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Li M, Zhu J, Lv Z, Qin H, Wang X, Shi H. Recent Advances in RNA-Targeted Cancer Therapy. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300633. [PMID: 37961028 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) plays a pivotal role in gene regulation and protein biosynthesis. Interfering the physiological function of key RNAs to induce cell apoptosis holds great promise for cancer treatment. Many RNA-targeted anti-cancer strategies have emerged continuously. Among them, RNA interference (RNAi) has been recognized as a promising therapeutic modality for various disease treatments. Nevertheless, the primary obstacle in siRNA delivery-escaping the endosome and crossing the plasma membrane severely impedes its therapeutic potential. Thus far, a variety of nanosystems as well as carrier-free bioconjugation for siRNA delivery have been developed and employed to enhance the drug delivery and anti-tumor efficiency. Besides, the use of small molecules to target specific RNA structures and disrupt their function, along with the covalent modification of RNA, has also drawn tremendous attention recently owing to high therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we will provide an overview of recent progress in RNA-targeted cancer therapy including various siRNA delivery strategies, RNA-targeting small molecules, and newly emerged covalent RNA modification. Finally, challenges and future perspectives faced in this research field will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Centre of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jinfeng Zhu
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, 00133, Italy
| | - Zhengzhong Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Centre of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Hongni Qin
- Suzhou Industrial Park Institute of Services Outsourcing, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000, China
| | - Haibin Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X) and Collaborative Innovation Centre of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
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2
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Biela A, Hammermeister A, Kaczmarczyk I, Walczak M, Koziej L, Lin TY, Glatt S. The diverse structural modes of tRNA binding and recognition. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104966. [PMID: 37380076 PMCID: PMC10424219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
tRNAs are short noncoding RNAs responsible for decoding mRNA codon triplets, delivering correct amino acids to the ribosome, and mediating polypeptide chain formation. Due to their key roles during translation, tRNAs have a highly conserved shape and large sets of tRNAs are present in all living organisms. Regardless of sequence variability, all tRNAs fold into a relatively rigid three-dimensional L-shaped structure. The conserved tertiary organization of canonical tRNA arises through the formation of two orthogonal helices, consisting of the acceptor and anticodon domains. Both elements fold independently to stabilize the overall structure of tRNAs through intramolecular interactions between the D- and T-arm. During tRNA maturation, different modifying enzymes posttranscriptionally attach chemical groups to specific nucleotides, which not only affect translation elongation rates but also restrict local folding processes and confer local flexibility when required. The characteristic structural features of tRNAs are also employed by various maturation factors and modification enzymes to assure the selection, recognition, and positioning of specific sites within the substrate tRNAs. The cellular functional repertoire of tRNAs continues to extend well beyond their role in translation, partly, due to the expanding pool of tRNA-derived fragments. Here, we aim to summarize the most recent developments in the field to understand how three-dimensional structure affects the canonical and noncanonical functions of tRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Biela
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Igor Kaczmarczyk
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marta Walczak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Lukasz Koziej
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ting-Yu Lin
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Sebastian Glatt
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
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3
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Vögele J, Duchardt-Ferner E, Kruse H, Zhang Z, Sponer J, Krepl M, Wöhnert J. Structural and dynamic effects of pseudouridine modifications on noncanonical interactions in RNA. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:790-807. [PMID: 36868785 PMCID: PMC10187676 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079506.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Pseudouridine is the most frequently naturally occurring RNA modification, found in all classes of biologically functional RNAs. Compared to uridine, pseudouridine contains an additional hydrogen bond donor group and is therefore widely regarded as a structure stabilizing modification. However, the effects of pseudouridine modifications on the structure and dynamics of RNAs have so far only been investigated in a limited number of different structural contexts. Here, we introduced pseudouridine modifications into the U-turn motif and the adjacent U:U closing base pair of the neomycin-sensing riboswitch (NSR)-an extensively characterized model system for RNA structure, ligand binding, and dynamics. We show that the effects of replacing specific uridines with pseudouridines on RNA dynamics crucially depend on the exact location of the replacement site and can range from destabilizing to locally or even globally stabilizing. By using a combination of NMR spectroscopy, MD simulations and QM calculations, we rationalize the observed effects on a structural and dynamical level. Our results will help to better understand and predict the consequences of pseudouridine modifications on the structure and function of biologically important RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Vögele
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Elke Duchardt-Ferner
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Holger Kruse
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zhengyue Zhang
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
- CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Sponer
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Krepl
- Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jens Wöhnert
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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4
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Graczyk A, Radzikowska-Cieciura E, Kaczmarek R, Pawlowska R, Chworos A. Modified Nucleotides for Chemical and Enzymatic Synthesis of Therapeutic RNA. Curr Med Chem 2023; 30:1320-1347. [PMID: 36239720 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666221014111403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, RNA has emerged as a medium with a broad spectrum of therapeutic potential, however, for years, a group of short RNA fragments was studied and considered therapeutic molecules. In nature, RNA plays both functions, with coding and non-coding potential. For RNA, like any other therapeutic, to be used clinically, certain barriers must be crossed. Among them, there are biocompatibility, relatively low toxicity, bioavailability, increased stability, target efficiency and low off-target effects. In the case of RNA, most of these obstacles can be overcome by incorporating modified nucleotides into its structure. This may be achieved by both, in vitro and in vivo biosynthetic methods, as well as chemical synthesis. Some advantages and disadvantages of each approach are summarized here. The wide range of nucleotide analogues has been tested for their utility as monomers for RNA synthesis. Many of them have been successfully implemented, and a lot of pre-clinical and clinical studies involving modified RNA have been carried out. Some of these medications have already been introduced into clinics. After the huge success of RNA-based vaccines that were introduced into widespread use in 2020, and the introduction to the market of some RNA-based drugs, RNA therapeutics containing modified nucleotides appear to be the future of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Graczyk
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewa Radzikowska-Cieciura
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
| | - Renata Kaczmarek
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
| | - Roza Pawlowska
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Chworos
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
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5
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Qiu Z, Wang Q, Liu L, Li G, Hao Y, Ning S, Zhang L, Zhang X, Chen Y, Wu J, Wang X, Yang S, Lin Y, Xu S. Riddle of the Sphinx: Emerging Role of Transfer RNAs in Human Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:794986. [PMID: 34975491 PMCID: PMC8714751 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.794986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of transfer RNA (tRNA) expression contributes to the diversity of proteomics, heterogeneity of cell populations, and instability of the genome, which may be related to human cancer susceptibility. However, the relationship between tRNA dysregulation and cancer susceptibility remains elusive because the landscape of cancer-associated tRNAs has not been portrayed yet. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of tRNAs involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression have not been systematically understood. In this review, we detail current knowledge of cancer-related tRNAs and comprehensively summarize the basic characteristics and functions of these tRNAs, with a special focus on their role and involvement in human cancer. This review bridges the gap between tRNAs and cancer and broadens our understanding of their relationship, thus providing new insights and strategies to improve the potential clinical applications of tRNAs for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Qiu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Guozheng Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yi Hao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Shipeng Ning
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yihai Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Jiale Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xinheng Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yaoxin Lin
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yaoxin Lin, ; Shouping Xu,
| | - Shouping Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Yaoxin Lin, ; Shouping Xu,
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6
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Pujari N, Saundh SL, Acquah FA, Mooers BHM, Ferré-D’Amaré AR, Leung AKW. Engineering Crystal Packing in RNA Structures I: Past and Future Strategies for Engineering RNA Packing in Crystals. CRYSTALS 2021; 11:952. [PMID: 34745656 PMCID: PMC8570644 DOI: 10.3390/cryst11080952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
X-ray crystallography remains a powerful method to gain atomistic insights into the catalytic and regulatory functions of RNA molecules. However, the technique requires the preparation of diffraction-quality crystals. This is often a resource- and time-consuming venture because RNA crystallization is hindered by the conformational heterogeneity of RNA, as well as the limited opportunities for stereospecific intermolecular interactions between RNA molecules. The limited success at crystallization explains in part the smaller number of RNA-only structures in the Protein Data Bank. Several approaches have been developed to aid the formation of well-ordered RNA crystals. The majority of these are construct-engineering techniques that aim to introduce crystal contacts to favor the formation of well-diffracting crystals. A typical example is the insertion of tetraloop-tetraloop receptor pairs into non-essential RNA segments to promote intermolecular association. Other methods of promoting crystallization involve chaperones and crystallization-friendly molecules that increase RNA stability and improve crystal packing. In this review, we discuss the various techniques that have been successfully used to facilitate crystal packing of RNA molecules, recent advances in construct engineering, and directions for future research in this vital aspect of RNA crystallography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narsimha Pujari
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Stephanie L. Saundh
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Francis A. Acquah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Blaine H. M. Mooers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Adrian R. Ferré-D’Amaré
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Adelaine Kwun-Wai Leung
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
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7
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An RNA-centric historical narrative around the Protein Data Bank. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100555. [PMID: 33744291 PMCID: PMC8080527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Some of the amazing contributions brought to the scientific community by the Protein Data Bank (PDB) are described. The focus is on nucleic acid structures with a bias toward RNA. The evolution and key roles in science of the PDB and other structural databases for nucleic acids illustrate how small initial ideas can become huge and indispensable resources with the unflinching willingness of scientists to cooperate globally. The progress in the understanding of the molecular interactions driving RNA architectures followed the rapid increase in RNA structures in the PDB. That increase was consecutive to improvements in chemical synthesis and purification of RNA molecules, as well as in biophysical methods for structure determination and computer technology. The RNA modeling efforts from the early beginnings are also described together with their links to the state of structural knowledge and technological development. Structures of RNA and of its assemblies are physical objects, which, together with genomic data, allow us to integrate present-day biological functions and the historical evolution in all living species on earth.
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8
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Ma X, Liu C, Kong X, Liu J, Zhang S, Liang S, Luan W, Cao X. Extensive profiling of the expressions of tRNAs and tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) reveals the complexities of tRNA and tRF populations in plants. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 64:495-511. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1891-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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9
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Antony P, Fournel S, Zoll J, Mantz JM, Befort K, Massotte D, Giégé P, Céraline J, Metzger D, Becker H, Drouard L, Florentz C, Martin R, Nébigil C, Potier S, Schaefer A, Schaeffer E, Schuster C, Bresson A, Quéméneur E, Choulier L, Matt N, Monassier L, Lugnier C, Freysz L, Hoffmann J, Dreyfus H, Romier C. La Société de Biologie de Strasbourg : 100 ans au service de la science et de la société. Biol Aujourdhui 2020; 214:137-148. [PMID: 33357372 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2020018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Founded in 1919, the Society of Biology of Strasbourg (SBS) is a learned society whose purpose is the dissemination and promotion of scientific knowledge in biology. Subsidiary of the Society of Biology, the SBS celebrated its Centenary on Wednesday, the 16th of October 2019 on the Strasbourg University campus and at the Strasbourg City Hall. This day allowed retracing the various milestones of the SBS, through its main strengths, its difficulties and its permanent goal to meet scientific and societal challenges. The common thread of this day was the transmission of knowledge related to the past, the present, but also the future. At the start of the 21st century, the SBS must continue to reinvent itself to pursue its objective of transmitting scientific knowledge in biology and beyond. Scientific talks performed by senior scientists and former SBS thesis prizes awardees, a round table, and informal discussions reflected the history and the dynamism of the SBS association. All SBS Centennial participants have set the first milestone for the SBS Bicentennial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Antony
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Sylvie Fournel
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Joffrey Zoll
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Jean-Marie Mantz
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Katia Befort
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Dominique Massotte
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Philippe Giégé
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Jocelyn Céraline
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Daniel Metzger
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Hubert Becker
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Laurence Drouard
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Catherine Florentz
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Robert Martin
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Canan Nébigil
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Serge Potier
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Adrien Schaefer
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Evelyne Schaeffer
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Catherine Schuster
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Anne Bresson
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Eric Quéméneur
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Laurence Choulier
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Nicolas Matt
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Laurent Monassier
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Claire Lugnier
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Louis Freysz
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Jules Hoffmann
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Henri Dreyfus
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Christophe Romier
- Société de Biologie de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
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Florentz C, Giegé R. History of tRNA research in strasbourg. IUBMB Life 2019; 71:1066-1087. [PMID: 31185141 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Florentz
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS and Université de Strasbourg, F-67084, 15 rue René Descartes, Strasbourg, France.,Direction de la Recherche et de la Valorisation, Université de Strasbourg, F-67084, 4 rue Blaise Pascal, Strasbourg, France
| | - Richard Giegé
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS and Université de Strasbourg, F-67084, 15 rue René Descartes, Strasbourg, France
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11
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Devi M, Chingbiaknem E, Lyngdoh RHD. A molecular mechanics study on GA codon box translation. J Theor Biol 2018; 441:28-43. [PMID: 29305181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The GA codon box incorporates the two-fold degeneracy of aspartic acid and of glutamic acid. Using the molecular mechanics approach of the AMBER suite, the four codons of the GA box are paired via H-bonding with two aspartic acid anticodons and two glutamic acid anticodons to yield 8 cognate and 11 non-cognate codon-anticodon duplexes. In addition four select non-cognate duplexes between the GA box codons and three alanine anticodons are also studied. These 23 duplexes display a variety of base-pairing possibilities at the wobble position. Cognate duplexes are differentiated from non-cognate duplexes on the grounds of structure and stability (chiefly the former). The results are in line with Crick's wobble hypothesis, and corroborate the observed reading properties of the aspartic acid anticodons GUC and QUC and of the glutamic acid anticodons CUC and SmnUC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Devi
- Department of Chemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, India
| | - Esther Chingbiaknem
- Department of Chemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, India
| | - R H Duncan Lyngdoh
- Department of Chemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, India.
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12
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Johnson PM, Gucinski GC, Garza-Sánchez F, Wong T, Hung LW, Hayes CS, Goulding CW. Functional Diversity of Cytotoxic tRNase/Immunity Protein Complexes from Burkholderia pseudomallei. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:19387-400. [PMID: 27445337 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.736074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) is a widespread mechanism of inter-bacterial competition. CDI(+) bacteria deploy large CdiA effector proteins, which carry variable C-terminal toxin domains (CdiA-CT). CDI(+) cells also produce CdiI immunity proteins that specifically neutralize cognate CdiA-CT toxins to prevent auto-inhibition. Here, we present the crystal structure of the CdiA-CT/CdiI(E479) toxin/immunity protein complex from Burkholderia pseudomallei isolate E479. The CdiA-CT(E479) tRNase domain contains a core α/β-fold that is characteristic of PD(D/E)XK superfamily nucleases. Unexpectedly, the closest structural homolog of CdiA-CT(E479) is another CDI toxin domain from B. pseudomallei 1026b. Although unrelated in sequence, the two B. pseudomallei nuclease domains share similar folds and active-site architectures. By contrast, the CdiI(E479) and CdiI(1026b) immunity proteins share no significant sequence or structural homology. CdiA-CT(E479) and CdiA-CT(1026b) are both tRNases; however, each nuclease cleaves tRNA at a distinct position. We used a molecular docking approach to model each toxin bound to tRNA substrate. The resulting models fit into electron density envelopes generated by small-angle x-ray scattering analysis of catalytically inactive toxin domains bound stably to tRNA. CdiA-CT(E479) is the third CDI toxin found to have structural homology to the PD(D/E)XK superfamily. We propose that CDI systems exploit the inherent sequence variability and active-site plasticity of PD(D/E)XK nucleases to generate toxin diversity. These findings raise the possibility that many other uncharacterized CDI toxins may belong to the PD(D/E)XK superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernando Garza-Sánchez
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9625, and
| | - Timothy Wong
- From the Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and
| | - Li-Wei Hung
- the Physics Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
| | - Christopher S Hayes
- the Biomolecular Science and Engineering Program and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9625, and
| | - Celia W Goulding
- From the Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California 92697,
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13
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Katz A, Elgamal S, Rajkovic A, Ibba M. Non-canonical roles of tRNAs and tRNA mimics in bacterial cell biology. Mol Microbiol 2016; 101:545-58. [PMID: 27169680 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are the macromolecules that transfer activated amino acids from aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases to the ribosome, where they are used for the mRNA guided synthesis of proteins. Transfer RNAs are ancient molecules, perhaps even predating the existence of the translation machinery. Albeit old, these molecules are tremendously conserved, a characteristic that is well illustrated by the fact that some bacterial tRNAs are efficient and specific substrates of eukaryotic aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and ribosomes. Considering their ancient origin and high structural conservation, it is not surprising that tRNAs have been hijacked during evolution for functions outside of translation. These roles beyond translation include synthetic, regulatory and information functions within the cell. Here we provide an overview of the non-canonical roles of tRNAs and their mimics in bacteria, and discuss some of the common themes that arise when comparing these different functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Katz
- Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile
| | - Sara Elgamal
- Department of Microbiology and The Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - Andrei Rajkovic
- Department of Microbiology and The Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - Michael Ibba
- Department of Microbiology and The Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
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14
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Kuhn CD. RNA versatility governs tRNA function: Why tRNA flexibility is essential beyond the translation cycle. Bioessays 2016; 38:465-73. [PMID: 26990636 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201500190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
tRNAs undergo multiple conformational changes during the translation cycle that are required for tRNA translocation and proper communication between the ribosome and translation factors. Recent structural data on how destabilized tRNAs utilize the CCA-adding enzyme to proofread themselves put a spotlight on tRNA flexibility beyond the translation cycle. In analogy to tRNA surveillance, this review finds that other processes also exploit versatile tRNA folding to achieve, amongst others, specific aminoacylation, translational regulation by riboswitches or a block of bacterial translation. tRNA flexibility is thereby not restricted to the hinges utilized during translation. In contrast, the flexibility of tRNA is distributed all over its L-shape and is actively exploited by the tRNA-interacting partners to discriminate one tRNA from another. Since the majority of tRNA modifications also modulate tRNA flexibility it seems that cells devote enormous resources to tightly sense and regulate tRNA structure. This is likely required for error-free protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus-D Kuhn
- BIOmac Research Center, Elite Network of Bavaria and University of Bayreuth, NW I, Bayreuth, Germany
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15
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Transfer RNA: From pioneering crystallographic studies to contemporary tRNA biology. Arch Biochem Biophys 2016; 602:95-105. [PMID: 26968773 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) play a key role in protein synthesis as adaptor molecules between messenger RNA and protein sequences on the ribosome. Their discovery in the early sixties provoked a worldwide infatuation with the study of their architecture and their function in the decoding of genetic information. tRNAs are also emblematic molecules in crystallography: the determination of the first tRNA crystal structures represented a milestone in structural biology and tRNAs were for a long period the sole source of information on RNA folding, architecture, and post-transcriptional modifications. Crystallographic data on tRNAs in complex with aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) also provided the first insight into protein:RNA interactions. Beyond the translation process and the history of structural investigations on tRNA, this review also illustrates the renewal of tRNA biology with the discovery of a growing number of tRNA partners in the cell, the involvement of tRNAs in a variety of regulatory and metabolic pathways, and emerging applications in biotechnology and synthetic biology.
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16
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Global shape mimicry of tRNA within a viral internal ribosome entry site mediates translational reading frame selection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E6446-55. [PMID: 26554019 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1512088112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The dicistrovirus intergenic region internal ribosome entry site (IRES) adopts a triple-pseudoknotted RNA structure and occupies the core ribosomal E, P, and A sites to directly recruit the ribosome and initiate translation at a non-AUG codon. A subset of dicistrovirus IRESs directs translation in the 0 and +1 frames to produce the viral structural proteins and a +1 overlapping open reading frame called ORFx, respectively. Here we show that specific mutations of two unpaired adenosines located at the core of the three-helical junction of the honey bee dicistrovirus Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) IRES PKI domain can uncouple 0 and +1 frame translation, suggesting that the structure adopts distinct conformations that contribute to 0 or +1 frame translation. Using a reconstituted translation system, we show that ribosomes assembled on mutant IRESs that direct exclusive 0 or +1 frame translation lack reading frame fidelity. Finally, a nuclear magnetic resonance/small-angle X-ray scattering hybrid approach reveals that the PKI domain of the IAPV IRES adopts an RNA structure that resembles a complete tRNA. The tRNA shape-mimicry enables the viral IRES to gain access to the ribosome tRNA-binding sites and form intermolecular contacts with the ribosome that are necessary for initiating IRES translation in a specific reading frame.
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17
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Zhang J, Ferré-D'Amaré AR. New molecular engineering approaches for crystallographic studies of large RNAs. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2014; 26:9-15. [PMID: 24607443 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Crystallization of RNAs with complex three-dimensional architectures remains a formidable experimental challenge. We review a number of successful heuristics involving engineering of the target RNAs to facilitate crystal contact formation, such as those that enabled the crystallization and structure determination of the cognate tRNA complexes of RNase P holoenzyme and the Stem I domain of the T-box riboswitch. Recently, RNA-targeted antibody Fab fragments and Kink-turn binding proteins have joined the ranks of successful chaperones for RNA crystallization. Lastly, we review the use of structured RNAs to facilitate crystallization of RNA-binding proteins and other RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Zhang
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 50 South Drive, MSC 8012, Bethesda, MD 20892-8012, USA
| | - Adrian R Ferré-D'Amaré
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 50 South Drive, MSC 8012, Bethesda, MD 20892-8012, USA.
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18
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Giegé R. Fifty years excitement with science: recollections with and without tRNA. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:6679-87. [PMID: 23325807 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.x113.453894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Giegé
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS and Université de Strasbourg, 67084 Strasbourg, France.
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19
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Das G, Lyngdoh RHD. Role of wobble base pair geometry for codon degeneracy: purine-type bases at the anticodon wobble position. J Mol Model 2012; 18:3805-20. [PMID: 22399149 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-012-1385-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Codon degeneracy is a key feature of the genetic code, explained by Crick (J Mol Biol 19:548-555, 1966) in terms of imprecision of base pairing at the codon third position (the wobble position) of the codon-anticodon duplex. The Crick wobble rules define, but do not explain, which base pairs are allowed/disallowed at the wobble position of this duplex. This work examines whether the H-bonded configurations of solitary RNA base pairs can in themselves help decide which base pairs are allowed at the wobble position during codon-anticodon pairing. Taking the purine-type bases guanine, hypoxanthine, queuine and adenine as anticodon wobble bases, H-bonded pairing energies and optimized configurations of numerous RNA base pairs are calculated in gas and modeled aqueous phase at the B3LYP/6-31 G(d,p) level. Calculated descriptors of alignment of these solitary base pairs are able to screen between allowed and disallowed base pairs for all cases studied here, except two cases which invoke base-sugar interactions in the codon wobble nucleoside. The exclusion of adenine from the anticodon wobble position cannot be explained on the basis of pairing facility or base pair geometry. These DFT results thus account for the specificity and degeneracy of the genetic code for all cases involving guanine, hypoxanthine and queuine as anticodon wobble bases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunajyoti Das
- Department of Chemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, India
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20
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Giegé R, Jühling F, Pütz J, Stadler P, Sauter C, Florentz C. Structure of transfer RNAs: similarity and variability. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2011; 3:37-61. [DOI: 10.1002/wrna.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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21
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Abstract
Post-transcriptional ribonucleotide modification is a phenomenon best studied in tRNA, where it occurs most frequently and in great chemical diversity. This paper reviews the intrinsic network of modifications in the structural core of the tRNA, which governs structural flexibility and rigidity to fine-tune the molecule to peak performance and to regulate its steady-state level. Structural effects of RNA modifications range from nanometer-scale rearrangements to subtle restrictions of conformational space on the angstrom scale. Structural stabilization resulting from nucleotide modification results in increased thermal stability and translates into protection against unspecific degradation by bases and nucleases. Several mechanisms of specific degradation of hypomodified tRNA, which were only recently discovered, provide a link between structural and metabolic stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Motorin
- Laboratoire ARN-RNP Maturation-Structure-Fonction, Enzymologie Moléculaire et Structurale (AREMS), UMR 7214 CNRS-UHP Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Henri Poincaré, Nancy 1, Bld des Aiguillettes, BP 70239, 54506 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
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22
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Giegé R, Sauter C. Biocrystallography: past, present, future. HFSP JOURNAL 2010; 4:109-21. [PMID: 21119764 PMCID: PMC2929629 DOI: 10.2976/1.3369281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of biocrystallography from the pioneers' time to the present era of global biology is presented in relation to the development of methodological and instrumental advances for molecular sample preparation and structure elucidation over the last 6 decades. The interdisciplinarity of the field that generated cross-fertilization between physics- and biology-focused themes is emphasized. In particular, strategies to circumvent the main bottlenecks of biocrystallography are discussed. They concern (i) the way macromolecular targets are selected, designed, and characterized, (ii) crystallogenesis and how to deal with physical and biological parameters that impact crystallization for growing and optimizing crystals, and (iii) the methods for crystal analysis and 3D structure determination. Milestones that have marked the history of biocrystallography illustrate the discussion. Finally, the future of the field is envisaged. Wide gaps of the structural space need to be filed and membrane proteins as well as intrinsically unstructured proteins still constitute challenging targets. Solving supramolecular assemblies of increasing complexity, developing a "4D biology" for decrypting the kinematic changes in macromolecular structures in action, integrating these structural data in the whole cell organization, and deciphering biomedical implications will represent the new frontiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Giegé
- Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IBMC, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Claude Sauter
- Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IBMC, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France
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23
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Masquida B, Beckert B, Jossinet F. Exploring RNA structure by integrative molecular modelling. N Biotechnol 2010; 27:170-83. [PMID: 20206310 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2010.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RNA molecular modelling is adequate to rapidly tackle the structure of RNA molecules. With new structured RNAs constituting a central class of cellular regulators discovered every year, the need for swift and reliable modelling methods is more crucial than ever. The pragmatic method based on interactive all-atom molecular modelling relies on the observation that specific structural motifs are recurrently found in RNA sequences. Once identified by a combination of comparative sequence analysis and biochemical data, the motifs composing the secondary structure of a given RNA can be extruded in three dimensions (3D) and used as building blocks assembled manually during a bioinformatic interactive process. Comparing the models to the corresponding crystal structures has validated the method as being powerful to predict the RNA topology and architecture while being less accurate regarding the prediction of base-base interactions. These aspects as well as the necessary steps towards automation will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Masquida
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, IBMC, CNRS, 15 rue René Descartes, Strasbourg, France.
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24
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Gagnon MG, Boutorine YI, Steinberg SV. Recurrent RNA motifs as probes for studying RNA-protein interactions in the ribosome. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 38:3441-53. [PMID: 20139416 PMCID: PMC2879513 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkq031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand how the nucleotide sequence of ribosomal RNA determines its tertiary structure, we developed a new approach for identification of those features of rRNA sequence that are responsible for formation of different short- and long-range interactions. The approach is based on the co-analysis of several examples of a particular recurrent RNA motif. For different cases of the motif, we design combinatorial gene libraries in which equivalent nucleotide positions are randomized. Through in vivo expression of the designed libraries we select those variants that provide for functional ribosomes. Then, analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the selected clones would allow us to determine the sequence constraints imposed on each case of the motif. The constraints shared by all cases are interpreted as providing for the integrity of the motif, while those ones specific for individual cases would enable the motif to fit into the particular structural context. Here we demonstrate the validity of this approach for three examples of the so-called along-groove packing motif found in different parts of ribosomal RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu G Gagnon
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
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25
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Watanabe K. Unique features of animal mitochondrial translation systems. The non-universal genetic code, unusual features of the translational apparatus and their relevance to human mitochondrial diseases. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2010; 86:11-39. [PMID: 20075606 PMCID: PMC3417567 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.86.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2009] [Accepted: 11/17/2009] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In animal mitochondria, several codons are non-universal and their meanings differ depending on the species. In addition, the tRNA structures that decipher codons are sometimes unusually truncated. These features seem to be related to the shortening of mitochondrial (mt) genomes, which occurred during the evolution of mitochondria. These organelles probably originated from the endosymbiosis of an aerobic eubacterium into an ancestral eukaryote. It is plausible that these events brought about the various characteristic features of animal mt translation systems, such as genetic code variations, unusually truncated tRNA and rRNA structures, unilateral tRNA recognition mechanisms by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, elongation factors and ribosomes, and compensation for RNA deficits by enlarged proteins. In this article, we discuss molecular mechanisms for these phenomena. Finally, we describe human mt diseases that are caused by modification defects in mt tRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimitsuna Watanabe
- Biomedicinal Information Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 2-4-7 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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26
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Itoh Y, Chiba S, Sekine SI, Yokoyama S. Crystal structure of human selenocysteine tRNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 37:6259-68. [PMID: 19692584 PMCID: PMC2764427 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Selenocysteine (Sec) is the 21st amino acid in translation. Sec tRNA (tRNASec) has an anticodon complementary to the UGA codon. We solved the crystal structure of human tRNASec. tRNASec has a 9-bp acceptor stem and a 4-bp T stem, in contrast with the 7-bp acceptor stem and the 5-bp T stem in the canonical tRNAs. The acceptor stem is kinked between the U6:U67 and G7:C66 base pairs, leading to a bent acceptor-T stem helix. tRNASec has a 6-bp D stem and a 4-nt D loop. The long D stem includes unique A14:U21 and G15:C20a pairs. The D-loop:T-loop interactions include the base pairs G18:U55 and U16:U59, and a unique base triple, U20:G19:C56. The extra arm comprises of a 6-bp stem and a 4-nt loop. Remarkably, the D stem and the extra arm do not form tertiary interactions in tRNASec. Instead, tRNASec has an open cavity, in place of the tertiary core of a canonical tRNA. The linker residues, A8 and U9, connecting the acceptor and D stems, are not involved in tertiary base pairing. Instead, U9 is stacked on the first base pair of the extra arm. These features might allow tRNASec to be the target of the Sec synthesis/incorporation machineries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzuru Itoh
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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27
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28
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Jiang L, Schaffitzel C, Bingel-Erlenmeyer R, Ban N, Korber P, Koning RI, de Geus DC, Plaisier JR, Abrahams JP. Recycling of Aborted Ribosomal 50S Subunit-Nascent Chain-tRNA Complexes by the Heat Shock Protein Hsp15. J Mol Biol 2009; 386:1357-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2008.10.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2008] [Revised: 09/19/2008] [Accepted: 10/26/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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29
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Urban A, Behm-Ansmant I, Branlant C, Motorin Y. RNA sequence and two-dimensional structure features required for efficient substrate modification by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA:{Psi}-synthase Pus7p. J Biol Chem 2008; 284:5845-58. [PMID: 19114708 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m807986200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Urban
- Laboratoire de Maturation des ARN et Enzymologie Moléculaire, UMR 7567, CNRS-UHP Nancy I, Nancy Université, 54506 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy Cedex, France
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30
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Sherrer RL, Ho JML, Söll D. Divergence of selenocysteine tRNA recognition by archaeal and eukaryotic O-phosphoseryl-tRNASec kinase. Nucleic Acids Res 2008; 36:1871-80. [PMID: 18267971 PMCID: PMC2330242 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkn036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Selenocysteine (Sec) biosynthesis in archaea and eukaryotes requires three steps: serylation of tRNASec by seryl-tRNA synthetase (SerRS), phosphorylation of Ser-tRNASec by O-phosphoseryl-tRNASec kinase (PSTK), and conversion of O-phosphoseryl-tRNASec (Sep-tRNASec) by Sep-tRNA:Sec-tRNA synthase (SepSecS) to Sec-tRNASec. Although SerRS recognizes both tRNASec and tRNASer species, PSTK must discriminate Ser-tRNASec from Ser-tRNASer. Based on a comparison of the sequences and secondary structures of archaeal tRNASec and tRNASer, we introduced mutations into Methanococcus maripaludis tRNASec to investigate how Methanocaldococcus jannaschii PSTK distinguishes tRNASec from tRNASer. Unlike eukaryotic PSTK, the archaeal enzyme was found to recognize the acceptor stem rather than the length and secondary structure of the D-stem. While the D-arm and T-loop provide minor identity elements, the acceptor stem base pairs G2-C71 and C3-G70 in tRNASec were crucial for discrimination from tRNASer. Furthermore, the A5-U68 base pair in tRNASer has some antideterminant properties for PSTK. Transplantation of these identity elements into the tRNASerUGA scaffold resulted in phosphorylation of the chimeric Ser-tRNA. The chimera was able to stimulate the ATPase activity of PSTK albeit at a lower level than tRNASec, whereas tRNASer did not. Additionally, the seryl moiety of Ser-tRNASec is not required for enzyme recognition, as PSTK efficiently phosphorylated Thr-tRNASec.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lynn Sherrer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8114, USA
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31
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Puglisi EV, Puglisi JD. Probing the conformation of human tRNA(3)(Lys) in solution by NMR. FEBS Lett 2007; 581:5307-14. [PMID: 17963705 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2007] [Revised: 10/02/2007] [Accepted: 10/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human tRNA(3)(Lys) acts as a primer for the reverse transcription of human immunodeficiency virus genomic RNA. To form an initiation complex with genomic RNA, tRNA(3)(Lys) must reorganize its secondary structure. To provide a starting point for mechanistic studies of the formation of the initiation complex, we here present solution NMR investigations of human tRNA(3)(Lys). We use a straightforward set of NMR experiments to show that tRNA(3)(Lys) adopts a standard transfer ribonucleic acid tertiary structure in solution, and that Mg(2+) is required for this folding. The results underscore the power of NMR to reveal rapidly the conformation of RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Viani Puglisi
- Department of Structural Biology, D105A Fairchild Building, 299 Campus Drive West, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5126, USA
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Kadaba S, Wang X, Anderson JT. Nuclear RNA surveillance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Trf4p-dependent polyadenylation of nascent hypomethylated tRNA and an aberrant form of 5S rRNA. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2006; 12:508-21. [PMID: 16431988 PMCID: PMC1383588 DOI: 10.1261/rna.2305406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
1-Methyladenosine modification at position 58 of tRNA is catalyzed by a two-subunit methyltransferase composed of Trm6p and Trm61p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Initiator tRNA (tRNAi(Met)) lacking m1A58 (hypomethylated) is rendered unstable through the cooperative function of the poly(A) polymerases, Trf4p/Trf5p, and the nuclear exosome. We provide evidence that a catalytically active Trf4p poly(A) polymerase is required for polyadenylation of hypomethylated tRNAi(Met) in vivo. DNA sequence analysis of tRNAi(Met) cDNAs and Northern hybridizations of poly(A)+ RNA provide evidence that nascent pre-tRNAi(Met) transcripts are targeted for polyadenylation and degradation. We determined that a mutant U6 snRNA and an aberrant form of 5S rRNA are stabilized in the absence of Trf4p, supporting that Trf4p facilitated RNA surveillance is a global process that stretches beyond hypomethylated tRNAi(Met). We conclude that an array of RNA polymerase III transcripts are targeted for Trf4p/ Trf5p-dependent polyadenylation and turnover to eliminate mutant and variant forms of normally stable RNAs.
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MESH Headings
- Base Sequence
- Catalytic Domain/genetics
- DNA, Fungal/genetics
- DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/genetics
- DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/metabolism
- DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/genetics
- DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/metabolism
- Methylation
- Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
- RNA Precursors/chemistry
- RNA Precursors/genetics
- RNA Precursors/metabolism
- RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
- RNA, Fungal/chemistry
- RNA, Fungal/genetics
- RNA, Fungal/metabolism
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5S/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5S/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5S/metabolism
- RNA, Small Nuclear/chemistry
- RNA, Small Nuclear/genetics
- RNA, Small Nuclear/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer/genetics
- RNA, Transfer/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer, Met/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer, Met/genetics
- RNA, Transfer, Met/metabolism
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/genetics
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujatha Kadaba
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, P.O. Box 1881, Wehr Life Sciences, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
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33
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Urbonavicius J, Armengaud J, Grosjean H. Identity elements required for enzymatic formation of N2,N2-dimethylguanosine from N2-monomethylated derivative and its possible role in avoiding alternative conformations in archaeal tRNA. J Mol Biol 2006; 357:387-99. [PMID: 16434050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2005.12.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2005] [Revised: 12/21/2005] [Accepted: 12/29/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Here, we have investigated the specificity of purified recombinant tRNA:m(2)(2)G10 methyltransferase of Pyrococcus abyssi ((Pab)Trm-m(2)(2)G10 enzyme). This archaeal enzyme catalyses mono- and dimethylation of the N(2)-exocyclic amino group of guanine at position 10 of several tRNA species. Our results indicate that only few identity elements are required for the efficient formation of m(2)(2)G10. They are composed of a G10.U25 wobble base-pair in the dihydrouridine arm (D-arm) and a four nucleotide variable loop (V-loop) within a canonical three-dimensional (3D) structure. The types of base-pairs in the D-arm or amino acid acceptor stem are also important for the enzymatic reaction, but appear to affect only the rate of tRNA methylation. However, in tRNA species harbouring a G10-C25 Watson-Crick base-pair and/or five nucleotide V-loop, only m(2)G10 is produced. To impair the monomethylation reaction, drastic amputation in the T-arm is required. Our observations contrast with those reported earlier for the identity elements required for a remotely related Pyrococcus furiosus Trm-m(2)(2)G26 enzyme (alias (Pfu)Trm1) that also catalyses the two step formation of m(2)(2)G but at position 26 in several tRNA species. In this case, a G10-C25 base-pair together with the five nucleotide V-loop were shown to be required for efficient formation of m(2)(2)G26. Thus, in the Pyrococcus genus, the major identity elements that preclude formation of m(2)(2)G at positions 10 or 26 in tRNA are mutually exclusive. Therefore, the Trm-m(2)(2)G10 and Trm-m(2)(2)G26 enzymes have evolved independently towards different specificities. In addition, identity elements for m(2)/m(2)(2)G10 formation in archaeal tRNA are different from the ones required for m(2)G10 formation in eukaryal tRNA. We propose that archaeal tRNA:m(2)(2)G10 methyltransferases, unlike the orthologous eukaryal tRNA:m(2)G10 methyltransferases, evolved towards m(2)(2)G10 specificity due to the possible requirement of preventing formation of alternative structures in G/C rich archaeal tRNA species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaunius Urbonavicius
- Laboratoire d'Enzymologie et Biochimie Structurales, CNRS, 1 ave de la Terrasse, Batiment 34, F-91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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34
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Cabello-Villegas J, Nikonowicz EP. Solution structure of psi32-modified anticodon stem-loop of Escherichia coli tRNAPhe. Nucleic Acids Res 2005; 33:6961-71. [PMID: 16377777 PMCID: PMC1322268 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gki1004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleoside base modifications can alter the structures and dynamics of RNA molecules and are important in tRNAs for maintaining translational fidelity and efficiency. The unmodified anticodon stem–loop from Escherichia coli tRNAPhe forms a trinucleotide loop in solution, but Mg2+ and dimethylallyl modification of A37 N6 destabilize the loop-proximal base pairs and increase the mobility of the loop nucleotides. The anticodon arm has three additional modifications, ψ32, ψ39, and A37 C2-thiomethyl. We have used NMR spectroscopy to investigate the structural and dynamical effects of ψ32 on the anticodon stem-loop from E.coli tRNAPhe. The ψ32 modification does not significantly alter the structure of the anticodon stem–loop relative to the unmodified parent molecule. The stem of the RNA molecule includes base pairs ψ32-A38 and U33–A37 and the base of ψ32 stacks between U33 and A31. The glycosidic bond of ψ32 is in the anti configuration and is paired with A38 in a Watson–Crick geometry, unlike residue 32 in most crystal structures of tRNA. The ψ32 modification increases the melting temperature of the stem by ∼3.5°C, although the ψ32 and U33 imino resonances are exchange broadened. The results suggest that ψ32 functions to preserve the stem integrity in the presence of additional loop modifications or after reorganization of the loop into a translationally functional conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edward P. Nikonowicz
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 713 348 4912; Fax +1 713 348 5154;
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35
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Kirino Y, Goto YI, Campos Y, Arenas J, Suzuki T. Specific correlation between the wobble modification deficiency in mutant tRNAs and the clinical features of a human mitochondrial disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:7127-32. [PMID: 15870203 PMCID: PMC1129107 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0500563102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in mtDNA are responsible for a variety of mitochondrial diseases, where the mitochondrial tRNA(Leu(UUR)) gene has especially hot spots for pathogenic mutations. Clinical features often depend on the tRNA species and/or positions of the mutations; however, molecular pathogenesis elucidating the relation between the location of the mutations and their leading phenotype are not fully understood. We report here that mitochondrial tRNAs(Leu(UUR)) harboring one of five mutations found in tissues from patients with symptoms of mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) (A3243G, G3244A, T3258C, T3271C, and T3291C) lacked the normal taurine-containing modification (5-taurinomethyluridine) at the anticodon wobble position. In contrast, mitochondrial tRNAs(Leu(UUR)) with different mutations found in patients that have mitochondrial diseases but do not show the MELAS symptoms (G3242A, T3250C, C3254T, and A3280G) had the normal 5-taurinomethyluridine modifications. These observations were made by using a modified primer extension technique that can detect the modification deficiency in the extremely limited quantities of mutant tRNAs obtainable from patient tissues. These results strongly suggest deficient wobble modification could be a key molecular factor responsible for the phenotypic features of MELAS, which can explain why the different MELAS-associated mutations result in indistinguishable clinical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Kirino
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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36
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Darnell JC, Fraser CE, Mostovetsky O, Stefani G, Jones TA, Eddy SR, Darnell RB. Kissing complex RNAs mediate interaction between the Fragile-X mental retardation protein KH2 domain and brain polyribosomes. Genes Dev 2005; 19:903-18. [PMID: 15805463 PMCID: PMC1080130 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1276805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Fragile-X mental retardation is caused by loss of function of a single gene encoding the Fragile-X mental retardation protein, FMRP, an RNA-binding protein that harbors two KH-type and one RGG-type RNA-binding domains. Previous studies identified intramolecular G-quartet RNAs as high-affinity targets for the RGG box, but the relationship of RNA binding to FMRP function and mental retardation remains unclear. One severely affected patient harbors a missense mutation (I304N) within the second KH domain (KH2), and some evidence suggests this domain may be involved in the proposed role of FMRP in translational regulation. We now identify the RNA target for the KH2 domain as a sequence-specific element within a complex tertiary structure termed the FMRP kissing complex. We demonstrate that the association of FMRP with brain polyribosomes is abrogated by competition with the FMRP kissing complex RNA, but not by high-affinity G-quartet RNAs. We conclude that mental retardation associated with the I304N mutation, and likely the Fragile-X syndrome more generally, may relate to a crucial role for RNAs harboring the kissing complex motif as targets for FMRP translational regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Darnell
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA.
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37
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Frazer-Abel AA, Hagerman PJ. Variation of the acceptor-anticodon interstem angles among mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial tRNAs. J Mol Biol 2004; 343:313-25. [PMID: 15451663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2004.07.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2004] [Revised: 07/13/2004] [Accepted: 07/22/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A cloverleaf secondary structure and the concomitant "L"-shaped tertiary conformation are considered the paradigm for tRNA structure, since there appears to be very little deviation from either secondary or tertiary structural forms among the more than one dozen canonical (cloverleaf) tRNAs that have yielded to crystallographic structure determination. However, many metazoan mitochondrial tRNAs deviate markedly from the canonical secondary structure, and are often highly truncated (i.e. missing either a dihydrouridine or a TPsiC arm). These departures from the secondary cloverleaf form call into question the universality of the tertiary (L-shaped) conformation, suggesting that other structural constraints may be at play for the truncated tRNAs. To examine this issue, a set of 11 tRNAs, comprising mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial, and canonical and non-canonical species, has been examined in solution using the method of transient electric birefringence. Apparent interstem angles have been determined for each member of the set, represented as transcripts in which the anticodon and acceptor stems have each been extended by approximately 70 bp of duplex RNA helix. The measurements demonstrate much more variation in global structure than had been supposed on the basis of crystallographic analysis of canonical tRNAs. In particular, the apparent acceptor-anticodon interstem angles are more obtuse for the metazoan mitochondrial tRNAs that are truncated (missing either a dihydrouridine or a TPsiC arm) than for the canonical (cloverleaf) tRNAs. Furthermore, the magnesium dependence of this interstem angle differs for the set of truncated tRNAs compared to the canonical species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A Frazer-Abel
- Center for Cancer Causation and Prevention, AMC Cancer Research Center, Denver, CO 802014, USA
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38
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Doyon FR, Zagryadskaya EI, Chen J, Steinberg SV. Specific and non-specific purine trap in the T-loop of normal and suppressor tRNAs. J Mol Biol 2004; 343:55-69. [PMID: 15381420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2004.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2004] [Revised: 08/09/2004] [Accepted: 08/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
To elucidate the general constraints imposed on the structure of the D and T-loops in functional tRNAs, active suppressor tRNAs were selected in vivo from a combinatorial tRNA gene library in which several nucleotide positions in these loops were randomized. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the selected clones demonstrates that most of them contain combination U54-A58 allowing the formation of the standard reverse-Hoogsteen base-pair 54-58 in the T-loop. With only one exception, all these clones fall into two groups, each characterized by a distinct sequence pattern. Analysis of these two groups has allowed us to suggest two different types of nucleotide arrangement in the DT region. The first type, the so-called specific purine trap, is found in 12 individual tRNA clones and represents a generalized version of the standard D-T loop interaction. It consists of purine 18 sandwiched between the reverse-Hoogsteen base-pair U54-A58 and purine 57. The identity of purine 18 is restricted by the specific base-pairing with nucleotide 55. Depending on whether nucleotide 55 is U or G, purine 18 should be, respectively, G or A. The second structural type, the so-called non-specific purine trap, corresponds to the nucleotide sequence pattern found in 16 individual tRNA clones and is described here for the first time. It consists of purine 18 sandwiched between two reverse-Hoogsteen base-pairs U54-A58 and A55-C57 and, unlike the specific purine trap, requires the T-loop to contain an extra eighth nucleotide. Since purine 18 does not form a base-pair in the non-specific purine trap, both purines, G18 and A18, fit to the structure equally well. The important role of both the specific and non-specific purine traps in the formation of the tRNA L-shape is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix R Doyon
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada H3C 3J7
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39
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Kirino Y, Yasukawa T, Ohta S, Akira S, Ishihara K, Watanabe K, Suzuki T. Codon-specific translational defect caused by a wobble modification deficiency in mutant tRNA from a human mitochondrial disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:15070-5. [PMID: 15477592 PMCID: PMC524061 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0405173101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Point mutations in the mitochondrial (mt) tRNA(Leu(UUR)) gene are responsible for mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), a subgroup of mitochondrial encephalomyopathic diseases. We previously showed that mt tRNA(Leu(UUR)) with an A3243G or T3271C mutation derived from patients with MELAS are deficient in a normal taurine-containing modification (taum5U; 5-taurinomethyluridine) at the anticodon wobble position. To examine decoding disorder of the mutant tRNA due to the wobble modification deficiency independent of the pathogenic point mutation itself, we used a molecular surgery technique to construct an mt tRNA(Leu(UUR)) molecule lacking the taurine modification but without the pathogenic mutation. This "operated" mt tRNA(Leu(UUR)) without the taurine modification showed severely reduced UUG translation but no decrease in UUA translation. We thus concluded that the UUG codon-specific translational defect of the mutant mt tRNAs(Leu(UUR)) is the primary cause of MELAS at the molecular level. This result could explain the complex I deficiency observed clinically in MELAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Kirino
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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40
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Kulinski T, Olejniczak M, Huthoff H, Bielecki L, Pachulska-Wieczorek K, Das AT, Berkhout B, Adamiak RW. The apical loop of the HIV-1 TAR RNA hairpin is stabilized by a cross-loop base pair. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:38892-901. [PMID: 12882959 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m301939200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The TAR hairpin of the HIV-1 RNA genome is indispensable for trans-activation of the viral promoter and virus replication. The TAR structure has been studied extensively, but most attention has been directed at the three-nucleotide bulge that constitutes the binding site of the viral Tat protein. In contrast, the conformational properties of the apical loop have remained elusive. We performed biochemical studies and molecular dynamics simulations, which indicate that the TAR loop is structured and stabilized by a cross-loop base pair between residues C30 and G34. Mutational disruption of the cross-loop base pair results in reduced Tat response of the LTR promoter, which can be rescued by compensatory mutations that restore the base pair. Thus, Tat-mediated transcriptional activation depends on the structure of the TAR apical loop. The C30-G34 cross-loop base pair classes TAR in a growing family of hairpins with a structured loop that was recently identified in ribosomal RNA, tRNA, and several viral and cellular mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadeusz Kulinski
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12-14, 61-704 Poznañ, Poland
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41
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Frugier M, Giege R, Schimmel P. RNA recognition by designed peptide fusion creates "artificial" tRNA synthetase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003; 100:7471-5. [PMID: 12796515 PMCID: PMC164610 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1332771100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic code was established through aminoacylations of RNA substrates that emerged as tRNAs. The 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (one for each amino acid) are ancient proteins, the active-site domain of which catalyzes formation of an aminoacyl adenylate that subsequently reacts with the 3' end of bound tRNA. Binding of tRNA depends on idiosyncratic (to the particular synthetase) domains and motifs that are fused to or inserted into the conserved active-site domain. Here we take the domain for synthesis of alanyl adenylate and fuse it to "artificial" peptide sequences (28 aa) that were shown previously to bind to the acceptor arm of tRNAAla. Certain fusions confer aminoacylation activity on tRNAAla and on hairpin microhelices modeled after its acceptor stem. Aminoacylation was sensitive to the presence of a specific G:U base pair known to be a major determinant of tRNAAla identity. Aminoacylation efficiency and specificity also depended on the specific peptide sequence. The results demonstrate that barriers to RNA-specific aminoacylations are low and can be achieved by relatively simple peptide fusions. They also suggest a paradigm for rationally designed specific aminoacylations based on peptide fusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Frugier
- Département Mécanismes et Macromolécules de la Synthèse Protéique et Cristallogenèse, Unité Propre de Recherche 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, F-67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
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42
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Du X, Wang ED. Tertiary structure base pairs between D- and TpsiC-loops of Escherichia coli tRNA(Leu) play important roles in both aminoacylation and editing. Nucleic Acids Res 2003; 31:2865-72. [PMID: 12771213 PMCID: PMC156717 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkg382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To ensure the fidelity of protein biosynthesis, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) must recognize the tRNA identity elements of their cognate tRNAs and discriminate their cognate amino acids from structurally similar ones through a proofreading (editing) reaction. For a better understanding of these processes, we investigated the role of tRNA(Leu) tertiary structure in the aminoacylation and editing reactions catalyzed by leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS). We constructed a series of Escherichia coli tRNA(Leu) mutated transcripts with alterations of the nucleotides involved in tertiary interactions. Our results revealed that any disturbance of the tertiary interaction between the tRNA(Leu) D- and TpsiC-loops affected both its aminoacylation ability and its ability to stimulate the editing reaction. Moreover, we found that the various tertiary interactions between the D- and TpsiC-loops (G18:U55, G19:C56 and U54:A58) functioned differently within the aminoacylation and editing reactions. In these two reactions, the role of base pair 19:56 was closely correlated and dependent on the hydrogen bond number. In contrast, U54:A58 was more important in aminoacylation than in editing. Taken together, our results suggest that the elbow region of tRNA formed by the tertiary interactions between the D- and TpsiC-loops affects the interactions between tRNA and aaRS effectively both in aminoacylation and in editing.
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MESH Headings
- Acylation
- Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism
- Base Pairing
- Base Sequence
- Escherichia coli/genetics
- Hydrogen Bonding
- Isoleucine/metabolism
- Leucine/metabolism
- Leucine-tRNA Ligase/metabolism
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Mutation
- Nucleic Acid Conformation
- RNA, Bacterial/chemistry
- RNA, Bacterial/genetics
- RNA, Bacterial/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer, Leu/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer, Leu/genetics
- RNA, Transfer, Leu/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Du
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
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43
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Abstract
RNA molecules may be crystallized using variations of the methods developed for protein crystallography. As the technology has become available to synthesize and purify RNA molecules in the quantities and with the quality that is required for crystallography, the field of RNA structure has exploded. The first consideration when crystallizing an RNA is the sequence, which may be varied in a rational way to enhance crystallizability or prevent formation of alternate structures. Once a sequence has been designed, the RNA may be synthesized chemically by solid-state synthesis or it may be produced enzymatically using RNA polymerase and an appropriate DNA template. Purification of milligram quantities of RNA can be accomplished by HPLC or gel electrophoresis. As with proteins, crystallization of RNA is usually accomplished by vapor diffusion techniques. There are several considerations that are either unique to RNA crystallization or more important for RNA crystallization. Techniques for design, synthesis, purification, and crystallization of RNAs will be reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara L Golden
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, 175 S. University Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
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44
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Bajji AC, Sundaram M, Myszka DG, Davis DR. An RNA complex of the HIV-1 A-loop and tRNA(Lys,3) is stabilized by nucleoside modifications. J Am Chem Soc 2002; 124:14302-3. [PMID: 12452693 DOI: 10.1021/ja028015f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The HIV transcription initiation complex involves a putative interaction between the primer tRNA anticodon and a conserved A-rich loop in the HIV genome. Surface plasmon resonance was used to demonstrate that the hypermodified nucleosides in the tRNA anticodon stem loop (ASL) stabilize RNA-RNA interactions in a model for the anticodon/A-loop complex. tRNA ASL hairpins with the modifications of Escherchia coli tRNALys and human tRNALys,3 each form stable complexes. Partially modified tRNA ASLs bind the A-loop hairpin with lesser affinity, and it was found that the modifications of the bacterial and mammalian tRNAs make distinct contributions toward stabilizing the RNA complex. One model for the anticodon/A-loop RNA complex that is consistent with the known modification effects on tRNA structure and function is that of complementary tRNAs, as seen for the published crystal structure of tRNAAsp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok C Bajji
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, 30 South 2000 East Room 307, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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45
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Gong Q, Guo Q, Tong KL, Zhu G, Wong JTF, Xue H. NMR analysis of bovine tRNATrp: conformation dependence of Mg2+ binding. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:20694-701. [PMID: 11919203 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m202299200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
NMR was used to study the solution structure of bovine tRNA(Trp) hyperexpressed in Escherichia coli. With the use of (15)N labeling and site-directed mutagenesis to assign overlapping resonances through the base pair replacement of U(71)A(2) by G(2)C(71), U(27)A(43) by G(27)C(43), and G(12)C(23) by U(12)A(23), the resonances of all 26 observable imino protons in the helical regions and in the tertiary interactions were assigned unambiguously by means of two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy and heteronuclear single quantum coherence methods. When the discriminator base A(73) and the G(12)C(23) base pair on the D stem, two identity elements on bovine tRNA(Trp) that are important for effective recognition by tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase, were mutated to the ineffective forms of G(73) and U(12)A(23), respectively, NMR analysis revealed an important conformational change in the U(12)A(23) mutant but not in the G(73) mutant molecule. Thus A(73) appears to be directly recognized by tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase, and G(12)C(23) represents an important structural determinant. Mg(2+) effects on the assigned resonances of imino protons allowed the identification of strong, medium, and weak Mg(2+) binding sites in tRNA(Trp). Strong Mg(2+) binding modes were associated with the residues G(7), s(4)U(8) (where s(4)U is 4-thiouridine), G(12), and U(52). The observations that G(42) was associated with strong Mg(2+) binding in only the U(12)A(23) mutant tRNA(Trp) but not the wild type or G(73) mutant tRNA(Trp) and that the G(7), s(4)U(8), G(24), and G(22) imino protons are associated with a two-site Mg(2+) binding mode in wild type and G(73) mutant but only a one-site mode in the U(12)A(23) mutant established the occurrence of conformational change in the U(12)A(23) mutant tRNA(Trp). These observations also established the dependence of Mg(2+) binding on tRNA conformation and the usefulness of Mg(2+) binding sites as conformational probes. The thermal titration of tRNA(Trp) in the presence and absence of 10 mm Mg(2+) indicated that overall tRNA(Trp) structure stability was increased by more than 15 degrees C by the presence of Mg(2+).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingguo Gong
- Department of Biochemistry, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Vortler S, Pütz J, Giegé R. Manipulation of tRNA properties by structure-based and combinatorial in vitro approaches. PROGRESS IN NUCLEIC ACID RESEARCH AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2002; 70:291-334. [PMID: 11642365 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6603(01)70020-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The wide knowledge accumulated over the years on the structure and function of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) has allowed molecular biologists to decipher the rules underlying the function and the architecture of these molecules. These rules will be discussed and the implications for manipulating tRNA properties by structure-based and combinatorial in vitro approaches reviewed. Since most of the signals conferring function to tRNAs are located on the two distal extremities of their three-dimensional L shape, this implies that the structure of the RNA domain connecting these two extremities can be of different architecture and/or can be modified without disturbing individual functions. This concept is first supported by the existence in nature of RNAs of peculiar structures having tRNA properties, as well as by engineering experiments on natural tRNAs. The concept is further illustrated by examples of RNAs designed by combinatorial methods. The different procedures used to select RNAs or tRNA-mimics interacting with aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases or with elongation factors and to select tRNA-mimics aminoacylated by synthetases are presented, as well as the functional and structural characteristics of the selected molecules. Production and characteristics of aptameric RNAs fulfilling aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase functions and of RNAs selected to have affinities for amino acids are also described. Finally, properties of RNAs obtained by either the structure-based or the combinatorial methods are discussed in the light of the origin and evolution of the translation machinery, but also with a view to obtain new inhibitors targeting specific steps in translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vortler
- Département Mécanismes et Macromolécules de la Synthèse, Protéique et Cristallogenèse, UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, Strasbourg, France
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47
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Moulinier L, Eiler S, Eriani G, Gangloff J, Thierry JC, Gabriel K, McClain W, Moras D. The structure of an AspRS-tRNA(Asp) complex reveals a tRNA-dependent control mechanism. EMBO J 2001; 20:5290-301. [PMID: 11566892 PMCID: PMC125622 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/20.18.5290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2.6 A resolution crystal structure of an inactive complex between yeast tRNA(Asp) and Escherichia coli aspartyl-tRNA synthetase reveals the molecular details of a tRNA-induced mechanism that controls the specificity of the reaction. The dimer is asymmetric, with only one of the two bound tRNAs entering the active site cleft of its subunit. However, the flipping loop, which controls the proper positioning of the amino acid substrate, acts as a lid and prevents the correct positioning of the terminal adenosine. The structure suggests that the acceptor stem regulates the loop movement through sugar phosphate backbone- protein interactions. Solution and cellular studies on mutant tRNAs confirm the crucial role of the tRNA three-dimensional structure versus a specific recognition of bases in the control mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - G. Eriani
- UPR 9004, Laboratoire de Biologie et Génomique Structurales, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP 163, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, C.U. de Strasbourg,
UPR9002, IBMC, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France and Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706-1567, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - J. Gangloff
- UPR 9004, Laboratoire de Biologie et Génomique Structurales, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP 163, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, C.U. de Strasbourg,
UPR9002, IBMC, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France and Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706-1567, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | | | - K. Gabriel
- UPR 9004, Laboratoire de Biologie et Génomique Structurales, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP 163, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, C.U. de Strasbourg,
UPR9002, IBMC, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France and Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706-1567, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - W.H. McClain
- UPR 9004, Laboratoire de Biologie et Génomique Structurales, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP 163, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, C.U. de Strasbourg,
UPR9002, IBMC, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France and Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706-1567, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - D. Moras
- UPR 9004, Laboratoire de Biologie et Génomique Structurales, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 rue Laurent Fries, BP 163, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, C.U. de Strasbourg,
UPR9002, IBMC, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France and Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706-1567, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
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48
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Helm M, Kopka ML, Sharma SK, Lown JW, Giegé R. RNase activity of a DNA minor groove binder with a minimalist catalytic motif from RNase A. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 281:1283-90. [PMID: 11243875 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.4503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Imidazole and compounds containing imidazole residues have been shown to cleave RNA in an RNase A-mimicking manner. Di-imidazole lexitropsin is a compound which is derived from the polyamide drugs distamycin and netropsin essentially by the replacement of two pyrrole heterocycles with N-methyl-imidazole residues. This enables it to bind to the minor groove of B-DNA in a sequence-specific manner. We demonstrate here that this lexitropsin derivative has RNA cleavage activity, as tested on model RNAs. Optimal cleavage conditions and cleavage specificity resemble those known from other imidazole conjugates and are thus consistent with an RNase A type cleavage mechanism. The optimum concentration of the compound for cleavage is similar to previously investigated imidazole-based RNase mimics. As a whole new class of chemical compounds capable of interacting with nucleic acids through extensive hydrogen bonding, these imidazole containing compounds constitute promising scaffolds and ligands, for the construction of novel RNase mimics with high affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Helm
- Département 'Mécanismes et Macromolécules de la Synthèse Protéique et Cristallogenèse', UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, 15 rue René Descartes, Strasbourg Cedex, F 67084, France.
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49
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Abstract
Translational bypassing joins the information found within two disparate open reading frames into a single polypeptide chain. The underlying mechanism centers on the decoding properties of peptidyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) and involves three stages: take-off, scanning, and landing. In take-off, the peptidyl-tRNA/messenger RNA (mRNA) complex in the P site of the ribosome dissociates, and the mRNA begins to move through the ribosome. In scanning, the peptidyl-tRNA probes the mRNA sliding through the decoding center. In landing, the peptidyl-tRNA re-pairs with a codon with which it can form a stable interaction. Although few examples of genes are known that rely on translational bypassing to couple open reading frames, ribosomes appear to have an innate capacity for bypassing. This suggests that the strategy of translational bypassing may be more common than presently appreciated. The best characterized example of this phenomenon is T4 gene 60, in which a complex set of signals stimulates bypassing of 50 nucleotides between the two open reading frames. In this review, we focus on the bypassing mechanism of gene 60 in terms of take-off, scanning, and landing.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Base Sequence
- Genes, Bacterial
- Models, Biological
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Open Reading Frames
- Peptide Chain Termination, Translational
- Protein Biosynthesis
- Protein Sorting Signals/genetics
- RNA, Bacterial/genetics
- RNA, Bacterial/metabolism
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/metabolism
- RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer, Amino Acyl/genetics
- RNA, Transfer, Amino Acyl/metabolism
- Ribosomal Proteins/genetics
- Ribosomal Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Herr
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-5330, USA.
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50
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Tisné C, Roques BP, Dardel F. Heteronuclear NMR studies of the interaction of tRNA(Lys)3 with HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein. J Mol Biol 2001; 306:443-54. [PMID: 11178904 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.2000.4391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Reverse transcription of HIV-1 viral RNA uses human tRNA(Lys)3 as a primer. Recombinant tRNA(Lys)3 was previously overexpressed in Escherichia coli, 15N-labelled and purified for NMR studies. It was shown to be functional for priming of HIV-1 reverse transcription. Using heteronuclear 2D and 3D NMR, we have been able to assign almost all the imino groups in the helical regions and involved in the tertiary base interactions of tRNA(Lys)3. This crucial step enabled us to address the question of the annealing mechanism of tRNA(Lys)3 by the nucleocapsid protein (NC) using heteronuclear NMR. Moreover, structural aspects of the tRNA(Lys)3/(12-53)NCp7 interaction have been characterised. The (12-53)NCp7 protein binds preferentially to the inside of the L-shape of the tRNA(Lys)3, on the acceptor and D stems, and at the level of the tertiary interactions between the D and T-psi-C loops. (12-53)NCp7 binding does not induce the melting of any single base-pair or unwinding of the tRNA(Lys)3 helical domains. Moreover, NMR provides a unique means to investigate the base-pairs that are destabilised by (12-53)NCp7 binding. Indeed, the measurements of the longitudinal relaxation time T1 and of the exchange time of the imino protons revealed two major regions sensitive to catalysis by the protein, namely the G6-U67 and T54(A58) pairs. It is interesting that for the biological role of the NC protein, these pairs could be the starting points of the tRNA melting required for the hybridisation to the viral RNA.
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MESH Headings
- Anticodon/chemistry
- Anticodon/genetics
- Anticodon/metabolism
- Base Pairing
- Base Sequence
- Capsid/chemistry
- Capsid/metabolism
- Capsid Proteins
- Gene Products, gag/chemistry
- Gene Products, gag/metabolism
- HIV-1
- Humans
- Kinetics
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Nitrogen/metabolism
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
- Nucleic Acid Conformation
- Nucleic Acid Denaturation
- Peptide Fragments/chemistry
- Peptide Fragments/metabolism
- Protein Binding
- Protons
- RNA, Transfer, Lys/chemistry
- RNA, Transfer, Lys/genetics
- RNA, Transfer, Lys/metabolism
- Viral Proteins
- gag Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tisné
- Laboratoire de Cristallographie et RMN Biologiques, EP 2075 CNRS Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 avenue de l'Observatoire, Paris, 75006, France.
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