Interactions of the ribosome with mRNA and tRNA

tRNA engineering strategies for genetic code expansion

The advancement of genetic code expansion (GCE) technology is attributed to the establishment of specific aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA pairs. While earlier improvements mainly focused on aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, recent studies have highlighted the importance of optimizing tRNA sequences to enhance both unnatural amino acid incorporation efficiency and orthogonality. Given the crucial role of tRNAs in the translation process and their substantial impact on overall GCE efficiency, ongoing efforts are dedicated to the development of tRNA engineering techniques. This review explores diverse tRNA engineering approaches and provides illustrative examples in the context of GCE, offering insights into the user-friendly implementation of GCE technology.

An Atlas of the base inter-RNA stacks involved in bacterial translation

Nucleobase-specific noncovalent interactions play a crucial role in translation. Herein, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the stacks between different RNA components in the crystal structures of the bacterial ribosome caught at different translation stages. Analysis of tRNA||rRNA stacks reveals distinct behaviour; both the A-and E-site tRNAs exhibit unique stacking patterns with 23S rRNA bases, while P-site tRNAs stack with 16S rRNA bases. Furthermore, E-site stacks exhibit diverse face orientations and ring topologies-rare for inter-chain RNA interactions-with higher average interaction energies than A or P-site stacks. This suggests that stacking may be essential for stabilizing tRNA progression through the E-site. Additionally, mRNA||rRNA stacks reveal other geometries, which depend on the tRNA binding site, whereas 16S rRNA||23S rRNA stacks highlight the importance of specific bases in maintaining the integrity of the translational complex by linking the two rRNAs. Furthermore, tRNA||mRNA stacks exhibit distinct geometries and energetics at the E-site, indicating their significance during tRNA translocation and elimination. Overall, both A and E-sites display a more diverse distribution of inter-RNA stacks compared to the P-site. Stacking interactions in the active ribosome are not simply accidental byproducts of biochemistry but are likely invoked to compensate and support the integrity and dynamics of translation.

AliNA - a deep learning program for RNA secondary structure prediction

Nowadays there are numerous discovered natural RNA variations participating in different cellular processes and artificial RNA, e. g., aptamers, riboswitches. One of the required tasks in the investigation of their functions and mechanism of influence on cells and interaction with targets is the prediction of RNA secondary structures. The classic thermodynamic-based prediction algorithms do not consider the specificity of biological folding and deep learning methods that were designed to resolve this issue suffer from homology-based methods problems. Herein, we present a method for RNA secondary structure prediction based on deep learning - AliNA (ALIgned Nucleic Acids). Our method successfully predicts secondary structures for non-homologous to train-data RNA families thanks to usage of the data augmentation techniques. Augmentation extends existing datasets with easily-accessible simulated data. The proposed method shows a high quality of prediction across different benchmarks including pseudoknots. The method is available on GitHub for free (https://github.com/Arty40m/AliNA).

Stabilization of Ribosomal RNA of the Small Subunit by Spermidine in Staphylococcus aureus

Cryo-electron microscopy is now used as a method of choice in structural biology for studying protein synthesis, a process mediated by the ribosome machinery. In order to achieve high-resolution structures using this approach, one needs to obtain homogeneous and stable samples, which requires optimization of ribosome purification in a species-dependent manner. This is especially critical for the bacterial small ribosomal subunit that tends to be unstable in the absence of ligands. Here, we report a protocol for purification of stable 30 S from the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and its cryo-EM structures: in presence of spermidine at a resolution ranging between 3.4 and 3.6 Å and in its absence at 5.3 Å. Using biochemical characterization and cryo-EM, we demonstrate the importance of spermidine for stabilization of the 30 S via preserving favorable conformation of the helix 44.

A Path to the Atomic-Resolution Structures of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Ribosomes

Resolving first crystal structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes by our group has been based on the knowledge accumulated over the decades of studies, starting with the first electron microscopy images of the ribosome obtained by J. Pallade in 1955. In 1983, A. Spirin, then a Director of the Protein Research Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences, initiated the first study aimed at solving the structure of ribosomes using X-ray structural analysis. In 1999, our group in collaboration with H. Noller published the first crystal structure of entire bacterial ribosome in a complex with its major functional ligands, such as messenger RNA and three transport RNAs at the A, P, and E sites. In 2011, our laboratory published the first atomic-resolution structure of eukaryotic ribosome solved by the X-ray diffraction analysis that confirmed the conserved nature of the main ribosomal functional components, such as the decoding and peptidyl transferase centers, was confirmed, and eukaryote-specific elements of the ribosome were described. Using X-ray structural analysis, we investigated general principles of protein biosynthesis inhibition in eukaryotic ribosomes, along with the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Structural differences between bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes that determine the differences in their inhibition were established. These and subsequent atomic-resolution structures of the functional ribosome demonstrated for the first time the details of binding of messenger and transport RNAs, which was the first step towards understanding how the ribosome structure ultimately determines its functions.

The nature of the purine at position 34 in tRNAs of 4-codon boxes is correlated with nucleotides at positions 32 and 38 to maintain decoding fidelity

Translation fidelity relies essentially on the ability of ribosomes to accurately recognize triplet interactions between codons on mRNAs and anticodons of tRNAs. To determine the codon-anticodon pairs that are efficiently accepted by the eukaryotic ribosome, we took advantage of the IRES from the intergenic region (IGR) of the Cricket Paralysis Virus. It contains an essential pseudoknot PKI that structurally and functionally mimics a codon-anticodon helix. We screened the entire set of 4096 possible combinations using ultrahigh-throughput screenings combining coupled transcription/translation and droplet-based microfluidics. Only 97 combinations are efficiently accepted and accommodated for translocation and further elongation: 38 combinations involve cognate recognition with Watson-Crick pairs and 59 involve near-cognate recognition pairs with at least one mismatch. More than half of the near-cognate combinations (36/59) contain a G at the first position of the anticodon (numbered 34 of tRNA). G34-containing tRNAs decoding 4-codon boxes are almost absent from eukaryotic genomes in contrast to bacterial genomes. We reconstructed these missing tRNAs and could demonstrate that these tRNAs are toxic to cells due to their miscoding capacity in eukaryotic translation systems. We also show that the nature of the purine at position 34 is correlated with the nucleotides present at 32 and 38.

The Israeli acute paralysis virus IRES captures host ribosomes by mimicking a ribosomal state with hybrid tRNAs

Colony collapse disorder (CCD) is a multi-faceted syndrome decimating bee populations worldwide, and a group of viruses of the widely distributed Dicistroviridae family have been identified as a causing agent of CCD. This family of viruses employs non-coding RNA sequences, called internal ribosomal entry sites (IRESs), to precisely exploit the host machinery for viral protein production. Using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we have characterized how the IRES of Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) intergenic region captures and redirects translating ribosomes toward viral RNA messages. We reconstituted two in vitro reactions targeting a pre-translocation and a post-translocation state of the IAPV-IRES in the ribosome, allowing us to identify six structures using image processing classification methods. From these, we reconstructed the trajectory of IAPV-IRES from the early small subunit recruitment to the final post-translocated state in the ribosome. An early commitment of IRES/ribosome complexes for global pre-translocation mimicry explains the high efficiency observed for this IRES. Efforts directed toward fighting CCD by targeting the IAPV-IRES using RNA-interference technology are underway, and the structural framework presented here may assist in further refining these approaches.

Diffusion of tRNA inside the ribosome is position-dependent

In recent years, there has been a growing interest to quantify the energy landscape that governs ribosome dynamics. However, in order to quantitatively integrate theoretical predictions and experimental measurements, it is essential that one has a detailed understanding of the associated diffusive properties. Here, all-atom explicit-solvent simulations (50 μs of aggregate sampling) predict that the diffusion coefficient of a tRNA molecule will depend on its position within the ribosome. Specifically, during aa-tRNA accommodation (i.e., the process by which tRNA enters the ribosome), the apparent diffusion coefficient decreases by approximately an order of magnitude. By comparing these to values obtained with an energetically "smooth" model, we show that the observed nonuniform behavior likely arises from electrostatic and solvation interactions between the tRNA and ribosome. These calculations also reveal the hierarchical character of ribosomal energetics, where steric interactions induce a large-scale free-energy barrier, and short-scale roughness determines the rate of diffusive movement across the landscape.

A tRNA-mimic Strategy to Explore the Role of G34 of tRNAGly in Translation and Codon Frameshifting

Decoding of the 61 sense codons of the genetic code requires a variable number of tRNAs that establish codon-anticodon interactions. Thanks to the wobble base pairing at the third codon position, less than 61 different tRNA isoacceptors are needed to decode the whole set of codons. On the tRNA, a subtle distribution of nucleoside modifications shapes the anticodon loop structure and participates to accurate decoding and reading frame maintenance. Interestingly, although the 61 anticodons should exist in tRNAs, a strict absence of some tRNAs decoders is found in several codon families. For instance, in Eukaryotes, G34-containing tRNAs translating 3-, 4- and 6-codon boxes are absent. This includes tRNA specific for Ala, Arg, Ile, Leu, Pro, Ser, Thr, and Val. tRNA^Gly is the only exception for which in the three kingdoms, a G34-containing tRNA exists to decode C3 and U3-ending codons. To understand why G34-tRNA^Gly exists, we analysed at the genome wide level the codon distribution in codon +1 relative to the four GGN Gly codons. When considering codon GGU, a bias was found towards an unusual high usage of codons starting with a G whatever the amino acid at +1 codon. It is expected that GGU codons are decoded by G34-containing tRNA^Gly, decoding also GGC codons. Translation studies revealed that the presence of a G at the first position of the downstream codon reduces the +1 frameshift by stabilizing the G34•U3 wobble interaction. This result partially explains why G34-containing tRNA^Gly exists in Eukaryotes whereas all the other G34-containing tRNAs for multiple codon boxes are absent.

History of tRNA research in strasbourg

The tRNA molecules, in addition to translating the genetic code into protein and defining the second genetic code via their aminoacylation by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, act in many other cellular functions and dysfunctions. This article, illustrated by personal souvenirs, covers the history of ~60 years tRNA research in Strasbourg. Typical examples point up how the work in Strasbourg was a two-way street, influenced by and at the same time influencing investigators outside of France. All along, research in Strasbourg has nurtured the structural and functional diversity of tRNA. It produced massive sequence and crystallographic data on tRNA and its partners, thereby leading to a deeper physicochemical understanding of tRNA architecture, dynamics, and identity. Moreover, it emphasized the role of nucleoside modifications and in the last two decades, highlighted tRNA idiosyncrasies in plants and organelles, together with cellular and health-focused aspects. The tRNA field benefited from a rich local academic heritage and a strong support by both university and CNRS. Its broad interlinks to the worldwide community of tRNA researchers opens to an exciting future. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019 © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(8):1066-1087, 2019.

The emerging impact of tRNA modifications in the brain and nervous system

A remarkable number of neurodevelopmental disorders have been linked to defects in tRNA modifications. These discoveries place tRNA modifications in the spotlight as critical modulators of gene expression pathways that are required for proper organismal growth and development. Here, we discuss the emerging molecular and cellular functions of the diverse tRNA modifications linked to cognitive and neurological disorders. In particular, we describe how the structure and location of a tRNA modification influences tRNA folding, stability, and function. We then highlight how modifications in tRNA can impact multiple aspects of protein translation that are instrumental for maintaining proper cellular proteostasis. Importantly, we describe how perturbations in tRNA modification lead to a spectrum of deleterious biological outcomes that can disturb neurodevelopment and neurological function. Finally, we summarize the biological themes shared by the different tRNA modifications linked to cognitive disorders and offer insight into the future questions that remain to decipher the role of tRNA modifications. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: mRNA modifications in gene expression control edited by Dr. Soller Matthias and Dr. Fray Rupert.

Tautomeric G•U pairs within the molecular ribosomal grip and fidelity of decoding in bacteria

We report new crystallographic structures of Thermus thermophilus ribosomes complexed with long mRNAs and native Escherichia coli tRNAs. They complete the full set of combinations of Watson-Crick G•C and miscoding G•U pairs at the first two positions of the codon-anticodon duplex in ribosome functional complexes. Within the tight decoding center, miscoding G•U pairs occur, in all combinations, with a non-wobble geometry structurally indistinguishable from classical coding Watson-Crick pairs at the same first two positions. The contacts with the ribosomal grip surrounding the decoding center are all quasi-identical, except in the crowded environment of the amino group of a guanosine at the second position; in which case a G in the codons may be preferred. In vivo experimental data show that the translational errors due to miscoding by G•U pairs at the first two positions are the most frequently encountered ones, especially at the second position and with a G on the codon. Such preferred miscodings involve a switch from an A-U to a G•U pair in the tRNA/mRNA complex and very rarely from a G = C to a G•U pair. It is concluded that the frequencies of such occurrences are only weakly affected by the codon/anticodon structures but depend mainly on the stability and lifetime of the complex, the modifications present in the anticodon loop, especially those at positions 34 and 37, in addition to the relative concentration of cognate/near-cognate tRNA species present in the cellular tRNA pool.

Widespread temperature sensitivity and tRNA decay due to mutations in a yeast tRNA

Microorganisms have universally adapted their RNAs and proteins to survive at a broad range of temperatures and growth conditions. However, for RNAs, there is little quantitative understanding of the effects of mutations on function at high temperatures. To understand how variant tRNA function is affected by temperature change, we used the tRNA nonsense suppressor SUP4_oc of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to perform a high-throughput quantitative screen of tRNA function at two different growth temperatures. This screen yielded comparative values for 9243 single and double variants. Surprisingly, despite the ability of S. cerevisiae to grow at temperatures as low as 15°C and as high as 39°C, the vast majority of variants that could be scored lost half or more of their function when evaluated at 37°C relative to 28°C. Moreover, temperature sensitivity of a tRNA variant was highly associated with its susceptibility to the rapid tRNA decay (RTD) pathway, implying that RTD is responsible for most of the loss of function of variants at higher temperature. Furthermore, RTD may also operate in a met22Δ strain, which was previously thought to fully inhibit RTD. Consistent with RTD acting to degrade destabilized tRNAs, the stability of a tRNA molecule can be used to predict temperature sensitivity with high confidence. These findings offer a new perspective on the stability of tRNA molecules and their quality control at high temperature.

Protein folding and tRNA biology

Polypeptides can fold into tertiary structures while they are synthesized by the ribosome. In addition to the amino acid sequence, protein folding is determined by several factors within the cell. Among others, the folding pathway of a nascent polypeptide can be affected by transient interactions with other proteins, ligands, or the ribosome, as well as by the translocation through membrane pores. Particularly, the translation machinery and the population of tRNA under different physiological or adaptive responses can dramatically affect protein folding. This review summarizes the scientific evidence describing the role of translation kinetics and tRNA populations on protein folding and addresses current efforts to better understand tRNA biology. It is organized into three main parts, which are focused on: (i) protein folding in the cellular context; (ii) tRNA biology and the complexity of the tRNA population; and (iii) available methods and technical challenges in the characterization of tRNA pools. In this manner, this work illustrates the ways by which functional properties of proteins may be modulated by cellular tRNA populations.

RNA structure, binding, and coordination in Arabidopsis

From the moment of transcription, up through degradation, each RNA transcript is bound by an ever-changing cohort of RNA binding proteins. The binding of these proteins is regulated by both the primary RNA sequence, as well as the intramolecular RNA folding, or secondary structure, of the transcript. Thus, RNA secondary structure regulates many post-transcriptional processes. With the advent of next generation sequencing, several techniques have been developed to generate global landscapes of both RNA-protein interactions and RNA secondary structure. In this review, we describe the current state of the field detailing techniques to globally interrogate RNA secondary structure and/or RNA-protein interaction sites, as well as our current understanding of these features in the transcriptome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1426. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1426 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

Adjacent Codons Act in Concert to Modulate Translation Efficiency in Yeast

Translation elongation efficiency is largely thought of as the sum of decoding efficiencies for individual codons. Here, we find that adjacent codon pairs modulate translation efficiency. Deploying an approach in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that scored the expression of over 35,000 GFP variants in which three adjacent codons were randomized, we have identified 17 pairs of adjacent codons associated with reduced expression. For many pairs, codon order is obligatory for inhibition, implying a more complex interaction than a simple additive effect. Inhibition mediated by adjacent codons occurs during translation itself as GFP expression is restored by increased tRNA levels or by non-native tRNAs with exact-matching anticodons. Inhibition operates in endogenous genes, based on analysis of ribosome profiling data. Our findings suggest translation efficiency is modulated by an interplay between tRNAs at adjacent sites in the ribosome and that this concerted effect needs to be considered in predicting the functional consequences of codon choice.

The ribosome prohibits the G•U wobble geometry at the first position of the codon-anticodon helix

Precise conversion of genetic information into proteins is essential to cellular health. However, a margin of error exists and is at its highest on the stage of translation of mRNA by the ribosome. Here we present three crystal structures of 70S ribosome complexes with messenger RNA and transfer RNAs and show that when a G•U base pair is at the first position of the codon-anticodon helix a conventional wobble pair cannot form because of inescapable steric clash between the guanosine of the A codon and the key nucleotide of decoding center adenosine 1493 of 16S rRNA. In our structure the rigid ribosomal decoding center, which is identically shaped for cognate or near-cognate tRNAs, forces this pair to adopt a geometry close to that of a canonical G•C pair. We further strengthen our hypothesis that spatial mimicry due either to base tautomerism or ionization dominates the translation infidelity mechanism.

The Conservation and Function of RNA Secondary Structure in Plants

RNA transcripts fold into secondary structures via intricate patterns of base pairing. These secondary structures impart catalytic, ligand binding, and scaffolding functions to a wide array of RNAs, forming a critical node of biological regulation. Among their many functions, RNA structural elements modulate epigenetic marks, alter mRNA stability and translation, regulate alternative splicing, transduce signals, and scaffold large macromolecular complexes. Thus, the study of RNA secondary structure is critical to understanding the function and regulation of RNA transcripts. Here, we review the origins, form, and function of RNA secondary structure, focusing on plants. We then provide an overview of methods for probing secondary structure, from physical methods such as X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging to chemical and nuclease probing methods. Combining these latter methods with high-throughput sequencing has enabled them to scale across whole transcriptomes, yielding tremendous new insights into the form and function of RNA secondary structure.

Influence of Conformation of M. tuberculosis RNase P Protein Subunit on Its Function

RNase P is an essential enzyme that processes 5' end leader sequence of pre-tRNA to generate mature tRNA. The bacterial RNase Ps contain a RNA subunit and one protein subunit, where the RNA subunit contains the catalytic activity. The protein subunit which lacks any catalytic activity, relaxes the ionic requirements for holoenzyme reaction and is indispensable for pre-tRNA cleavage in vivo. In the current study, we reconstituted the M. tuberculosis RNase P holoenzyme in vitro. We prepared the RNase P protein through two different strategies that differ in the conditions under which the recombinant M. tuberculosis protein, expressed in E. coli was purified. The mycobacterial RNase P protein which was purified under native conditions subsequent to isolation from inclusion bodies and in vitro renaturation, was capable of cleaving pre-tRNA specifically without the requirement of RNase P RNA. However, the preparation that was purified under denaturing conditions and refolded subsequently lacked any inherent pre-tRNA processing activity and cleaved the substrate only as a component of the holoenzyme with the RNA subunit. We found that the two RNase P protein preparations attained alternative conformations and differed with respect to their stability as well.

Novel base-pairing interactions at the tRNA wobble position crucial for accurate reading of the genetic code

Posttranscriptional modifications at the wobble position of transfer RNAs play a substantial role in deciphering the degenerate genetic code on the ribosome. The number and variety of modifications suggest different mechanisms of action during messenger RNA decoding, of which only a few were described so far. Here, on the basis of several 70S ribosome complex X-ray structures, we demonstrate how Escherichia coli tRNA(Lys)(UUU) with hypermodified 5-methylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine (mnm(5)s(2)U) at the wobble position discriminates between cognate codons AAA and AAG, and near-cognate stop codon UAA or isoleucine codon AUA, with which it forms pyrimidine-pyrimidine mismatches. We show that mnm(5)s(2)U forms an unusual pair with guanosine at the wobble position that expands general knowledge on the degeneracy of the genetic code and specifies a powerful role of tRNA modifications in translation. Our models consolidate the translational fidelity mechanism proposed previously where the steric complementarity and shape acceptance dominate the decoding mechanism.

In Vitro/In Vivo Production of tRNA for X-Ray Studies

tRNAs occupy a central role in the cellular life, and they are involved in a broad range of biological processes that relies on their interaction with proteins and RNA. Crystallization and structure resolution of tRNA or/and tRNA/partner complexes can yield in valuable information on structural organizations of key elements of cellular machinery. However, crystallization of RNA, is often challenging. Here we review two methods to produce and purify tRNA in quantity and quality to perform X-ray studies.

Modeling of Protein-RNA Complex Structures Using Computational Docking Methods

A significant part of biology involves the formation of RNA-protein complexes. X-ray crystallography has added a few solved RNA-protein complexes to the repertoire; however, it remains challenging to capture these complexes and often only the unbound structures are available. This has inspired a growing interest in finding ways to predict these RNA-protein complexes. In this study, we show ways to approach this problem by computational docking methods, either with a fully automated NPDock server or with a workflow of methods for generation of many alternative structures followed by selection of the most likely solution. We show that by introducing experimental information, the structure of the bound complex is rendered far more likely to be within reach. This study is meant to help the user of docking software understand how to grapple with a typical realistic problem in RNA-protein docking, understand what to expect in the way of difficulties, and recognize the current limitations.

RNA-protein distance patterns in ribosomes reveal the mechanism of translational attenuation

Elucidating protein translational regulation is crucial for understanding cellular function and drug development. A key molecule in protein translation is ribosome, which is a super-molecular complex extensively studied for more than a half century. The structure and dynamics of ribosome complexes were resolved recently thanks to the development of X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM, and single molecule biophysics. Current studies of the ribosome have shown multiple functional states, each with a unique conformation. In this study, we analyzed the RNA-protein distances of ribosome (2.5 MDa) complexes and compared these changes among different ribosome complexes. We found that the RNA-protein distance is significantly correlated with the ribosomal functional state. Thus, the analysis of RNA-protein binding distances at important functional sites can distinguish ribosomal functional states and help understand ribosome functions. In particular, the mechanism of translational attenuation by nascent peptides and antibiotics was revealed by the conformational changes of local functional sites.

Analysis of tetra- and hepta-nucleotides motifs promoting -1 ribosomal frameshifting in Escherichia coli

Programmed ribosomal -1 frameshifting is a non-standard decoding process occurring when ribosomes encounter a signal embedded in the mRNA of certain eukaryotic and prokaryotic genes. This signal has a mandatory component, the frameshift motif: it is either a Z_ZZN tetramer or a X_XXZ_ZZN heptamer (where ZZZ and XXX are three identical nucleotides) allowing cognate or near-cognate repairing to the -1 frame of the A site or A and P sites tRNAs. Depending on the signal, the frameshifting frequency can vary over a wide range, from less than 1% to more than 50%. The present study combines experimental and bioinformatics approaches to carry out (i) a systematic analysis of the frameshift propensity of all possible motifs (16 Z_ZZN tetramers and 64 X_XXZ_ZZN heptamers) in Escherichia coli and (ii) the identification of genes potentially using this mode of expression amongst 36 Enterobacteriaceae genomes. While motif efficiency varies widely, a major distinctive rule of bacterial -1 frameshifting is that the most efficient motifs are those allowing cognate re-pairing of the A site tRNA from ZZN to ZZZ. The outcome of the genomic search is a set of 69 gene clusters, 59 of which constitute new candidates for functional utilization of -1 frameshifting.

The Purine Bias of Coding Sequences is Determined by Physicochemical Constraints on Proteins

For this report, we analyzed protein secondary structures in relation to the statistics of three nucleotide codon positions. The purpose of this investigation was to find which properties of the ribosome, tRNA or protein level, could explain the purine bias (Rrr) as it is observed in coding DNA. We found that the Rrr pattern is the consequence of a regularity (the codon structure) resulting from physicochemical constraints on proteins and thermodynamic constraints on ribosomal machinery. The physicochemical constraints on proteins mainly come from the hydropathy and molecular weight (MW) of secondary structures as well as the energy cost of amino acid synthesis. These constraints appear through a network of statistical correlations, such as (i) the cost of amino acid synthesis, which is in favor of a higher level of guanine in the first codon position, (ii) the constructive contribution of hydropathy alternation in proteins, (iii) the spatial organization of secondary structure in proteins according to solvent accessibility, (iv) the spatial organization of secondary structure according to amino acid hydropathy, (v) the statistical correlation of MW with protein secondary structures and their overall hydropathy, (vi) the statistical correlation of thymine in the second codon position with hydropathy and the energy cost of amino acid synthesis, and (vii) the statistical correlation of adenine in the second codon position with amino acid complexity and the MW of secondary protein structures. Amino acid physicochemical properties and functional constraints on proteins constitute a code that is translated into a purine bias within the coding DNA via tRNAs. In that sense, the Rrr pattern within coding DNA is the effect of information transfer on nucleotide composition from protein to DNA by selection according to the codon positions. Thus, coding DNA structure and ribosomal machinery co-evolved to minimize the energy cost of protein coding given the functional constraints on proteins.

Transfer RNA Modification: Presence, Synthesis, and Function

Transfer RNA (tRNA) from all organisms on this planet contains modified nucleosides, which are derivatives of the four major nucleosides. tRNA from Escherichia coli/Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium contains 33 different modified nucleosides, which are all, except one (Queuosine [Q]), synthesized on an oligonucleotide precursor, which by specific enzymes later matures into tRNA. The structural genes for these enzymes are found in mono- and polycistronic operons, the latter of which have a complex transcription and translation pattern. The synthesis of the tRNA-modifying enzymes is not regulated similarly, and it is not coordinated to that of their substrate, the tRNA. The synthesis of some of them (e.g., several methylated derivatives) is catalyzed by one enzyme, which is position and base specific, whereas synthesis of some has a very complex biosynthetic pathway involving several enzymes (e.g., 2-thiouridines, N  6-cyclicthreonyladenosine [ct6A], and Q). Several of the modified nucleosides are essential for viability (e.g., lysidin, ct6A, 1-methylguanosine), whereas the deficiency of others induces severe growth defects. However, some have no or only a small effect on growth at laboratory conditions. Modified nucleosides that are present in the anticodon loop or stem have a fundamental influence on the efficiency of charging the tRNA, reading cognate codons, and preventing missense and frameshift errors. Those that are present in the body of the tRNA primarily have a stabilizing effect on the tRNA. Thus, the ubiquitous presence of these modified nucleosides plays a pivotal role in the function of the tRNA by their influence on the stability and activity of the tRNA.

High-resolution structure of the eukaryotic 80S ribosome

The high-resolution structure of the eukaryotic ribosome from yeast, determined at 3.0-Å resolution, permitted the unambiguous determination of the protein side chains, eukaryote-specific proteins, protein insertions, and ribosomal RNA expansion segments of the 80 proteins and ∼5,500 RNA bases that constitute the 80S ribosome. A comparison between this first atomic model of the entire 80S eukaryotic ribosome and previously determined structures of bacterial ribosomes confirmed early genetic and structural data indicating that they share an evolutionarily conserved core of ribosomal RNA and proteins. It also confirmed the conserved organization of essential functional sites, such as the peptidyl transferase center and the decoding site. New structural information about eukaryote-specific elements, such as expansion segments and new ribosomal proteins, forms the structural framework for the design and analysis of experiments that will explore the eukaryotic translational apparatus and the evolutionary forces that shaped it. New nomenclature for ribosomal proteins, based on the names of protein families, has been proposed.

Structural determinants for geometry and information decoding of tRNA by T box leader RNA

T box riboswitches are cis-acting RNA elements that bind to tRNA and sense its aminoacylation state to influence gene expression. Here, we present the 3.2 Å resolution X-ray crystal structures of the T box Stem I-tRNA complex and tRNA, in isolation. T box Stem I forms an arched conformation with extensive intermolecular contacts to two key points of tRNA, the anticodon and D/T-loops. Free and complexed tRNA exist in significantly different conformations, with the contacts stabilizing flexible D/T-loops and a rearrangement of the D-loop. Using a designed T box RNA/tRNA system, we demonstrate that the T box riboswitch monitors the length and orientation of two essential contacts. Length or orientation mismatches engineered into the T box riboswitch and tRNA disrupt the complex, whereas simultaneous insertion of full helical turns realigns the interfaces and restores interaction between artificially elongated T box riboswitch and tRNA molecules.

The kissing-loop T-shaped structure translational enhancer of Pea enation mosaic virus can bind simultaneously to ribosomes and a 5' proximal hairpin

The Pea enation mosaic virus (PEMV) 3' translational enhancer, known as the kissing-loop T-shaped structure (kl-TSS), binds to 40S subunits, 60S subunits, and 80S ribosomes, whereas the Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) TSS binds only to 60S subunits and 80S ribosomes. Using electrophoretic mobility gel shift assay (EMSA)-based competition assays, the kl-TSS was found to occupy a different site in the ribosome than the P-site-binding TCV TSS, suggesting that these two TSS employ different mechanisms for enhancing translation. The kl-TSS also engages in a stable, long-distance RNA-RNA kissing-loop interaction with a 12-bp 5'-coding-region hairpin that does not alter the structure of the kl-TSS as revealed by molecular dynamics simulations. Addition of the kl-TSS in trans to a luciferase reporter construct containing either wild-type or mutant 5' and 3' PEMV sequences suppressed translation, suggesting that the kl-TSS is required in cis to function, and both ribosome-binding and RNA interaction activities of the kl-TSS contributed to translational inhibition. Addition of the kl-TSS was more detrimental for translation than an adjacent eIF4E-binding 3' translational enhancer known as the PTE, suggesting that the PTE may support the ribosome-binding function of the kl-TSS. Results of in-line RNA structure probing, ribosome filter binding, and high-throughput selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (hSHAPE) of rRNAs within bound ribosomes suggest that kl-TSS binding to ribosomes and binding to the 5' hairpin are compatible activities. These results suggest a model whereby posttermination ribosomes/ribosomal subunits bind to the kl-TSS and are delivered to the 5' end of the genome via the associated RNA-RNA interaction, which enhances the rate of translation reinitiation.

The human tRNA m (5) C methyltransferase Misu is multisite-specific

The human tRNA m ( 5) C methyltransferase Misu is a novel downstream target of the proto-oncogene Myc that participates in controlling cell division and proliferation. Misu catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine to carbon 5 of cytosines in tRNAs. It was previously shown to catalyze in vitro the intron-dependent formation of m ( 5) C at the first position of the anticodon (position 34) within the human pre-tRNA (Leu) (CAA). In addition, it was recently reported that C48 and C49 are methylated in vivo by Misu. We report here the expression of hMisu in Escherichia coli and its purification to homogeneity. We show that this enzyme methylates position 48 in tRNA (Leu) (CAA) with or without intron and positions 48, 49 and 50 in tRNA (Gly2) (GCC) in vitro. Therefore, hMisu is the enzyme responsible for the methylation of at least four cytosines in human tRNAs. By comparison, the orthologous yeast enzyme Trm4 catalyzes the methylation of carbon 5 of cytosine at positions 34, 40, 48 or 49 depending on the tRNAs.

Kinetics of tRNA folding monitored by aminoacylation

We describe a strategy for tracking Mg²⁺-initiated folding of ³²P-labeled tRNA molecules to their native structures based on the capacity for aminoacylation by the cognate aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase enzyme. The approach directly links folding to function, paralleling a common strategy used to study the folding of catalytic RNAs. Incubation of unfolded tRNA with magnesium ions, followed by the addition of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase and further incubation, yields a rapid burst of aminoacyl-tRNA formation corresponding to the prefolded tRNA fraction. A subsequent slower increase in product formation monitors continued folding in the presence of the enzyme. Further analysis reveals the presence of a parallel fraction of tRNA that folds more rapidly than the majority of the population. The application of the approach to study the influence of post-transcriptional modifications in folding of Escherichia coli tRNA₁(Gln) reveals that the modified bases increase the folding rate but do not affect either the equilibrium between properly folded and misfolded states or the folding pathway. This assay allows the use of ³²P-labeled tRNA in integrated studies combining folding, post-transcriptional processing, and aminoacylation reactions.

Computational studies of molecular machines: the ribosome

The past decade has produced an avalanche of experimental data on the structure and dynamics of the ribosome. Groundbreaking studies in structural biology and kinetics have placed important constraints on ribosome structural dynamics. However, a gulf remains between static structures and time dependent data. In particular, X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM studies produce static models of the ribosome in various states, but lack dynamic information. Single molecule studies produce information on the rates of transitions between these states but do not have high-resolution spatial information. Computational studies have aided in bridging this gap by providing atomic resolution simulations of structural fluctuations and transitions between configurations.

Molecular mechanism of scanning and start codon selection in eukaryotes

The correct translation of mRNA depends critically on the ability to initiate at the right AUG codon. For most mRNAs in eukaryotic cells, this is accomplished by the scanning mechanism, wherein the small (40S) ribosomal subunit attaches to the 5' end of the mRNA and then inspects the leader base by base for an AUG in a suitable context, using complementarity with the anticodon of methionyl initiator tRNA (Met-tRNAiMet) as the key means of identifying AUG. Over the past decade, a combination of yeast genetics, biochemical analysis in reconstituted systems, and structural biology has enabled great progress in deciphering the mechanism of ribosomal scanning. A robust molecular model now exists, describing the roles of initiation factors, notably eukaryotic initiation factor 1 (eIF1) and eIF1A, in stabilizing an "open" conformation of the 40S subunit with Met-tRNAiMet bound in a low-affinity state conducive to scanning and in triggering rearrangement into a "closed" conformation incompatible with scanning, which features Met-tRNAiMet more tightly bound to the "P" site and base paired with AUG. It has also emerged that multiple DEAD-box RNA helicases participate in producing a single-stranded "landing pad" for the 40S subunit and in removing the secondary structure to enable the mRNA to traverse the 40S mRNA-binding channel in the single-stranded form for base-by-base inspection in the P site.

Excited states of ribosome translocation revealed through integrative molecular modeling

The dynamic nature of biomolecules leads to significant challenges when characterizing the structural properties associated with function. While X-ray crystallography and imaging techniques (such as cryo-electron microscopy) can reveal the structural details of stable molecular complexes, strategies must be developed to characterize configurations that exhibit only marginal stability (such as intermediates) or configurations that do not correspond to minima on the energy landscape (such as transition-state ensembles). Here, we present a methodology (MDfit) that utilizes molecular dynamics simulations to generate configurations of excited states that are consistent with available biophysical and biochemical measurements. To demonstrate the approach, we present a sequence of configurations that are suggested to be associated with transfer RNA (tRNA) movement through the ribosome (translocation). The models were constructed by combining information from X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and biochemical data. These models provide a structural framework for translocation that may be further investigated experimentally and theoretically to determine the precise energetic character of each configuration and the transition dynamics between them.

RNase P: at last, the key finds its lock

Apart from the ribosome, the crystal structure of the bacterial RNase P in complex with a tRNA, reported by Reiter and colleagues recently, constitutes the first example of a multiple turnover RNA enzyme. Except in rare exceptions, RNase P is ubiquitous and, like the ribosome, is older than the initial branch point of the phylogenetic tree. Importantly, the structure shows how the RNA and the protein moieties cooperate to process the pre-tRNA substrates. The catalytic site comprises some critical RNA residues spread over the secondary structure but gathered in a compact volume next to the protein, which helps recognize and orient the substrate. The discussion here outlines some important aspects of that crystal structure, some of which could apply to RNA molecules in general.