstrated that SAM binds directly to S-box leader RNA, causing a structural rearrangement that results in premature termination of transcription at S-box leader region terminators. S-box genes have a variety of physiological roles, and natural variability in S-box structure and regulatory response could provide additional insight into the role of conserved S-box leader elements in SAM-directed transcription termination. In the current study, in vivo and in vitro assays were employed to analyze the differential regulation of S-box genes in response to SAM. A wide range of responses to SAM were observed for the 11 S-box-regulated transcriptional units in Bacillus subtilis, demonstrating that S-box riboswitches can be calibrated to different physiological requirements.
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Wakeman CA, Winkler WC, Dann CE. Structural features of metabolite-sensing riboswitches. Trends Biochem Sci 2007; 32:415-24. [PMID: 17764952 PMCID: PMC2933830 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2007.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2007] [Revised: 06/18/2007] [Accepted: 08/17/2007] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Riboswitches, metabolite-sensing RNA elements that are present in untranslated regions of the transcripts that they regulate, possess extensive tertiary structure to couple metabolite binding to genetic control. Here we discuss recently published structures from four riboswitch classes and compare these natural RNA structures to those of in-vitro-selected RNA aptamers, which bind ligands similar to those of the riboswitches. In addition, we examine the glmS riboswitch - the first example of a ribozyme-based riboswitch. This RNA provides the latest twist in the riboswitch field and portends exciting advances in the coming years. Our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying genetic regulation by riboswitches has increased mightily in recent years and will continue to grow as new riboswitch classes and ligands are discovered and structurally characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Wakeman
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9038, USA
| | - Wade C. Winkler
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9038, USA
| | - Charles E. Dann
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9038, USA
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Edwards TE, Klein DJ, Ferré-D'Amaré AR. Riboswitches: small-molecule recognition by gene regulatory RNAs. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2007; 17:273-9. [PMID: 17574837 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2007.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2007] [Revised: 02/26/2007] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Riboswitches demonstrate the ability of highly structured RNA molecules to recognize small-molecule metabolites with high specificity and subsequently harness the binding energy for the control of gene expression. Crystal structures have now been determined for the metabolite-binding domains of riboswitches that respond to purines, thiamine pyrophosphate and S-adenosylmethionine, as well as for the glmS ribozyme, a catalytic riboswitch that is activated by the metabolite glucosamine-6-phosphate. In addition to these riboswitch structures, a solution NMR structure has been reported for a ribosensor that regulates heat shock genes in response to changes in temperature. These studies reveal the structural basis of the remarkable selectivity of riboswitches and, in conjunction with biochemical and biophysical measurements, provide a framework for detailed mechanistic understanding of riboswitch-mediated modulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Edwards
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA
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Lim J, Grove BC, Roth A, Breaker RR. Characteristics of ligand recognition by a glmS self-cleaving ribozyme. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2007; 45:6689-93. [PMID: 16986193 DOI: 10.1002/anie.200602534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinsoo Lim
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Abstract
New validated cellular targets are needed to reinvigorate antibacterial drug discovery. This need could potentially be filled by riboswitches-messenger RNA (mRNA) structures that regulate gene expression in bacteria. Riboswitches are unique among RNAs that serve as drug targets in that they have evolved to form structured and highly selective receptors for small drug-like metabolites. In most cases, metabolite binding to the receptor represses the expression of the gene(s) encoded by the mRNA. If a new metabolite analog were designed that binds to the receptor, the gene(s) regulated by that riboswitch could be repressed, with a potentially lethal effect to the bacteria. Recent work suggests that certain antibacterial compounds discovered decades ago function at least in part by targeting riboswitches. Herein we will summarize the experiments validating riboswitches as drug targets, describe the existing technology for riboswitch drug discovery and discuss the challenges that may face riboswitch drug discoverers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth F Blount
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 266 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.
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Schwalbe H, Buck J, Fürtig B, Noeske J, Wöhnert J. Structures of RNA Switches: Insight into Molecular Recognition and Tertiary Structure. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2007; 46:1212-9. [PMID: 17226886 DOI: 10.1002/anie.200604163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RNA switches (riboswitches) have important functions in gene regulation. They comprise an aptamer domain, which is responsible for ligand binding, and an expression platform that transmits the ligand-binding state of the aptamer domain through a conformational change. Riboswitches can regulate gene expression either at the level of transcription or translation, and it has been proposed that riboswitch mechanisms are even used to regulate the processing of mRNA. This Minireview summarizes the current understanding of the structures and mode of action of RNA switches, with particular focus on secondary and tertiary interactions, which stabilize the global RNA structure and thus determine the function of the aptamer domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Schwalbe
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Schwalbe H, Buck J, Fürtig B, Noeske J, Wöhnert J. Strukturen von RNA-Schaltern: Einblick in molekulare Erkennung und Tertiärstruktur. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.200604163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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40
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Lim J, Grove BC, Roth A, Breaker RR. Characteristics of Ligand Recognition by aglmS Self-Cleaving Ribozyme. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.200602534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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41
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Montange RK, Batey RT. Structure of the S-adenosylmethionine riboswitch regulatory mRNA element. Nature 2006; 441:1172-5. [PMID: 16810258 DOI: 10.1038/nature04819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2006] [Accepted: 04/20/2006] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Riboswitches are cis-acting genetic regulatory elements found in the 5'-untranslated regions of messenger RNAs that control gene expression through their ability to bind small molecule metabolites directly. Regulation occurs through the interplay of two domains of the RNA: an aptamer domain that responds to intracellular metabolite concentrations and an expression platform that uses two mutually exclusive secondary structures to direct a decision-making process. In Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus species, riboswitches control the expression of more than 2% of all genes through their ability to respond to a diverse set of metabolites including amino acids, nucleobases and protein cofactors. Here we report the 2.9-angstroms resolution crystal structure of an S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-responsive riboswitch from Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis complexed with S-adenosylmethionine, an RNA element that controls the expression of several genes involved in sulphur and methionine metabolism. This RNA folds into a complex three-dimensional architecture that recognizes almost every functional group of the ligand through a combination of direct and indirect readout mechanisms. Ligand binding induces the formation of a series of tertiary interactions with one of the helices, serving as a communication link between the aptamer and expression platform domains.
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Sashital DG, Butcher SE. Flipping off the riboswitch: RNA structures that control gene expression. ACS Chem Biol 2006; 1:341-5. [PMID: 17163768 DOI: 10.1021/cb6002465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Riboswitches are metabolite-sensing RNA structures that have been discovered in regulatory regions of messenger RNA (mRNA). They have the remarkable ability to shut off the transcription or translation of their own mRNAs in response to binding a specific metabolite. In other words, riboswitches regulate their own genes using RNA instead of protein. Three new crystal structures reveal how S-adenosylmethionine and thiamine pyrophosphate riboswitches accomplish this task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipali G Sashital
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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Biochemie: R. R. Breaker geehrt / Organische Chemie: D. W. C. MacMillan ausgezeichnet / Biochemie: Preis für J. K. Barton. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.200601982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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44
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Biochemistry: R. R. Breaker honored / / Organic Chemistry: D. W. C. MacMillan awarded / / Biochemistry: Prize to J. K. Barton. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.200601982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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