Influence of mRNA determinants on translation initiation in Escherichia coli

Differential Selection for Translation Efficiency Shapes Translation Machineries in Bacterial Species

Different bacterial species have dramatically different generation times, from 20-30 min in Escherichia coli to about two weeks in Mycobacterium leprae. The translation machinery in a cell needs to synthesize all proteins for a new cell in each generation. The three subprocesses of translation, i.e., initiation, elongation, and termination, are expected to be under stronger selection pressure to optimize in short-generation bacteria (SGB) such as Vibrio natriegens than in the long-generation Mycobacterium leprae. The initiation efficiency depends on the start codon decoded by the initiation tRNA, the optimal Shine-Dalgarno (SD) decoded by the anti-SD (aSD) sequence on small subunit rRNA, and the secondary structure that may embed the initiation signals and prevent them from being decoded. The elongation efficiency depends on the tRNA pool and codon usage. The termination efficiency in bacteria depends mainly on the nature of the stop codon and the nucleotide immediately downstream of the stop codon. By contrasting SGB with long-generation bacteria (LGB), we predict (1) SGB to have more ribosome RNA operons to produce ribosomes, and more tRNA genes for carrying amino acids to ribosomes, (2) SGB to have a higher percentage of genes using AUG as the start codon and UAA as the stop codon than LGB, (3) SGB to exhibit better codon and anticodon adaptation than LGB, and (4) SGB to have a weaker secondary structure near the translation initiation signals than LGB. These differences between SGB and LGB should be more pronounced in highly expressed genes than the rest of the genes. We present empirical evidence in support of these predictions.

5'UTR sequences influence protein levels in Escherichia coli by regulating translation initiation and mRNA stability

A set of 41 synthetic 5'UTRs with different theoretical translation initiation rates were generated to explore the role of 5'UTRs in the regulation of protein levels in Escherichia coli. The roles of the synthetic 5'UTRs in regulating the expression of different reporter genes were analyzed in vivo. Protein levels varied substantially between the different constructs but for most of the 5'UTRs, protein levels were not correlated with theoretical translation initiation rates. Large variations in mRNA concentrations were measured with the different 5'UTRs even though the same concentration of transcription inducer was used in each case. 5'UTRs were also found to strongly affect mRNA stability, and these changes in mRNA stability often contributed to observed differences in mRNA concentration. Unexpectedly, the effect of the 5'UTRs on mRNA half-lives was found to vary depending on the downstream reporter gene. These results clearly demonstrate that 5'UTRs contribute to gene expression regulation at the level of translation initiation and of mRNA stability, to an extent that depends on the nature of the downstream gene.

Influence of the spacer region between the Shine-Dalgarno box and the start codon for fine-tuning of the translation efficiency in Escherichia coli

Translation efficiency contributes several orders of magnitude difference in the overall yield of exogenous gene expression in bacteria. In diverse bacteria, the translation initiation site, whose sequence is the primary determinant of the translation performance, is comprised of the start codon and the Shine-Dalgarno box located upstream. Here, we have examined how the sequence of a spacer between these main components of the translation initiation site contributes to the yield of synthesized protein. We have created a library of reporter constructs with the randomized spacer region, performed fluorescently activated cell sorting and applied next-generation sequencing analysis (the FlowSeq protocol). As a result, we have identified sequence motifs for the spacer region between the Shine-Dalgarno box and AUG start codon that may modulate the translation efficiency in a 100-fold range.

Comparative genomic analysis of translation initiation mechanisms for genes lacking the Shine-Dalgarno sequence in prokaryotes

In prokaryotes, translation initiation is believed to occur through an interaction between the 3΄ tail of a 16S rRNA and a corresponding Shine–Dalgarno (SD) sequence in the 5΄ untranslated region (UTR) of an mRNA. However, some genes lack SD sequences (non-SD genes), and the fraction of non-SD genes in a genome varies depending on the prokaryotic species. To elucidate non-SD translation initiation mechanisms in prokaryotes from an evolutionary perspective, we statistically examined the nucleotide frequencies around the initiation codons in non-SD genes from 260 prokaryotes (235 bacteria and 25 archaea). We identified distinct nucleotide frequency biases upstream of the initiation codon in bacteria and archaea, likely because of the presence of leaderless mRNAs lacking a 5΄ UTR. Moreover, we observed overall similarities in the nucleotide patterns between upstream and downstream regions of the initiation codon in all examined phyla. Symmetric nucleotide frequency biases might facilitate translation initiation by preventing the formation of secondary structures around the initiation codon. These features are more prominent in species’ genomes that harbor large fractions of non-SD sequences, suggesting that a reduced stability around the initiation codon is important for efficient translation initiation in prokaryotes.

The Low Noise Limit in Gene Expression

Protein noise measurements are increasingly used to elucidate biophysical parameters. Unfortunately noise analyses are often at odds with directly measured parameters. Here we show that these inconsistencies arise from two problematic analytical choices: (i) the assumption that protein translation rate is invariant for different proteins of different abundances, which has inadvertently led to (ii) the assumption that a large constitutive extrinsic noise sets the low noise limit in gene expression. While growing evidence suggests that transcriptional bursting may set the low noise limit, variability in translational bursting has been largely ignored. We show that genome-wide systematic variation in translational efficiency can–and in the case of E. coli does–control the low noise limit in gene expression. Therefore constitutive extrinsic noise is small and only plays a role in the absence of a systematic variation in translational efficiency. These results show the existence of two distinct expression noise patterns: (1) a global noise floor uniformly imposed on all genes by expression bursting; and (2) high noise distributed to only a select group of genes.

Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus phages: effect of translation initiation efficiency on differential codon adaptation mediated by virulent and temperate lifestyles

Rapid biosynthesis is key to the success of bacteria and viruses. Highly expressed genes in bacteria exhibit a strong codon bias corresponding to the differential availability of tRNAs. However, a large clade of lambdoid coliphages exhibits relatively poor codon adaptation to the host translation machinery, in contrast to other coliphages that exhibit strong codon adaptation to the host. Three possible explanations were previously proposed but dismissed: (1) the phage-borne tRNA genes that reduce the dependence of phage translation on host tRNAs, (2) lack of time needed for evolving codon adaptation due to recent host switching, and (3) strong strand asymmetry with biased mutation disrupting codon adaptation. Here, we examined the possibility that phages with relatively poor codon adaptation have poor translation initiation which would weaken the selection on codon adaptation. We measured translation initiation by: (1) the strength and position of the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence, and (2) the stability of the secondary structure of sequences flanking the SD and start codon known to affect accessibility of the SD sequence and start codon. Phage genes with strong codon adaptation had significantly stronger SD sequences than those with poor codon adaptation. The former also had significantly weaker secondary structure in sequences flanking the SD sequence and start codon than the latter. Thus, lambdoid phages do not exhibit strong codon adaptation because they have relatively inefficient translation initiation and would benefit little from increased elongation efficiency. We also provided evidence suggesting that phage lifestyle (virulent versus temperate) affected selection intensity on the efficiency of translation initiation and elongation.

Translation enhancer improves the ribosome liberation from translation initiation

For translation initiation in bacteria, the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) and anti-SD sequence of the 30S subunit play key roles for specific interactions between ribosomes and mRNAs to determine the exact position of the translation initiation region. However, ribosomes also must dissociate from the translation initiation region to slide toward the downstream sequence during mRNA translation. Translation enhancers upstream of the SD sequences of mRNAs, which likely contribute to a direct interaction with ribosome protein S1, enhance the yields of protein biosynthesis. Nevertheless, the mechanism of the effect of translation enhancers to initiate the translation is still unknown. In this paper, we investigated the effects of the SD and enhancer sequences on the binding kinetics of the 30S ribosomal subunits to mRNAs and their translation efficiencies. mRNAs with both the SD and translation enhancers promoted the amount of protein synthesis but destabilized the interaction between the 30S subunit and mRNA by increasing the dissociation rate constant (koff) of the 30S subunit. Based on a model for kinetic parameters, a 16-fold translation efficiency could be achieved by introducing a tandem repeat of adenine sequences (A20) between the SD and translation enhancer sequences. Considering the results of this study, translation enhancers with an SD sequence regulate ribosomal liberation from translation initiation to determine the translation efficiency of the downstream coding region.

Initiation with elongator tRNAs

In all domains of life, initiator tRNA functions exclusively at the first step of protein synthesis while elongator tRNAs extend the polypeptide chain. Unique features of initiator tRNA enable it to preferentially bind the ribosomal P site and initiate translation. Recently, we showed that the abundance of initiator tRNA also contributes to its specialized role. This motivates the question, can a cell also use elongator tRNA to initiate translation under certain conditions? To address this, we introduced non-AUG initiation codons CCC (Pro), GAG (Glu), GGU (Gly), UCU (Ser), UGU (Cys), ACG (Thr), AAU (Asn), and AGA (Arg) into the uracil DNA glycosylase gene (ung) used as a reporter gene. Enzyme assays from log-phase cells revealed initiation from non-AUG codons when intracellular initiator tRNA levels were reduced. The activity increased significantly in stationary phase. Further increases in initiation from non-AUG codons occurred in both growth phases upon introduction of plasmid-borne genes of cognate elongator tRNAs. Since purine-rich Shine-Dalgarno sequences occur frequently on mRNAs (in places other than the canonical AUG codon initiation contexts), initiation with elongator tRNAs from the alternate contexts may generate proteome diversity under stress without compromising genomic integrity. Thus, by changing the relative amounts of initiator and elongator tRNAs within the cell, we have blurred the distinction between the two classes of tRNAs thought to be frozen through years of evolution.

Comparison of mRNA features affecting translation initiation and reinitiation

Regulation of gene expression at the level of translation accounts for up to three orders of magnitude in its efficiency. We systematically compared the impact of several mRNA features on translation initiation at the first gene in an operon with those for the second gene. Experiments were done in a system with internal control based on dual cerulean and red (CER/RFP) fluorescent proteins. We demonstrated significant differences in the efficiency of Shine Dalgarno sequences acting at the leading gene and at the following genes in an operon. The majority of frequent intercistronic arrangements possess medium SD dependence, medium dependence on the preceding cistron translation and efficient stimulation by A/U-rich sequences. The second cistron starting immediately after preceding cistron stop codon displays unusually high dependence on the SD sequence.

Translation Initiation

Selection of correct start codons on messenger RNAs is a key step required for faithful translation of the genetic message. Such a selection occurs in a complex process, during which a translation-competent ribosome assembles, eventually having in its P site a specialized methionyl-tRNAMet base-paired with the start codon on the mRNA. This chapter summarizes recent advances describing at the molecular level the successive steps involved in the process. Special emphasis is put on the roles of the three initiation factors and of the initiator tRNA, which are crucial for the efficiency and the specificity of the process. In particular, structural analyses concerning complexes containing ribosomal subunits, as well as detailed kinetic studies, have shed new light on the sequence of events leading to faithful initiation of protein synthesis in Bacteria.

Shine-Dalgarno sequence of bacteriophage T4: GAGG prevails in early genes

Translation initiation is governed by a limited number of mRNA sequence motifs within the translation initiation region (TIR). In bacteria and bacteriophages, one of the most important determinants is a Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence that base pairs with the anti-SD sequence GAUCACCUCCUUA localized in the 3' end of 16S rRNA. This work assesses a diversity of TIR features in phage T4, focusing on the SD sequence, its spacing to the start codon and relationship to gene expression and essentiality patterns. Analysis shows that GAGG is predominant of all core SD motifs in T4 and its related phages, particularly in early genes. Possible implication of the RegB activity is discussed.

Translation initiation: variations in the mechanism can be anticipated

Translation initiation is a critical step in protein synthesis. Previously, two major mechanisms of initiation were considered as essential: prokaryotic, based on SD interaction; and eukaryotic, requiring cap structure and ribosomal scanning. Although discovered decades ago, cap-independent translation has recently been acknowledged as a widely spread mechanism in viruses, which may take place in some cellular mRNA translations. Moreover, it has become evident that translation can be initiated on the leaderless mRNA in all three domains of life. New findings demonstrate that other distinguishable types of initiation exist, including SD-independent in Bacteria and Archaea, and various modifications of 5' end-dependent and internal initiation mechanisms in Eukarya. Since translation initiation has developed through the loss, acquisition, and modification of functional elements, all of which have been elevated by competition with viral translation in a large number of organisms of different complexity, more variation in initiation mechanisms can be anticipated.

Translation initiation region sequence preferences in Escherichia coli

Background

The mRNA translation initiation region (TIR) comprises the initiator codon, Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence and translational enhancers. Probably the most abundant class of enhancers contains A/U-rich sequences. We have tested the influence of SD sequence length and the presence of enhancers on the efficiency of translation initiation.

Results

We found that during bacterial growth at 37°C, a six-nucleotide SD (AGGAGG) is more efficient than shorter or longer sequences. The A/U-rich enhancer contributes strongly to the efficiency of initiation, having the greatest stimulatory effect in the exponential growth phase of the bacteria. The SD sequences and the A/U-rich enhancer stimulate translation co-operatively: strong SDs are stimulated by the enhancer much more than weak SDs. The bacterial growth rate does not have a major influence on the TIR selection pattern. On the other hand, temperature affects the TIR preference pattern: shorter SD sequences are preferred at lower growth temperatures. We also performed an in silico analysis of the TIRs in all E. coli mRNAs. The base pairing potential of the SD sequences does not correlate with the codon adaptation index, which is used as an estimate of gene expression level.

Conclusion

In E. coli the SD selection preferences are influenced by the growth temperature and not influenced by the growth rate. The A/U rich enhancers stimulate translation considerably by acting co-operatively with the SD sequences.

Inferring rules of Escherichia coli translational efficiency using an artificial neural network

Although the machinery for translation initiation in Escherichia coli is very complicated, the translational efficiency has been reported to be predictable from upstream oligonucleotide sequences. Conventional models have difficulties in their generalization ability and prediction nonlinearity and in their ability to deal with a variety of input attributions. To address these issues, we employed structural learning by artificial neural networks to infer general rules for translational efficiency. The correlation between translational activities measured by biological experiments and those predicted by our method in the test data was significant (r=0.78), and our method uncovered underlying rules of translational activities and sequence patterns from the obtained skeleton structure. The significant rules for predicting translational efficiency were (1) G- and A-rich oligonucleotide sequences, resembling the Shine-Dalgarno sequence, at positions -10 to -7; (2) first base A in the initiation codon; (3) transport/binding or amino acid metabolism gene function; (4) high binding energy between mRNA and 16S rRNA at positions -15 to -5. An additional inferred novel rule was that C at position -1 increases translational efficiency. When our model was applied to the entire genomic sequence of E. coli, translational activities of genes for metabolism and translational were significantly high.

Identification of an AU-rich translational enhancer within the Escherichia coli fepB leader RNA

The fepB gene encodes a periplasmic binding protein that is essential for the uptake of ferric enterobactin by Escherichia coli. Its transcription is regulated in response to iron levels by the Fur repressor. The fepB transcript includes a 217-nucleotide leader sequence with several features suggestive of posttranscriptional regulation. To investigate the fepB leader for its contribution to fepB expression, defined deletions and substitution mutations in the leader were characterized using fepB-phoA translational fusions. The fepB leader was found to be necessary for maximal fepB expression, primarily due to the influence of an AU-rich translational enhancer (TE) located 5' to the Shine-Dalgarno sequence. Deletions or substitutions within the TE sequence decreased fepB-phoA expression fivefold. RNase protection and in vitro transcription-translation assays demonstrated that the TE augmented translational efficiency, as well as RNA levels. Moreover, primer extension inhibition assays showed that the TE increases ribosome binding. In contrast to the enhancing effect of the TE, the natural fepB GUG start codon decreased ribosome binding and reduced fepB expression 2.5-fold compared with the results obtained with leaders bearing an AUG initiation codon. Thus, the TE-GUG organization in fepB results in an intermediate level of expression compared to the level with AUG, with or without the TE. Furthermore, we found that the TE-GUG sequence is conserved among the eight gram-negative strains examined that have fepB genes, suggesting that this organization may provide a selective advantage.

Combinatorial expression vector engineering for tuning of recombinant protein production in Escherichia coli

The complex and integrated nature of both genetic and protein level factors influencing recombinant protein production in Escherichia coli makes it difficult to predict the optimal expression strategy for a given protein. Here, two combinatorial library strategies were evaluated for their capability of tuning recombinant protein production in the cytoplasm of E. coli. Large expression vector libraries were constructed through either conservative (ExLib1) or free (ExLib2) randomization of a seven-amino-acid window strategically located between a degenerated start codon and a sequence encoding a fluorescently tagged target protein. Flow cytometric sorting and analyses of libraries, subpopulations or individual clones were followed by SDS-PAGE, western blotting, mass spectrometry and DNA sequencing analyses. For ExLib1, intracellular accumulation of soluble protein was shown to be affected by codon specific effects at some positions of the common N-terminal extension. Interestingly, for ExLib2 where the same sequence window was randomized via seven consecutive NN(G/T) tri-nucleotide repeats, high product levels (up to 24-fold higher than a reference clone) were associated with a preferential appearance of novel SD-like sequences. Possible mechanisms behind the observed effects are discussed.

The highly efficient translation initiation region from the Escherichia coli rpsA gene lacks a shine-dalgarno element

The translational initiation region (TIR) of the Escherichia coli rpsA gene, which encodes ribosomal protein S1, shows a number of unusual features. It extends far upstream (to position -91) of the initiator AUG, it lacks a canonical Shine-Dalgarno sequence (SD) element, and it can fold into three successive hairpins (I, II, and III) that are essential for high translational activity. Two conserved GGA trinucleotides, present in the loops of hairpins I and II, have been proposed to form a discontinuous SD. Here, we have tested this hypothesis with the "specialized ribosome" approach. Depending upon the constructs used, translation initiation was decreased three- to sevenfold upon changing the conserved GGA to CCU. However, although chemical probing showed that the mutated trinucleotides were accessible, no restoration was observed when the ribosome anti-SD was symmetrically changed from CCUCC to GGAGG. When the same change was introduced in the SD from a conventional TIR as a control, activity was stimulated. This result suggests that the GGA trinucleotides do not form a discontinuous SD. Others hypotheses that may account for their role are discussed. Curiously, we also find that, when expressed at moderate level (30 to 40% of total ribosomes), specialized ribosomes are only twofold disadvantaged over normal ribosomes for the translation of bulk cellular mRNAs. These findings suggest that, under these conditions, the SD-anti-SD interaction plays a significant but not essential role for the synthesis of bulk cellular proteins.

Recovering motifs from biased genomes: application of signal correction

A significant problem in biological motif analysis arises when the background symbol distribution is biased (e.g. high/low GC content in the case of DNA sequences). This can lead to overestimation of the amount of information encoded in a motif. A motif can be depicted as a signal using information theory (IT). We apply two concepts from IT, distortion and patterned interference (a type of noise), to model genomic and codon bias respectively. This modeling approach allows us to correct a raw signal to recover signals that are weakened by compositional bias. The corrected signal is more likely to be discriminated from a biased background by a macromolecule. We apply this correction technique to recover ribosome-binding site (RBS) signals from available sequenced and annotated prokaryotic genomes having diverse compositional biases. We observed that linear correction was sufficient for recovering signals even at the extremes of these biases. Further comparative genomics studies were made possible upon correction of these signals. We find that the average Euclidian distance between RBS signal frequency matrices of different genomes can be significantly reduced by using the correction technique. Within this reduced average distance, we can find examples of class-specific RBS signals. Our results have implications for motif-based prediction, particularly with regards to the estimation of reliable inter-genomic model parameters.

Comparative analysis of base correlations in 5' untranslated regions of various species

Translational initiation signals, such as Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequences in bacteria and Kozak consensus sequences in vertebrates, direct ribosomes to initiate protein synthesis from mRNAs. Investigating sequence characteristics of these signals is important, particularly to infer translational initiation mechanisms. Although various statistical analyses of translational initiation signals have been done, few have focused on base correlations that assess base dependencies in the signal sequences. We used relative entropy and mutual information to analyze base conservation and correlation, respectively, in the 5' UTRs of various species. In eukaryotes, we found peaks of relative entropy at -3 from the translational start site but no peak of mutual information at that position, indicating that the base at that position (known as the core base of the Kozak sequence) is well conserved but not correlated with neighboring bases and thus functions as a single base. We observed unexpected peaks of mutual information between positions -2 and -1 in most eukaryotes. Surprisingly these base correlation also occurred in some bacteria and archaea, although there were no base preferences at neither position. Various dinucleotide patterns existed at these positions, and the correlation between bases at -2 and -1 may be relevant to the context of translational initiation. Because dinucleotide patterns of correlated pairs of nucleotides at -2 and -1 were not unique within respective organisms, the correlation could not be found when analyzing single-nucleotide conservation. Therefore, mutual information allowed us to discover signals that were not found by simply analyzing base conservation.

Functional analysis of the lysis genes of Staphylococcus aureus phage P68 in Escherichia coli

Double-stranded DNA phages of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria typically use a holin-endolysin system to achieve lysis of their host. In this study, the lysis genes of Staphylococcus aureus phage P68 were characterized. P68 gene lys16 was shown to encode a cell-wall-degrading enzyme, which causes cell lysis when externally added to clinical isolates of S. aureus. Another gene, hol15, was identified embedded in the -1 reading frame at the 3' end of lys16. The deduced Hol15 protein has three putative transmembrane domains, and thus resembles class I holins. An additional candidate holin gene, hol12, was found downstream of the endolysin gene lys16 based on two predicted transmembrane domains of the encoded protein, which is a typical trait of class II holins. The synthesis of either Hol12 or Hol15 resulted in growth retardation of Escherichia coli, and both hol15 and hol12 were able to complement a phage lambda Sam mutation. The hol15 gene has a dual start motif beginning with the codons Met1-Lys2-Met3.... Evidence is presented that the hol15 gene encodes a lysis inhibitor (anti-holin) and a lysis effector (actual holin). As depolarization of the membrane converted the anti-holin to a functional holin, these studies suggested that hol15 functions as a typical dual start motif class I holin. The unusual arrangement of the P68 lysis genes is discussed.

The ferric iron uptake regulator (Fur) from the extreme acidophile Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidansis a Gram-negative bacterium that lives at pH 2 in high concentrations of soluble ferrous and ferric iron, making it an interesting model for understanding the biological mechanisms of bacterial iron uptake and homeostasis in extremely acid conditions. A candidatefurAF(FerricUptakeRegulator) gene was identified in theA. ferrooxidansATCC 23270 genome. FurAFhas significant sequence similarity, including conservation of functional motifs, to known Fur orthologues and exhibits cross-reactivity toEscherichia coliFur antiserum. ThefurAFgene is able to complementfurdeficiency inE. coliin an iron-responsive manner. FurAFis also able to bind specifically toE. coliFur regulatory regions (Fur boxes) and to a candidate Fur box fromA. ferrooxidans, as judged by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. FurAFrepresses gene expression fromE. coliFur-responsive promotersfiuandfhuFwhen expressed at high protein levels. However, it increases gene expression from these promoters at low concentrations and possibly from other Fur-regulated promoters involved in iron-responsive oxidative stress responses.

Analyzing and enhancing mRNA translational efficiency in an Escherichia coli in vitro expression system

The dependence of efficiency of translation initiation on mRNA sequence parameters was investigated in an Escherichia coli in vitro expression system. We designed a large-scale expression experiment focussing on the influence of sequence variations in the translated region (TR) of the mRNA without changing the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR). The level of translated protein from 756 expression constructs was measured and the influence of a large number of possible effector attributes was statistically analyzed. Base exchanges immediately adjacent to the start codon up to nucleotide (+)25 had a profound effect on translational efficiency. Correlation analysis revealed a significant dependence on base pair probability and G+C content on the expression level, indicating that mRNA secondary structure in this region hampers translation. Using our training data, we developed a methodology to predict and improve the translation efficiency of open reading frames (ORFs).

Transcriptional and translational regulation of the marRAB multiple antibiotic resistance operon in Escherichia coli

The marRAB multiple antibiotic resistance operon of Escherichia coli is autorepressed by MarR. MarR binds to two palindromic sequences in vitro: site I lies between and overlaps the -35 and -10 hexamers for RNA polymerase binding; site II lies between the transcription start site and the GTG initiation codon of marR. To assess the importance of these sites in vivo, the effects of mutant sites on transcription were analysed using fusions to lacZ in the presence and absence of wild-type MarR. When both sites were wild type, transcription in the derepressed marR-deleted strain was 19-fold that of the wild-type strain; when only site I or site II was wild type, this ratio was reduced to 4.3- and 2.6-fold, respectively, showing that full repression requires both sites, but some repression can occur at one site independently of the other. Translational fusions of the wild-type promoter to lacZ demonstrated that marR translation proceeds at only 4.5% of the transcription rate. Analysis of translational fusions with mutant leader sequences demonstrated that the principal reason for inefficient translation is a weak Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence, AGG(G). Although the SD sequence is located within the potential stem-loop structure of site II, no evidence for occlusion of the SD sequence was found in the wild-type strain. However, a single basepair mutation that strengthens the stem-loop structure drastically reduced the translational efficiency. Substitution of ATG for GTG as the initiation codon increased translational efficiency by 50%. Increasing the 5 bp spacing between the SD sequence and the GTG codon by one to four bases reduced the translational efficiency by 50-75%. Inefficient translation of marR may help to sensitize the cell to environmental signals.

RNA stem-loop enhanced expression of previously non-expressible genes

The key step in bacterial translation is formation of the pre-initiation complex. This requires initial contacts between mRNA, fMet-tRNA and the 30S subunit of the ribosome, steps that limit the initiation of translation. Here we report a method for improving translational initiation, which allows expression of several previously non-expressible genes. This method has potential applications in heterologous protein synthesis and high-throughput expression systems. We introduced a synthetic RNA stem-loop (stem length, 7 bp; DeltaG(0) = -9.9 kcal/mol) in front of various gene sequences. In each case, the stem-loop was inserted 15 nt downstream from the start codon. Insertion of the stem-loop allowed in vitro expression of five previously non-expressible genes and enhanced the expression of all other genes investigated. Analysis of the RNA structure proved that the stem-loop was formed in vitro, and demonstrated that stabilization of the ribosome binding site is due to stem-loop introduction. By theoretical RNA structure analysis we showed that the inserted RNA stem-loop suppresses long-range interactions between the translation initiation domain and gene-specific mRNA sequences. Thus the inserted RNA stem-loop supports the formation of a separate translational initiation domain, which is more accessible to ribosome binding.

Bacteriophage T4 genome

Phage T4 has provided countless contributions to the paradigms of genetics and biochemistry. Its complete genome sequence of 168,903 bp encodes about 300 gene products. T4 biology and its genomic sequence provide the best-understood model for modern functional genomics and proteomics. Variations on gene expression, including overlapping genes, internal translation initiation, spliced genes, translational bypassing, and RNA processing, alert us to the caveats of purely computational methods. The T4 transcriptional pattern reflects its dependence on the host RNA polymerase and the use of phage-encoded proteins that sequentially modify RNA polymerase; transcriptional activator proteins, a phage sigma factor, anti-sigma, and sigma decoy proteins also act to specify early, middle, and late promoter recognition. Posttranscriptional controls by T4 provide excellent systems for the study of RNA-dependent processes, particularly at the structural level. The redundancy of DNA replication and recombination systems of T4 reveals how phage and other genomes are stably replicated and repaired in different environments, providing insight into genome evolution and adaptations to new hosts and growth environments. Moreover, genomic sequence analysis has provided new insights into tail fiber variation, lysis, gene duplications, and membrane localization of proteins, while high-resolution structural determination of the "cell-puncturing device," combined with the three-dimensional image reconstruction of the baseplate, has revealed the mechanism of penetration during infection. Despite these advances, nearly 130 potential T4 genes remain uncharacterized. Current phage-sequencing initiatives are now revealing the similarities and differences among members of the T4 family, including those that infect bacteria other than Escherichia coli. T4 functional genomics will aid in the interpretation of these newly sequenced T4-related genomes and in broadening our understanding of the complex evolution and ecology of phages-the most abundant and among the most ancient biological entities on Earth.

Gene structure, organization, expression, and potential regulatory mechanisms of arginine catabolism in Enterococcus faecalis

Although Enteroccus faecalis is the paradigm for biochemical studies on the arginine deiminase (ADI) pathway of fermentative arginine catabolism, little genetic information exists on this pathway in this organism. We fill this important gap by characterizing, in an 8,228-bp region cloned from a lambdagt11 genomic library of E. faecalis, a five-gene cluster forming a transcriptional unit (revealed by Northern blots and primer extension in E. faecalis) that corresponds to the ADI operon. Four additional genes in the opposite DNA strand and one in the same DNA strand are also identified. Studies on the protein products, including heterologous expression and/or sequence comparisons, allow us to ascertain or propose functions for all but 1 of the 10 genes. The ADI operon genes, arcABCRD, encode, respectively, ADI, ornithine transcarbamylase, carbamate kinase, a putative Crp/Fnr-type regulator (ArcR), and a putative ornithine-arginine antiporter (ArcD). Arginine induces the expression of arcABCRD, most likely by means of two homologous ArgR/AhrC-type regulators encoded by two genes, argR1 and argR2, that precede arcABCRD in each DNA strand and that are transcribed monocistronically, their transcription being influenced differentially by glucose and arginine. Potential ArgR1/ArgR2 (double and single) binding sequences are found in the promoter regions of arcA and of argR1/argR2 themselves. In addition, putative binding sequences for ArcR and for CcpA are found, respectively, in the argR1/argR2 and arcA promoter regions. Of the three other genes identified, two form a transcriptional unit and encode a putative metal-sensitive transcriptional regulator (ArsR) and a cysteine protease.

Differential inhibition of 30S and 70S translation initiation complexes on leaderless mRNA by kasugamycin

In contrast to canonical mRNAs, translation of leaderless mRNA has been previously reported to continue in the presence of the antibiotic kasugamycin. Here, we have studied the effect of the antibiotic on determinants known to affect translation of leadered and leaderless mRNAs. Kasugamycin did not affect the Shine-Dalgarno (SD)-anti-SD (aSD) interaction or the function of translation initiation factor 3 (IF3). Thus, the preferential translation of leaderless mRNA in the presence of kasugamycin can neither be attributed to an expanding pool of 30S subunits with a "blocked" aSD nor to a lack of action of IF3, which has been shown to discriminate against translation initiation at 5'-terminal start codons. Using toeprinting, we observed that on leaderless mRNA 70S in contrast to 30S translation initiation complexes are comparatively resistant to the antibiotic. These results taken together with the known preference of 70S ribosomes for 5'-terminal AUGs lend support to the hypothesis that translation of leaderless mRNAs may as well proceed via an alternative initiation pathway accomplished by intact 70S ribosomes.

Evolutionary conservation of reactions in translation

Current X-ray diffraction and cryoelectron microscopic data of ribosomes of eubacteria have shed considerable light on the molecular mechanisms of translation. Structural studies of the protein factors that activate ribosomes also point to many common features in the primary sequence and tertiary structure of these proteins. The reconstitution of the complex apparatus of translation has also revealed new information important to the mechanisms. Surprisingly, the latter approach has uncovered a number of proteins whose sequence and/or structure and function are conserved in all cells, indicating that the mechanisms are indeed conserved. The possible mechanisms of a new initiation factor and two elongation factors are discussed in this context.

Temperature-dependent translation of leaderless and canonical mRNAs in Escherichia coli

Leaderless mRNAs beginning with a 5'-terminal start codon occur in all biological systems. In this work, we have studied the comparative translational efficiency of leaderless and leadered mRNAs as a function of temperature by in vitro translation competition assays with Escherichia coli extracts. At low temperature (25 degrees C) leaderless mRNAs were found to be translated comparatively better than mRNAs containing an internal canonical ribosome binding site, whereas at high temperature (42 degrees C) the translational efficiency of canonical mRNAs is by far superior to that of leaderless mRNA. The inverse correlation between temperature and translational efficiency characteristic for the two mRNA classes was attributed to structural features of the mRNA(s) and to the reduced stability of the translation initiation complex formed at a 5'-terminal start codon at elevated temperature.

Anatomy of Escherichia coli ribosome binding sites

During translational initiation in prokaryotes, the 3' end of the 16S rRNA binds to a region just upstream of the initiation codon. The relationship between this Shine-Dalgarno (SD) region and the binding of ribosomes to translation start-points has been well studied, but a unified mathematical connection between the SD, the initiation codon and the spacing between them has been lacking. Using information theory, we constructed a model that treats these three components uniformly by assigning to the SD and the initiation region (IR) conservations in bits of information, and by assigning to the spacing an uncertainty, also in bits. To build the model, we first aligned the SD region by maximizing the information content there. The ease of this process confirmed the existence of the SD pattern within a set of 4122 reviewed and revised Escherichia coli gene starts. This large data set allowed us to show graphically, by sequence logos, that the spacing between the SD and the initiation region affects both the SD site conservation and its pattern. We used the aligned SD, the spacing, and the initiation region to model ribosome binding and to identify gene starts that do not conform to the ribosome binding site model. A total of 569 experimentally proven starts are more conserved (have higher information content) than the full set of revised starts, which probably reflects an experimental bias against the detection of gene products that have inefficient ribosome binding sites. Models were refined cyclically by removing non-conforming weak sites. After this procedure, models derived from either the original or the revised gene start annotation were similar. Therefore, this information theory-based technique provides a method for easily constructing biologically sensible ribosome binding site models. Such models should be useful for refining gene-start predictions of any sequenced bacterial genome.

Cooperative effects by the initiation codon and its flanking regions on translation initiation

The purine-rich Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence located a few bases upstream of the mRNA initiation codon supports translation initiation by complementary binding to the anti-SD in the 16S rRNA, close to its 3' end. AUG is the canonical initiation codon but the weaker UUG and GUG codons are also used for a minority of genes. The codon sequence of the downstream region (DR), including the +2 codon immediately following the initiation codon, is also important for initiation efficiency. We have studied the interplay between these three initiation determinants on gene expression in growing Escherichia coli. One optimal SD sequence (SD(+)) and one lacking any apparent complementarity to the anti-SD in 16S rRNA (SD(-)) were analyzed. The SD(+) and DR sequences affected initiation in a synergistic manner and large differences in the effects were found. The gene expression level associated with the most efficient of these DRs together with SD(-) was comparable to that of other DRs together with SD(+). The otherwise weak initiation codon UUG, but not GUG, was comparable with AUG in strength, if placed in the context of two of the DRs. The +2 codon was one, but not the only, determinant for this unexpectedly high efficiency of UUG.

Studies of propionate toxicity in Salmonella enterica identify 2-methylcitrate as a potent inhibitor of cell growth

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2 showed increased sensitivity to propionate when the 2-methylcitric acid cycle was blocked. A derivative of a prpC mutant (which lacked 2-methylcitrate synthase activity) resistant to propionate was isolated, and the mutation responsible for the newly acquired resistance to propionate was mapped to the citrate synthase (gltA) gene. These results suggested that citrate synthase activity was the source of the increased sensitivity to propionate observed in the absence of the 2-methylcitric acid cycle. DNA sequencing of the wild-type and mutant gltA alleles revealed that the ATG start codon of the wild-type gene was converted to the rare GTG start codon in the revertant strain. This result suggested that lower levels of this enzyme were present in the mutant. Consistent with this change, cell-free extracts of the propionate-resistant strain contained 12-fold less citrate synthase activity. This was interpreted to mean that, in the wild-type strain, high levels of citrate synthase activity were the source of a toxic metabolite. In vitro experiments performed with homogeneous citrate synthase enzyme indicated that this enzyme was capable of synthesizing 2-methylcitrate from propionyl-CoA and oxaloacetate. This result lent further support to the in vivo data, which suggested that citrate synthase was the source of a toxic metabolite.

Pm promoter expression mutants and their use in broad-host-range RK2 plasmid vectors

By coupling the Pm/xylS promoter system to minimal replicons of the broad-host-range plasmid RK2 we recently showed that such vectors are useful for both high- and low-level inducible expression of cloned genes in gram-negative bacteria. In this report, we extend this potential by identifying point mutations in or near the -10 transcriptional region of Pm. Point mutations leading to gene-independent enhancements of expression levels of the induced state or reduced background expression levels were identified using Escherichia coli as a host. By combining these mutations an additive effect in expression levels from the constructed Pm was observed. The highest induced expression level was obtained by inserting an E. coli consensus sigma70 - 10 recognition region. Most of the remaining activities in the reduced-background mutations appeared to originate from a transcriptional start site other than Pm. The effects of some of these mutations were also analyzed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and were found to act similarly, but less pronounced in this host.

Polyamine stimulation of the synthesis of oligopeptide-binding protein (OppA). Involvement of a structural change of the Shine-Dalgarno sequence and the initiation codon aug in oppa mRNA

We previously suggested that the degree of polyamine stimulation of oligopeptide-binding protein (OppA) synthesis is dependent on the secondary structure and position of the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence of OppA mRNA. To study the structural change of OppA mRNA induced by polyamines and polyamine stimulation of initiation complex formation, four different 130-mer OppA mRNAs containing the initiation region were synthesized in vitro. The structural change of these mRNAs induced by polyamines was examined by measuring their sensitivity to RNase T(1), specific for single-stranded RNA, and RNase V(1), which recognizes double-stranded or stacked RNA. In parallel, the effect of spermidine on mRNA-dependent fMet-tRNA binding to ribosomes was examined. Our results indicate that the secondary structure of the SD sequence and initiation codon AUG is important for the efficiency of initiation complex formation and that spermidine relaxes the structure of the SD sequence and the initiation codon AUG. The existence of a GC-rich double-stranded region close to the SD sequence is important for spermidine stimulation of fMet-tRNA binding to ribosomes. Spermidine apparently binds to this GC-rich stem and causes a structural change of the SD sequence and the initiation codon, facilitating an interaction with 30 S ribosomal subunits.

The dnaK/dnaJ operon of Haemophilus ducreyi contains a unique combination of regulatory elements

Haemophilus ducreyi, which causes the genital ulcer disease chancroid, requires high basal levels of the 60-kDa heat-shock (hs) protein GroEL in order to survive and adhere to host cells in the presence of common environmental stresses. In contrast, the 70-kDa hs protein, DnaK, a negative modulator of the hs response in prokaryotes, is not produced at as high a level as GroEL. Because of these differences, we were interested in identifying regulatory elements affecting the expression of the H. ducreyi dnaK/dnaJ operon. First, the genes encoding H. ducreyi DnaK (Hsp70) and DnaJ (Hsp40) were sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequences shared 82.8 and 63. 9% identity with the Escherichia coli DnaK and DnaJ homologs, respectively. Despite the presence of highly similar (but not identical) hs promoter sequences preceding both the H. ducreyi groES/groEL and dnaK/dnaJ operons, transcription levels for groEL were found to exceed that of dnaK. Subsequently, other genetic elements that could contribute to a lower basal expression of dnaK in H. ducreyi were identified. These elements include: (1) a complex promoter for dnaK consisting of four transcriptional start points (two for sigma32 and two for sigma70) identified by primer extension; (2) a putative binding site for Fur (a transcriptional repressor of iron-regulated genes) that overlaps the initiating AUG of dnaK; and (3) the potential for extensive secondary structure of the long leader sequences of the dnaK transcripts, which could interfere with efficient translation of DnaK. This unique combination of regulatory elements may be responsible for the relatively low-level expression of dnaK in this fastidious genital pathogen.

Post-transcriptional control of bacteriophage T4 gene 25 expression: mRNA secondary structure that enhances translational initiation

Secondary structure of the mRNA in the translational initiation region is an important determinant of translation efficiency. However, the secondary structures that enhance or facilitate translation initiation are rare. We have previously proposed that such structure may exist in the case of bacteriophage T4 gene 25 translational initiation region, which contains three potential Shine-Dalgarno sequences (SD1, SD2, and SD3) with a spacing of 8, 17, and 27 nucleotides from the initiation codon of this gene, respectively. We now present results that clearly demonstrate the existence of a hairpin structure that includes SD1 and SD2 sequences and brings the SD3, the most typical of these Shine-Dalgarno sequences, to a favourable spacing with the initiation codon of gene 25. Using a phage T7 expression system, we show that mutations that prevent the formation of hairpin structure or eliminate the SD3 sequence result in a decreased level of gp25 synthesis. Double mutation in base-pair V restores the level of gene 25 expression that was decreased by either of the two mutations (C-to-G and G-to-C) alone, as predicted by an effect attributable to mRNA secondary structure. We introduced the mutations into the bacteriophage T4 by plasmid-phage recombination. Changes in the plaque and burst sizes of T4 mutants, carrying single and double mutations in the translational initiation region of gene 25, strongly suggest that the predicted mRNA secondary structure controls (enhances) the level of gene 25 expression in vivo. Hybridization of total cellular RNA with a gene 25 specific probe indicated that secondary structure or mutations in the translational initiation region do not notably affect the 25 mRNA stability. Immunoblot analysis of gp25 in Escherichia coli cells infected by T4 mutants showed that mRNA secondary structure increases the level of gp25 synthesis by three- to fourfold. Since the secondary structure increases the level of gp25 synthesis and does not affect mRNA stability, we conclude that this structure enhances translation initiation. We discuss some features of two secondary structures in the translational initiation regions of T4 genes 25 and 38.

Characterization of the dual start motif of a class II holin gene

Holins are small membrane proteins that, at a genetically programmed time in a bacteriophage infective cycle, allow bacteriolytic enzymes, or endolysins, to escape to the periplasm and to attack the cell wall. Most holins fall into two sequence classes, I and II, based on the number of potential transmembrane domains (three for class I and two for class II). The prototype class I holin gene, S lambda, has a dual start motif and encodes not only the effector holin, Slambda105, but also an inhibitor, Slambda107, with a Met-Lys ...extension at the terminus. The prototype class II holin gene of phage 21, S 21, begins with the motif Met-Lys-Ser-Met ..., and a potential RNA secondary structure overlaps the Shine-Dalgarno sequence. Here, we demonstrate that (i) two protein products are elaborated from S 21, S2171 and S2168; (ii) the shorter product is required for lysis; (iii) the longer product, S2171, inhibits S 21 function; and (iv) the Lys-2 residue is important for the inhibitor function. Moreover, the RNA stem-loop structure is involved in the downregulation of S2171 synthesis. However, our results suggest that, in S 21, different segments of the single consensus Shine-Dalgarno sequence serve the two translational starts. These results show that the dual start motifs of class II holin genes are functionally homologous to those of class I holin genes.

Mutant analysis of Prevotella sp. plaA-lacZ fusion protein expression in Escherichia coli: support for an essential role of the stem-loop

This study investigated the involvement of RNA folding in the synthesis of a fusion protein with beta-galactosidase activity. The coding gap region of the Prevotella loescheii adhesin gene plaA was fused in-frame with the Escherichia coli lacZ gene on plasmid pSK105. N-Terminal sequencing of the expressed plaA-lacZ protein indicated that it resulted from translational initiation at a fortuitous ribosomal-binding site within the plaA sequence at nt 570. Specific mutations were introduced in the stem-loop region that precedes the gap sequence. Analysis of stem-loop mutants, together with the introduction of compensatory mutations that restored activity, supports a requirement for stem-loop formation within the plaA sequence preceding the translational initiation site. A mutation reducing the predicted size of the loop, but preserving the stem structure, inactivated fusion protein synthesis. A suppressor mutation predicted to restore the size of the loop restored efficient fusion protein synthesis. In addition, the sequence preceding the translational start site of the plaA-lacZ fusion has several similarities to sequences that function as translational enhancers in prokaryotes. These include a stem-loop structure, an A-U rich region preceding the initiation codon, and a region of homology to 16S rRNA.Key words: site-directed mutagenesis, stem-loop formation, fusion protein, translational initiation, translational enhancer.

Translation initiation factor 3 antagonizes authentic start codon selection on leaderless mRNAs

In this study, we have examined the influence of initiation factors on translation initiation of leaderless mRNAs whose 5'-terminal residues are the A of the AUG initiating codon. A 1:1 ratio of initiation factors to ribosomes abolished ternary complex formation at the authentic start codon of different leaderless mRNAs. Supporting this observation, in vitro translation assays using limiting ribosome concentrations with competing leaderless lambda cl and Escherichia coli ompA mRNAs, the latter containing a canonical ribosome binding site, revealed reduced cl synthesis relative to OmpA in the presence of added initiation factors. Using in vitro toeprinting and in vitro translation assays, we show that this effect can be attributed to IF3. Moreover, in vivo studies revealed that the translational efficiency of a leaderless reporter gene is decreased with increased IF3 levels. These studies are corroborated by the observed increased translational efficiency of a leaderless reporter construct in an infC mutant strain unable to discriminate against non-standard start codons. These results suggest that, in the absence of a leader or a Shine-Dalgarno sequence, the function(s) of IF3 limits stable 30S ternary complex formation.

Discrimination of 5'-terminal start codons by translation initiation factor 3 is mediated by ribosomal protein S1

The interrelation between ribosomal protein S1 and IF3 in recognition/discrimination of 5'-terminal start codons by 30S ribosomes has been studied using in vitro toeprinting. The study has been performed with two naturally occurring leaderless mRNAs, lambda cI and phage r1t rro mRNA, as well as with an artificial leaderless mRNA derived from the E. coli ompA gene. We show that in the absence of S1, IF3 does not discriminate against the authentic 5'-terminal start codon of both cI and rro mRNA. Since IF3 was able to exert its proofreading function for initiator tRNA(fMet) on 30S ribosomes lacking S1, this observation cannot be attributed to a lack of binding to or action of IF3 on 30S(-S1) ribosomes. In contrast to leaderless mRNAs, ternary complex formation occurs in the presence of IF3 with 30S ribosomes when the start codon is preceded by a short 20-nucleotide 5'-untranslated region containing a canonical Shine and Dalgarno sequence. This suggests that 5'-terminal start codons are recognised by IF3 as non-standard because of the lack of 16S rRNA-mRNA contacts.

RNA folding kinetics regulates translation of phage MS2 maturation gene

The gene for the maturation protein of the single-stranded RNA coliphage MS2 is preceded by an untranslated leader of 130 nt, which folds into a cloverleaf, i.e., three stem-loop structures enclosed by a long distance interaction (LDI). This LDI prevents translation because its 3' moiety contains the Shine-Dalgarno sequence of the maturation gene. Previously, several observations suggested that folding of the cloverleaf is kinetically delayed, providing a time window for ribosomes to access the RNA. Here we present direct evidence for this model. In vitro experiments show that ribosome binding to the maturation gene is faster than refolding of the denatured cloverleaf. This folding delay appears related to special properties of the leader sequence. We have replaced the three stem-loop structures by a single five nt loop. This change does not affect the equilibrium structure of the LDI. Nevertheless, in this construct, the folding delay has virtually disappeared, suggesting that now the RNA folds faster than ribosomes can bind. Perturbation of the cloverleaf by an insertion makes the maturation start permanently accessible. A pseudorevertant that evolved from an infectious clone carrying the insertion had overcome this defect. It showed a wild-type folding delay before closing down the maturation gene. This experiment reveals the biological significance of retarded cloverleaf formation.

The central pseudoknot in 16S ribosomal RNA is needed for ribosome stability but is not essential for 30S initiation complex formation

To examine the function of the central pseudoknot in 16S rRNA, we have studied Escherichia coli 30S subunits with the A18 mutation in this structure element. Previously, this mutation, which changes the central base pair of helix 2, C18--G917, to an A18xG917 mismatch, was shown to inhibit translation in vivo and a defect in initiation was suggested. Here, we find that the mutant 30S particles are impaired in forming 70S tight couples and predominantly accumulate as free 30S subunits. Formation of a 30S initiation complex, as measured by toeprinting, was almost as efficient for mutant 30S subunits, derived from the tight couple fraction, as for the wild-type control. However, the A18 mutation has a profound effect on the overall stability of the subunit. The mutant ribosomes were inactivated by affinity chromatography and high salt treatment, due to easy loss of ribosomal proteins. Accordingly, the particles could be reactivated by partial in vitro reconstitution with 30S ribosomal proteins. Mutant 30S subunits from the free subunit fraction were already inactive upon isolation, but could also be reactivated by reconstitution. Apparently, the inactivity in initiation of these mutant 30S subunits is, at least in part, also due to the lack of essential ribosomal proteins. We conclude that disruption of helix 2 of the central pseudoknot by itself does not affect the formation of a 30S initiation complex. We suggest that the in vivo translational defect of the mutant ribosomes is caused by their inability to form 70S initiation complexes.

Strategies for achieving high-level expression of genes in Escherichia coli

Progress in our understanding of several biological processes promises to broaden the usefulness of Escherichia coli as a tool for gene expression. There is an expanding choice of tightly regulated prokaryotic promoters suitable for achieving high-level gene expression. New host strains facilitate the formation of disulfide bonds in the reducing environment of the cytoplasm and offer higher protein yields by minimizing proteolytic degradation. Insights into the process of protein translocation across the bacterial membranes may eventually make it possible to achieve robust secretion of specific proteins into the culture medium. Studies involving molecular chaperones have shown that in specific cases, chaperones can be very effective for improved protein folding, solubility, and membrane transport. Negative results derived from such studies are also instructive in formulating different strategies. The remarkable increase in the availability of fusion partners offers a wide range of tools for improved protein folding, solubility, protection from proteases, yield, and secretion into the culture medium, as well as for detection and purification of recombinant proteins. Codon usage is known to present a potential impediment to high-level gene expression in E. coli. Although we still do not understand all the rules governing this phenomenon, it is apparent that "rare" codons, depending on their frequency and context, can have an adverse effect on protein levels. Usually, this problem can be alleviated by modification of the relevant codons or by coexpression of the cognate tRNA genes. Finally, the elucidation of specific determinants of protein degradation, a plethora of protease-deficient host strains, and methods to stabilize proteins afford new strategies to minimize proteolytic susceptibility of recombinant proteins in E. coli.

Translational level is a critical factor for the secretion of heterologous proteins in Escherichia coli

A method for enhancing the secretion of heterologous proteins in Escherichia coli by optimizing, as opposed to simply maximizing, the translational level of a given protein is described. Random alteration of the translational initiation region (TIR) of the Heat-Stable Enterotoxin II (STII) signal sequence resulted in a library of vectors with varied translational strengths. Subsequent screening of this library using E. coli alkaline phosphatase as a reporter led to the selection of several TIR variants covering a 10-fold range of translational strength. These TIR variants, in combination with several previously generated variants, are shown to dramatically improve the secretion of a number of heterologous proteins. In fact, the heterologous proteins tested required a narrow translational range for optimal high-level secretion into the periplasm. Interestingly, the secretion of two native E. coli proteins was unaffected by TIR strength when tested over an identical range. The dependence of secretion on a narrow translational level demonstrates its critical role in the secretion of heterologous proteins in E. coli.

Mutations at two invariant nucleotides in the 3'-minor domain of Escherichia coli 16 S rRNA affecting translational initiation and initiation factor 3 function

We have investigated the highly conserved GAUCA sequence of small subunit ribosomal RNA. Within this region, the invariant nucleotides G1530 and A1531 of Escherichia coli 16 S rRNA were mutagenized to A1530/G1531. These base changes caused a lethal phenotype when expressed from a high copy number plasmid. In low copy number plasmids, the mutant ribosomes had limited effects when expressed in vivo but caused significant deficiencies in translation in vitro, affecting enzymatic tRNA binding, non-enzymatic tRNA binding, subunit association, and initiation factor 3 (IF3) binding. Mutant 30 S ribosomal subunits showed a 10-fold decrease in affinity for IF3 as compared to wild-type subunits but showed an increased affinity for IF3 when in 70 S ribosomes. Additionally, IF3 did not promote dissociation of 70 S ribosomes, which had mutated subunits as monitored by light-scattering experiments. However, extension inhibition experiments (toeprinting) showed that IF3 retained its ability to discriminate between initiator and elongator tRNAs on mutated subunits. The results indicate that the two functions of IF3, tRNA discrimination and subunit dissociation, are separable and that the invariant nucleotides are important for correct subunit function during initiation.

Molecular recognition governing the initiation of translation in Escherichia coli. A review

Selection of the proper start codon for the synthesis of a polypeptide by the Escherichia coli translation initiation apparatus involves several macromolecular components. These macromolecules interact in a specific and concerted manner to yield the translation initiation complex. This review focuses on recent data concerning the properties of the initiator tRNA and of enzymes and factors involved in the translation initiation process. The three initiation factors, as well as methionyl-tRNA synthetase and methionyl-tRNA(f)Met formyltransferase are described. In addition, the tRNA recognition properties of EF-Tu and peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase are considered. Finally, peptide deformylase and methionine aminopeptidase, which catalyze the amino terminal maturation of nascent polypeptides, can also be associated to the translation initiation process.

Ternary complex formation on leaderless phage mRNA

The phage Lambda PRM promoter-derived cI mRNA and phage P2 gene V mRNA are transcribed beginning with the A residue of the AUG start codon. Using lacZ fusion analysis we have assessed the effects of alterations in the immediate downstream coding region on the translational efficiency of these mRNAs. Mutations, including deletions of the putative downstream box of either cI or gene V mRNAs, showed no significant reduction in expression of the different lacZ fusions. Primer extension inhibition analysis suggests a role of ribosomal protein S1 in cI mRNA recognition.

A polypurine sequence that acts as a 5' mRNA stabilizer in Bacillus subtilis

A segment of early RNA from Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage SP82 was shown to function as a 5' stabilizer in B. subtilis. Several heterologous RNA sequences were stabilized by the presence of the SP82 sequence at the 5' end, and expression of downstream coding sequences was increased severalfold. The SP82 RNA segment encodes a B. subtilis RNase III cleavage site, but cleavage by B. subtilis RNase III was not required for stabilization. The sequence that specifies 5' stabilizer function was localized to a polypurine sequence that resembles a ribosome binding site. The ability of the SP82 sequence to stabilize downstream RNA was dependent on its position relative to the 5' end of the RNA. These results demonstrate the existence of a new type of 5' stabilizer in B. subtilis and indicate that attack at the 5' end is a principal mechanism for initiation of mRNA decay in B. subtilis.