Identification of a site on 18 S rRNA of human placenta ribosomes in the region of the mRNA binding center

Doubly Spin-Labeled RNA as an EPR Reporter for Studying Multicomponent Supramolecular Assemblies

mRNAs are involved in complicated supramolecular complexes with human 40S and 80S ribosomes responsible for the protein synthesis. In this work, a derivative of nonaribonucleotide pUUCGUAAAA with nitroxide spin labels attached to the 5'-phosphate and to the C8 atom of the adenosine in sixth position (mRNA analog) was used for studying such complexes using double electron-electron resonance/pulsed electron-electron double resonance spectroscopy. The complexes were assembled with participation of tRNA(Phe), which targeted triplet UUC of the derivative to the ribosomal peptidyl site and predetermined location of the adjacent GUA triplet coding for Val at the aminoacyl (A) site. The interspin distances were measured between the two labels of mRNA analog attached to the first nucleotide of the peptidyl site bound codon and to the third nucleotide of the A site bound codon, in the absence/presence of second tRNA bound at the A site. The values of the obtained interspin distances agree with those calculated for available near-atomic structures of similar complexes of 40S and 80S ribosomes, showing that neither 60S subunit nor tRNA at the A site have a noticeable effect on arrangement of mRNA at the codon-anticodon interaction area. In addition, the shapes of distance distributions in four studied ribosomal complexes allowed conclusions on conformational flexibility of mRNA in these complexes. Overall, the results of this study are the first, to our knowledge, demonstration of double electron-electron resonance/pulsed electron-electron double resonance application for measurements of intramolecular distances in multicomponent supramolecular complexes involving intricate cellular machineries and for evaluating dynamic properties of ligands bound to these machineries.

General approach for introduction of various chemical labels in specific RNA locations based on insertion of amino linkers

Introduction of reporter groups at designed RNA sites is a widely accepted approach to gain information about the molecular environment of RNAs in their complexes with other biopolymers formed during various cellular processes. A general approach to obtain RNAs bearing diverse reporter groups at designed locations is based on site-specific insertion of groups containing primary aliphatic amine functions (amino linkers) with their subsequent selective derivatization by appropriate chemicals. This article is a brief review on methods for site-specific introduction of amino linkers in different RNAs. These methods comprise: (i) incorporation of a nucleoside carrying an amino-linker or a function that can be substituted with it into oligoribonucleotides in the course of their chemical synthesis; (ii) assembly of amino linker-containing RNAs from short synthetic fragments via their ligation; (iii) synthesis of amino linker-modified RNAs using T7 RNA polymerase; (iv) insertion of amino linkers into unmodified RNAs at functional groups of a certain type such as the 5'-phosphates and N7 of guanosine residues and (v) introduction of an amino linker into long highly structured RNAs exploiting an approach based on sequence-specific modification of nucleic acids. Particular reporter groups used for derivatization of amino linker-containing RNAs together with types of RNA derivatives obtained and fields of their application are presented.

Structural and functional topography of the human ribosome

This review covers data on the structural organization of functional sites in the human ribosome, namely, the messenger RNA binding center, the binding site of the hepatitis C virus RNA internal ribosome entry site, and the peptidyl transferase center. The data summarized here have been obtained primarily by means of a site-directed cross-linking approach with application of the analogs of the respective ribosomal ligands bearing cross-linkers at the designed positions. These data are discussed taking into consideration available structural data on ribosomes from various kingdoms obtained with the use of cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and other approaches.

[Region 1112-1123 in the central domain of 18S rRNA in 40S subunits of plant ribosomes: accessibility for complementary interactions and the functional role]

The binding of the 18S RNA of the 40S subunits of wheat germ ribosomes to an oligodeoxyribonucleotide complementary to the 1112-1123 region of the central domain of this RNA molecule has been studied. The selective binding of this oligomer to the complementary RNA fragment and the inhibition of the translation of uncapped chimeric RNA containing enhancer sequences in the 5'-untranslated region upstream of the reporter sequence coding for beta-glucuronidase has been shown in a cell-free protein-synthesizing system. The use of a derivative of the aforementioned oligomer containing an alkylating group at the 5' end allowed for the demonstration that the 1112-1123 region of 18S RNA can form a heteroduplex with the complementary sequence of the oligomer. The data obtained show that the 1112-1123 region in loop 27 of the central domain of 18S RNA of 40S ribosomal subunits is exposed on the subunit surface and probably participates in the cap-independent binding of the subunits to mRNA due to the complementary interaction with the enhancer sequences.

Nucleotides of 18S rRNA surrounding mRNA at the decoding site of translating human ribosome as revealed from the cross-linking data

mRNA analogs, 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)benzylmethyl-[5'-32P]-phosphamide derivatives of oligoribonucleotides pAUGUn (n=0, 3 or 6), were used for affinity labelling of human 80S ribosomes in complexes with codon-anticodon interaction at the P-site. These complexes were obtained in the presence of fractionated lysate from rabbit reticulocytes deprived of endogenous ribosomes and mRNAs. In all cases, 40S subunits were labelled preferentially. Within the subunits, both ribosomal proteins and 18S rRNA were modified. Ribosomal proteins cross-linked to pAUGUn derivatives were identified earlier. In this paper, nucleotides G-1010, G-1029, G-1033, G-1051, G-1054 and G-1059 of 18S rRNA cross-linked to both pAUG and pAUGU3 derivatives were identified by reverse transcription analysis.

Protein environment of mRNA at the decoding site of 80S ribosomes from human placenta as revealed from affinity labeling with mRNA analogs--derivatives of oligoribonucleotides

Affinity labeling of 80S ribosomes from human placenta has been studied using various mRNA analogs, namely, 2',3'-O-[4-(N-2-chloroethyl)-N-methylamino]benzylidene derivatives of oligoribonucleotides (Up)(n-1)U[32P]pC (n = 3, 6 or 12) and AUGU3[32P]pC as well as ([4-(N-2-chloroethyl)-N-methylamino]benzylmethyl-[5'-32P]-phospham ide derivatives of pAUGUn (n = 3 or 6). Labeling of 80S ribosomes with the derivatives of oligouridylates was carried out in complexes obtained nonenzymatically in the presence of saturating amounts of Phe-tRNA(Phe). Complexes with derivatives bearing AUG codon were obtained using a fractionated lysate from rabbit reticulocytes which contained protein translation factors and was deprived from endogeneous ribosomes and mRNAs. In all cases, 40S subunits were labeled preferentially. Within the subunits, both 18S rRNA and proteins were found to be modified. Sites of cross-linking in 18S rRNA have been identified earlier. Here, it is shown that the main targets of cross-linking among the ribosomal proteins were S3 and S3a (with minor modification of S26) for the 3'-derivatives of (Up)5UpC and (Up)11UpC. For the same derivative of (Up)2UpC, the reverse modification pattern was observed. 5'-derivatives of pAUGUn were cross-linked to proteins S3 and S3a in comparable extent; 3'-derivative of AUGU3pC modified protein S3a preferentially.

Studying functional significance of the sequence 980-1061 in the central domain of human 18S rRNA using complementary DNA probes

Region 980-1061 in human 18S rRNA has been chosen on the basis of our previous results, indicating that cross-linking sites of the alkylating mRNA analogs are located within this region. In the present study, we have used 10 DNA 15-mers complementary to various overlapping sequences within the 18S rRNA positions 980-1061. Their abilities to bind selectively to the target rRNA sequences were proved by hydrolysis of 18S rRNA within heteroduplexes with the corresponding probes by RNase H. Four sequences (980-994, 987-1001, 1025-1039 and 1032-1046) were found to be well accessible for binding of the respective cDNA probes within 40S subunits. None of the oligomers inhibited tRNA(Phe)-dependent binding of oligo(U) messenger to 40S subunits and binding of Met-tRNA(imet) to 40S subunits in the presence of eIF-2 and nonhydrolysable GTP analog. Nevertheless, two probes (complementary to the 18S rRNA sequences 987-1001 and 1025-1039) being covalently attached to 40S subunits, inhibited translation of poly(U) by human 80S ribosomes in a cell-free system. The same oligomers revealed the most pronounced inhibitory action on the binding of messenger trinucleotide in the complex pAUG.40S.Met-tRNA(imet).eIF-2.GTP. Results of these functional assays demonstrate the importance of the 18S rRNA sequences 987-1001 and 1025-1039 for translation process on human ribosomes, most probably at the initiation step.

Arrangement of mRNA at the decoding site of human ribosomes. 18S rRNA nucleotides and ribosomal proteins cross-linked to oligouridylate derivatives with alkylating groups at either the 3' or the 5' termini

Affinity labeling of human placental 80S ribosomes with mRNA analogs of up to 12 uridyl residues, i.e. alkylating derivatives of oligouridylates bearing either 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)benzylmethylphosphamide group at the 5'-termini or 2',3'-O-[4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)]benzylidene residue attached to the 3'-termini, in the presence of cognate Phe-tRNA(Phe) has been investigated. All the mRNA analogs modified only the 40S subunit. The fraction of 18S rRNA modified by the mRNA analogs with the alkylating group at the 5'-end decreased dramatically with extension of the reagent oligouridylate moiety. Nucleotides of 18S rRNA alkylated with the mRNA analogs were determined using a reverse transcription technique. For the mRNA analogs with the alkylating groups at the 3'-termini, G1702 and G1763/G1764 were identified as the cross-linking sites. The intensities of the bands corresponding to reverse transcriptase stops depended on the length of the reagent oligouridylate moieties. Cross-linking sites of the mRNA analogs with the alkylating group at the 5'-termini on 18S rRNA were A1023, C1026, C1057 and A1058 for the (pU)3 and (pU)4 derivatives and a single nucleotide C1057 for the (pU)6 one. Ribosomal protein S26 was found as the main target of modification with the same derivatives of (pU)6 and (pU)12.

mRNA binding track in the human 80S ribosome for mRNA analogues randomly substituted with 4-thiouridine residues

The interaction between mRNA and 18S rRNA in human 80S ribosomes has been studied using synthetic mRNA analogues randomly substituted with 4-thiouridine, which can be photoactivated for cross-linking. Two mRNA analogues with different sequences have been used for complex formation with ribosomes without or with the presence of a cognate tRNA. Cross-linked 18S rRNA nucleotides were identified by reverse transcription analysis. The base U630 in 18S rRNA was the main target of cross-linking for both of the mRNA analogues studied, and three minor sites of cross-linking, A1060, U1046, and U966, were also identified. Thus, in the case of human 80S ribosomes, the set of nucleotide residues cross-linked to the mRNA analogues is significantly smaller than the twelve sites seen for Escherichia coli with these same two mRNA analogues [Bhangu, R., & Wollenzien, P. (1992) Biochemistry 31, 5937-5944]. The residue U630 is within a highly conserved region corresponding to the 530 loop region of eubacterial 16S rRNA; the cross-link to this site indicates that it plays a key role in interacting with mRNA on 80S ribosomes independently of the presence of a cognate tRNA at the P site.

Structural arrangement of the codon-anticodon interaction area in human placenta ribosomes. Affinity labelling of the 40S subunits by derivatives of oligoribonucleotides containing the AUG codon

Using the derivatives of the oligoribonucleotides pAUGUn and AUGUnC (n = 0; 3) bearing an alkylating group at either the 5' or 3' end, respectively (mRNA analogues), the affinity labelling of the human placenta 40S ribosomal subunits has been investigated in model initiation complexes obtained in the presence of the ternary complex eIF-2.GTP.Met-tRNA(fMet). The regions of 18S rRNA and ribosomal proteins labelled with these mRNA analogues were identified. The sites of covalent attachment of the pAUGUn derivatives with a reactive group at the 5' end were located between 18S rRNA positions 976 and 1164. The derivative of AUGU3C with an alkylating group at the 3' end modified 18S rRNA mainly at the 593-673 region. The main targets of the 3' end derivative of AUGC were located between positions 1610 and 1869. The proteins S3/S3a, S6, S7 and S14/S15 were modified by both types of the oligoribonucleotide derivatives regardless of the point of the reactive group attachment to the oligonucleotide moiety. The proteins S2 and S4 were modified by both the 3' end derivative of AUGC and 5' end derivative of pAUGU3; and the protein S8 was modified by the 3' end derivative of AUGC. The proteins S5 and S9 were labelled by the 5' end derivative of pAUGU3, and the protein S17 was modified by the 5' end derivative of pAUG.

The mRNA binding track in the Escherichia coli ribosome for mRNAs of different sequences

Interactions between mRNA and rRNA on the 30S ribosomal subunit or 70S ribosome have been determined by photochemical cross-linking experiments using synthetic mRNA analogs substituted with 4-thiouridine. A set of RNA molecules containing different sequences has been used to determine the extent to which binding contacts are sequence dependent. The 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA nucleotides that form a part of the binding site have been identified by reverse transcription. The nucleotides are U1381, G1338, G1300, G1156, A845, U723, G693, A532, G497, U420, G413/A412, and G436 of 16S rRNA and U887 of 23S rRNA. Several additional nucleotides (U1065 of 23S rRNA and A1227, G818, G524, and G423 of 16S rRNA) are seen for some, but not all, of the mRNAs. Results obtained with two mRNAs containing the Shine-Dalgarno sequence were similar to those obtained with mRNAs lacking the Shine-Dalgarno sequence. Eight of these cross-linking sites were also seen when a mixture of RNA was used in which there are 12 random nucleotides preceding and seven random nucleotides succeeding an AUG codon. These results indicate that to a large extent placement of the mRNA in the ribosome does not depend upon its primary sequence.

Functional topography of human ribosomes as studied by affinity labeling with reactive mRNA analogs

Derivatives of 5'-32P labeled (pU)3 an (pU)6 bearing 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)benzylmethylamine residue attached to 5'-phosphate via phosphamide bond and (Up)5U[32P]pC and (Up)11U[32P]pC bearing 4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)benzyl residue attached to 3'-end via benzylidene bond were applied for the affinity labeling of 80S ribosomes from human placenta in the presence of a cognate tRNA. The derivatives of 32P-labeled pAUG and pAUGU3 analogous to the 5'-phosphamides of (pU)n were used for affinity labeling of 40S subunits in the presence of ternary complex eIF-2.GTP.Met-tRNA(f). The sites of the reagents' attachment to 18S ribosomal RNA were identified by blot-hybridization of the modified 18S rRNA with restriction fragments of the corresponding rDNA. They were found to be located within positions 976-1057 for (pU)6 and pAUGU3 derivatives and within 976-1164 for (pU)3 and pAUG ones. The sites of 18S rRNA modification with the derivatives of (Up)5UpC and (Up)11UpC were found within positions 1610-1869 at 3'-end of the molecule. All the sites identified here are located presumably within highly conserved parts of the eukaryotic small subunit rRNA secondary structure.

Sites of contact of mRNA with 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA in the Escherichia coli ribosome

The locations of close encounter between ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) were determined by photochemical cross-linking experiments that employ an artificial mRNA, 51 nucleotides long, containing 14 U residues that were randomly substituted by 1-4 4-thiouridine (s4U) residues. The mRNA was bound to 70S ribosomes or 30S subunits and then was irradiated at 366 nm to activate cross-linking between the s4U residues and rRNA. Cross-linking occurred to both 16S rRNA and 23S RNA. The rRNA was then analyzed by a series of reverse transcriptase experiments to determine the locations of cross-linking. Twelve sites in the 16S rRNA and two sites in the 23S rRNA have been detected. In the 16S rRNA, two of the sites (U1381, C1395) are in the middle part of the secondary structure close to position C1400, and the remaining sites (G413, U421, G424; A532; G693; U723; A845; G1131/C1132; G1300; G1338) are distributed between six regions that are peripheral in the secondary structure. In the 23S rRNA, one site (U1065) is located in the GTPase center close to A1067, the site of thiostrepton-resistance methylation in domain II, and the other site (U887) is located a short distance away also in domain II. The distribution of these rRNA sites in the ribosome specifies an mRNA track that is consistent with other information. In addition, some of the contact points represent new constraints for the three-dimensional folding of the rRNA.

Reactive oligonucleotide derivatives as gene-targeted biologically active compounds and affinity probes

Development of efficient methods for synthesis of oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs has opened up the possibility of designing a broad spectrum of affinity reagents for specific modification of nucleic acids and proteins. These affinity reagents are used for investigation of the topology of ribosomes and nucleic acid polymerases. Oligonucleotides and their analogs are already used for suppression of specific gene expression and for elucidation of the physiological role of their products. Oligonucleotide derivatives appear to offer considerable promise as potential gene-targeted drugs such as antivirals and specific inhibitors of oncogene expression.