Throwing a spanner in the works: antibiotics and the translation apparatus

RNA-Small-Molecule Interaction: Challenging the "Undruggable" Tag

RNA targeting, specifically with small molecules, is a relatively new and rapidly emerging avenue with the promise to expand the target space in the drug discovery field. From being "disregarded" as an "undruggable" messenger molecule to FDA approval of an RNA-targeting small-molecule drug Risdiplam, a radical change in perspective toward RNA has been observed in the past decade. RNAs serve important regulatory functions beyond canonical protein synthesis, and their dysregulation has been reported in many diseases. A deeper understanding of RNA biology reveals that RNA molecules can adopt a variety of structures, carrying defined binding pockets that can accommodate small-molecule drugs. Due to its functional diversity and structural complexity, RNA can be perceived as a prospective target for therapeutic intervention. This perspective highlights the proof of concept of RNA-small-molecule interactions, exemplified by targeting of various transcripts with functional modulators. The advent of RNA-oriented knowledge would help expedite drug discovery.

The small nucleolar RNA SnoR28 regulates plant growth and development by directing rRNA maturation

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that guide chemical modifications of structural RNAs, which are essential for ribosome assembly and function in eukaryotes. Although numerous snoRNAs have been identified in plants by high-throughput sequencing, the biological functions of most of these snoRNAs remain unclear. Here, we identified box C/D SnoR28.1s as important regulators of plant growth and development by screening a CRISPR/Cas9-generated ncRNA deletion mutant library in Arabidopsis thaliana. Deletion of the SnoR28.1 locus, which contains a cluster of three genes producing SnoR28.1s, resulted in defects in root and shoot growth. SnoR28.1s guide 2'-O-ribose methylation of 25S rRNA at G2396. SnoR28.1s facilitate proper and efficient pre-rRNA processing, as the SnoR28.1 deletion mutants also showed impaired ribosome assembly and function, which may account for the growth defects. SnoR28 contains a 7-bp antisense box, which is required for 2'-O-ribose methylation of 25S rRNA at G2396, and an 8-bp extra box that is complementary to a nearby rRNA methylation site and is partially responsible for methylation of G2396. Both of these motifs are required for proper and efficient pre-rRNA processing. Finally, we show that SnoR28.1s genetically interact with HIDDEN TREASURE2 and NUCLEOLIN1. Our results advance our understanding of the roles of snoRNAs in Arabidopsis.

Therapeutic potential of marine macrolides: An overview from 1990 to 2022

The sea is a vast ecosystem that has remained primarily unexploited and untapped, resulting in numerous organisms. Consequently, marine organisms have piqued the interest of scientists as an abundant source of natural resources with unique structural features and fascinating biological activities. Marine macrolide is a top-class natural product with a heavily oxygenated polyene backbone containing macrocyclic lactone. In the last few decades, significant efforts have been made to isolate and characterize macrolides' chemical and biological properties. Numerous macrolides are extracted from different marine organisms such as marine microorganisms, sponges, zooplankton, molluscs, cnidarians, red algae, tunicates, and bryozoans. Notably, the prominent macrolide sources are fungi, dinoflagellates, and sponges. Marine macrolides have several bioactive characteristics such as antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antiviral), anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and neuroprotective activities. In brief, marine organisms are plentiful in naturally occurring macrolides, which can become the source of efficient and effective therapeutics for many diseases. This current review summarizes these exciting and promising novel marine macrolides in biological activities and possible therapeutic applications.

Protein synthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a potential target for therapeutic interventions

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) causes one of humankind's deadliest diseases, tuberculosis. Mtb protein synthesis machinery possesses several unique species-specific features, including its ribosome that carries two mycobacterial specific ribosomal proteins, bL37 and bS22, and ribosomal RNA segments. Since the protein synthesis is a vital cellular process that occurs on the ribosome, a detailed knowledge of the structure and function of mycobacterial ribosomes is essential to understand the cell's proteome by translation regulation. Like in many bacterial species such as Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces coelicolor, two distinct populations of ribosomes have been identified in Mtb. Under low-zinc conditions, Mtb ribosomal proteins S14, S18, L28, and L33 are replaced with their non-zinc binding paralogues. Depending upon the nature of physiological stress, species-specific modulation of translation by stress factors and toxins that interact with the ribosome have been reported. In addition, about one-fourth of messenger RNAs in mycobacteria have been reported to be leaderless, i.e., without 5' UTR regions. However, the mechanism by which they are recruited to the Mtb ribosome is not understood. In this review, we highlight the mycobacteria-specific features of the translation apparatus and propose exploiting these features to improve the efficacy and specificity of existing antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis.

Molecularly imprinted polymers-captivity ZnO nanorods for sensitive and selective detecting environmental pollutant

To develop the semiconductor of ZnO nanomaterials as the fluorescence sensor without leakage toxicity. Here, a molecularly imprinted polymer captivity ZnO nanorods (NRs) (MIPs-captivity ZnO NRs) was fabricated by precipitation polymerization. Such traditional technology was not only achieved the specific recognition for direct fluorescent quantification of the target tetracycline (TC) through fluorescence quenching, but also formed the shield to reduce the toxic effects of ZnO towards organisms. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the MIPs-captivity ZnO NRs were effectively applied to the direct fluorescence quantification of TC with excellent stability. Moreover, the practical analytical performance of the MIPs-captivity ZnO NRs was assayed by appraising the detection effects of TC in water sample from the Yangtze River with satisfactory results.

A Ratiometric Fluorescent Nano-Probe for Rapid and Specific Detection of Tetracycline Residues Based on a Dye-Doped Functionalized Nanoscaled Metal-Organic Framework

Tetracycline (TC) residues are harmful to the environment and human body, so it is necessary to develop a highly sensitive probe for rapid detection of tetracycline residues. In the present paper, a novel dye-doped porous metal–organic framework (UiO-66)-based multi-color fluorescent nano-probe was designed for sensitive ratiometric detection of tetracycline (TC). In this probe, dye-molecules doped UiO-66 was used as a fluorescent internal standard, and the externally grafted lanthanide Eu³⁺ complex was used as response signals. The fluorescence of the Eu³⁺ complex was selectively enhanced with increasing concentrations of TC, which was accompanied by a visual blue-to-red color switch. The nano-probe had a linear response between 0.1 and 6 μM with a lowest detection limit of 17.9 nM, which was much lower than the maximum residue limits set by the United States Food and Drug Administration (676 nM) and the European Union (225 nM). The applicability of this method in the analysis of actual samples was evaluated by the determination of TC in honey and milk samples, indicating satisfactory recovery and good reproducibility. In addition, a cost-effective paper-based probe for rapid and visual detection of TC was developed by fixing the nano-probe on filter papers. With the help of a smartphone camera to capture the fluorescence color, and chromaticity analysis software, the calculation and analysis of red (R) and blue (B) values can be realized, which has the potential for real-time visual detection of TC.

Flexible freestanding graphene paper-based potentiometric enzymatic aptasensor for ultrasensitive wireless detection of kanamycin

Flexible sensing devices have drawn tremendous attention in the past decades due to their potential applications in future hand-held, potable consumer, and wearable electronics. Here, we firstly developed an ultrasensitive wireless potentiometric aptasensor based on flexible freestanding graphene paper for kanamycin detection. Flexible graphene paper made from a simple vacuum filtration method was used as a biocompatible platform for effective immobilization of aptamer. A nuclease-assisted amplification strategy was introduced into this potentiometric biosensing system in order to significantly improve the detection sensitivity through a classic catalytic recycling reaction of target induced by the nuclease (DNase I). As expected, an ultra-low detection limit of 30.0 fg/mL for kanamycin was achieved. Furthermore, the developed potentiometric enzymatic aptasensor exhibits high selectivity, favorable flexibility, excellent stability and reproducibility, which holds great promising for its routine sensing application.

A dual-signal amplification strategy for kanamycin based on ordered mesoporous carbon-chitosan/gold nanoparticles-streptavidin and ferrocene labelled DNA

An ultrasensitive electrochemical aptasensor for kanamycin (KAN) detection was constructed with a dual-signal amplification strategy. The aptasensor achieved greatly amplified sensitivity due to the excellent electrical conductivity of the ordered mesoporous carbon-chitosan (OMC-CS)/gold nanoparticles-streptavidin (AuNPs-SA) and DNA2 labelled with ferrocene (Fc-DNA2). The AuNPs-SA was used to immobilize the DNA strand (biotin labelled) with the biotin-streptavidin system. The DNA2 strand containing the KAN aptamer was labelled with ferrocene to increase the current signal on the electrode surface when bound to KAN. Some factors that affect the performance of the aptasensor were optimized, and the proposed aptasensor provided a wide linear range from 1 × 10^-10 M to 4 × 10^-6 M, with a detection limit as low as 35.69 pM for KAN under the optimized conditions. This aptasensor had satisfactory electrochemical performance with good stability, sensitivity and reproducibility. Additionally, it also displayed a good specificity for KAN without interference from competitive analogues. Furthermore, the constructed aptasensor was successfully used to detect KAN in a real milk sample. The proposed method for KAN detection has great potential for the detection of other antibiotics.

The translation elongation cycle-capturing multiple states by cryo-electron microscopy

During the work cycle of elongation, the ribosome, a molecular machine of vast complexity, exists in a large number of states distinguished by constellation of its subunits, its subunit domains and binding partners. Single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), developed over the past 40 years, is uniquely suited to determine the structure of molecular machines in their native states. With the emergence, 10 years ago, of unsupervised clustering techniques in the analysis of single-particle data, it has been possible to determine multiple structures from a sample containing ribosomes equilibrating in different thermally accessible states. In addition, recent advances in detector technology have made it possible to reach near-atomic resolution for some of these states. With these capabilities, single-particle cryo-EM has been at the forefront of exploring ribosome dynamics during its functional cycle, along with single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer and molecular dynamics computations, offering insights into molecular architecture uniquely honed by evolution to capitalize on thermal energy in the ambient environment.This article is part of the themed issue 'Perspectives on the ribosome'.

YcaO-Dependent Posttranslational Amide Activation: Biosynthesis, Structure, and Function

With advances in sequencing technology, uncharacterized proteins and domains of unknown function (DUFs) are rapidly accumulating in sequence databases and offer an opportunity to discover new protein chemistry and reaction mechanisms. The focus of this review, the formerly enigmatic YcaO superfamily (DUF181), has been found to catalyze a unique phosphorylation of a ribosomal peptide backbone amide upon attack by different nucleophiles. Established nucleophiles are the side chains of Cys, Ser, and Thr which gives rise to azoline/azole biosynthesis in ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptide (RiPP) natural products. However, much remains unknown about the potential for YcaO proteins to collaborate with other nucleophiles. Recent work suggests potential in forming thioamides, macroamidines, and possibly additional post-translational modifications. This review covers all knowledge through mid-2016 regarding the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), natural products, functions, mechanisms, and applications of YcaO proteins and outlines likely future research directions for this protein superfamily.

Conjugated Polyelectrolyte Based Sensitive Detection and Removal of Antibiotics Tetracycline from Water

A new conjugated polyelectrolyte poly[5,5'-(((2-phenyl-9H-fluorene-9,9-diyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl))bis(oxy))diisophthalate] sodium (PFPT) was synthesized via the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling polymerization method and successfully applied for the rapid, real time, and highly sensitive detection of antibiotics tetracycline (Tc) in 100% aqueous media via photoinduced electron transfer with detection limit in the ppb level. Remarkably, PFPT could also be applied for the trace analysis of Tc in serum samples having recoveries well in the range 92-97% with relative standard deviations (RSD) of 1.01-1.14%, confirming reliability of the present method for the analysis of Tc. Additionally, PFPT was blended with the abundant natural polysaccharide chitosan to form CS-PFPT composite films and developed as a biopolymer based membrane for the removal of Tc from water samples with a good adsorption capacity of 3.12 mg g^-1, thus finding vital application in the treatment of antibiotic infested wastewater.

Design of an aptamer – based fluorescence displacement biosensor for selective and sensitive detection of kanamycin in aqueous samples

A label-free detection method for kanamycin A using an aptamer-based displacement biosensor has been developed.

rRNA Binding Sites and the Molecular Mechanism of Action of the Tetracyclines

The tetracycline antibiotics are known to be effective in the treatment of both infectious and noninfectious disease conditions. The 16S rRNA binding mechanism currently held for the antibacterial action of the tetracyclines does not explain their activity against viruses, protozoa that lack mitochondria, and noninfectious conditions. Also, the mechanism by which the tetracyclines selectively inhibit microbial protein synthesis against host eukaryotic protein synthesis despite conservation of ribosome structure and functions is still questionable. Many studies have investigated the binding of the tetracyclines to the 16S rRNA using the small ribosomal subunit of different bacterial species, but there seems to be no agreement between various reports on the exact binding site on the 16S rRNA. The wide range of activity of the tetracyclines against a broad spectrum of bacterial pathogens, viruses, protozoa, and helminths, as well as noninfectious conditions, indicates a more generalized effect on RNA. In the light of recent evidence that the tetracyclines bind to various synthetic double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of random base sequences, suggesting that the double-stranded structures may play a more important role in the binding of the tetracyclines to RNA than the specific base pairs, as earlier speculated, it is imperative to consider possible alternative binding modes or sites that could help explain the mechanisms of action of the tetracyclines against various pathogens and disease conditions.

Small molecules targeting viral RNA

Highly conserved noncoding RNA (ncRNA) elements in viral genomes and transcripts offer new opportunities to expand the repertoire of drug targets for the development of antiinfective therapy. Ligands binding to ncRNA architectures are able to affect interactions, structural stability or conformational changes and thereby block processes essential for viral replication. Proof of concept for targeting functional RNA by small molecule inhibitors has been demonstrated for multiple viruses with RNA genomes. Strategies to identify antiviral compounds as inhibitors of ncRNA are increasingly emphasizing consideration of drug‐like properties of candidate molecules emerging from screening and ligand design. Recent efforts of antiviral lead discovery for RNA targets have provided drug‐like small molecules that inhibit viral replication and include inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS CoV), and influenza A virus. While target selectivity remains a challenge for the discovery of useful RNA‐binding compounds, a better understanding is emerging of properties that define RNA targets amenable for inhibition by small molecule ligands. Insight from successful approaches of targeting viral ncRNA in HIV, HCV, SARS CoV, and influenza A will provide a basis for the future exploration of RNA targets for therapeutic intervention in other viral pathogens which create urgent, unmet medical needs. Viruses for which targeting ncRNA components in the genome or transcripts may be promising include insect‐borne flaviviruses (Dengue, Zika, and West Nile) and filoviruses (Ebola and Marburg). WIREs RNA 2016, 7:726–743. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1373

This article is categorized under: 1

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems

2

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Small Molecule–RNA Interactions

3

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

Ribosome-Templated Azide-Alkyne Cycloadditions: Synthesis of Potent Macrolide Antibiotics by In Situ Click Chemistry

Over half of all antibiotics target the bacterial ribosome-nature's complex, 2.5 MDa nanomachine responsible for decoding mRNA and synthesizing proteins. Macrolide antibiotics, exemplified by erythromycin, bind the 50S subunit with nM affinity and inhibit protein synthesis by blocking the passage of nascent oligopeptides. Solithromycin (1), a third-generation semisynthetic macrolide discovered by combinatorial copper-catalyzed click chemistry, was synthesized in situ by incubating either E. coli 70S ribosomes or 50S subunits with macrolide-functionalized azide 2 and 3-ethynylaniline (3) precursors. The ribosome-templated in situ click method was expanded from a binary reaction (i.e., one azide and one alkyne) to a six-component reaction (i.e., azide 2 and five alkynes) and ultimately to a 16-component reaction (i.e., azide 2 and 15 alkynes). The extent of triazole formation correlated with ribosome affinity for the anti (1,4)-regioisomers as revealed by measured Kd values. Computational analysis using the site-identification by ligand competitive saturation (SILCS) approach indicated that the relative affinity of the ligands was associated with the alteration of macrolactone+desosamine-ribosome interactions caused by the different alkynes. Protein synthesis inhibition experiments confirmed the mechanism of action. Evaluation of the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) quantified the potency of the in situ click products and demonstrated the efficacy of this method in the triaging and prioritization of potent antibiotics that target the bacterial ribosome. Cell viability assays in human fibroblasts confirmed 2 and four analogues with therapeutic indices for bactericidal activity over in vitro mammalian cytotoxicity as essentially identical to solithromycin (1).

Proteomic analysis of tylosin-resistant Mycoplasma gallisepticum reveals enzymatic activities associated with resistance

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a significant pathogenic bacterium that infects poultry, causing chronic respiratory disease and sinusitis in chickens and turkeys, respectively. M. gallisepticum infection poses a substantial economic threat to the poultry industry, and this threat is made worse by the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. The mechanisms of resistance are often difficult to determine; for example, little is known about antibiotic resistance of M. gallisepticum at the proteome level. In this study, we performed comparative proteomic analyses of an antibiotic (tylosin)-resistant M. gallisepticum mutant and a susceptible parent strain using a combination of two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis and nano-liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry. Thirteen proteins were identified as differentially expressed in the resistant strain compared to the susceptible strain. Most of these proteins were related to catalytic activity, including catalysis that promotes the formylation of initiator tRNA and energy production. Elongation factors Tu and G were over-expressed in the resistant strains, and this could promote the binding of tRNA to ribosomes and catalyze ribosomal translocation, the coordinated movement of tRNA, and conformational changes in the ribosome. Taken together, our results indicate that M. gallisepticum develops resistance to tylosin by regulating associated enzymatic activities.

A novel electrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of kanamycin based on MWCNTs-HMIMPF6 and nanoporous PtTi alloy

A novel aptasensor based on a novel composite film consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), ionic liquid (IL) of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (HMIMPF6), and nanoporous PtTi (NP-PtTi) alloy was constructed for ultrasensitive detection of kanamycin. The NP-PtTi alloy was successfully fabricated by a simple dealloying of PtTiAl source alloy in HCl solution. The NP-PtTi alloy has uniform interconnected network structure with specific surface area and was used to immobilize aptamer. After modified with the composite material, current signal was amplified obviously, which attributed to the larger specific surface area and excellent electrical conductivity of NP-PtTi and MWCNTs. A number of factors affecting the activity of the aptasensor have been discussed and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed aptasensor provided a linear range of 0.05-100 ng mL(-1) with a low detection limit of 3.7 pg mL(-1). This aptasensor displayed high sensitivity, stability and reproducibility. In addition, the as-prepared aptasensor was successfully used for the determination of kanamycin in a real sample.

Investigating Bacterial Protein Synthesis Using Systems Biology Approaches

Protein synthesis is essential for bacterial growth and survival. Its study in Escherichia coli helped uncover features conserved among bacteria as well as universally. The pattern of discovery and the identification of some of the longest-known components of the protein synthesis machinery, including the ribosome itself, tRNAs, and translation factors proceeded through many stages of successively more refined biochemical purifications, finally culminating in the isolation to homogeneity, identification, and mapping of the smallest unit required for performing the given function. These early studies produced a wealth of information. However, many unknowns remained. Systems biology approaches provide an opportunity to investigate protein synthesis from a global perspective, overcoming the limitations of earlier ad hoc methods to gain unprecedented insights. This chapter reviews innovative systems biology approaches, with an emphasis on those designed specifically for investigating the protein synthesis machinery in E. coli.

Glycal approach to the synthesis of macrolide (−)-A26771B

A convergent synthesis of macrolide natural product (−)-A26771B starting from d-glucal is reported. Key features of this synthesis involve Ferrier rearrangement, cross metathesis of chiral fragments 3 and 4 and Yamaguchi macrolactonization.

Arabidopsis protein arginine methyltransferase 3 is required for ribosome biogenesis by affecting precursor ribosomal RNA processing

Ribosome biogenesis is a fundamental and tightly regulated cellular process, including synthesis, processing, and assembly of rRNAs with ribosomal proteins. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) have been implicated in many important biological processes, such as ribosome biogenesis. Two alternative precursor rRNA (pre-rRNA) processing pathways coexist in yeast and mammals; however, how PRMT affects ribosome biogenesis remains largely unknown. Here we show that Arabidopsis PRMT3 (AtPRMT3) is required for ribosome biogenesis by affecting pre-rRNA processing. Disruption of AtPRMT3 results in pleiotropic developmental defects, imbalanced polyribosome profiles, and aberrant pre-rRNA processing. We further identify an alternative pre-rRNA processing pathway in Arabidopsis and demonstrate that AtPRMT3 is required for the balance of these two pathways to promote normal growth and development. Our work uncovers a previously unidentified function of PRMT in posttranscriptional regulation of rRNA, revealing an extra layer of complexity in the regulation of ribosome biogenesis.

Desmethyl macrolides: synthesis and evaluation of 4-desmethyl telithromycin

Novel sources of antibiotics are needed to address the serious threat of bacterial resistance. Accordingly, we have launched a structure-based drug design program featuring a desmethylation strategy wherein methyl groups have been replaced with hydrogens. Herein we report the total synthesis, molecular modeling, and biological evaluation of 4-desmethyl telithromycin (6), a novel desmethyl analogue of the third-generation ketolide antibiotic telithromycin (2) and our final analogue in this series. While 4-desmethyl telithromycin (6) was found to be equipotent with telithromycin (2) against wild-type bacteria, it was 4-fold less potent against the A2058G mutant. These findings reveal that strategically replacing the C4-methyl group with hydrogen (i.e., desmethylation) did not address this mechanism of resistance. Throughout the desmethyl series, the sequential addition of methyls to the 14-membered macrolactone resulted in improved bioactivity. Molecular modeling methods indicate that changes in conformational flexibility dominate the increased biological activity; moreover, they reveal 6 adopts a different conformation once bound to the A2058G ribosome, thus impacting noncovalent interactions reflected in a lower MIC value. Finally, fluorescence polarization experiments of 6 with E. coli ribosomes confirmed 6 is indeed binding the ribosome.

Antibiotic drugs targeting bacterial RNAs

RNAs have diverse structures that include bulges and internal loops able to form tertiary contacts or serve as ligand binding sites. The recent increase in structural and functional information related to RNAs has put them in the limelight as a drug target for small molecule therapy. In addition, the recognition of the marked difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic rRNA has led to the development of antibiotics that specifically target bacterial rRNA, reduce protein translation and thereby inhibit bacterial growth. To facilitate the development of new antibiotics targeting RNA, we here review the literature concerning such antibiotics, mRNA, riboswitch and tRNA and the key methodologies used for their screening.

RNA catalyst as a reporter for screening drugs against RNA editing in trypanosomes

Substantial progress has been made in determining the mechanism of mitochondrial RNA editing in trypanosomes. Similarly, considerable progress has been made in identifying the components of the editosome complex that catalyze RNA editing. However, it is still not clear how those proteins work together. Chemical compounds obtained from a high-throughput screen against the editosome may block or affect one or more steps in the editing cycle. Therefore, the identification of new chemical compounds will generate valuable molecular probes for dissecting the editosome function and assembly. In previous studies, in vitro editing assays were carried out using radio-labeled RNA. These assays are time consuming, inefficient and unsuitable for high-throughput purposes. Here, a homogenous fluorescence-based "mix and measure" hammerhead ribozyme in vitro reporter assay to monitor RNA editing, is presented. Only as a consequence of RNA editing of the hammerhead ribozyme a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) oligoribonucleotide substrate undergoes cleavage. This in turn results in separation of the fluorophore from the quencher thereby producing a signal. In contrast, when the editosome function is inhibited, the fluorescence signal will be quenched. This is a highly sensitive and simple assay that should be generally applicable to monitor in vitro RNA editing or high throughput screening of chemicals that can inhibit the editosome function.

Aptamer based electrochemical sensors for emerging environmental pollutants

Environmental contaminants monitoring is one of the key issues in understanding and managing hazards to human health and ecosystems. In this context, aptamer based electrochemical sensors have achieved intense significance because of their capability to resolve a potentially large number of problems and challenges in environmental contamination. An aptasensor is a compact analytical device incorporating an aptamer (oligonulceotide) as the sensing element either integrated within or intimately associated with a physiochemical transducer surface. Nucleic acid is well known for the function of carrying and passing genetic information, however, it has found a key role in analytical monitoring during recent years. Aptamer based sensors represent a novelty in environmental analytical science and there are great expectations for their promising performance as alternative to conventional analytical tools. This review paper focuses on the recent advances in the development of aptamer based electrochemical sensors for environmental applications with special emphasis on emerging pollutants.

Development of an indirect competitive assay-based aptasensor for highly sensitive detection of tetracycline residue in honey

Tetracycline (TC) is widely used for prevention and control of animal diseases for its broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and low cost, but its abuse can seriously affect human health and may result in trade loss. Thus there is an imperative need to develop high-performing analytical technique for TC detection. In this study, we developed a biosensor based on an indirect competitive enzyme-linked aptamer assay (ic-ELAA). A 76mer single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) aptamer, selected by Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX), was applied for the recognition and detection of TC in honey. The limit of detection was 9.6×10(-3) ng/mL with a linear working range from 0.01 to 100 ng/mL toward TC in honey, and a mean recovery rate of 93.23% in TC-spiked honey was obtained. This aptasensor can be applied to detect TC residue in food with high sensitivity and simplicity, and it is prospective to develop useful ELAA Kits for TC determination in food.

Recent trends in SELEX technique and its application to food safety monitoring

The method referred to as "systemic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment" (SELEX) was introduced in 1990 and ever since has become an important tool for the identification and screening of aptamers. Such nucleic acids can recognize and bind to their corresponding targets (analytes) with high selectivity and affinity, and aptamers therefore have become attractive alternatives to traditional antibodies not the least because they are much more stable. Meanwhile, they have found numerous applications in different fields including food quality and safety monitoring. This review first gives an introduction into the selection process and to the evolution of SELEX, then covers applications of aptamers in the surveillance of food safety (with subsections on absorptiometric, electrochemical, fluorescent and other methods), and then gives conclusions and perspectives. The SELEX method excels by its features of in vitro, high throughput and ease of operation. This review contains 86 references.

Desmethyl Macrolides: Synthesis and Evaluation of 4,8,10-Tridesmethyl Cethromycin

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are emerging at an alarming rate in both hospital and community settings. Motivated by this issue, we have prepared desmethyl (i.e., replacing methyl groups with hydrogens) analogues of third-generation macrolide drugs telithromycin (TEL, 2) and cethromycin (CET, 6), both of which are semi-synthetic derivatives of flagship macrolide antibiotic erythromycin (1). Herein, we report the total synthesis, molecular modeling, and biological evaluation of 4,8,10-tridesmethyl cethromycin (7). In MIC assays, CET analogue 7 was found to be equipotent with TEL (2) against a wild-type E. coli strain, more potent than previously disclosed desmethyl TEL congeners 3, 4, and 5, but fourfold less potent than TEL (2) against a mutant E. coli A2058G strain.

Elongation factor Ts directly facilitates the formation and disassembly of the Escherichia coli elongation factor Tu·GTP·aminoacyl-tRNA ternary complex

BACKGROUND

Aminoacyl-tRNA (aa-tRNA) enters the ribosome in a ternary complex with the G-protein elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) and GTP.

RESULTS

EF-Tu·GTP·aa-tRNA ternary complex formation and decay rates are accelerated in the presence of the nucleotide exchange factor elongation factor Ts (EF-Ts).

CONCLUSION

EF-Ts directly facilitates the formation and disassociation of ternary complex.

SIGNIFICANCE

This system demonstrates a novel function of EF-Ts. Aminoacyl-tRNA enters the translating ribosome in a ternary complex with elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) and GTP. Here, we describe bulk steady state and pre-steady state fluorescence methods that enabled us to quantitatively explore the kinetic features of Escherichia coli ternary complex formation and decay. The data obtained suggest that both processes are controlled by a nucleotide-dependent, rate-determining conformational change in EF-Tu. Unexpectedly, we found that this conformational change is accelerated by elongation factor Ts (EF-Ts), the guanosine nucleotide exchange factor for EF-Tu. Notably, EF-Ts attenuates the affinity of EF-Tu for GTP and destabilizes ternary complex in the presence of non-hydrolyzable GTP analogs. These results suggest that EF-Ts serves an unanticipated role in the cell of actively regulating the abundance and stability of ternary complex in a manner that contributes to rapid and faithful protein synthesis.

Construction of ratiometric fluorescent sensors by ribonucleopeptides

Ratiometric fluorescent sensors were constructed from RNA aptamers by generating modular ribonucleopeptide complexes. Fluorescent ribonucleopeptides containing fluorophore seminaphthorhodafluor tethered to their peptide subunit revealed a dual emission property, which permitted a ratiometric fluorescent measurement of a substrate-binding event. The strategy successfully afforded ratiometric fluorescent sensors for biologically active small ligands, tetracycline, dopamine and streptomycin.

Desmethyl Macrolides: Synthesis and Evaluation of 4,8-Didesmethyl Telithromycin

There is an urgent need for novel sources of antibiotics to address the incessant and inevitable onset of bacterial resistance. To this end, we have initiated a structure-based drug design program that features a desmethylation strategy (i.e., replacing methyl groups with hydrogens). Herein we report the total synthesis, molecular modeling and biological evaluation of 4,8-didesmethyl telithromycin (5), a novel desmethyl analogue of the third-generation ketolide antibiotic telithromycin (2), which is an FDA-approved semisynthetic derivative of erythromycin (1). We found 4,8-didesmethyl telithromycin (5) to be eight times more active than previously prepared 4,8,10-tridesmethyl congener (3) and two times more active than 4,10-didesmethyl regioisomer (4) in MIC assays. While less potent than telithromycin (2) and paralleling the observations made in the previous study of 4,10-didesmethyl analogue (4), the inclusion of a single methyl group improves biological activity thus supporting its role in antibiotic activity.

Elements of ribosomal drug resistance and specificity

The structures of ribosomes in complex with inhibitors of translation have not only shed light on the interactions of antibiotics with the ribosome but also on the underlying mechanisms by which they interfere with the ribosome function. Several recent papers [1(•),2(••),3,4] have correlated the available ribosome structures with the wealth of biochemical data [5(•)]. In this review we shall focus on the lessons learned for drug specificity rather than presenting a comprehensive survey of the known structures of ribosome complexes with antibiotics.

Desmethyl Macrolides: Synthesis and Evaluation of 4,10-Didesmethyl Telithromycin

Novel sources of antibiotics are required to keep pace with the inevitable onset of bacterial resistance. Continuing with our macrolide desmethylation strategy as a source of new antibiotics, we report the total synthesis, molecular modeling and biological evaluation of 4,10-didesmethyl telithromycin (4), a novel desmethyl analogue of the 3rd-generation drug telithromycin (2). Telithromycin is an FDA-approved ketolide antibiotic derived from erythromycin (1). We found 4,10-didesmethyl telithromycin (4) to be four times more active than previously prepared 4,8,10-tridesmethyl congener (3) in MIC assays. While less potent than telithromycin (2), the inclusion of the C-8 methyl group has improved biological activity suggesting it plays an important role in antibiotic function.

Thiostrepton inhibits stable 70S ribosome binding and ribosome-dependent GTPase activation of elongation factor G and elongation factor 4

Thiostrepton, a macrocyclic thiopeptide antibiotic, inhibits prokaryotic translation by interfering with the function of elongation factor G (EF-G). Here, we have used 70S ribosome binding and GTP hydrolysis assays to study the effects of thiostrepton on EF-G and a newly described translation factor, elongation factor 4 (EF4). In the presence of thiostrepton, ribosome-dependent GTP hydrolysis is inhibited for both EF-G and EF4, with IC(50) values equivalent to the 70S ribosome concentration (0.15 µM). Further studies indicate the mode of thiostrepton inhibition is to abrogate the stable binding of EF-G and EF4 to the 70S ribosome. In support of this model, an EF-G truncation variant that does not possess domains IV and V was shown to possess ribosome-dependent GTP hydrolysis activity that was not affected by the presence of thiostrepton (>100 µM). Lastly, chemical footprinting was employed to examine the nature of ribosome interaction and tRNA movements associated with EF4. In the presence of non-hydrolyzable GTP, EF4 showed chemical protections similar to EF-G and stabilized a ratcheted state of the 70S ribosome. These data support the model that thiostrepton inhibits stable GTPase binding to 70S ribosomal complexes, and a model for the first step of EF4-catalyzed reverse-translocation is presented.

Modes of action of microbially-produced phytotoxins

Some of the most potent phytotoxins are synthesized by microbes. A few of these share molecular target sites with some synthetic herbicides, but many microbial toxins have unique target sites with potential for exploitation by the herbicide industry. Compounds from both non-pathogenic and pathogenic microbes are discussed. Microbial phytotoxins with modes of action the same as those of commercial herbicides and those with novel modes of action of action are covered. Examples of the compounds discussed are tentoxin, AAL-toxin, auscaulitoxin aglycone, hydantocidin, thaxtomin, and tabtoxin.

Gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric detection of kanamycin using a DNA aptamer

A selective kanamycin-binding single-strand DNA (ssDNA) aptamer (TGGGGGTTGAGGCTAAGCCGA) was discovered through in vitro selection using affinity chromatography with kanamycin-immobilized sepharose beads. The selected aptamer has a high affinity for kanamycin and also for kanamycin derivatives such as kanamycin B and tobramycin. The dissociation constants (K(d) [kanamycin]=78.8 nM, K(d) [kanamycin B]=84.5 nM, and K(d) [tobramycin]=103 nM) of the new aptamer were determined by fluorescence intensity analysis using 5'-fluorescein amidite (FAM) modification. Using this aptamer, kanamycin was detected down to 25 nM by the gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric method. Because the designed colorimetric method is simple, easy, and visible to the naked eye, it has advantages that make it useful for the detection of kanamycin. Furthermore, the selected new aptamer has many potential applications as a bioprobe for the detection of kanamycin, kanamycin B, and tobramycin in pharmaceutical preparations and food products.

Desmethyl Macrolide Analogues to Address Antibiotic Resistance: Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 4,8,10-Tridesmethyl Telithromycin

There is an urgent need to discover new drugs to address the pressing problem of antibiotic-resistance. Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin (1) are safe, broad-spectrum antibiotics used in the clinic since 1954. Herein we report the synthesis and evaluation of 4,8,10-tridesmethyl telithromycin (3), a novel desmethyl analogue of the 3rd-generation drug telithromycin (2), which is a semisynthetic derivative of 1. Analogue 3 was found to possess antibiotic activity and was superior to telithromycin (2) when tested against resistant strains of S. aureus possessing an A→T mutation at position 2058 (E. coli numbering).

Aminoglycoside antibiotics: structure, functions and effects on in vitro plant culture and genetic transformation protocols

Plant transformation protocols generally involve the use of selectable marker genes for the screening of transgenic material. The bacterial gene nptII, coding for a neomycin phosphotransferase, and the hpt gene, coding for a hygromycin phosphotransferase, are frequently used. These enzymes detoxify aminoglycoside antibiotics by phosphorylation, thereby permitting cell growth in the presence of antibiotics. Nevertheless, the screening for transgenic regenerated shoots is often partial and difficult due to regeneration of escapes and chimeras. These difficulties can be caused, in part, by an incorrect assumption about the mode of action of antibiotics in bacterial and eukaryotic cells and in in vitro tissue culture. The information contained in this review could be useful to establish better selection strategies by taking into account factors such as explant complexity, transformation and selection protocols that allow better accessibility to cells of Agrobacterium and antibiotics, and faster regeneration methods that avoid collateral effects of antibiotics on recovered, putative transgenic shoots.

The Ribosome Comes Alive

This essay is a reflection on the ways the X-ray structures of the ribosome are helping in the interpretation of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) density maps showing the translating ribosome in motion. Through advances in classification methods, cryo-EM and single-particle reconstruction methods have recently evolved to the point where they can yield an array of structures from a single sample ("story in a sample"), providing snapshots of an entire subprocess of translation, such as translocation or decoding.