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Kim J, Seo M, Lim Y, Kim J. START: A Versatile Platform for Bacterial Ligand Sensing with Programmable Performances. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2402029. [PMID: 39075726 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Recognition of signaling molecules for coordinated regulation of target genes is a fundamental process for biological systems. Cells often rely on transcription factors to accomplish these intricate tasks, yet the subtle conformational changes of protein structures, coupled with the complexity of intertwined protein interaction networks, pose challenges for repurposing these for bioengineering applications. This study introduces a novel platform for ligand-responsive gene regulation, termed START (Synthetic Trans-Acting Riboswitch with Triggering RNA). Inspired by the bacterial ligand sensing system, riboswitch, and the synthetic gene regulator, toehold switch, the START platform enables the implementation of synthetic biosensors for various ligands. Rational sequence design with targeted domain optimization yields high-performance STARTs with a dynamic range up to 67.29-fold and a tunable ligand sensitivity, providing a simple and intuitive strategy for sensor engineering. The START platform also exhibits modularity and composability to allow flexible genetic circuit construction, enabling seamless implementation of OR, AND, and NOT Boolean logic gates for multiple ligand inputs. The START design principle is capable of broadening the suite of synthetic biosensors for diverse chemical and protein ligands, providing a novel riboregulator chassis for synthetic biology and bioengineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongwon Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Minchae Seo
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Yelin Lim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673, South Korea
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2
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Olenginski LT, Spradlin SF, Batey RT. Flipping the script: Understanding riboswitches from an alternative perspective. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105730. [PMID: 38336293 PMCID: PMC10907184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Riboswitches are broadly distributed regulatory elements most frequently found in the 5'-leader sequence of bacterial mRNAs that regulate gene expression in response to the binding of a small molecule effector. The occupancy status of the ligand-binding aptamer domain manipulates downstream information in the message that instructs the expression machinery. Currently, there are over 55 validated riboswitch classes, where each class is defined based on the identity of the ligand it binds and/or sequence and structure conservation patterns within the aptamer domain. This classification reflects an "aptamer-centric" perspective that dominates our understanding of riboswitches. In this review, we propose a conceptual framework that groups riboswitches based on the mechanism by which RNA manipulates information directly instructing the expression machinery. This scheme does not replace the established aptamer domain-based classification of riboswitches but rather serves to facilitate hypothesis-driven investigation of riboswitch regulatory mechanisms. Based on current bioinformatic, structural, and biochemical studies of a broad spectrum of riboswitches, we propose three major mechanistic groups: (1) "direct occlusion", (2) "interdomain docking", and (3) "strand exchange". We discuss the defining features of each group, present representative examples of riboswitches from each group, and illustrate how these RNAs couple small molecule binding to gene regulation. While mechanistic studies of the occlusion and docking groups have yielded compelling models for how these riboswitches function, much less is known about strand exchange processes. To conclude, we outline the limitations of our mechanism-based conceptual framework and discuss how critical information within riboswitch expression platforms can inform gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert T Batey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA.
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3
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Kelly SL, Strobel EJ. Systematic analysis of cotranscriptional RNA folding using transcription elongation complex display. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.22.573115. [PMID: 38187752 PMCID: PMC10769408 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.22.573115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
RNA can fold into structures that mediate diverse cellular functions. Understanding how RNA primary sequence directs the formation of functional structures requires methods that can comprehensively assess how changes in an RNA sequence affect its structure and function. Here we have developed a platform for performing high-throughput cotranscriptional RNA biochemical assays, called Transcription Elongation Complex display (TECdisplay). TECdisplay measures RNA function by fractionating a TEC library based on the activity of cotranscriptionally displayed nascent RNA. In this way, RNA function is measured as the distribution of template DNA molecules between fractions of the transcription reaction. This approach circumvents typical RNA sequencing library preparation steps that can cause technical bias. We used TECdisplay to characterize the transcription antitermination activity of 32,768 variants of the Clostridium beijerinckii pfl ZTP riboswitch designed to perturb steps within its cotranscriptional folding pathway. Our findings establish TECdisplay as an accessible platform for high-throughput RNA biochemical assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skyler L. Kelly
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Eric J. Strobel
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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4
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Szyjka CE, Strobel EJ. Observation of coordinated RNA folding events by systematic cotranscriptional RNA structure probing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7839. [PMID: 38030633 PMCID: PMC10687018 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA begins to fold as it is transcribed by an RNA polymerase. Consequently, RNA folding is constrained by the direction and rate of transcription. Understanding how RNA folds into secondary and tertiary structures therefore requires methods for determining the structure of cotranscriptional folding intermediates. Cotranscriptional RNA chemical probing methods accomplish this by systematically probing the structure of nascent RNA that is displayed from an RNA polymerase. Here, we describe a concise, high-resolution cotranscriptional RNA chemical probing procedure called variable length Transcription Elongation Complex RNA structure probing (TECprobe-VL). We demonstrate the accuracy and resolution of TECprobe-VL by replicating and extending previous analyses of ZTP and fluoride riboswitch folding and mapping the folding pathway of a ppGpp-sensing riboswitch. In each system, we show that TECprobe-VL identifies coordinated cotranscriptional folding events that mediate transcription antitermination. Our findings establish TECprobe-VL as an accessible method for mapping cotranscriptional RNA folding pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Szyjka
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Eric J Strobel
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
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5
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Zhu C, Cheng Y, Shi Q, Ge X, Yang Y, Huang Y. Metagenomic analyses reveal microbial communities and functional differences between Daqu from seven provinces. Food Res Int 2023; 172:113076. [PMID: 37689857 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Microbial communities perform the brewing function in Daqu. Macrogenomics and PICRUST II analyses revealed the differences in microbes and metabolic functions among Daqu from the seven Baijiu-producing provinces. Jiang-flavored Daqu (Guizhou, Shandong, and Hubei provinces) generally forms an aroma-producing functional microbiota with Kroppenstedtia, Bacillus, Thermoascus, Virgibacillus, and Thermomyces as the core, which promotes the metabolism of various amino acids and aroma compounds. Light-flavored Daqu (Shanxi Province) enriched the Saccharomycopsis, Saccharomyces, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) microbiota through low-temperature fermentation. These microbes can synthesize alcohol and lactic acid but inhibit amino acid metabolism within the Light-flavored Daqu. Bifidobacterium and Saccharomycopsis were dominant in the Tao-flavored Daqu (Henan province). This unique microbial structure is beneficial for pyruvate fermentation to lactate. Research also found that Strong-flavored Daqu from Jiangsu and Sichuan provinces differed significantly. The microbial communities and metabolic pathways within Jiangsu Daqu were similar to those within Jiang-flavored Daqu, but Sichuan Daqu was dominated by Thermoascus, LAB, and Thermoactinomyces. In addition, Spearman correlation analysis indicated that Kroppenstedtia, Bacillus, and Thermomyces were not only positively related to flavor metabolism but also negatively correlated with Saccharomycopsis. This research will help establish a systematic understanding of the microbial community and functional characteristics in Daqu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chutian Zhu
- College of Liquor and Food Engineering, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biological Pharmacy of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biological Pharmacy of Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yuxin Cheng
- College of Liquor and Food Engineering, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biological Pharmacy of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Qili Shi
- College of Liquor and Food Engineering, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biological Pharmacy of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Xiangyang Ge
- Yanghe Distillery Co., Ltd., Suqian, Jiangsu 223800, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Yanghe Distillery Co., Ltd., Suqian, Jiangsu 223800, China
| | - Yongguang Huang
- College of Liquor and Food Engineering, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biological Pharmacy of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering and Biological Pharmacy of Guizhou Province, China
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6
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Hu G, Zhou HX. Magnesium ions mediate ligand binding and conformational transition of the SAM/SAH riboswitch. Commun Biol 2023; 6:791. [PMID: 37524918 PMCID: PMC10390503 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05175-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The SAM/SAH riboswitch binds S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) with similar affinities. Mg2+ is generally known to stabilize RNA structures by neutralizing phosphates, but how it contributes to ligand binding and conformational transition is understudied. Here, extensive molecular dynamics simulations (totaling 120 μs) predicted over 10 inner-shell Mg2+ ions in the SAM/SAH riboswitch. Six of them line the two sides of a groove to widen it and thereby pre-organize the riboswitch for ligand entry. They also form outer-shell coordination with the ligands and stabilize an RNA-ligand hydrogen bond, which effectively diminishes the selectivity between SAM and SAH. One Mg2+ ion unique to the apo form maintains the Shine-Dalgarno sequence in an autonomous mode and thereby facilitates its release for ribosome binding. Mg2+ thus plays vital roles in SAM/SAH riboswitch function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Hu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou, 253023, China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Huan-Xiang Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
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7
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Hu G, Zhou HX. Magnesium ions mediate ligand binding and conformational transition of the SAM/SAH riboswitch. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.12.532287. [PMID: 36945415 PMCID: PMC10029009 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.12.532287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
The SAM/SAH riboswitch binds S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) with similar affinities. Mg 2+ is generally known to stabilize RNA structures by neutralizing phosphates, but how it contributes to ligand binding and conformational transition is understudied. Here, extensive molecular dynamics simulations (totaling 120 μs) identified over 10 inner-shell Mg 2+ ions in the SAM/SAH riboswitch. Six of them line the two sides of a groove to widen it and thereby pre-organize the riboswitch for ligand entry. They also form outer-shell coordination with the ligands and stabilize an RNA-ligand hydrogen bond, which effectively diminish the selectivity between SAM and SAH. One Mg 2+ ion unique to the apo form maintains the Shine-Dalgarno sequence in an autonomous mode and thereby facilitates its release for ribosome binding. Mg 2+ thus plays vital roles in SAM/SAH riboswitch function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Hu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607
| | - Huan-Xiang Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607
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8
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Szyjka CE, Strobel EJ. Observation of coordinated cotranscriptional RNA folding events. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.21.529405. [PMID: 36865203 PMCID: PMC9980086 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.21.529405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
RNA begins to fold as it is transcribed by an RNA polymerase. Consequently, RNA folding is constrained by the direction and rate of transcription. Understanding how RNA folds into secondary and tertiary structures therefore requires methods for determining the structure of cotranscriptional folding intermediates. Cotranscriptional RNA chemical probing methods accomplish this by systematically probing the structure of nascent RNA that is displayed from RNA polymerase. Here, we have developed a concise, high-resolution cotranscriptional RNA chemical probing procedure called Transcription Elongation Complex RNA structure probing-Multilength (TECprobe-ML). We validated TECprobe-ML by replicating and extending previous analyses of ZTP and fluoride riboswitch folding, and mapped the folding pathway of a ppGpp-sensing riboswitch. In each system, TECprobe-ML identified coordinated cotranscriptional folding events that mediate transcription antitermination. Our findings establish TECprobe-ML as an accessible method for mapping cotranscriptional RNA folding pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E. Szyjka
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Eric J. Strobel
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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9
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Potential effects of metal ion induced two-state allostery on the regulatory mechanism of add adenine riboswitch. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1120. [PMID: 36273041 PMCID: PMC9588036 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04096-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Riboswitches normally regulate gene expression through structural changes in response to the specific binding of cellular metabolites or metal ions. Taking add adenine riboswitch as an example, we explore the influences of metal ions (especially for K+ and Mg2+ ions) on the structure and dynamics of riboswitch aptamer (with and without ligand) by using molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. Our results show that a two-state transition marked by the structural deformation at the connection of J12 and P1 (CJ12-P1) is not only related to the binding of cognate ligands, but also strongly coupled with the change of metal ion environments. Moreover, the deformation of the structure at CJ12-P1 can be transmitted to P1 directly connected to the expression platform in multiple ways, which will affect the structure and stability of P1 to varying degrees, and finally change the regulation state of this riboswitch. Molecular dynamic simulations are employed to assess the influence of metal ions on riboswitch structure and dynamics, suggesting a conformational control of riboswitch aptamers by metal ions before ligand binding.
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10
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Yu-Nan H, Kang W, Yu S, Xiao-Jun X, Yan W, Xing-Ao L, Ting-Ting S. Molecular dynamics simulation on the Thermosinus carboxydivorans pfl ZTP riboswitch by ligand binding. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 627:184-190. [PMID: 36044800 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Riboswitches are RNA molecules that can regulate gene expression which is affected by ligand-binding during cotranscriptional folding process. However, the role of ligand during the folding is still unclear. In this study, the pfl domain of Thermosinus carboxydivorans ZTP riboswitch was discussed. The ligand is molecule ZMP. We mainly analyzed the change of ZMP-free and ZMP-bound aptamer domain by the dynamics simulation method. Structural features by calculating their RMSD, RMSF, etc. are analyzed. The results demonstrate that the binding domain require the presence of ZMP to maintain a stable fold. It also suggested that ZMP specificly binding to ZTP can generate more hydrogen bonds in the binding domain. Through the calculation of binding free energy decomposition of each nucleotide, molecule ZMP was found to promote the recognition and binding process of ligands by controlling some special nucleotides in the process of ligand binding. At last, the dynamical correlation and components of conformational motions were both applied to explore the effect of molecule ZMP to ZTP riboswitch. In general, ZMP can effectively affect the motions of the pfl riboswitch and facilitate the folding process of the ZTP riboswitch.These results may provide some new ideas for structural changes in riboswitches and their cotranscriptional folding process.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Yu-Nan
- Department of Physics, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310008, PR China
| | - Wang Kang
- Department of Physics, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310008, PR China
| | - Shen Yu
- Department of Physics, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310008, PR China
| | - Xu Xiao-Jun
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, Jiangsu, 213001, PR China
| | - Wang Yan
- Department of Physics, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310008, PR China
| | - Li Xing-Ao
- Department of Physics, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310008, PR China.
| | - Sun Ting-Ting
- Department of Physics, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310008, PR China.
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11
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The influence of Holliday junction sequence and dynamics on DNA crystal self-assembly. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3112. [PMID: 35662248 PMCID: PMC9166708 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30779-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The programmable synthesis of rationally engineered crystal architectures for the precise arrangement of molecular species is a foundational goal in nanotechnology, and DNA has become one of the most prominent molecules for the construction of these materials. In particular, branched DNA junctions have been used as the central building block for the assembly of 3D lattices. Here, crystallography is used to probe the effect of all 36 immobile Holliday junction sequences on self-assembling DNA crystals. Contrary to the established paradigm in the field, most junctions yield crystals, with some enhancing the resolution or resulting in unique crystal symmetries. Unexpectedly, even the sequence adjacent to the junction has a significant effect on the crystal assemblies. Six of the immobile junction sequences are completely resistant to crystallization and thus deemed “fatal,” and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that these junctions invariably lack two discrete ion binding sites that are pivotal for crystal formation. The structures and dynamics detailed here could be used to inform future designs of both crystals and DNA nanostructures more broadly, and have potential implications for the molecular engineering of applied nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, and catalysis within the crystalline context. Engineered crystal architectures from DNA have become a foundational goal for nanotechnological precise arrangement. Here, the authors systematically investigate the structures of 36 immobile Holliday junction sequences and identify the features allowing the crystallisation of most of them, while 6 are considered fatal.
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12
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Huang K, Chen X, Li C, Song Q, Li H, Zhu L, Yang Y, Ren A. Structure-based investigation of fluorogenic Pepper aptamer. Nat Chem Biol 2021; 17:1289-1295. [PMID: 34725509 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00884-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Pepper fluorescent RNAs are a recently reported bright, stable and multicolor fluorogenic aptamer tag that enable imaging of diverse RNAs in live cells. To investigate the molecular basis of the superior properties of Pepper, we determined the structures of complexes of Pepper aptamer bound with its cognate HBC or HBC-like fluorophores at high resolution by X-ray crystallography. The Pepper aptamer folds in a monomeric non-G-quadruplex tuning-fork-like architecture composed of a helix and one protruded junction region. The near-planar fluorophore molecule intercalates in the middle of the structure and is sandwiched between one non-G-quadruplex base quadruple and one noncanonical G·U wobble helical base pair. In addition, structure-based mutational analysis is evaluated by in vitro and live-cell fluorogenic detection. Taken together, our research provides a structural basis for demystifying the fluorescence activation mechanism of Pepper aptamer and for further improvement of its future application in RNA visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyi Huang
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xianjun Chen
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huiwen Li
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Linyong Zhu
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Yang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Aiming Ren
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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13
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Popenda M, Zok T, Sarzynska J, Korpeta A, Adamiak R, Antczak M, Szachniuk M. Entanglements of structure elements revealed in RNA 3D models. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:9625-9632. [PMID: 34432024 PMCID: PMC8464073 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational methods to predict RNA 3D structure have more and more practical applications in molecular biology and medicine. Therefore, it is crucial to intensify efforts to improve the accuracy and quality of predicted three-dimensional structures. A significant role in this is played by the RNA-Puzzles initiative that collects, evaluates, and shares RNAs built computationally within currently nearly 30 challenges. RNA-Puzzles datasets, subjected to multi-criteria analysis, allow revealing the strengths and weaknesses of computer prediction methods. Here, we study the issue of entangled RNA fragments in the predicted RNA 3D structure models. By entanglement, we mean an arrangement of two structural elements such that one of them passes through the other. We propose the classification of entanglements driven by their topology and components. It distinguishes two general classes, interlaces and lassos, and subclasses characterized by element types-loops, dinucleotide steps, open single-stranded fragments-and puncture multiplicity. Our computational pipeline for entanglement detection, applied for 1,017 non-redundant models from RNA-Puzzles, has shown the frequency of different entanglements and allowed identifying 138 structures with intersected assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Popenda
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Zok
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Joanna Sarzynska
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Korpeta
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Ryszard W Adamiak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Antczak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Szachniuk
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
- Institute of Computing Science & European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 2, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
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14
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Liu D, Shao Y, Piccirilli JA, Weizmann Y. Structures of artificially designed discrete RNA nanoarchitectures at near-atomic resolution. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabf4459. [PMID: 34550747 PMCID: PMC8457670 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf4459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Although advances in nanotechnology have enabled the construction of complex and functional synthetic nucleic acid–based nanoarchitectures, high-resolution discrete structures are lacking because of the difficulty in obtaining good diffracting crystals. Here, we report the design and construction of RNA nanostructures based on homooligomerizable one-stranded tiles for x-ray crystallographic determination. We solved three structures to near-atomic resolution: a 2D parallelogram, a 3D nanobracelet unexpectedly formed from an RNA designed for a nanocage, and, eventually, a bona fide 3D nanocage designed with the guidance of the two previous structures. Structural details of their constituent motifs, such as kissing loops, branched kissing loops, and T-junctions, that resemble natural RNA motifs and resisted x-ray determination are revealed, providing insights into those natural motifs. This work unveils the largely unexplored potential of crystallography in gaining high-resolution feedback for nanoarchitectural design and suggests a route to investigate RNA motif structures by configuring them into nanoarchitectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yaming Shao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Joseph A. Piccirilli
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yossi Weizmann
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
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15
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Xu X, Egger M, Chen H, Bartosik K, Micura R, Ren A. Insights into xanthine riboswitch structure and metal ion-mediated ligand recognition. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:7139-7153. [PMID: 34125892 PMCID: PMC8266621 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Riboswitches are conserved functional domains in mRNA that mostly exist in bacteria. They regulate gene expression in response to varying concentrations of metabolites or metal ions. Recently, the NMT1 RNA motif has been identified to selectively bind xanthine and uric acid, respectively, both are involved in the metabolic pathway of purine degradation. Here, we report a crystal structure of this RNA bound to xanthine. Overall, the riboswitch exhibits a rod-like, continuously stacked fold composed of three stems and two internal junctions. The binding-pocket is determined by the highly conserved junctional sequence J1 between stem P1 and P2a, and engages a long-distance Watson–Crick base pair to junction J2. Xanthine inserts between a G–U pair from the major groove side and is sandwiched between base triples. Strikingly, a Mg2+ ion is inner-sphere coordinated to O6 of xanthine and a non-bridging oxygen of a backbone phosphate. Two further hydrated Mg2+ ions participate in extensive interactions between xanthine and the pocket. Our structure model is verified by ligand binding analysis to selected riboswitch mutants using isothermal titration calorimetry, and by fluorescence spectroscopic analysis of RNA folding using 2-aminopurine-modified variants. Together, our study highlights the principles of metal ion-mediated ligand recognition by the xanthine riboswitch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Xu
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Michaela Egger
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Hao Chen
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Karolina Bartosik
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Ronald Micura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Aiming Ren
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
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16
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Wang S, Gong W, Deng X, Liu Y, Li C. Exploring the dynamics of RNA molecules with multiscale Gaussian network model. Chem Phys 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphys.2020.110820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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17
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Watkins AM, Rangan R, Das R. FARFAR2: Improved De Novo Rosetta Prediction of Complex Global RNA Folds. Structure 2020; 28:963-976.e6. [PMID: 32531203 PMCID: PMC7415647 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2020.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Predicting RNA three-dimensional structures from sequence could accelerate understanding of the growing number of RNA molecules being discovered across biology. Rosetta's Fragment Assembly of RNA with Full-Atom Refinement (FARFAR) has shown promise in community-wide blind RNA-Puzzle trials, but lack of a systematic and automated benchmark has left unclear what limits FARFAR performance. Here, we benchmark FARFAR2, an algorithm integrating RNA-Puzzle-inspired innovations with updated fragment libraries and helix modeling. In 16 of 21 RNA-Puzzles revisited without experimental data or expert intervention, FARFAR2 recovers native-like structures more accurate than models submitted during the RNA-Puzzles trials. Remaining bottlenecks include conformational sampling for >80-nucleotide problems and scoring function limitations more generally. Supporting these conclusions, preregistered blind models for adenovirus VA-I RNA and five riboswitch complexes predicted native-like folds with 3- to 14 Å root-mean-square deviation accuracies. We present a FARFAR2 webserver and three large model archives (FARFAR2-Classics, FARFAR2-Motifs, and FARFAR2-Puzzles) to guide future applications and advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Martin Watkins
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ramya Rangan
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rhiju Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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18
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Structural Insights into RNA Dimerization: Motifs, Interfaces and Functions. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25122881. [PMID: 32585844 PMCID: PMC7357161 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In comparison with the pervasive use of protein dimers and multimers in all domains of life, functional RNA oligomers have so far rarely been observed in nature. Their diminished occurrence contrasts starkly with the robust intrinsic potential of RNA to multimerize through long-range base-pairing ("kissing") interactions, self-annealing of palindromic or complementary sequences, and stable tertiary contact motifs, such as the GNRA tetraloop-receptors. To explore the general mechanics of RNA dimerization, we performed a meta-analysis of a collection of exemplary RNA homodimer structures consisting of viral genomic elements, ribozymes, riboswitches, etc., encompassing both functional and fortuitous dimers. Globally, we found that domain-swapped dimers and antiparallel, head-to-tail arrangements are predominant architectural themes. Locally, we observed that the same structural motifs, interfaces and forces that enable tertiary RNA folding also drive their higher-order assemblies. These feature prominently long-range kissing loops, pseudoknots, reciprocal base intercalations and A-minor interactions. We postulate that the scarcity of functional RNA multimers and limited diversity in multimerization motifs may reflect evolutionary constraints imposed by host antiviral immune surveillance and stress sensing. A deepening mechanistic understanding of RNA multimerization is expected to facilitate investigations into RNA and RNP assemblies, condensates, and granules and enable their potential therapeutical targeting.
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19
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Mitchell C, Polanco JA, DeWald L, Kress D, Jaeger L, Grabow WW. Responsive self-assembly of tectoRNAs with loop-receptor interactions from the tetrahydrofolate (THF) riboswitch. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:6439-6451. [PMID: 31045210 PMCID: PMC6614920 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring RNAs are known to exhibit a high degree of modularity, whereby specific structural modules (or motifs) can be mixed and matched to create new molecular architectures. The modular nature of RNA also affords researchers the ability to characterize individual structural elements in controlled synthetic contexts in order to gain new and critical insights into their particular structural features and overall performance. Here, we characterized the binding affinity of a unique loop–receptor interaction found in the tetrahydrofolate (THF) riboswitch using rationally designed self-assembling tectoRNAs. Our work suggests that the THF loop–receptor interaction has been fine-tuned for its particular role as a riboswitch component. We also demonstrate that the thermodynamic stability of this interaction can be modulated by the presence of folinic acid, which induces a local structural change at the level of the loop–receptor. This corroborates the existence of a THF binding site within this tertiary module and paves the way for its potential use as a THF responsive module for RNA nanotechnology and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA 918119-1997, USA
| | - Julio A Polanco
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510, USA
| | - Laura DeWald
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA 918119-1997, USA
| | - Dustin Kress
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA 918119-1997, USA
| | - Luc Jaeger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9510, USA
| | - Wade W Grabow
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA 918119-1997, USA
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20
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Perkins KR, Atilho RM, Moon MH, Breaker RR. Employing a ZTP Riboswitch to Detect Bacterial Folate Biosynthesis Inhibitors in a Small Molecule High-Throughput Screen. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:2841-2850. [PMID: 31609568 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Various riboswitch classes are being discovered that precisely monitor the status of important biological processes, including metabolic pathway function, signaling for physiological adaptations, and responses to toxic agents. Biochemical components for some of these processes might make excellent targets for the development of novel antibacterial molecules, which can be broadly sought by using phenotypic drug discovery (PDD) methods. However, PDD data do not normally provide clues regarding the target for each hit compound. We have developed and validated a robust fluorescent reporter system based on a ZTP riboswitch that identifies numerous folate biosynthesis inhibitors with high sensitivity and precision. The utility of the riboswitch-based PDD strategy was evaluated using Escherichia coli bacteria by conducting a 128 310-compound high-throughput screen, which identified 78 sulfanilamide derivatives among the many initial hits. Similarly, representatives of other riboswitch classes could be employed to rapidly match antibacterial hits with the biological processes they target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Perkins
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, United States
| | - Ruben M. Atilho
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, United States
| | - Michelle H. Moon
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, United States
| | - Ronald R. Breaker
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, United States
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, United States
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21
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Huang L, Wang J, Watkins AM, Das R, Lilley DMJ. Structure and ligand binding of the glutamine-II riboswitch. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:7666-7675. [PMID: 31216023 PMCID: PMC6698751 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We have determined the structure of the glutamine-II riboswitch ligand binding domain using X-ray crystallography. The structure was solved using a novel combination of homology modeling and molecular replacement. The structure comprises three coaxial helical domains, the central one of which is a pseudoknot with partial triplex character. The major groove of this helix provides the binding site for L-glutamine, which is extensively hydrogen bonded to the RNA. Atomic mutation of the RNA at the ligand binding site leads to loss of binding shown by isothermal titration calorimetry, explaining the specificity of the riboswitch. A metal ion also plays an important role in ligand binding. This is directly bonded to a glutamine carboxylate oxygen atom, and its remaining inner-sphere water molecules make hydrogen bonding interactions with the RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Huang
- Cancer Research UK Nucleic Acid Structure Research Group, MSI/WTB Complex, The University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Jia Wang
- Cancer Research UK Nucleic Acid Structure Research Group, MSI/WTB Complex, The University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Andrew M Watkins
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rhiju Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David M J Lilley
- Cancer Research UK Nucleic Acid Structure Research Group, MSI/WTB Complex, The University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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22
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Strobel EJ, Cheng L, Berman KE, Carlson PD, Lucks JB. A ligand-gated strand displacement mechanism for ZTP riboswitch transcription control. Nat Chem Biol 2019; 15:1067-1076. [PMID: 31636437 PMCID: PMC6814202 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-019-0382-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cotranscriptional folding is an obligate step of RNA biogenesis that can guide RNA structure formation and function through transient intermediate folds. This process is particularly important for transcriptional riboswitches in which the formation of ligand-dependent structures during transcription regulates downstream gene expression. However, the intermediate structures that comprise cotranscriptional RNA folding pathways, and the mechanisms that enable transit between them, remain largely unknown. Here, we determine the series of cotranscriptional folds and rearrangements that mediate antitermination by the Clostridium beijerinckii pfl ZTP riboswitch in response to the purine biosynthetic intermediate ZMP. We uncover sequence and structural determinants that modulate an internal RNA strand displacement process and identify biases within natural ZTP riboswitch sequences that promote on-pathway folding. Our findings establish a mechanism for pfl riboswitch antitermination and suggest general strategies by which nascent RNA molecules navigate cotranscriptional folding pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Strobel
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
| | - Luyi Cheng
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Katherine E Berman
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Paul D Carlson
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Julius B Lucks
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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23
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Magnus M, Kappel K, Das R, Bujnicki JM. RNA 3D structure prediction guided by independent folding of homologous sequences. BMC Bioinformatics 2019; 20:512. [PMID: 31640563 PMCID: PMC6806525 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-019-3120-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The understanding of the importance of RNA has dramatically changed over recent years. As in the case of proteins, the function of an RNA molecule is encoded in its tertiary structure, which in turn is determined by the molecule's sequence. The prediction of tertiary structures of complex RNAs is still a challenging task. RESULTS Using the observation that RNA sequences from the same RNA family fold into conserved structure, we test herein whether parallel modeling of RNA homologs can improve ab initio RNA structure prediction. EvoClustRNA is a multi-step modeling process, in which homologous sequences for the target sequence are selected using the Rfam database. Subsequently, independent folding simulations using Rosetta FARFAR and SimRNA are carried out. The model of the target sequence is selected based on the most common structural arrangement of the common helical fragments. As a test, on two blind RNA-Puzzles challenges, EvoClustRNA predictions ranked as the first of all submissions for the L-glutamine riboswitch and as the second for the ZMP riboswitch. Moreover, through a benchmark of known structures, we discovered several cases in which particular homologs were unusually amenable to structure recovery in folding simulations compared to the single original target sequence. CONCLUSION This work, for the first time to our knowledge, demonstrates the importance of the selection of the target sequence from an alignment of an RNA family for the success of RNA 3D structure prediction. These observations prompt investigations into a new direction of research for checking 3D structure "foldability" or "predictability" of related RNA sequences to obtain accurate predictions. To support new research in this area, we provide all relevant scripts in a documented and ready-to-use form. By exploring new ideas and identifying limitations of the current RNA 3D structure prediction methods, this work is bringing us closer to the near-native computational RNA 3D models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Magnus
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kalli Kappel
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Rhiju Das
- Biophysics Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Janusz M. Bujnicki
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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24
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Yao J, Reinharz V, Major F, Waldispühl J. RNA-MoIP: prediction of RNA secondary structure and local 3D motifs from sequence data. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 45:W440-W444. [PMID: 28525607 PMCID: PMC5793723 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA structures are hierarchically organized. The secondary structure is articulated around sophisticated local three-dimensional (3D) motifs shaping the full 3D architecture of the molecule. Recent contributions have identified and organized recurrent local 3D motifs, but applications of this knowledge for predictive purposes is still in its infancy. We recently developed a computational framework, named RNA-MoIP, to reconcile RNA secondary structure and local 3D motif information available in databases. In this paper, we introduce a web service using our software for predicting RNA hybrid 2D–3D structures from sequence data only. Optionally, it can be used for (i) local 3D motif prediction or (ii) the refinement of user-defined secondary structures. Importantly, our web server automatically generates a script for the MC-Sym software, which can be immediately used to quickly predict all-atom RNA 3D models. The web server is available at http://rnamoip.cs.mcgill.ca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Yao
- School of Computer Science, McGill University, 3480 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Vladimir Reinharz
- Department of Computer Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - François Major
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and Department of Computer Science and Operations Research, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jérôme Waldispühl
- School of Computer Science, McGill University, 3480 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada
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25
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Villada-Balbuena M, Carbajal-Tinoco MD. One-bead coarse-grained model for RNA dynamics. J Chem Phys 2018; 146:045101. [PMID: 28147510 DOI: 10.1063/1.4974899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a revised version of a coarse-grained model for RNA dynamics. In such approach, the description of nucleotides is reduced to single points that interact between them through a series of effective pair potentials that were obtained from an improved analysis of RNA structures from the Protein Data Bank. These interaction potentials are the main constituents of a Brownian dynamics simulation algorithm that allows to perform a variety of tasks by taking advantage of the reduced number of variables. Such tasks include the prediction of the three-dimensional configuration of a series of test molecules. Moreover, the model permits the inclusion of effective magnesium ions and the ends of the RNA chains can be pulled with an external force to study the process of unfolding. In spite of the simplicity of the model, we obtain a good agreement with the experimental results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Villada-Balbuena
- Departamento de Física, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional No. 2508, Colonia San Pedro Zacatenco, CP 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Mauricio D Carbajal-Tinoco
- Departamento de Física, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional No. 2508, Colonia San Pedro Zacatenco, CP 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico
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26
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Abstract
Riboswitches are cis-acting gene regulatory elements and constitute potential targets for new antibiotics. Recent studies in this field have started to explore these targets for drug discovery. New ligands found by fragment screening, design of analogs of the natural ligands or serendipitously by phenotypic screening have shown antibacterial effects in cell assays against a range of bacteria strains and in animal models. In this review, we highlight the most advanced drug design work of riboswitch ligands and discuss the challenges in the field with respect to the development of antibiotics with a new mechanism of action.
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27
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McCown PJ, Corbino KA, Stav S, Sherlock ME, Breaker RR. Riboswitch diversity and distribution. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 23:995-1011. [PMID: 28396576 PMCID: PMC5473149 DOI: 10.1261/rna.061234.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Riboswitches are commonly used by bacteria to detect a variety of metabolites and ions to regulate gene expression. To date, nearly 40 different classes of riboswitches have been discovered, experimentally validated, and modeled at atomic resolution in complex with their cognate ligands. The research findings produced since the first riboswitch validation reports in 2002 reveal that these noncoding RNA domains exploit many different structural features to create binding pockets that are extremely selective for their target ligands. Some riboswitch classes are very common and are present in bacteria from nearly all lineages, whereas others are exceedingly rare and appear in only a few species whose DNA has been sequenced. Presented herein are the consensus sequences, structural models, and phylogenetic distributions for all validated riboswitch classes. Based on our findings, we predict that there are potentially many thousands of distinct bacterial riboswitch classes remaining to be discovered, but that the rarity of individual undiscovered classes will make it increasingly difficult to find additional examples of this RNA-based sensory and gene control mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip J McCown
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
| | - Keith A Corbino
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
| | - Shira Stav
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
| | - Madeline E Sherlock
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
| | - Ronald R Breaker
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8103, USA
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28
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Miao Z, Adamiak RW, Antczak M, Batey RT, Becka AJ, Biesiada M, Boniecki MJ, Bujnicki JM, Chen SJ, Cheng CY, Chou FC, Ferré-D'Amaré AR, Das R, Dawson WK, Ding F, Dokholyan NV, Dunin-Horkawicz S, Geniesse C, Kappel K, Kladwang W, Krokhotin A, Łach GE, Major F, Mann TH, Magnus M, Pachulska-Wieczorek K, Patel DJ, Piccirilli JA, Popenda M, Purzycka KJ, Ren A, Rice GM, Santalucia J, Sarzynska J, Szachniuk M, Tandon A, Trausch JJ, Tian S, Wang J, Weeks KM, Williams B, Xiao Y, Xu X, Zhang D, Zok T, Westhof E. RNA-Puzzles Round III: 3D RNA structure prediction of five riboswitches and one ribozyme. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 23:655-672. [PMID: 28138060 PMCID: PMC5393176 DOI: 10.1261/rna.060368.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
RNA-Puzzles is a collective experiment in blind 3D RNA structure prediction. We report here a third round of RNA-Puzzles. Five puzzles, 4, 8, 12, 13, 14, all structures of riboswitch aptamers and puzzle 7, a ribozyme structure, are included in this round of the experiment. The riboswitch structures include biological binding sites for small molecules (S-adenosyl methionine, cyclic diadenosine monophosphate, 5-amino 4-imidazole carboxamide riboside 5'-triphosphate, glutamine) and proteins (YbxF), and one set describes large conformational changes between ligand-free and ligand-bound states. The Varkud satellite ribozyme is the most recently solved structure of a known large ribozyme. All puzzles have established biological functions and require structural understanding to appreciate their molecular mechanisms. Through the use of fast-track experimental data, including multidimensional chemical mapping, and accurate prediction of RNA secondary structure, a large portion of the contacts in 3D have been predicted correctly leading to similar topologies for the top ranking predictions. Template-based and homology-derived predictions could predict structures to particularly high accuracies. However, achieving biological insights from de novo prediction of RNA 3D structures still depends on the size and complexity of the RNA. Blind computational predictions of RNA structures already appear to provide useful structural information in many cases. Similar to the previous RNA-Puzzles Round II experiment, the prediction of non-Watson-Crick interactions and the observed high atomic clash scores reveal a notable need for an algorithm of improvement. All prediction models and assessment results are available at http://ahsoka.u-strasbg.fr/rnapuzzles/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Miao
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, Institut de biologie moléculaire et cellulaire du CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
| | - Ryszard W Adamiak
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
- Poznan University of Technology, Institute of Computing Science, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Antczak
- Poznan University of Technology, Institute of Computing Science, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Robert T Batey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0596, USA
| | - Alexander J Becka
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Marcin Biesiada
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Michał J Boniecki
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz M Bujnicki
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Shi-Jie Chen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Biochemistry, and Informatics Institute, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Clarence Yu Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Fang-Chieh Chou
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | | | - Rhiju Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Wayne K Dawson
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Feng Ding
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Stanisław Dunin-Horkawicz
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Caleb Geniesse
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Kalli Kappel
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Wipapat Kladwang
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Andrey Krokhotin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Grzegorz E Łach
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - François Major
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Department of Computer Science and Operations Research, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Thomas H Mann
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Marcin Magnus
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Dinshaw J Patel
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Joseph A Piccirilli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Mariusz Popenda
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna J Purzycka
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Aiming Ren
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Greggory M Rice
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3290, USA
| | - John Santalucia
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA
- DNA Software, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, USA
| | - Joanna Sarzynska
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Szachniuk
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
- Poznan University of Technology, Institute of Computing Science, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Arpit Tandon
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Jeremiah J Trausch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0596, USA
| | - Siqi Tian
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Biomolecular Physics and Modeling Group, School of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Kevin M Weeks
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3290, USA
| | - Benfeard Williams
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | - Yi Xiao
- Biomolecular Physics and Modeling Group, School of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Biochemistry, and Informatics Institute, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Biochemistry, and Informatics Institute, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211, USA
| | - Tomasz Zok
- Poznan University of Technology, Institute of Computing Science, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Eric Westhof
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, Institut de biologie moléculaire et cellulaire du CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France;
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29
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Abstract
Biological functions of RNA molecules are dependent upon sustained specific three-dimensional (3D) structures of RNA, with or without the help of proteins. Understanding of RNA structure is frequently based on 2D structures, which describe only the Watson-Crick (WC) base pairs. Here, we hierarchically review the structural elements of RNA and how they contribute to RNA 3D structure. We focus our analysis on the non-WC base pairs and on RNA modules. Several computer programs have now been designed to predict RNA modules. We describe the RNA-Puzzles initiative, which is a community-wide, blind assessment of RNA 3D structure prediction programs to determine the capabilities and bottlenecks of current predictions. The assessment metrics used in RNA-Puzzles are briefly described. The detection of RNA 3D modules from sequence data and their automatic implementation belong to the current challenges in RNA 3D structure prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Miao
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France; ,
| | - Eric Westhof
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, 67000 Strasbourg, France; ,
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30
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Abstract
The discoveries of myriad non-coding RNA molecules, each transiting through multiple flexible states in cells or virions, present major challenges for structure determination. Advances in high-throughput chemical mapping give new routes for characterizing entire transcriptomes in vivo, but the resulting one-dimensional data generally remain too information-poor to allow accurate de novo structure determination. Multidimensional chemical mapping (MCM) methods seek to address this challenge. Mutate-and-map (M2), RNA interaction groups by mutational profiling (RING-MaP and MaP-2D analysis) and multiplexed •OH cleavage analysis (MOHCA) measure how the chemical reactivities of every nucleotide in an RNA molecule change in response to modifications at every other nucleotide. A growing body of in vitro blind tests and compensatory mutation/rescue experiments indicate that MCM methods give consistently accurate secondary structures and global tertiary structures for ribozymes, ribosomal domains and ligand-bound riboswitch aptamers up to 200 nucleotides in length. Importantly, MCM analyses provide detailed information on structurally heterogeneous RNA states, such as ligand-free riboswitches that are functionally important but difficult to resolve with other approaches. The sequencing requirements of currently available MCM protocols scale at least quadratically with RNA length, precluding general application to transcriptomes or viral genomes at present. We propose a modify-cross-link-map (MXM) expansion to overcome this and other current limitations to resolving the in vivo 'RNA structurome'.
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31
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Jones CP, Ferré-D'Amaré AR. Long-Range Interactions in Riboswitch Control of Gene Expression. Annu Rev Biophys 2017; 46:455-481. [PMID: 28375729 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-070816-034042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Riboswitches are widespread RNA motifs that regulate gene expression in response to fluctuating metabolite concentrations. Known primarily from bacteria, riboswitches couple specific ligand binding and changes in RNA structure to mRNA expression in cis. Crystal structures of the ligand binding domains of most of the phylogenetically widespread classes of riboswitches, each specific to a particular metabolite or ion, are now available. Thus, the bound states-one end point-have been thoroughly characterized, but the unbound states have been more elusive. Consequently, it is less clear how the unbound, sensing riboswitch refolds into the ligand binding-induced output state. The ligand recognition mechanisms of riboswitches are diverse, but we find that they share a common structural strategy in positioning their binding sites at the point of the RNA three-dimensional fold where the residues farthest from one another in sequence meet. We review how riboswitch folds adhere to this fundamental strategy and propose future research directions for understanding and harnessing their ability to specifically control gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Jones
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20824;
| | - Adrian R Ferré-D'Amaré
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20824;
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32
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Kumar J, Pratibha, Verma S. Crystallographic signatures of silver-purine frameworks with an azide functionality. Inorganica Chim Acta 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2016.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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33
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Polaski JT, Holmstrom ED, Nesbitt DJ, Batey RT. Mechanistic Insights into Cofactor-Dependent Coupling of RNA Folding and mRNA Transcription/Translation by a Cobalamin Riboswitch. Cell Rep 2016; 15:1100-1110. [PMID: 27117410 PMCID: PMC5028336 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.03.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Riboswitches are mRNA elements regulating gene expression in response to direct binding of a metabolite. While these RNAs are increasingly well understood with respect to interactions between receptor domains and their cognate effector molecules, little is known about the specific mechanistic relationship between metabolite binding and gene regulation by the downstream regulatory domain. Using a combination of cell-based, biochemical, and biophysical techniques, we reveal the specific RNA architectural features enabling a cobalamin-dependent hairpin loop docking interaction between receptor and regulatory domains. Furthermore, these data demonstrate that docking kinetics dictate a regulatory response involving the coupling of translation initiation to general mechanisms that control mRNA abundance. These results yield a comprehensive picture of how RNA structure in the riboswitch regulatory domain enables kinetically constrained ligand-dependent regulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob T Polaski
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Campus Box 596, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA
| | - Erik D Holmstrom
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Campus Box 596, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA
| | - David J Nesbitt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Campus Box 596, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA; JILA, University of Colorado and National Institute of Standards and Technology, Campus Box 440, Boulder, CO 80309-0440, USA
| | - Robert T Batey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado at Boulder, Campus Box 596, Boulder, CO 80309-0596, USA.
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34
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Molecular prejudice: RNA discrimination against purines allows response to a cellular alarm. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2016; 22:754-6. [PMID: 26439636 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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35
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Sound the alarm. Nat Chem Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.1924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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36
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Jones CP, Ferré-D'Amaré AR. Recognition of the bacterial alarmone ZMP through long-distance association of two RNA subdomains. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2015; 22:679-85. [PMID: 26280533 PMCID: PMC4824399 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial alarmone 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside 5'-triphosphate (ZTP), derived from the monophosphorylated purine precursor ZMP, accumulates during folate starvation. ZTP regulates genes involved in purine and folate metabolism through a cognate riboswitch. The linker connecting this riboswitch’s two sub-domains varies in length by over 100 nucleotides. We report the co-crystal structure of the Fusobacterium ulcerans riboswitch bound to ZMP, which spans the two sub-domains whose interface also comprises a pseudoknot and ribose zipper. The riboswitch recognizes the carboxamide oxygen of ZMP through an unprecedented inner-sphere coordination with a Mg2+ ion. We demonstrate that the affinity of the riboswitch for ZMP is modulated by the linker length. Notably, ZMP can bind to the two sub-domains together even when synthesized as separate RNAs. The ZTP riboswitch demonstrates how specific small-molecule binding can drive association of distant non-coding RNA domains to regulate gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Jones
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Adrian R Ferré-D'Amaré
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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