eIF5B employs a novel domain release mechanism to catalyze ribosomal subunit joining

Structural basis for translational control by the human 48S initiation complex

The selection of an open reading frame (ORF) for translation of eukaryotic mRNA relies on remodeling of the scanning 48S initiation complex into an elongation-ready 80S ribosome. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we visualize the key commitment steps orchestrating 48S remodeling in humans. The mRNA Kozak sequence facilitates mRNA scanning in the 48S open state and stabilizes the 48S closed state by organizing the contacts of eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) and ribosomal proteins and by reconfiguring mRNA structure. GTPase-triggered large-scale fluctuations of 48S-bound eIF2 facilitate eIF5B recruitment, transfer of initiator tRNA from eIF2 to eIF5B and the release of eIF5 and eIF2. The 48S-bound multisubunit eIF3 complex controls ribosomal subunit joining by coupling eIF exchange to gradual displacement of the eIF3c N-terminal domain from the intersubunit interface. These findings reveal the structural mechanism of ORF selection in human cells and explain how eIF3 could function in the context of the 80S ribosome.

Structural insights into the evolution of late steps of translation initiation in the three domains of life

In eukaryotes and in archaea late steps of translation initiation involve the two initiation factors e/aIF5B and e/aIF1A. These two factors are also orthologous to the bacterial IF2 and IF1 proteins, respectively. Recent cryo-EM studies showed how e/aIF5B and e/aIF1A cooperate on the small ribosomal subunit to favor the binding of the large ribosomal subunit and the formation of a ribosome competent for elongation. In this review, pioneering studies and recent biochemical and structural results providing new insights into the role of a/eIF5B in archaea and eukaryotes will be presented. Recent structures will also be compared to orthologous bacterial initiation complexes to highlight domain-specific features and the evolution of initiation mechanisms.

The intrinsically disordered region of eIF5B stimulates IRES usage and nucleates biological granule formation

Cells activate stress response pathways to survive adverse conditions. Such responses involve the inhibition of global cap-dependent translation. This inhibition is a block that essential transcripts must escape via alternative methods of translation initiation, e.g., an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). IRESs have distinct structures and generally require a limited repertoire of translation factors. Cellular IRESs have been identified in many critical cellular stress response transcripts. We previously identified cellular IRESs in the murine insulin receptor (Insr) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (Igf1r) transcripts and demonstrated their resistance to eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) inhibition. Here, we find that eIF5B preferentially promotes Insr, Igf1r, and hepatitis C virus IRES activity through a non-canonical mechanism that requires its highly charged and disordered N terminus. We find that the N-terminal region of eIF5B can drive cytoplasmic granule formation. This eIF5B granule is triggered by cellular stress and is sufficient to specifically promote IRES activity.

Early divergence of translation initiation and elongation factors

Protein translation is a foundational attribute of all living cells. The translation function carried out by the ribosome critically depends on an assortment of protein interaction partners, collectively referred to as the translation machinery. Various studies suggest that the diversification of the translation machinery occurred prior to the last universal common ancestor, yet it is unclear whether the predecessors of the extant translation machinery factors were functionally distinct from their modern counterparts. Here we reconstructed the shared ancestral trajectory and subsequent evolution of essential translation factor GTPases, elongation factor EF-Tu (aEF-1A/eEF-1A), and initiation factor IF2 (aIF5B/eIF5B). Based upon their similar functions and structural homologies, it has been proposed that EF-Tu and IF2 emerged from an ancient common ancestor. We generated the phylogenetic tree of IF2 and EF-Tu proteins and reconstructed ancestral sequences corresponding to the deepest nodes in their shared evolutionary history, including the last common IF2 and EF-Tu ancestor. By identifying the residue and domain substitutions, as well as structural changes along the phylogenetic history, we developed an evolutionary scenario for the origins, divergence and functional refinement of EF-Tu and IF2 proteins. Our analyses suggest that the common ancestor of IF2 and EF-Tu was an IF2-like GTPase protein. Given the central importance of the translation machinery to all cellular life, its earliest evolutionary constraints and trajectories are key to characterizing the universal constraints and capabilities of cellular evolution.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of eIF Family Genes from Brassica rapa in Response to TuMV Resistance

Brassica rapa is one of the most important leafy vegetables worldwide, and has a long history of cultivation. However, it has not been possible to completely control the damage of turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), a serious virus in B. rapa, to production. In this study, the genome-wide identification and expression detection of eIF family genes from B. rapa in response to TuMV resistance were analyzed, including the identification of eIF family genes, chromosomal distribution, three-dimensional (3D) structure and sequence logo analyses, and the expression characterization as well as differential metabolite analysis of eIF family genes in resistant/susceptible lines, which may further prove the whole-genome tripling (WGT) event in B. rapa evolution and provide evidence for the functional redundancy and functional loss of multicopy eIF genes in evolution. A qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the relative expressions of eIF genes in a susceptible line (80461) were higher than those in a resistant line (80124), which may prove that, when TuMV infects host plants, the eIF genes can combine with the virus mRNA 5′ end cap structure and promote the initiation of virus mRNA translation in the susceptible B. rapa line. In addition, the metabolite substances were detected, the differences in metabolites between disease-resistant and disease-susceptible plants were mainly manifested by altered compounds such as flavonoids, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, ketones, esters, etc., which inferred that the different metabolite regulations of eIF family genes and reveal the resistance mechanisms of eIF genes against TuMV in brassica crops. This study may lay a new theoretical foundation for revealing eIF family gene resistance to TuMV in B. rapa, as well as advancing our understanding of virus–host interactions.

Molecular architecture of 40S translation initiation complexes on the hepatitis C virus IRES

Hepatitis C virus mRNA contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) that mediates end-independent translation initiation, requiring a subset of eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs). Biochemical studies revealed that direct binding of the IRES to the 40S ribosomal subunit places the initiation codon into the P site, where it base pairs with eIF2-bound Met-tRNAiMet forming a 48S initiation complex. Subsequently, eIF5 and eIF5B mediate subunit joining, yielding an elongation-competent 80S ribosome. Initiation can also proceed without eIF2, in which case Met-tRNAiMet is recruited directly by eIF5B. However, the structures of initiation complexes assembled on the HCV IRES, the transitions between different states, and the accompanying conformational changes have remained unknown. To fill these gaps, we now obtained cryo-EM structures of IRES initiation complexes, at resolutions up to 3.5 Å, that cover all major stages from the initial ribosomal association, through eIF2-containing 48S initiation complexes, to eIF5B-containing complexes immediately prior to subunit joining. These structures provide insights into the dynamic network of 40S/IRES contacts, highlight the role of IRES domain II, and reveal conformational changes that occur during the transition from eIF2- to eIF5B-containing 48S complexes and prepare them for subunit joining.

eIF5B and eIF1A reorient initiator tRNA to allow ribosomal subunit joining

Translation initiation defines the identity and quantity of a synthesized protein. The process is dysregulated in many human diseases1,2. A key commitment step is when the ribosomal subunits join at a translation start site on a messenger RNA to form a functional ribosome. Here, we combined single-molecule spectroscopy and structural methods using an in vitro reconstituted system to examine how the human ribosomal subunits join. Single-molecule fluorescence revealed when the universally conserved eukaryotic initiation factors eIF1A and eIF5B associate with and depart from initiation complexes. Guided by single-molecule dynamics, we visualized initiation complexes that contained both eIF1A and eIF5B using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. The resulting structure revealed how eukaryote-specific contacts between the two proteins remodel the initiation complex to orient the initiator aminoacyl-tRNA in a conformation compatible with ribosomal subunit joining. Collectively, our findings provide a quantitative and architectural framework for the molecular choreography orchestrated by eIF1A and eIF5B during translation initiation in humans.

Role of aIF5B in archaeal translation initiation

In eukaryotes and in archaea late steps of translation initiation involve the two initiation factors e/aIF5B and e/aIF1A. In eukaryotes, the role of eIF5B in ribosomal subunit joining is established and structural data showing eIF5B bound to the full ribosome were obtained. To achieve its function, eIF5B collaborates with eIF1A. However, structural data illustrating how these two factors interact on the small ribosomal subunit have long been awaited. The role of the archaeal counterparts, aIF5B and aIF1A, remains to be extensively addressed. Here, we study the late steps of Pyrococcus abyssi translation initiation. Using in vitro reconstituted initiation complexes and light scattering, we show that aIF5B bound to GTP accelerates subunit joining without the need for GTP hydrolysis. We report the crystallographic structures of aIF5B bound to GDP and GTP and analyze domain movements associated to these two nucleotide states. Finally, we present the cryo-EM structure of an initiation complex containing 30S bound to mRNA, Met-tRNAiMet, aIF5B and aIF1A at 2.7 Å resolution. Structural data shows how archaeal 5B and 1A factors cooperate to induce a conformation of the initiator tRNA favorable to subunit joining. Archaeal and eukaryotic features of late steps of translation initiation are discussed.

Established and Emerging Regulatory Roles of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 5B (eIF5B)

Translational control (TC) is one the crucial steps that dictate gene expression and alter the outcome of physiological process like programmed cell death, metabolism, and proliferation in a eukaryotic cell. TC occurs mainly at the translation initiation stage. The initiation factor eIF5B tightly regulates global translation initiation and facilitates the expression of a subset of proteins involved in proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, and immunosuppression under stress conditions. eIF5B enhances the expression of these survival proteins to allow cancer cells to metastasize and resist chemotherapy. Using eIF5B as a biomarker or drug target could help with diagnosis and improved prognosis, respectively. To achieve these goals, it is crucial to understand the role of eIF5B in translational regulation. This review recapitulates eIF5B's regulatory roles in the translation initiation of viral mRNA as well as the cellular mRNAs in cancer and stressed eukaryotic cells.

Short Time-Series Expression Transcriptome Data Reveal the Gene Expression Patterns of Dairy Cow Mammary Gland as Milk Yield Decreased Process

The existing research on dairy cow mammary gland genes is extensive, but there have been few reports about dynamic changes in dairy cow mammary gland genes as milk yield decrease. For the first time, transcriptome analysis based on short time-series expression miner (STEM) and histological observations were performed using the Holstein dairy cow mammary gland to explore gene expression patterns in this process of decrease (at peak, mid-, and late lactation). Histological observations suggested that the number of mammary acinous cells at peak/mid-lactation was significantly higher than that at mid-/late lactation, and the lipid droplets area secreted by dairy cows was almost unaltered across the three stages of lactation (p > 0.05). Totals of 882 and 1439 genes were differentially expressed at mid- and late lactation, respectively, compared to peak lactation. Function analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly related to apoptosis and energy metabolism (fold change ≥ 2 or fold change ≤ 0.5, p-value ≤ 0.05). Transcriptome analysis based on STEM identified 16 profiles of differential gene expression patterns, including 5 significant profiles (false discovery rate, FDR ≤ 0.05). Function analysis revealed DEGs involved in milk fat synthesis were downregulated in Profile 0 and DEGs in Profile 12 associated with protein synthesis. These findings provide a foundation for future studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying mammary gland development in dairy cows.

Structural basis for the transition from translation initiation to elongation by an 80S-eIF5B complex

Recognition of a start codon by the initiator aminoacyl-tRNA determines the reading frame of messenger RNA (mRNA) translation by the ribosome. In eukaryotes, the GTPase eIF5B collaborates in the correct positioning of the initiator Met-tRNA_i^Met on the ribosome in the later stages of translation initiation, gating entrance into elongation. Leveraging the long residence time of eIF5B on the ribosome recently identified by single-molecule fluorescence measurements, we determine the cryoEM structure of the naturally long-lived ribosome complex with eIF5B and Met-tRNA_i^Met immediately before transition into elongation. The structure uncovers an unexpected, eukaryotic specific and dynamic fidelity checkpoint implemented by eIF5B in concert with components of the large ribosomal subunit.

Recent Advances in Archaeal Translation Initiation

Translation initiation (TI) allows accurate selection of the initiation codon on a messenger RNA (mRNA) and defines the reading frame. In all domains of life, translation initiation generally occurs within a macromolecular complex made up of the small ribosomal subunit, the mRNA, a specialized methionylated initiator tRNA, and translation initiation factors (IFs). Once the start codon is selected at the P site of the ribosome and the large subunit is associated, the IFs are released and a ribosome competent for elongation is formed. However, even if the general principles are the same in the three domains of life, the molecular mechanisms are different in bacteria, eukaryotes, and archaea and may also vary depending on the mRNA. Because TI mechanisms have evolved lately, their studies bring important information about the evolutionary relationships between extant organisms. In this context, recent structural data on ribosomal complexes and genome-wide studies are particularly valuable. This review focuses on archaeal translation initiation highlighting its relationships with either the eukaryotic or the bacterial world. Eukaryotic features of the archaeal small ribosomal subunit are presented. Ribosome evolution and TI mechanisms diversity in archaeal branches are discussed. Next, the use of leaderless mRNAs and that of leadered mRNAs having Shine-Dalgarno sequences is analyzed. Finally, the current knowledge on TI mechanisms of SD-leadered and leaderless mRNAs is detailed.

Long-range interdomain communications in eIF5B regulate GTP hydrolysis and translation initiation

Translation is a key regulatory step in the control of gene expression. The first stage of translation, initiation, establishes the foundation for the sequential synthesis of a protein. In eukaryotes, 2 GTP-regulated checkpoints ensure the efficiency and fidelity of translation initiation. The GTPase eIF5B is responsible for the correct functioning of the second checkpoint. Molecular interactions of eIF5B with other correctly assembled components on the ribosome lead to GTP hydrolysis that allows the machinery of protein production to transition from initiation into elongation. Here, we show how a highly conserved stretch of residues in eIF5B, identified using electron cryomicroscopy, coordinates the gating into elongation, underscoring the importance of modular architecture in translation factors to sense and communicate ribosomal states.

Translation initiation controls protein synthesis by regulating the delivery of the first aminoacyl-tRNA to messenger RNAs (mRNAs). In eukaryotes, initiation is sophisticated, requiring dozens of protein factors and 2 GTP-regulated steps. The GTPase eIF5B gates progression to elongation during the second GTP-regulated step. Using electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM), we imaged an in vitro initiation reaction which is set up with purified yeast components and designed to stall with eIF5B and a nonhydrolyzable GTP analog. A high-resolution reconstruction of a “dead-end” intermediate at 3.6 Å allowed us to visualize eIF5B in its ribosome-bound conformation. We identified a stretch of residues in eIF5B, located close to the γ-phosphate of GTP and centered around the universally conserved tyrosine 837 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae numbering), that contacts the catalytic histidine of eIF5B (H480). Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed the essential role that these residues play in regulating ribosome binding, GTP hydrolysis, and translation initiation both in vitro and in vivo. Our results illustrate how eIF5B transmits the presence of a properly delivered initiator aminoacyl-tRNA at the P site to the distant GTPase center through interdomain communications and underscore the importance of the multidomain architecture in translation factors to sense and communicate ribosomal states.

eIF5B gates the transition from translation initiation to elongation

Translation initiation determines both the quantity and identity of the protein encoded in an mRNA by establishing the reading frame for protein synthesis. In eukaryotic cells, numerous translation initiation factors (eIFs) prepare ribosomes for polypeptide synthesis, yet the underlying dynamics of this process remain enigmatic^1,2. A central question is how eukaryotic ribosomes transition from translation initiation to elongation. Here, we applied in vitro single-molecule fluorescence microscopy approaches to monitor directly in real time the pathways of late translation initiation and the transition to elongation using a purified yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae translation system. This transition was remarkably slower in our eukaryotic system than that reported for Escherichia coli^3–5. The slow entry to elongation was defined by a long residence time of eIF5B on the 80S ribosome after joining of individual ribosomal subunits, which is catalyzed by this universally conserved initiation factor. Inhibition of eIF5B GTPase activity following subunit joining prevented eIF5B dissociation from the 80S complex, thereby preventing elongation. Our findings illustrate how eIF5B dissociation serves as a kinetic checkpoint for the transition from initiation to elongation, and its release may be governed by a conformation of the ribosome complex that triggers GTP hydrolysis.

Alternative Mechanisms of mRNA Translation Initiation in Cellular Stress Response and Cancer

Throughout evolution, eukaryotic cells have devised different mechanisms to cope with stressful environments. When eukaryotic cells are exposed to stress stimuli, they activate adaptive pathways that allow them to restore cellular homeostasis. Most types of stress stimuli have been reported to induce a decrease in overall protein synthesis accompanied by induction of alternative mechanisms of mRNA translation initiation. Here, we present well-studied and recent examples of such stress responses and the alternative translation initiation mechanisms they induce, and discuss the consequences of such regulation for cell homeostasis and oncogenic transformation.

Cooperative energetic effects elicited by the yeast Shwachman-Diamond syndrome protein (Sdo1) and guanine nucleotides modulate the complex conformational landscape of the elongation factor-like 1 (Efl1) GTPase

One of the final maturation steps of the large ribosomal subunit requires the joint action of the elongation factor-like 1 (human EFL1, yeast Efl1) GTPase and the Shwachman-Diamond syndrome protein (human SBDS, yeast Sdo1) to release the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6 (human eIF6, yeast Tif6) and allow the assembly of mature ribosomes. EFL1 function is driven by conformational changes. However, the nature of such conformational changes or the mechanism by which they are prompted are still largely unknown. In previous studies, it has been established that this GTPase interacts with its cofactor in solution in an inverted orientation with respect to the binding mode derived from 60S ribosome subunit cryo-EM data. To shed new light on this conundrum, we characterized calorimetrically the energetic basis describing the recognition of Efl1 to GT(D)P, Sdo1 and their intercommunication in solution. A structural-based analysis of the binding signatures indicates that Efl1 has a large structural flexibility. The mutual effects of Sdo1 and nucleotides on Efl1 modulate in a very specific and robust way the complex conformational landscape of Efl1, resembling the behavior observed with other GTPases and their cofactors.

Characterizing Cellular Responses During Oncolytic Maraba Virus Infection

The rising demand for powerful oncolytic virotherapy agents has led to the identification of Maraba virus, one of the most potent oncolytic viruses from Rhabdoviridae family which displays high selectivity for killing malignant cells and low cytotoxicity in normal cells. Although the virus is readied to be used for clinical trials, the interactions between the virus and the host cells is still unclear. Using a newly developed interferon-sensitive mutant Maraba virus (MG1), we have identified two key regulators of global translation (4E-BP1 and eIF2α) as being involved in the regulation of protein synthesis in the infected cells. Despite the translational arrest upon viral stress, we showed an up-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL protein that provides a survival benefit for the host cell, yet facilitates effective viral propagation. Given the fact that eIF5B canonically regulates 60S ribosome subunit end joining and is able to replace the role of eIF2 in delivering initiator tRNA to the 40S ribosome subunit upon the phosphorylation of eIF2α we have tested whether eIF5B mediates the translation of target mRNAs during MG1 infection. Our results show that the inhibition of eIF5B significantly down-regulates the level of Bcl-xL steady-state mRNA, thus indirectly attenuates viral propagation.

Protein Synthesis Initiation in Eukaryotic Cells

This review summarizes our current understanding of the major pathway for the initiation phase of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells, with a focus on recent advances. We describe the major scanning or messenger RNA (mRNA) m⁷G cap-dependent mechanism, which is a highly coordinated and stepwise regulated process that requires the combined action of at least 12 distinct translation factors with initiator transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomes, and mRNAs. We limit our review to studies involving either mammalian or budding yeast cells and factors, as these represent the two best-studied experimental systems, and only include a reference to other organisms where particular insight has been gained. We close with a brief description of what we feel are some of the major unknowns in eukaryotic initiation.

The Interaction between the Ribosomal Stalk Proteins and Translation Initiation Factor 5B Promotes Translation Initiation

Ribosomal stalk proteins recruit translation elongation GTPases to the factor-binding center of the ribosome. Initiation factor 5B (eIF5B in eukaryotes and aIF5B in archaea) is a universally conserved GTPase that promotes the joining of the large and small ribosomal subunits during translation initiation. Here we show that aIF5B binds to the C-terminal tail of the stalk protein. In the cocrystal structure, the interaction occurs between the hydrophobic amino acids of the stalk C-terminal tail and a small hydrophobic pocket on the surface of the GTP-binding domain (domain I) of aIF5B. A substitution mutation altering the hydrophobic pocket of yeast eIF5B resulted in a marked reduction in ribosome-dependent eIF5B GTPase activity in vitro In yeast cells, the eIF5B mutation affected growth and impaired GCN4 expression during amino acid starvation via a defect in start site selection for the first upstream open reading frame in GCN4 mRNA, as observed with the eIF5B deletion mutant. The deletion of two of the four stalk proteins diminished polyribosome levels (indicating defective translation initiation) and starvation-induced GCN4 expression, both of which were suppressible by eIF5B overexpression. Thus, the mutual interaction between a/eIF5B and the ribosomal stalk plays an important role in subunit joining during translation initiation in vivo.

eIF5B increases ASAP1 expression to promote HCC proliferation and invasion

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Despite the therapeutic advances that have been achieved during the past decade, the molecular pathogenesis underlying HCC remains poorly understood. In this study, we discovered that increased expression eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5B (eIF5B) was significantly correlated with aggressive characteristics and associated with shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in a large cohort. We also found that eIF5B promoted HCC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo partly through increasing ASAP1 expression. Our findings strongly suggested that eIF5B could promote HCC progression and be considered a prognostic biomarker for HCC.

More than just scanning: the importance of cap-independent mRNA translation initiation for cellular stress response and cancer

The scanning model for eukaryotic mRNA translation initiation states that the small ribosomal subunit, along with initiation factors, binds at the cap structure at the 5' end of the mRNA and scans the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) until an initiation codon is found. However, under conditions that impair canonical cap-dependent translation, the synthesis of some proteins is kept by alternative mechanisms that are required for cell survival and stress recovery. Alternative modes of translation initiation include cap- and/or scanning-independent mechanisms of ribosomal recruitment. In most cap-independent translation initiation events there is a direct recruitment of the 40S ribosome into a position upstream, or directly at, the initiation codon via a specific internal ribosome entry site (IRES) element in the 5'UTR. Yet, in some cellular mRNAs, a different translation initiation mechanism that is neither cap- nor IRES-dependent seems to occur through a special RNA structure called cap-independent translational enhancer (CITE). Recent evidence uncovered a distinct mechanism through which mRNAs containing N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) residues in their 5'UTR directly bind eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) and the 40S ribosomal subunit in order to initiate translation in the absence of the cap-binding proteins. This review focuses on the important role of cap-independent translation mechanisms in human cells and how these alternative mechanisms can either act individually or cooperate with other cis-acting RNA regulons to orchestrate specific translational responses triggered upon several cellular stress states, and diseases such as cancer. Elucidation of these non-canonical mechanisms reveals the complexity of translational control and points out their potential as prospective novel therapeutic targets.

Mechanism and Regulation of Protein Synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In this review, we provide an overview of protein synthesis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae The mechanism of protein synthesis is well conserved between yeast and other eukaryotes, and molecular genetic studies in budding yeast have provided critical insights into the fundamental process of translation as well as its regulation. The review focuses on the initiation and elongation phases of protein synthesis with descriptions of the roles of translation initiation and elongation factors that assist the ribosome in binding the messenger RNA (mRNA), selecting the start codon, and synthesizing the polypeptide. We also examine mechanisms of translational control highlighting the mRNA cap-binding proteins and the regulation of GCN4 and CPA1 mRNAs.

P13, the EMBL macromolecular crystallography beamline at the low-emittance PETRA III ring for high- and low-energy phasing with variable beam focusing

The macromolecular crystallography P13 beamline is part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory Integrated Facility for Structural Biology at PETRA III (DESY, Hamburg, Germany) and has been in user operation since mid-2013. P13 is tunable across the energy range from 4 to 17.5 keV to support crystallographic data acquisition exploiting a wide range of elemental absorption edges for experimental phase determination. An adaptive Kirkpatrick-Baez focusing system provides an X-ray beam with a high photon flux and tunable focus size to adapt to diverse experimental situations. Data collections at energies as low as 4 keV (λ = 3.1 Å) are possible due to a beamline design minimizing background and maximizing photon flux particularly at low energy (up to 10¹¹ photons s^-1 at 4 keV), a custom calibration of the PILATUS 6M-F detector for use at low energies, and the availability of a helium path. At high energies, the high photon flux (5.4 × 10¹¹ photons s^-1 at 17.5 keV) combined with a large area detector mounted on a 2θ arm allows data collection to sub-atomic resolution (0.55 Å). A peak flux of about 8.0 × 10¹² photons s^-1 is reached at 11 keV. Automated sample mounting is available by means of the robotic sample changer `MARVIN' with a dewar capacity of 160 samples. In close proximity to the beamline, laboratories have been set up for sample preparation and characterization; a laboratory specifically equipped for on-site heavy atom derivatization with a library of more than 150 compounds is available to beamline users.

Evolution of the archaeal and mammalian information processing systems: towards an archaeal model for human disease

Current evolutionary models suggest that Eukaryotes originated from within Archaea instead of being a sister lineage. To test this model of ancient evolution, we review recent studies and compare the three major information processing subsystems of replication, transcription and translation in the Archaea and Eukaryotes. Our hypothesis is that if the Eukaryotes arose within the archaeal radiation, their information processing systems will appear to be one of kind and not wholly original. Within the Eukaryotes, the mammalian or human systems are emphasized because of their importance in understanding health. Biochemical as well as genetic studies provide strong evidence for the functional similarity of archaeal homologs to the mammalian information processing system and their dissimilarity to the bacterial systems. In many independent instances, a simple archaeal system is functionally equivalent to more elaborate eukaryotic homologs, suggesting that evolution of complexity is likely an central feature of the eukaryotic information processing system. Because fewer components are often involved, biochemical characterizations of the archaeal systems are often easier to interpret. Similarly, the archaeal cell provides a genetically and metabolically simpler background, enabling convenient studies on the complex information processing system. Therefore, Archaea could serve as a parsimonious and tractable host for studying human diseases that arise in the information processing systems.

The molecular choreography of protein synthesis: translational control, regulation, and pathways

Translation of proteins by the ribosome regulates gene expression, with recent results underscoring the importance of translational control. Misregulation of translation underlies many diseases, including cancer and many genetic diseases. Decades of biochemical and structural studies have delineated many of the mechanistic details in prokaryotic translation, and sketched the outlines of eukaryotic translation. However, translation may not proceed linearly through a single mechanistic pathway, but likely involves multiple pathways and branchpoints. The stochastic nature of biological processes would allow different pathways to occur during translation that are biased by the interaction of the ribosome with other translation factors, with many of the steps kinetically controlled. These multiple pathways and branchpoints are potential regulatory nexus, allowing gene expression to be tuned at the translational level. As research focus shifts toward eukaryotic translation, certain themes will be echoed from studies on prokaryotic translation. This review provides a general overview of the dynamic data related to prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation, in particular recent findings with single-molecule methods, complemented by biochemical, kinetic, and structural findings. We will underscore the importance of viewing the process through the viewpoints of regulation, translational control, and heterogeneous pathways.

eIF1A/eIF5B interaction network and its functions in translation initiation complex assembly and remodeling

Eukaryotic translation initiation is a highly regulated process involving multiple steps, from 43S pre-initiation complex (PIC) assembly, to ribosomal subunit joining. Subunit joining is controlled by the G-protein eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5B (eIF5B). Another protein, eIF1A, is involved in virtually all steps, including subunit joining. The intrinsically disordered eIF1A C-terminal tail (eIF1A-CTT) binds to eIF5B Domain-4 (eIF5B-D4). The ribosomal complex undergoes conformational rearrangements at every step of translation initiation; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we report three novel interactions involving eIF5B and eIF1A: (i) a second binding interface between eIF5B and eIF1A; (ii) a dynamic intramolecular interaction in eIF1A between the folded domain and eIF1A-CTT; and (iii) an intramolecular interaction between eIF5B-D3 and -D4. The intramolecular interactions within eIF1A and eIF5B interfere with one or both eIF5B/eIF1A contact interfaces, but are disrupted on the ribosome at different stages of translation initiation. Therefore, our results indicate that the interactions between eIF1A and eIF5B are being continuously rearranged during translation initiation. We present a model how the dynamic eIF1A/eIF5B interaction network can promote remodeling of the translation initiation complexes, and the roles in the process played by intrinsically disordered protein segments.

Pre-40S ribosome biogenesis factor Tsr1 is an inactive structural mimic of translational GTPases

Budding yeast Tsr1 is a ribosome biogenesis factor with sequence similarity to GTPases, which is essential for cytoplasmic steps in 40S subunit maturation. Here we present the crystal structure of Tsr1 at 3.6 Å. Tsr1 has a similar domain architecture to translational GTPases such as EF-Tu and the selenocysteine incorporation factor SelB. However, active site residues required for GTP binding and hydrolysis are absent, explaining the lack of enzymatic activity in previous analyses. Modelling of Tsr1 into cryo-electron microscopy maps of pre-40S particles shows that a highly acidic surface of Tsr1 is presented on the outside of pre-40S particles, potentially preventing premature binding to 60S subunits. Late pre-40S maturation also requires the GTPase eIF5B and the ATPase Rio1. The location of Tsr1 is predicted to block binding by both factors, strongly indicating that removal of Tsr1 is an essential step during cytoplasmic maturation of 40S ribosomal subunits.

Tsr1 is an essential ribosome biogenesis factor that has known similarity to GTPases. Here, the authors report the Tsr1 crystal structure and show that it is similar to GTPases but that active site residues are not conserved; modelling of the structure into the pre-40S maps allows inferences on ribosomal maturation to be drawn.

Inherent conformational flexibility of F1-ATPase α-subunit

The core of F1-ATPase consists of three catalytic (β) and three noncatalytic (α) subunits, forming a hexameric ring in alternating positions. A wealth of experimental and theoretical data has provided a detailed picture of the complex role played by catalytic subunits. Although major conformational changes have only been seen in β-subunits, it is clear that α-subunits have to respond to these changes in order to be able to transmit information during the rotary mechanism. However, the conformational behavior of α-subunits has not been explored in detail. Here, we have combined unbiased molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and calorimetrically measured thermodynamic signatures to investigate the conformational flexibility of isolated α-subunits, as a step toward deepening our understanding of its function inside the α3β3 ring. The simulations indicate that the open-to-closed conformational transition of the α-subunit is essentially barrierless, which is ideal to accompany and transmit the movement of the catalytic subunits. Calorimetric measurements of the recombinant α-subunit from Geobacillus kaustophilus indicate that the isolated subunit undergoes no significant conformational changes upon nucleotide binding. Simulations confirm that the nucleotide-free and nucleotide-bound subunits show average conformations similar to that observed in the F1 crystal structure, but they reveal an increased conformational flexibility of the isolated α-subunit upon MgATP binding, which might explain the evolutionary conserved capacity of α-subunits to recognize nucleotides with considerable strength. Furthermore, we elucidate the different dependencies that α- and β-subunits show on Mg(II) for recognizing ATP.

Crystal structure of translation initiation factor 5B from the crenarchaeon Aeropyrum pernix

Initiation factor 5B (IF5B) is a universally conserved translational GTPase that catalyzes ribosomal subunit joining. In eukaryotes, IF5B directly interacts via a groove in its domain IV with initiation factor 1A (IF1A), another universally conserved initiation factor, to accomplish efficient subunit joining. Here, we have determined the first structure of a crenarchaeal IF5B, which revealed that the archaea-specific region of IF5B (helix α15) binds and occludes the groove of domain IV. Therefore, archaeal IF5B cannot access IF1A in the same manner as eukaryotic IF5B. This fact suggests that different relationships between IF5B and IF1A exist in archaea and eukaryotes.

Water clusters in the nucleotide-binding pocket of the protein aIF2γ from the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus: Proton transmission

In Archaea and Eukaryotes, the binding of Met-tRNAi(Met) to the P-site of the ribosome is mediated by translation initiation factor 2 (a/eIF2) which consists of three subunits: α, β and γ. Here, we present the high-resolution structure of intact aIF2γ from Sulfolobus solfataricus (SsoIF2γ) in complex with GTP analog, GDPCP. The comparison of the nucleotide-binding pockets in this structure and in the structure of the ribosome-bound form of EF-Tu reveals their close conformation similarity. The nucleotide-binding pocket conformation observed in this structure could be consider as corresponding to intermediate conformation of EF-Tu nucleotide-binding pocket in its transition from the GTP-bound form to the GDP-bound one. Three clusters of well defined water molecules are associated with amino acid residues of the SsoIF2γ nucleotide-binding pocket and stabilize its conformation. We suppose that two water bridges between the oxygen atoms of the GTP γ-phosphate and negatively charged residues of the pocket can serve as ways to transmit protons arising from the catalytic reaction.

Directional transition from initiation to elongation in bacterial translation

The transition of the 30S initiation complex (IC) to the translating 70S ribosome after 50S subunit joining provides an important checkpoint for mRNA selection during translation in bacteria. Here, we study the timing and control of reactions that occur during 70S IC formation by rapid kinetic techniques, using a toolbox of fluorescence-labeled translation components. We present a kinetic model based on global fitting of time courses obtained with eight different reporters at increasing concentrations of 50S subunits. IF1 and IF3 together affect the kinetics of subunit joining, but do not alter the elemental rates of subsequent steps of 70S IC maturation. After 50S subunit joining, IF2-dependent reactions take place independent of the presence of IF1 or IF3. GTP hydrolysis triggers the efficient dissociation of fMet-tRNA(fMet) from IF2 and promotes the dissociation of IF2 and IF1 from the 70S IC, but does not affect IF3. The presence of non-hydrolyzable GTP analogs shifts the equilibrium towards a stable 70S-mRNA-IF1-IF2-fMet-tRNA(fMet) complex. Our kinetic analysis reveals the molecular choreography of the late stages in translation initiation.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ski7 Is a GTP-Binding Protein Adopting the Characteristic Conformation of Active Translational GTPases

Ski7 is a cofactor of the cytoplasmic exosome in budding yeast, functioning in both mRNA turnover and non-stop decay (NSD), a surveillance pathway that degrades faulty mRNAs lacking a stop codon. The C-terminal region of Ski7 (Ski7C) shares overall sequence similarity with the translational GTPase (trGTPase) Hbs1, but whether Ski7 has retained the properties of a trGTPase is unclear. Here, we report the high-resolution structures of Ski7C bound to either intact guanosine triphosphate (GTP) or guanosine diphosphate-Pi. The individual domains of Ski7C adopt the conformation characteristic of active trGTPases. Furthermore, the nucleotide-binding site of Ski7C shares similar features compared with active trGTPases, notably the presence of a characteristic monovalent cation. However, a suboptimal polar residue at the putative catalytic site and an unusual polar residue that interacts with the γ-phosphate of GTP distinguish Ski7 from other trGTPases, suggesting it might function rather as a GTP-binding protein than as a GTP-hydrolyzing enzyme.

Structural Insights into tRNA Dynamics on the Ribosome

High-resolution structures at different stages, as well as biochemical, single molecule and computational approaches have highlighted the elasticity of tRNA molecules when bound to the ribosome. It is well acknowledged that the inherent structural flexibility of the tRNA lies at the heart of the protein synthesis process. Here, we review the recent advances and describe considerations that the conformational changes of the tRNA molecules offer about the mechanisms grounded in translation.

A SelB/EF-Tu/aIF2γ-like protein from Methanosarcina mazei in the GTP-bound form binds cysteinyl-tRNA(Cys.)

The putative translation elongation factor Mbar_A0971 from the methanogenic archaeon Methanosarcina barkeri was proposed to be the pyrrolysine-specific paralogue of EF-Tu ("EF-Pyl"). In the present study, the crystal structures of its homologue from Methanosarcina mazei (MM1309) were determined in the GMPPNP-bound, GDP-bound, and apo forms, by the single-wavelength anomalous dispersion phasing method. The three MM1309 structures are quite similar (r.m.s.d. < 0.1 Å). The three domains, corresponding to domains 1, 2, and 3 of EF-Tu/SelB/aIF2γ, are packed against one another to form a closed architecture. The MM1309 structures resemble those of bacterial/archaeal SelB, bacterial EF-Tu in the GTP-bound form, and archaeal initiation factor aIF2γ, in this order. The GMPPNP and GDP molecules are visible in their co-crystal structures. Isothermal titration calorimetry measurements of MM1309·GTP·Mg(2+), MM1309·GDP·Mg(2+), and MM1309·GMPPNP·Mg(2+) provided dissociation constants of 0.43, 26.2, and 222.2 μM, respectively. Therefore, the affinities of MM1309 for GTP and GDP are similar to those of SelB rather than those of EF-Tu. Furthermore, the switch I and II regions of MM1309 are involved in domain-domain interactions, rather than nucleotide binding. The putative binding pocket for the aminoacyl moiety on MM1309 is too small to accommodate the pyrrolysyl moiety, based on a comparison of the present MM1309 structures with that of the EF-Tu·GMPPNP·aminoacyl-tRNA ternary complex. A hydrolysis protection assay revealed that MM1309 binds cysteinyl (Cys)-tRNA(Cys) and protects the aminoacyl bond from non-enzymatic hydrolysis. Therefore, we propose that MM1309 functions as either a guardian protein that protects the Cys moiety from oxidation or an alternative translation factor for Cys-tRNA(Cys).

The evolutionary and functional diversity of classical and lesser-known cytoplasmic and organellar translational GTPases across the tree of life

BACKGROUND

The ribosome translates mRNA to protein with the aid of a number of accessory protein factors. Translational GTPases (trGTPases) are an integral part of the 'core set' of essential translational factors, and are some of the most conserved proteins across life. This study takes advantage of the wealth of available genomic data, along with novel functional information that has come to light for a number of trGTPases to address the full evolutionary and functional diversity of this superfamily across all domains of life.

RESULTS

Through sensitive sequence searching combined with phylogenetic analysis, 57 distinct subfamilies of trGTPases are identified: 14 bacterial, 7 archaeal and 35 eukaryotic (of which 21 are known or predicted to be organellar). The results uncover the functional evolution of trGTPases from before the last common ancestor of life on earth to the current day.

CONCLUSIONS

While some trGTPases are universal, others are limited to certain taxa, suggesting lineage-specific translational control mechanisms that exist on a base of core factors. These lineage-specific features may give organisms the ability to tune their translation machinery to respond to their environment. Only a fraction of the diversity of the trGTPase superfamily has been subjected to experimental analyses; this comprehensive classification brings to light novel and overlooked translation factors that are worthy of further investigation.

Eukaryote-specific extensions in ribosomal proteins of the small subunit: Structure and function

High-resolution structures of yeast ribosomes have improved our understanding of the architecture and organization of eukaryotic rRNA and proteins, as well as eukaryote-specific extensions present in some conserved ribosomal proteins. Despite this progress, assignment of specific functions to individual proteins and/or eukaryote-specific protein extensions remains challenging. It has been suggested that eukaryote-specific extensions of conserved proteins from the small ribosomal subunit may facilitate eukaryote-specific reactions in the initiation phase of protein synthesis. This review summarizes emerging data describing the structural and functional significance of eukaryote-specific extensions of conserved small ribosomal subunit proteins, particularly their possible roles in recruitment and spatial organization of eukaryote-specific initiation factors.

Ribosome-induced tuning of GTP hydrolysis by a translational GTPase

GTP hydrolysis by elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), a translational GTPase that delivers aminoacyl-tRNAs to the ribosome, plays a crucial role in decoding and translational fidelity. The basic reaction mechanism and the way the ribosome contributes to catalysis are a matter of debate. Here we use mutational analysis in combination with measurements of rate/pH profiles, kinetic solvent isotope effects, and ion dependence of GTP hydrolysis by EF-Tu off and on the ribosome to dissect the reaction mechanism. Our data suggest that--contrary to current models--the reaction in free EF-Tu follows a pathway that does not involve the critical residue H84 in the switch II region. Binding to the ribosome without a cognate codon in the A site has little effect on the GTPase mechanism. In contrast, upon cognate codon recognition, the ribosome induces a rearrangement of EF-Tu that renders GTP hydrolysis sensitive to mutations of Asp21 and His84 and insensitive to K(+) ions. We suggest that Asp21 and His84 provide a network of interactions that stabilize the positions of the γ-phosphate and the nucleophilic water, respectively, and thus play an indirect catalytic role in the GTPase mechanism on the ribosome.

Structural insight into the recognition of amino-acylated initiator tRNA by eIF5B in the 80S initiation complex

BACKGROUND

From bacteria to eukarya, the specific recognition of the amino-acylated initiator tRNA by the universally conserved translational GTPase eIF5B/IF2 is one of the most central interactions in the process of translation initiation. However, the molecular details, particularly also in the context of ribosomal initiation complexes, are only partially understood.

RESULTS

A reinterpretation of the 6.6 Å resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the eukaryal 80S initiation complex using the recently published crystal structure of eIF5B reveals that domain IV of eIF5B forms extensive interaction interfaces with the Met-tRNAi, which, in contrast to the previous model, directly involve the methionylated 3' CCA-end of the acceptor stem. These contacts are mediated by a conserved surface area, which is homologous to the surface areas mediating the interactions between IF2 and fMet-tRNAfMet as well as between domain II of EF-Tu and amino-acylated elongator tRNAs.

CONCLUSIONS

The reported observations provide novel direct structural insight into the specific recognition of the methionylated acceptor stem by eIF5B domain IV and demonstrate its universality among eIF5B/IF2 orthologs in the three domains of life.

A monovalent cation acts as structural and catalytic cofactor in translational GTPases

Translational GTPases are universally conserved GTP hydrolyzing enzymes, critical for fidelity and speed of ribosomal protein biosynthesis. Despite their central roles, the mechanisms of GTP-dependent conformational switching and GTP hydrolysis that govern the function of trGTPases remain poorly understood. Here, we provide biochemical and high-resolution structural evidence that eIF5B and aEF1A/EF-Tu bound to GTP or GTPγS coordinate a monovalent cation (M(+)) in their active site. Our data reveal that M(+) ions form constitutive components of the catalytic machinery in trGTPases acting as structural cofactor to stabilize the GTP-bound "on" state. Additionally, the M(+) ion provides a positive charge into the active site analogous to the arginine-finger in the Ras-RasGAP system indicating a similar role as catalytic element that stabilizes the transition state of the hydrolysis reaction. In sequence and structure, the coordination shell for the M(+) ion is, with exception of eIF2γ, highly conserved among trGTPases from bacteria to human. We therefore propose a universal mechanism of M(+)-dependent conformational switching and GTP hydrolysis among trGTPases with important consequences for the interpretation of available biochemical and structural data.

Synchronous tRNA movements during translocation on the ribosome are orchestrated by elongation factor G and GTP hydrolysis

The translocation of tRNAs through the ribosome proceeds through numerous small steps in which tRNAs gradually shift their positions on the small and large ribosomal subunits. The most urgent questions are: (i) whether these intermediates are important; (ii) how the ribosomal translocase, the GTPase elongation factor G (EF-G), promotes directed movement; and (iii) how the energy of GTP hydrolysis is coupled to movement. In the light of recent advances in biophysical and structural studies, we argue that intermediate states of translocation are snapshots of dynamic fluctuations that guide the movement. In contrast to current models of stepwise translocation, kinetic evidence shows that the tRNAs move synchronously on the two ribosomal subunits in a rapid reaction orchestrated by EF-G and GTP hydrolysis. EF-G combines the energy regimes of a GTPase and a motor protein and facilitates tRNA movement by a combination of directed Brownian ratchet and power stroke mechanisms.

Structure of the mammalian 80S initiation complex with initiation factor 5B on HCV-IRES RNA

The universally conserved eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 5B, a translational GTPase, is essential for canonical translation initiation. It is also required for initiation facilitated by the internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA. eIF5B promotes joining of 60S ribosomal subunits to 40S ribosomal subunits bound by initiator tRNA (Met-tRNAi(Met)). However, the exact molecular mechanism by which eIF5B acts has not been established. Here we present cryo-EM reconstructions of the mammalian 80S-HCV-IRES-Met-tRNAi(Met)-eIF5B-GMPPNP complex. We obtained two substates distinguished by the rotational state of the ribosomal subunits and the configuration of initiator tRNA in the peptidyl (P) site. Accordingly, a combination of conformational changes in the 80S ribosome and in initiator tRNA facilitates binding of the Met-tRNAi(Met) to the 60S P site and redefines the role of eIF5B as a tRNA-reorientation factor.