Molecular recognition of tRNA by tRNA pseudouridine 55 synthase

ArcS from Thermococcus kodakarensis transfers L-lysine to preQ0 nucleoside derivatives as minimum substrate RNAs

Archaeosine (G+) is an archaea-specific tRNA modification synthesized via multiple steps. In the first step, archaeosine tRNA guanine transglucosylase (ArcTGT) exchanges the G15 base in tRNA with 7-cyano-7-deazaguanine (preQ0). In Euryarchaea, preQ015 in tRNA is further modified by archaeosine synthase (ArcS). Thermococcus kodakarensis ArcS catalyzes a lysine-transfer reaction to produce preQ0-lysine (preQ0-Lys) as an intermediate. The resulting preQ0-Lys15 in tRNA is converted to G+15 by a radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine enzyme for archaeosine formation (RaSEA), which forms a complex with ArcS. Here, we focus on the substrate tRNA recognition mechanism of ArcS. Kinetic parameters of ArcS for lysine and tRNA-preQ0 were determined using a purified enzyme. RNA fragments containing preQ0 were prepared from Saccharomyces cerevisiae tRNAPhe-preQ015. ArcS transferred 14C-labeled lysine to RNA fragments. Furthermore, ArcS transferred lysine to preQ0 nucleoside and preQ0 nucleoside 5'-monophosphate. Thus, the L-shaped structure and the sequence of tRNA are not essential for the lysine-transfer reaction by ArcS. However, the presence of D-arm structure accelerates the lysine-transfer reaction. Because ArcTGT from thermophilic archaea recognizes the common D-arm structure, we expected the combination of T. kodakarensis ArcTGT and ArcS and RaSEA complex would result in the formation of preQ0-Lys15 in all tRNAs. This hypothesis was confirmed using 46 T. kodakarensis tRNA transcripts and three Haloferax volcanii tRNA transcripts. In addition, ArcTGT did not exchange the preQ0-Lys15 in tRNA with guanine or preQ0 base, showing that formation of tRNA-preQ0-Lys by ArcS plays a role in preventing the reverse reaction in G+ biosynthesis.

RNA three-dimensional structure drives the sequence organization of potato spindle tuber viroid quasispecies

RNA viruses and viroids exist and evolve as quasispecies due to error-prone replication. Quasispecies consist of a few dominant master sequences alongside numerous variants that contribute to genetic diversity. Upon environmental changes, certain variants within quasispecies have the potential to become the dominant sequences, leading to the emergence of novel infectious strains. However, the emergence of new infectious variants remains unpredictable. Using mutant pools prepared by saturation mutagenesis of selected stem and loop regions, our study of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) demonstrates that mutants forming local three-dimensional (3D) structures similar to the wild type (WT) are more likely to accumulate in PSTVd quasispecies. The selection mechanisms underlying this biased accumulation are likely associated with cell-to-cell movement and long-distance trafficking. Moreover, certain trafficking-defective PSTVd mutants can be spread by functional sister genomes in the quasispecies. Our study reveals that the RNA 3D structure of stems and loops constrains the evolution of viroid quasispecies. Mutants with a structure similar to WT have a higher likelihood of being maintained within the quasispecies and can potentially give rise to novel infectious variants. These findings emphasize the potential of targeting RNA 3D structure as a more robust approach to defend against viroid infections.

Transfer RNA Modification Enzymes with a Thiouridine Synthetase, Methyltransferase and Pseudouridine Synthase (THUMP) Domain and the Nucleosides They Produce in tRNA

The existence of the thiouridine synthetase, methyltransferase and pseudouridine synthase (THUMP) domain was originally predicted by a bioinformatic study. Since the prediction of the THUMP domain more than two decades ago, many tRNA modification enzymes containing the THUMP domain have been identified. According to their enzymatic activity, THUMP-related tRNA modification enzymes can be classified into five types, namely 4-thiouridine synthetase, deaminase, methyltransferase, a partner protein of acetyltransferase and pseudouridine synthase. In this review, I focus on the functions and structures of these tRNA modification enzymes and the modified nucleosides they produce. Biochemical, biophysical and structural studies of tRNA 4-thiouridine synthetase, tRNA methyltransferases and tRNA deaminase have established the concept that the THUMP domain captures the 3'-end of RNA (in the case of tRNA, the CCA-terminus). However, in some cases, this concept is not simply applicable given the modification patterns observed in tRNA. Furthermore, THUMP-related proteins are involved in the maturation of other RNAs as well as tRNA. Moreover, the modified nucleosides, which are produced by the THUMP-related tRNA modification enzymes, are involved in numerous biological phenomena, and the defects of genes for human THUMP-related proteins are implicated in genetic diseases. In this review, these biological phenomena are also introduced.

Human TRUB1 is a highly conserved pseudouridine synthase responsible for the formation of Ψ55 in mitochondrial tRNAAsn, tRNAGln, tRNAGlu and tRNAPro

Pseudouridine (Ψ) at position 55 in tRNAs plays an important role in their structure and function. This modification is catalyzed by TruB/Pus4/Cbf5 family of pseudouridine synthases in bacteria and yeast. However, the mechanism of TRUB family underlying the formation of Ψ55 in the mammalian tRNAs is largely unknown. In this report, the CMC/reverse transcription assays demonstrated the presence of Ψ55 in the human mitochondrial tRNAAsn, tRNAGln, tRNAGlu, tRNAPro, tRNAMet, tRNALeu(UUR) and tRNASer(UCN). TRUB1 knockout (KO) cell lines generated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology exhibited the loss of Ψ55 modification in mitochondrial tRNAAsn, tRNAGln, tRNAGlu and tRNAPro but did not affect other 18 mitochondrial tRNAs. An in vitro assay revealed that recombinant TRUB1 protein can catalyze the efficient formation of Ψ55 in tRNAAsn and tRNAGln, but not in tRNAMet and tRNAArg. Notably, the overexpression of TRUB1 cDNA reversed the deficient Ψ55 modifications in these tRNAs in TRUB1KO HeLa cells. TRUB1 deficiency affected the base-pairing (18A/G-Ψ55), conformation and stability but not aminoacylation capacity of these tRNAs. Furthermore, TRUB1 deficiency impacted mitochondrial translation and biogenesis of oxidative phosphorylation system. Our findings demonstrated that human TRUB1 is a highly conserved mitochondrial pseudouridine synthase responsible for the Ψ55 modification in the mitochondrial tRNAAsn, tRNAGln, tRNAGlu and tRNAPro.

Pseudouridines in RNAs: switching atoms means shifting paradigms

The structure, stability, and function of various coding and noncoding RNAs are influenced by chemical modifications. Pseudouridine (Ψ) is one of the most abundant post‐transcriptional RNA base modifications and has been detected at individual positions in tRNAs, rRNAs, mRNAs, and snRNAs, which are referred to as Ψ‐sites. By allowing formation of additional bonds with neighboring atoms, Ψ strengthens RNA–RNA and RNA–protein interactions. Although many aspects of the underlying modification reactions remain unclear, the advent of new transcriptome‐wide methods to quantitatively detect Ψ‐sites has recently changed our perception of the functional roles and importance of Ψ. For instance, it is now clear that the occurrence of Ψs appears to be directly linked to the lifetime and the translation efficiency of a given mRNA molecule. Furthermore, the administration of Ψ‐containing RNAs reduces innate immune responses, which appears strikingly advantageous for the development of generations of mRNA‐based vaccines. In this review, we aim to comprehensively summarize recent discoveries that highlight the impact of Ψ on various types of RNAs and outline possible novel biomedical applications of Ψ.

Revisiting tRNA chaperones: New players in an ancient game

tRNAs undergo an extensive maturation process including post-transcriptional modifications that influence secondary and tertiary interactions. Precursor and mature tRNAs lacking key modifications are often recognized as aberrant and subsequently targeted for decay, illustrating the importance of modifications in promoting structural integrity. tRNAs also rely on tRNA chaperones to promote the folding of misfolded substrates into functional conformations. The best characterized tRNA chaperone is the La protein, which interacts with nascent RNA polymerase III transcripts to promote folding and offers protection from exonucleases. More recently, certain tRNA modification enzymes have also been demonstrated to possess tRNA folding activity distinct from their catalytic activity, suggesting that they may act as tRNA chaperones. In this review, we will discuss pioneering studies relating post-transcriptional modification to tRNA stability and decay pathways, present recent advances into the mechanism by which the RNA chaperone La assists pre-tRNA maturation, and summarize emerging research directions aimed at characterizing modification enzymes as tRNA chaperones. Together, these findings shed light on the importance of tRNA folding and how tRNA chaperones, in particular, increase the fraction of nascent pre-tRNAs that adopt a folded, functional conformation.

Post-Transcriptional Modifications of Conserved Nucleotides in the T-Loop of tRNA: A Tale of Functional Convergent Evolution

The high conservation of nucleotides of the T-loop, including their chemical identity, are hallmarks of tRNAs from organisms belonging to the three Domains of Life. These structural characteristics allow the T-loop to adopt a peculiar intraloop conformation able to interact specifically with other conserved residues of the D-loop, which ultimately folds the mature tRNA in a unique functional canonical L-shaped architecture. Paradoxically, despite the high conservation of modified nucleotides in the T-loop, enzymes catalyzing their formation depend mostly on the considered organism, attesting for an independent but convergent evolution of the post-transcriptional modification processes. The driving force behind this is the preservation of a native conformation of the tRNA elbow that underlies the various interactions of tRNA molecules with different cellular components.

The role of m6A, m5C and Ψ RNA modifications in cancer: Novel therapeutic opportunities

RNA modifications have recently emerged as critical posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression programmes. Significant advances have been made in understanding the functional role of RNA modifications in regulating coding and non-coding RNA processing and function, which in turn thoroughly shape distinct gene expression programmes. They affect diverse biological processes, and the correct deposition of many of these modifications is required for normal development. Alterations of their deposition are implicated in several diseases, including cancer. In this Review, we focus on the occurrence of N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A), 5-methylcytosine (m⁵C) and pseudouridine (Ψ) in coding and non-coding RNAs and describe their physiopathological role in cancer. We will highlight the latest insights into the mechanisms of how these posttranscriptional modifications influence tumour development, maintenance, and progression. Finally, we will summarize the latest advances on the development of small molecule inhibitors that target specific writers or erasers to rewind the epitranscriptome of a cancer cell and their therapeutic potential.

Mammalian nuclear TRUB1, mitochondrial TRUB2, and cytoplasmic PUS10 produce conserved pseudouridine 55 in different sets of tRNA

Most mammalian cytoplasmic tRNAs contain ribothymidine (T) and pseudouridine (Ψ) at positions 54 and 55, respectively. However, some tRNAs contain Ψ at both positions. Several Ψ54-containing tRNAs function as primers in retroviral DNA synthesis. The Ψ54 of these tRNAs is produced by PUS10, which can also synthesize Ψ55. Two other enzymes, TRUB1 and TRUB2, can also produce Ψ55. By nearest-neighbor analyses of tRNAs treated with recombinant proteins and subcellular extracts of wild-type and specific Ψ55 synthase knockdown cells, we determined that while TRUB1, PUS10, and TRUB2 all have tRNA Ψ55 synthase activities, they have different tRNA structural requirements. Moreover, these activities are primarily present in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria, respectively, suggesting a compartmentalization of Ψ55 synthase activity. TRUB1 produces the Ψ55 of most elongator tRNAs, but cytoplasmic PUS10 produces both Ψs of the tRNAs with Ψ54Ψ55. The nuclear isoform of PUS10 is catalytically inactive and specifically binds the unmodified U54U55 versions of Ψ54Ψ55-containing tRNAs, as well as the A54U55-containing tRNA^iMet This binding inhibits TRUB1-mediated U55 to Ψ55 conversion in the nucleus. Consequently, the U54U55 of Ψ54Ψ55-containing tRNAs are modified by the cytoplasmic PUS10. Nuclear PUS10 does not bind the U55 versions of T54Ψ55- and A54Ψ55-containing elongator tRNAs. Therefore, TRUB1 is able to produce Ψ55 in these tRNAs. In summary, the tRNA Ψ55 synthase activities of TRUB1 and PUS10 are not redundant but rather are compartmentalized and act on different sets of tRNAs. The significance of this compartmentalization needs further study.

To be or not to be modified: Miscellaneous aspects influencing nucleotide modifications in tRNAs

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are essential components of the cellular protein synthesis machineries, but are also implicated in many roles outside translation. To become functional, tRNAs, initially transcribed as longer precursor tRNAs, undergo a tightly controlled biogenesis process comprising the maturation of their extremities, removal of intronic sequences if present, addition of the 3'-CCA amino-acid accepting sequence, and aminoacylation. In addition, the most impressive feature of tRNA biogenesis consists in the incorporation of a large number of posttranscriptional chemical modifications along its sequence. The chemical nature of these modifications is highly diverse, with more than hundred different modifications identified in tRNAs to date. All functions of tRNAs in cells are controlled and modulated by modifications, making the understanding of the mechanisms that determine and influence nucleotide modifications in tRNAs an essential point in tRNA biology. This review describes the different aspects that determine whether a certain position in a tRNA molecule is modified or not. We describe how sequence and structural determinants, as well as the presence of prior modifications control modification processes. We also describe how environmental factors and cellular stresses influence the level and/or the nature of certain modifications introduced in tRNAs, and report situations where these dynamic modulations of tRNA modification levels are regulated by active demodification processes. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(8):1126-1140, 2019.

Regulatory Factors for tRNA Modifications in Extreme- Thermophilic Bacterium Thermus thermophilus

Thermus thermophilus is an extreme-thermophilic bacterium that can grow at a wide range of temperatures (50-83°C). To enable T. thermophilus to grow at high temperatures, several biomolecules including tRNA and tRNA modification enzymes show extreme heat-resistance. Therefore, the modified nucleosides in tRNA from T. thermophilus have been studied mainly from the view point of tRNA stabilization at high temperatures. Such studies have shown that several modifications stabilize the structure of tRNA and are essential for survival of the organism at high temperatures. Together with tRNA modification enzymes, the modified nucleosides form a network that regulates the extent of different tRNA modifications at various temperatures. In this review, I describe this network, as well as the tRNA recognition mechanism of individual tRNA modification enzymes. Furthermore, I summarize the roles of other tRNA stabilization factors such as polyamines and metal ions.

TRUB1 is the predominant pseudouridine synthase acting on mammalian mRNA via a predictable and conserved code

Following synthesis, RNA can be modified with over 100 chemically distinct modifications, which can potentially regulate RNA expression post-transcriptionally. Pseudouridine (Ψ) was recently established to be widespread and dynamically regulated on yeast mRNA, but less is known about Ψ presence, regulation, and biogenesis in mammalian mRNA. Here, we sought to characterize the Ψ landscape on mammalian mRNA, to identify the main Ψ-synthases (PUSs) catalyzing Ψ formation, and to understand the factors governing their specificity toward selected targets. We first developed a framework allowing analysis, evaluation, and integration of Ψ mappings, which we applied to >2.5 billion reads from 30 human samples. These maps, complemented with genetic perturbations, allowed us to uncover TRUB1 and PUS7 as the two key PUSs acting on mammalian mRNA and to computationally model the sequence and structural elements governing the specificity of TRUB1, achieving near-perfect prediction of its substrates (AUC = 0.974). We then validated and extended these maps and the inferred specificity of TRUB1 using massively parallel reporter assays in which we monitored Ψ levels at thousands of synthetically designed sequence variants comprising either the sequences surrounding pseudouridylation targets or systematically designed mutants perturbing RNA sequence and structure. Our findings provide an extensive and high-quality characterization of the transcriptome-wide distribution of pseudouridine in human and the factors governing it and provide an important resource for the community, paving the path toward functional and mechanistic dissection of this emerging layer of post-transcriptional regulation.

RNA modification enzyme TruB is a tRNA chaperone

Cellular RNAs are chemically modified by many RNA modification enzymes; however, often the functions of modifications remain unclear, such as for pseudouridine formation in the tRNA TΨC arm by the bacterial tRNA pseudouridine synthase TruB. Here we test the hypothesis that RNA modification enzymes also act as RNA chaperones. Using TruB as a model, we demonstrate that TruB folds tRNA independent of its catalytic activity, thus increasing the fraction of tRNA that can be aminoacylated. By rapid kinetic stopped-flow analysis, we identified the molecular mechanism of TruB's RNA chaperone activity: TruB binds and unfolds both misfolded and folded tRNAs thereby providing misfolded tRNAs a second chance at folding. Previously, it has been shown that a catalytically inactive TruB variant has no phenotype when expressed in an Escherichia coli truB KO strain [Gutgsell N, et al. (2000) RNA 6(12):1870-1881]. However, here we uncover that E. coli strains expressing a TruB variant impaired in tRNA binding and in in vitro tRNA folding cannot compete with WT E. coli. Consequently, the tRNA chaperone activity of TruB is critical for bacterial fitness. In conclusion, we prove the tRNA chaperone activity of the pseudouridine synthase TruB, reveal its molecular mechanism, and demonstrate its importance for cellular fitness. We discuss the likelihood that other RNA modification enzymes are also RNA chaperones.

The Pseudouridine Synthases Proceed through a Glycal Intermediate

The pseudouridine synthases isomerize (U) in RNA to pseudouridine (Ψ), and the mechanism that they follow has long been a question of interest. The recent elucidation of a product of the mechanistic probe 5-fluorouridine that had been epimerized to the arabino isomer suggested that the Ψ synthases might operate through a glycal intermediate formed by deprotonation of C2′. When that position in substrate U is deuterated, a primary kinetic isotope effect is observed, which indisputably indicates that the proposed deprotonation occurs during the isomerization of U to Ψ and establishes the mechanism followed by the Ψ synthases.

Transfer RNA Modification

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 contains 31 different modified nucleosides, which are all, except for one (Queuosine[Q]), synthesized on an oligonucleotide precursor, which through specific enzymes later matures into tRNA. The corresponding structural genes for these enzymes are found in mono- and polycistronic operons, the latter of which have a complex transcription and translation pattern. The syntheses of some of them (e.g.,several methylated derivatives) are catalyzed by one enzyme, which is position and base specific, but synthesis of some have a very complex biosynthetic pathway involving several enzymes (e.g., 2-thiouridines, N6-threonyladenosine [t6A],and Q). Several of the modified nucleosides are essential for viability (e.g.,lysidin, t6A, 1-methylguanosine), whereas deficiency in 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, which are present in the body of the tRNA, have a primarily stabilizing effect on the tRNA. Thus, the ubiquitouspresence 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.

Dye label interference with RNA modification reveals 5-fluorouridine as non-covalent inhibitor

The interest in RNA modification enzymes surges due to their involvement in epigenetic phenomena. Here we present a particularly informative approach to investigate the interaction of dye-labeled RNA with modification enzymes. We investigated pseudouridine (Ψ) synthase TruB interacting with an alleged suicide substrate RNA containing 5-fluorouridine (5FU). A longstanding dogma, stipulating formation of a stable covalent complex was challenged by discrepancies between the time scale of complex formation and enzymatic turnover. Instead of classic mutagenesis, we used differentially positioned fluorescent labels to modulate substrate properties in a range of enzymatic conversion between 6% and 99%. Despite this variegation, formation of SDS-stable complexes occurred instantaneously for all 5FU-substrates. Protein binding was investigated by advanced fluorescence spectroscopy allowing unprecedented simultaneous detection of change in fluorescence lifetime, anisotropy decay, as well as emission and excitation maxima. Determination of Kd values showed that introduction of 5FU into the RNA substrate increased protein affinity by 14× at most. Finally, competition experiments demonstrated reversibility of complex formation for 5FU-RNA. Our results lead us to conclude that the hitherto postulated long-term covalent interaction of TruB with 5FU tRNA is based on the interpretation of artifacts. This is likely true for the entire class of pseudouridine synthases.

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.

An arginine-aspartate network in the active site of bacterial TruB is critical for catalyzing pseudouridine formation

Pseudouridine synthases introduce the most common RNA modification and likely use the same catalytic mechanism. Besides a catalytic aspartate residue, the contributions of other residues for catalysis of pseudouridine formation are poorly understood. Here, we have tested the role of a conserved basic residue in the active site for catalysis using the bacterial pseudouridine synthase TruB targeting U55 in tRNAs. Substitution of arginine 181 with lysine results in a 2500-fold reduction of TruB's catalytic rate without affecting tRNA binding. Furthermore, we analyzed the function of a second-shell aspartate residue (D90) that is conserved in all TruB enzymes and interacts with C56 of tRNA. Site-directed mutagenesis, biochemical and kinetic studies reveal that this residue is not critical for substrate binding but influences catalysis significantly as replacement of D90 with glutamate or asparagine reduces the catalytic rate 30- and 50-fold, respectively. In agreement with molecular dynamics simulations of TruB wild type and TruB D90N, we propose an electrostatic network composed of the catalytic aspartate (D48), R181 and D90 that is important for catalysis by fine-tuning the D48-R181 interaction. Conserved, negatively charged residues similar to D90 are found in a number of pseudouridine synthases, suggesting that this might be a general mechanism.

Pseudouridine: still mysterious, but never a fake (uridine)!

Pseudouridine (Ψ) is the most abundant of >150 nucleoside modifications in RNA. Although Ψ was discovered as the first modified nucleoside more than half a century ago, neither the enzymatic mechanism of its formation, nor the function of this modification are fully elucidated. We present the consistent picture of Ψ synthases, their substrates and their substrate positions in model organisms of all domains of life as it has emerged to date and point out the challenges that remain concerning higher eukaryotes and the elucidation of the enzymatic mechanism.

The tRNA recognition mechanism of folate/FAD-dependent tRNA methyltransferase (TrmFO)

The conserved U54 in tRNA is often modified to 5-methyluridine (m(5)U) and forms a reverse Hoogsteen base pair with A58 that stabilizes the L-shaped tRNA structure. In Gram-positive and some Gram-negative eubacteria, m(5)U54 is produced by folate/FAD-dependent tRNA (m(5)U54) methyltransferase (TrmFO). TrmFO utilizes N(5),N(10)-methylenetetrahydrofolate (CH(2)THF) as a methyl donor. We previously reported an in vitro TrmFO assay system, in which unstable [(14)C]CH(2)THF was supplied from [(14)C]serine and tetrahydrofolate by serine hydroxymethyltransferase. In the current study, we have improved the TrmFO assay system by optimization of enzyme and substrate concentrations and introduction of a filter assay system. Using this assay, we have focused on the tRNA recognition mechanism of TrmFO. 42 tRNA mutant variants were prepared, and experiments with truncated tRNA and microhelix RNAs revealed that the minimum requirement of TrmFO exists in the T-arm structure. The positive determinants for TrmFO were found to be the U54U55C56 sequence and G53-C61 base pair. The gel mobility shift assay and fluorescence quenching showed that the affinity of TrmFO for tRNA in the initial binding process is weak. The inhibition experiments showed that the methylated tRNA is released before the structural change process. Furthermore, we found that A38 prevents incorrect methylation of U32 in the anticodon loop. Moreover, the m(1)A58 modification clearly accelerates the TrmFO reaction, suggesting a synergistic effect of the m(5)U54, m(1)A58, and s(2)U54 modifications on m(5)s(2)U54 formation in Thermus thermophilus cells. The docking model of TrmFO and the T-arm showed that the G53-C61 base pair is not able to directly contact the enzyme.

Pre-steady-state kinetic analysis of the three Escherichia coli pseudouridine synthases TruB, TruA, and RluA reveals uniformly slow catalysis

Pseudouridine synthases catalyze formation of the most abundant modification of functional RNAs by site-specifically isomerizing uridines to pseudouridines. While the structure and substrate specificity of these enzymes have been studied in detail, the kinetic and the catalytic mechanism of pseudouridine synthases remain unknown. Here, the first pre-steady-state kinetic analysis of three Escherichia coli pseudouridine synthases is presented. A novel stopped-flow absorbance assay revealed that substrate tRNA binding by TruB takes place in two steps with an overall rate of 6 sec(-1). In order to observe catalysis of pseudouridine formation directly, the traditional tritium release assay was adapted for the quench-flow technique, allowing, for the first time, observation of a single round of pseudouridine formation. Thereby, the single-round rate constant of pseudouridylation (k(Ψ)) by TruB was determined to be 0.5 sec(-1). This rate constant is similar to the k(cat) obtained under multiple-turnover conditions in steady-state experiments, indicating that catalysis is the rate-limiting step for TruB. In order to investigate if pseudouridine synthases are characterized by slow catalysis in general, the rapid kinetic quench-flow analysis was also performed with two other E. coli enzymes, RluA and TruA, which displayed rate constants of pseudouridine formation of 0.7 and 0.35 sec(-1), respectively. Hence, uniformly slow catalysis might be a general feature of pseudouridine synthases that share a conserved catalytic domain and supposedly use the same catalytic mechanism.

Pseudouridine at position 55 in tRNA controls the contents of other modified nucleotides for low-temperature adaptation in the extreme-thermophilic eubacterium Thermus thermophilus

Pseudouridine at position 55 (Ψ55) in eubacterial tRNA is produced by TruB. To clarify the role of the Ψ55 modification, we constructed a truB gene disruptant (ΔtruB) strain of Thermus thermophilus which is an extreme-thermophilic eubacterium. Unexpectedly, the ΔtruB strain exhibited severe growth retardation at 50 °C. We assumed that these phenomena might be caused by lack of RNA chaperone activity of TruB, which was previously hypothetically proposed by others. To confirm this idea, we replaced the truB gene in the genome with mutant genes, which express TruB proteins with very weak or no enzymatic activity. However the growth retardation at 50 °C was not rescued by these mutant proteins. Nucleoside analysis revealed that Gm18, m(5)s(2)U54 and m(1)A58 in tRNA from the ΔtruB strain were abnormally increased. An in vitro assay using purified tRNA modification enzymes demonstrated that the Ψ55 modification has a negative effect on Gm18 formation by TrmH. These experimental results show that the Ψ55 modification is required for low-temperature adaptation to control other modified. (35)S-Met incorporation analysis showed that the protein synthesis activity of the ΔtruB strain was inferior to that of the wild-type strain and that the cold-shock proteins were absence in the ΔtruB cells at 50°C.

The handling of the mechanistic probe 5-fluorouridine by the pseudouridine synthase TruA and its consistency with the handling of the same probe by the pseudouridine synthases TruB and RluA

RNA containing 5-fluorouridine (F(5)U) had previously been used to examine the mechanism of the pseudouridine synthase TruA, formerly known as pseudouridine synthase I [Gu et al. (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96, 14270-14275]. From that work, it was reasonably concluded that the pseudouridine synthases proceed via a mechanism involving a Michael addition by an active site aspartic acid residue to the pyrimidine ring of uridine or F(5)U. Those conclusions rested on the assumption that the hydrate of F(5)U was obtained after digestion of the product RNA and that hydration resulted from hydrolysis of the ester intermediate between the aspartic acid residue and F(5)U. As reported here, (18)O labeling definitively demonstrates that ester hydrolysis does not give rise to the observed hydrated product and that digestion generates not the expected mononucleoside product but rather a dinucleotide between a hydrated isomer of F(5)U and the following nucleoside in RNA. The discovery that digestion products are dinucleotides accounts for the previously puzzling differences in the isolated products obtained following the action of the pseudouridine synthases TruB and RluA on F(5)U in RNA.

Structural mechanism of substrate RNA recruitment in H/ACA RNA-guided pseudouridine synthase

H/ACA RNAs form ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) with proteins Cbf5, Nop10, L7Ae, and Gar1 and guide site-specific conversion of uridine into pseudouridine in cellular RNAs. The crystal structures of H/ACA RNP with substrate bound at the active site cleft reveal that the substrate is recruited through sequence-specific pairing with guide RNA and essential protein contacts. Substrate binding leads to a reorganization of a preset pseudouridylation pocket and an adaptive movement of the PUA domain and the lower stem of the H/ACA RNA. Moreover, a thumb loop flips from the Gar1-bound state in the substrate-free RNP structure to tightly associate with the substrate. Mutagenesis and enzyme kinetics analysis suggest a critical role of Gar1 and the thumb in substrate turnover, particularly in product release. Comparison with tRNA Psi55 synthase TruB reveals the structural conservation and adaptation between an RNA-guided and stand-alone pseudouridine synthase and provides insight into the guide-independent activity of Cbf5.

RNA sequence and two-dimensional structure features required for efficient substrate modification by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA:{Psi}-synthase Pus7p

The RNA:pseudouridine (Psi) synthase Pus7p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a multisite-specific enzyme that is able to modify U(13) in several yeast tRNAs, U(35) in the pre-tRNA(Tyr) (GPsiA), U(35) in U2 small nuclear RNA, and U(50) in 5 S rRNA. Pus7p belongs to the universally conserved TruD-like family of RNA:Psi-synthases found in bacteria, archaea, and eukarya. Although several RNA substrates for yeast Pus7p have been identified, specificity of their recognition and modification has not been studied. However, conservation of a 7-nt-long sequence, including the modified U residue, in all natural Pus7p substrates suggested the importance of these nucleotides for Pus7p recognition and/or catalysis. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we designed a set of RNA variants derived from the yeast tRNA(Asp)(GUC), pre-tRNA(Tyr)(GPsiA), and U2 small nuclear RNA and tested their ability to be modified by Pus7p in vitro. We demonstrated that the highly conserved U(-2) and A(+1) residues (nucleotide numbers refer to target U(0)) are crucial identity elements for efficient modification by Pus7p. Nucleotide substitutions at other surrounding positions (-4, -3, +2, +3) have only a moderate effect. Surprisingly, the identity of the nucleotide immediately 5' to the target U(0) residue (position -1) is not important for efficient modification. Alteration of tRNA three-dimensional structure had no detectable effect on Pus7p activity at position 13. However, our results suggest that the presence of at least one stem-loop structure including or close to the target U nucleotide is required for Pus7p-catalyzed modification.

Archaeal Pus10 proteins can produce both pseudouridine 54 and 55 in tRNA

Pus10, a recently identified pseudouridine (Psi) synthase, does not belong to any of the five commonly identified families of Psi synthases. Pyrococcus furiosus Pus10 has been shown to produce Psi55 in tRNAs. However, in vitro studies have identified another mechanism for tRNA Psi55 production in Archaea, which uses Cbf5 and other core proteins of the H/ACA ribonucleoprotein complex, in a guide RNA-independent manner. Pus10 homologs have been observed in nearly all sequenced archaeal genomes and in some higher eukaryotes, but not in yeast and bacteria. This coincides with the presence of Psi54 in the tRNAs of Archaea and higher eukaryotes and its absence in yeast and bacteria. No tRNA Psi54 synthase has been reported so far. Here, using recombinant Methanocaldococcus jannaschii and P. furiosus Pus10, we show that these proteins can function as synthase for both tRNA Psi54 and Psi55. The two modifications seem to occur independently. Salt concentration dependent variations in these activities of both proteins are observed. The Psi54 synthase activity of M. jannaschii protein is robust, while the same activity of P. furiosus protein is weak. Probable reasons for these differences are discussed. Furthermore, unlike bacterial TruB and yeast Pus4, archaeal Pus10 does not require a U54 x A58 reverse Hoogstein base pair and pyrimidine at position 56 to convert tRNA U55 to Psi55. The homology of eukaryal Pus10 with archaeal Pus10 suggests that the former may also have a tRNA Psi54 synthase activity.

Arabidopsis CBF5 interacts with the H/ACA snoRNP assembly factor NAF1

The conserved protein CBF5, initially regarded as a centromere binding protein in yeast and higher plants, was later found within nucleoli and in Cajal bodies of yeast and metazoa. There, it is assumed to be involved in posttranscriptional pseudouridinylation of various RNA species that might be important for RNA processing. We found EYFP-labeled CBF5 of A. thaliana to be located within nucleoli and Cajal bodies, but neither at centromeres nor somewhere else on chromosomes. Arabidopsis mutants carrying a homozygous T-DNA insertion at the CBF5 locus were lethal. Yeast two-hybrid and mRNA expression analyses demonstrated that AtCBF5 is co-expressed and interacts with a previously uncharacterized protein containing a conserved NAF1 domain, presumably involved in H/ACA box snoRNP biogenesis. The homologous yeast protein has been shown to contribute to RNA pseudouridinylation. Thus, AtCBF5 might have an essential function in RNA processing rather than being a kinetochore protein.

Substrate specificity of the pseudouridine synthase RluD in Escherichia coli

Pseudouridine synthase RluD converts uridines at positions 1911, 1915, and 1917 of 23S rRNA to pseudouridines. These nucleotides are located in the functionally important helix-loop 69 of 23S rRNA. RluD is the only pseudouridine synthase that is required for normal growth in Escherichia coli. We have analyzed substrate specificity of RluD in vivo. Mutational analyses have revealed: (a) RluD isomerizes uridine in vivo only at positions 1911, 1915, and 1917, regardless of the presence of uridine at other positions in the loop of helix 69 of 23S rRNA variants; (b) substitution of one U by C has no effect on the conversion of others (i.e. formation of pseudouridines at positions 1911, 1915, and 1917 are independent of each other); (c) A1916 is the only position in the loop of helix 69, where mutations affect the RluD specific pseudouridine formation. Pseudouridines were determined in the ribosomal particles from a ribosomal large subunit defective strain (RNA helicase DeaD(-)). An absence of pseudouridines in the assembly precursor particles suggests that RluD directed isomerization of uridines occurs as a late step during the assembly of the large ribosomal subunit.

Identification of determinants in the protein partners aCBF5 and aNOP10 necessary for the tRNA:Psi55-synthase and RNA-guided RNA:Psi-synthase activities

Protein aNOP10 has an essential scaffolding function in H/ACA sRNPs and its interaction with the pseudouridine(Psi)-synthase aCBF5 is required for the RNA-guided RNA:Psi-synthase activity. Recently, aCBF5 was shown to catalyze the isomerization of U55 in tRNAs without the help of a guide sRNA. Here we show that the stable anchoring of aCBF5 to tRNAs relies on its PUA domain and the tRNA CCA sequence. Nonetheless, interaction of aNOP10 with aCBF5 can counterbalance the absence of the PUA domain or the CCA sequence and more generally helps the aCBF5 tRNA:Psi55-synthase activity. Whereas substitution of the aNOP10 residue Y14 by an alanine disturbs this activity, it only impairs mildly the RNA-guided activity. The opposite effect was observed for the aNOP10 variant H31A. Substitution K53A or R202A in aCBF5 impairs both the tRNA:Psi55-synthase and the RNA-guided RNA:Psi-synthase activities. Remarkably, the presence of aNOP10 compensates for the negative effect of these substitutions on the tRNA: Psi55-synthase activity. Substitution of the aCBF5 conserved residue H77 that is expected to extrude the targeted U residue in tRNA strongly affects the efficiency of U55 modification but has no major effect on the RNA-guided activity. This negative effect can also be compensated by the presence of aNOP10.

Site-specific modification of Shigella flexneri virF mRNA by tRNA-guanine transglycosylase in vitro

Shigella flexneri is an enteropathogen responsible for severe dysentery in humans. VirF is a key transcriptional regulator that activates the expression of the downstream virulence factors required for cellular invasion and cell-to-cell spread of this pathogen. There are several environmental factors that induce the translation of VirF including temperature, pH, osmolarity and post-transcriptional RNA modification. Durand and colleagues (vacC, a virulence-associated chromosomal locus of Shigella flexneri, is homologous to tgt, a gene encoding tRNA-guanine transglycosylase of Escherichia coli K-12. J. Bacteriol., 176, 4627-4634) have demonstrated a correlation between VirF and tRNA-guanine transglycosylase (TGT), which catalyzes the exchange of the hypermodified base queuine for the guanine in the wobble position of certain tRNAs. They characterized tgt- mutant S. flexneri strains in which the translation of VirF is markedly reduced and the bacteria are unable to invade host cells. Although the function of TGT is to modify tRNA, we report that the virF mRNA is recognized by the Escherichia coli TGT (99% identity to the S. flexneri TGT) in vitro. Further, we show that this recognition results in the site-specific modification of a single base in the virF mRNA. In the context of previous reports that small molecule binding motifs ('riboswitches') in mRNAs modulate mRNA conformation and translation, our observations suggest that TGT may modulate the translation of VirF by base modification of the VirF encoding mRNA.

How U38, 39, and 40 of many tRNAs become the targets for pseudouridylation by TruA

Translational accuracy and efficiency depend upon modification of uridines in the tRNA anticodon stem loop (ASL) by a highly conserved pseudouridine synthase TruA. TruA specifically modifies uridines at positions 38, 39, and/or 40 of tRNAs with highly divergent sequences and structures through a poorly characterized mechanism that differs from previously studied RNA-modifying enzymes. The molecular basis for the site and substrate "promiscuity" was studied by determining the crystal structures of E. coli TruA in complex with two different leucyl tRNAs in conjunction with functional assays and computer simulation. The structures capture three stages of the TruA*tRNA reaction, revealing the mechanism by which TruA selects the target site. We propose that TruA utilizes the intrinsic flexibility of the ASL for site promiscuity and also to select against intrinsically stable tRNAs to avoid their overstabilization through pseudouridylation, thereby maintaining the balance between the flexibility and stability required for its biological function.

Pseudouridine synthases

Pseudouridine synthases are the enzymes responsible for the most abundant posttranscriptional modification of cellular RNAs. These enzymes catalyze the site-specific isomerization of uridine residues that are already part of an RNA chain, and appear to employ both sequence and structural information to achieve site specificity. Crystallographic analyses have demonstrated that all pseudouridine synthases share a common core fold and active site structure and that this core is modified by peripheral domains, accessory proteins, and guide RNAs to give rise to remarkable substrate versatility.

Crystal structure of pseudouridine synthase RluA: indirect sequence readout through protein-induced RNA structure

RluA is a dual-specificity enzyme responsible for pseudouridylating 23S rRNA and several tRNAs. The 2.05 A resolution structure of RluA bound to a substrate RNA comprising the anticodon stem loop of tRNA(Phe) reveals that enzyme binding induces a dramatic reorganization of the RNA. Instead of adopting its canonical U turn conformation, the anticodon loop folds into a new structure with a reverse-Hoogsteen base pair and three flipped-out nucleotides. Sequence conservation, the cocrystal structure, and the results of structure-guided mutagenesis suggest that RluA recognizes its substrates indirectly by probing RNA loops for their ability to adopt the reorganized fold. The planar, cationic side chain of an arginine intercalates between the reverse-Hoogsteen base pair and the bottom pair of the anticodon stem, flipping the nucleotide to be modified into the active site of RluA. Sequence and structural comparisons suggest that pseudouridine synthases of the RluA, RsuA, and TruA families employ an equivalent arginine for base flipping.

Mechanistic investigations of the pseudouridine synthase RluA using RNA containing 5-fluorouridine

The pseuoduridine synthases (psi synthases) isomerize uridine (U) to pseudouridine (psi) in RNA, and they fall into five families that share very limited sequence similarity but have the same overall fold and active-site architecture, including an essential Asp. The mechanism by which the psi synthases operate remains unknown, and mechanistic work has largely made use of RNA containing 5-fluorouridine (f5U) in place of U. The psi synthase TruA forms a covalent adduct with such RNA, and heat disruption of the adduct generates a hydrated product of f5U, which was reasonably concluded to result from the hydrolysis of an ester linkage between the essential Asp and f5U. In contrast, the psi synthase TruB, which is a member of a different family, does not form an adduct with f5U in RNA but catalyzes the rearrangement and hydration of the f5U, which labeling studies with [18O]water showed does not result from ester hydrolysis. To extend the line of mechanistic investigation to another family of psi synthases and an enzyme that makes an adduct with f5U in RNA, the behavior of RluA toward RNA containing f5U was examined. Stem-loop RNAs are shown to be good substrates for RluA. Heat denaturation of the adduct between RluA and RNA containing f5U produces a hydrated nucleoside product, and labeling studies show that hydration does not occur by ester hydrolysis. These results are interpreted in light of a consistent mechanistic scheme for the handling of f5U by psi synthases.

The RNA-binding PUA domain of archaeal tRNA-guanine transglycosylase is not required for archaeosine formation

Bacterial tRNA-guanine transglycosylase (TGT) replaces the G in position 34 of tRNA with preQ(1), the precursor to the modified nucleoside queuosine. Archaeal TGT, in contrast, substitutes preQ(0) for the G in position 15 of tRNA as the first step in archaeosine formation. The archaeal enzyme is about 60% larger than the bacterial protein; a carboxyl-terminal extension of 230 amino acids contains the PUA domain known to contact the four 3'-terminal nucleotides of tRNA. Here we show that the C-terminal extension of the enzyme is not required for the selection of G15 as the site of base exchange; truncated forms of Pyrococcus furiosus TGT retain their specificity for guanine exchange at position 15. Deletion of the PUA domain causes a 4-fold drop in the observed k(cat) (2.8 x 10(-3) s(-1)) and results in a 75-fold increased K(m) for tRNA(Asp)(1.2 x 10(-5) m) compared with full-length TGT. Mutations in tRNA(Asp) altering or abolishing interactions with the PUA domain can compete with wild-type tRNA(Asp) for binding to full-length and truncated TGT enzymes. Whereas the C-terminal domains do not appear to play a role in selection of the modification site, their relevance for enzyme function and their role in vivo remains to be discovered.

The Cm56 tRNA modification in archaea is catalyzed either by a specific 2'-O-methylase, or a C/D sRNP

We identified the first archaeal tRNA ribose 2'-O-methylase, aTrm56, belonging to the Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COG) 1303 that contains archaeal genes only. The corresponding protein exhibits a SPOUT S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet)-dependent methyltransferase domain found in bacterial and yeast G18 tRNA 2'-O-methylases (SpoU, Trm3). We cloned the Pyrococcus abyssi PAB1040 gene belonging to this COG, expressed and purified the corresponding protein, and showed that in vitro, it specifically catalyzes the AdoMet-dependent 2'-O-ribose methylation of C at position 56 in tRNA transcripts. This tRNA methylation is present only in archaea, and the gene for this enzyme is present in all the archaeal genomes sequenced up to now, except in the crenarchaeon Pyrobaculum aerophilum. In this archaea, the C56 2'-O-methylation is provided by a C/D sRNP. Our work is the first demonstration that, within the same kingdom, two different mechanisms are used to modify the same nucleoside in tRNAs.

Precursor complex structure of pseudouridine synthase TruB suggests coupling of active site perturbations to an RNA-sequestering peripheral protein domain

The pseudouridine synthase TruB is responsible for the universally conserved post-transcriptional modification of residue 55 of elongator tRNAs. In addition to the active site, the "thumb", a peripheral domain unique to the TruB family of enzymes, makes extensive interactions with the substrate. To coordinate RNA binding and release with catalysis, the thumb may be able to sense progress of the reaction in the active site. To establish whether there is a structural correlate of communication between the active site and the RNA-sequestering thumb, we have solved the structure of a catalytically inactive point mutant of TruB in complex with a substrate RNA, and compared it to the previously determined structure of an active TruB bound to a reaction product. Superposition of the two structures shows that they are extremely similar, except in the active site and, intriguingly, in the relative position of the thumb. Because the two structures were solved using isomorphous crystals, and because the thumb is very well ordered in both structures, the displacement of the thumb we observe likely reflects preferential propagation of active site perturbations to this RNA-binding domain. One of the interactions between the active site and the thumb involves an active site residue whose hydrogen-bonding status changes during the reaction. This may allow the peripheral RNA-binding domain to monitor progress of the pseudouridylation reaction.

The roles of the essential Asp-48 and highly conserved His-43 elucidated by the pH dependence of the pseudouridine synthase TruB

All known pseudouridine synthases have a conserved aspartic acid residue that is essential for catalysis, Asp-48 in Escherichia coli TruB. To probe the role of this residue, inactive D48C TruB was oxidized to generate the sulfinic acid cognate of aspartic acid. The oxidation restored significant but reduced catalytic activity, consistent with the proposed roles of Asp-48 as a nucleophile and general base. The family of pseudouridine synthases including TruB also has a nearly invariant histidine residue, His-43 in the E. coli enzyme. To examine the role of this conserved residue, site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate H43Q, H43N, H43A, H43G, and H43F TruB. Except for phenylalanine, the substitutions seriously impaired the enzyme, but all of the altered TruB retained significant activity. To examine the roles of Asp-48 and His-43 more fully, the pH dependences of wild-type, oxidized D48C, and H43A TruB were determined. The wild-type enzyme displays a typical bell-shaped profile. With oxidized D48C TruB, logk(cat) varies linearly with pH, suggesting the participation of specific rather than general base catalysis. Substitution of His-43 perturbs the pH profile, but it remains bell-shaped. The ascending limb of the pH profile is assigned to Asp-48, and the descending limb is tentatively ascribed to an active site tyrosine residue, the bound substrate uridine, or the bound product pseudouridine.

Crystal structure of the apo forms of psi 55 tRNA pseudouridine synthase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a hinge at the base of the catalytic cleft

The three-dimensional structure of the RNA-modifying enzyme, psi55 tRNA pseudouridine synthase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is reported. The 1.9-A resolution crystal structure reveals the enzyme, free of substrate, in two distinct conformations. The structure depicts an interesting mode of protein flexibility involving a hinged bending in the central beta-sheet of the catalytic module. Key parts of the active site cleft are also found to be disordered in the substrate-free form of the enzyme. The hinge bending appears to act as a clamp to position the substrate. Our structural data furthers the previously proposed mechanism of tRNA recognition. The present crystal structure emphasizes the significant role that protein dynamics must play in tRNA recognition, base flipping, and modification.

Not all pseudouridine synthases are potently inhibited by RNA containing 5-fluorouridine

RNA containing 5-fluorouridine has been assumed to inhibit strongly or irreversibly the pseudouridine synthases that act on the RNA. RNA transcripts containing 5-fluorouridine in place of uridine have, therefore, been added to reconstituted systems in order to investigate the importance of particular pseudouridine residues in a given RNA by inactivating the pseudouridine synthase responsible for their generation. In sharp contradiction to the assumption of universal inhibition of pseudouridine synthases by RNA containing 5-fluorouridine, the Escherichia coli pseudouridine synthase TruB, which has physiologically critical eukaryotic homologs, is not inhibited by such RNA. Instead, the RNA containing 5-fluorouridine was handled as a substrate by TruB. The E. coli pseudouridine synthase RluA, on the other hand, forms a covalent complex and is inhibited stoichiometrically by RNA containing 5-fluorouridine. We offer a hypothesis for this disparate behavior and urge caution in interpreting results from reconstitution experiments in which RNA containing 5-fluorouridine is assumed to inhibit a pseudouridine synthase, as normal function may result from a failure to inactivate the targeted enzyme rather than from the absence of nonessential pseudouridine residues.

Conformational change of pseudouridine 55 synthase upon its association with RNA substrate

Pseudouridine 55 synthase (Psi55S) catalyzes isomerization of uridine (U) to pseudouridine (Psi) at position 55 in transfer RNA. The crystal structures of Thermotoga maritima Psi55S, and its complex with RNA, have been determined at 2.9 and 3.0 A resolutions, respectively. Structural comparisons with other families of pseudouridine synthases (PsiS) indicate that Psi55S may acquire its ability to recognize a stem-loop RNA substrate by two insertions of polypeptides into the PsiS core. The structure of apo-Psi55S reveals that these two insertions interact with each other. However, association with RNA substrate induces substantial conformational change in one of the insertions, resulting in disruption of interaction between insertions and association of both insertions with the RNA substrate. Specific interactions between two insertions, as well as between the insertions and the RNA substrate, account for the molecular basis of the conformational change.

Structure of tRNA pseudouridine synthase TruB and its RNA complex: RNA recognition through a combination of rigid docking and induced fit

RNA pseudouridine synthase, TruB, catalyzes pseudouridine formation at U55 in tRNA. This posttranscriptional modification is almost universally conserved and occurs in the T arm of most tRNAs. We determined the crystal structure of Escherichia coli TruB apo enzyme, as well as the structure of Thermotoga maritima TruB in complex with RNA. Comparison of the RNA-free and -bound forms of TruB reveals that this enzyme undergoes significant conformational changes on binding to its substrate. These conformational changes include the ordering of the "thumb loop," which binds right into the RNA hairpin loop, and a 10 degree hinge movement of the C-terminal domain. Along with the result of docking experiments performed on apo TruB, we conclude that TruB recognizes its RNA substrate through a combination of rigid docking and induced fit, with TruB first rigidly binding to its target and then maximizing the interaction by induced fit.

The tRNA-like domains of E coli and A.aeolicus transfer-messenger RNA: structural and functional studies

Transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA, 10Sa RNA or ssrA) acts to rescue stalled bacterial ribosomes while encoding a peptide tag added trans-translationally to the nascent peptide, targeting it for proteolysis. The understanding at molecular level of this ubiquitous quality control system in eubacteria requires structural information. Here, we describe the purification and structural analysis of a functional fragment of both Aquifex aeolicus and Escherichia coli tmRNA, recapitulating their tRNA-like domain, which were expressed in vivo from synthetic genes. Both recombinant RNA are correctly processed at both 5' and 3' ends and are produced in quantities suitable for structural analysis by NMR and/or X-ray crystallography. The sequence and solution structure of the tRNA-like domains were analysed by various methods including structural mapping with chemical and enzymatic probes and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The minimalist RNAs contain two post-transcriptional base modifications, 5-methyluridine and pseudouridine, as the full-length tmRNA. Both RNAs fold into three stems, a D-analogue, a T-loop and a GAAA tetra-loop. 2D NMR analysis of the imino proton resonances of both RNAs allowed the assignment of the three stems and of a number of tertiary interactions. It shows the existence of interactions between the TPsiC-loop and the D-analogue, exhibiting a number of similarities and also differences with the canonical tRNA fold, indicating that RNA tertiary interactions can be modulated according to the sequence and secondary structure contexts. Furthermore, the E.coli minimalist RNA is aminoacylatable with alanine with a catalytic efficiency an order of magnitude higher than that for full-length tmRNA.

RNA-modifying enzymes

A bewildering number of post-transcriptional modifications are introduced into cellular RNAs by enzymes that are often conserved among archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. The modifications range from those with well-understood functions, such as tRNA aminoacylation, to widespread but more mysterious ones, such as pseudouridylation. Recent structure determinations have included two types of RNA nucleobase modifying enzyme: pseudouridine synthases and tRNA guanine transglycosylases.

Highly conserved modified nucleosides influence Mg2+-dependent tRNA folding

Transfer RNA structure involves complex folding interactions of the TPsiC domain with the D domain. However, the role of the highly conserved nucleoside modifications in the TPsiC domain, rT54, Psi55 and m5C49, in tertiary folding is not understood. To determine whether these modified nucleosides have a role in tRNA folding, the association of variously modified yeast tRNA(Phe) T-half molecules (nucleosides 40-72) with the corresponding unmodified D-half molecule (nucleosides 1-30) was detected and quantified using a native polyacrylamide gel mobility shift assay. Mg2+ was required for formation and maintenance of all complexes. The modified T-half folding interactions with the D-half resulted in K(d)s (rT54 = 6 +/- 2, m5C49 = 11 +/- 2, Psi55 = 14 +/- 5, and rT54,Psi55 = 11 +/- 3 microM) significantly lower than that of the unmodified T-half (40 +/- 10 microM). However, the global folds of the unmodified and modified complexes were comparable to each other and to that of an unmodified yeast tRNA(Phe) and native yeast tRNA(Phe), as determined by lead cleavage patterns at U17 and nucleoside substitutions disrupting the Levitt base pair. Thus, conserved modifications of tRNA's TPsiC domain enhanced the affinity between the two half-molecules without altering the global conformation indicating an enhanced stability to the complex and/or an altered folding pathway.

Characterization of the 23 S ribosomal RNA m5U1939 methyltransferase from Escherichia coli

An Escherichia coli open reading frame, ygcA, was identified as a putative 23 S ribosomal RNA 5-methyluridine methyltransferase (Gustafsson, C., Reid, R., Greene, P. J., and Santi, D. V. (1996) Nucleic Acids Res. 24, 3756-3762). We have cloned, expressed, and purified the 50-kDa protein encoded by ygcA. The purified enzyme catalyzed the AdoMet-dependent methylation of 23 S rRNA but did not act upon 16 S rRNA or tRNA. A high performance liquid chromatography-based nucleoside analysis identified the reaction product as 5-methyluridine. The enzyme specifically methylated U1939 as determined by a nuclease protection assay and by methylation assays using site-specific mutants of 23 S rRNA. A 40-nucleotide 23 S rRNA fragment (nucleotide 1930--1969) also served as an efficient substrate for the enzyme. The apparent K(m) values for the 40-mer RNA oligonucleotide and AdoMet were 3 and 26 microm, respectively, and the apparent k(cat) was 0.06 s(-1). The enzyme contains two equivalents of iron/monomer and has a sequence motif similar to a motif found in iron-sulfur proteins. We propose to name this gene rumA and accordingly name the protein product as RumA for RNA uridine methyltransferase.

Cocrystal structure of a tRNA Psi55 pseudouridine synthase: nucleotide flipping by an RNA-modifying enzyme

Pseudouridine (Psi) synthases catalyze the isomerization of specific uridines in cellular RNAs to pseudouridines and may function as RNA chaperones. TruB is responsible for the Psi residue present in the T loops of virtually all tRNAs. The close homolog Cbf5/dyskerin is the catalytic subunit of box H/ACA snoRNPs. These carry out the pseudouridylation of eukaryotic rRNA and snRNAs. The 1.85 A resolution structure of TruB bound to RNA reveals that this enzyme recognizes the preformed three-dimensional structure of the T loop, primarily through shape complementarity. It accesses its substrate uridyl residue by flipping out the nucleotide and disrupts the tertiary structure of tRNA. Structural comparisons with TruB demonstrate that all Psi synthases are descended from a common molecular ancestor.

Defects in tRNA processing and nuclear export induce GCN4 translation independently of phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2

Induction of GCN4 translation in amino acid-starved cells involves the inhibition of initiator tRNA(Met) binding to eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) in response to eIF2 phosphorylation by protein kinase GCN2. It was shown previously that GCN4 translation could be induced independently of GCN2 by overexpressing a mutant tRNA(AAC)(Val) (tRNA(Val*)) or the RNA component of RNase MRP encoded by NME1. Here we show that overexpression of the tRNA pseudouridine 55 synthase encoded by PUS4 also leads to translational derepression of GCN4 (Gcd(-) phenotype) independently of eIF2 phosphorylation. Surprisingly, the Gcd(-) phenotype of high-copy-number PUS4 (hcPUS4) did not require PUS4 enzymatic activity, and several lines of evidence indicate that PUS4 overexpression did not diminish functional initiator tRNA(Met) levels. The presence of hcPUS4 or hcNME1 led to the accumulation of certain tRNA precursors, and their Gcd(-) phenotypes were reversed by overexpressing the RNA component of RNase P (RPR1), responsible for 5'-end processing of all tRNAs. Consistently, overexpression of a mutant pre-tRNA(Tyr) that cannot be processed by RNase P had a Gcd(-) phenotype. Interestingly, the Gcd(-) phenotype of hcPUS4 also was reversed by overexpressing LOS1, required for efficient nuclear export of tRNA, and los1Delta cells have a Gcd(-) phenotype. Overproduced PUS4 appears to impede 5'-end processing or export of certain tRNAs in the nucleus in a manner remedied by increased expression of RNase P or LOS1, respectively. The mutant tRNA(Val*) showed nuclear accumulation in otherwise wild-type cells, suggesting a defect in export to the cytoplasm. We propose that yeast contains a nuclear surveillance system that perceives defects in processing or export of tRNA and evokes a reduction in translation initiation at the step of initiator tRNA(Met) binding to the ribosome.