Structure of a tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase splicing factor bound to a group I intron RNA

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Malachra alceifolia (wild okra) for wastewater treatment and biomedical applications with molecular docking approach

The current investigation focused on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Malachra alceifolia (Ma) (the common name is wild okra) leaf extract. The morphological, structural, and optical properties of the synthesized Ma-Ag NPs were characterized by various techniques. The absorption spectral studies (UV-vis and FTIR) confirm the formation of Ma-Ag NPs and their band gap was calculated as 2.1 eV with the help of Tauc's equation. The XRD study gives information about the crystalline nature and FCC structure. The SEM analysis estimates the particle size as 10-55 nm and the average size as 28 nm with a spherical shape. Furthermore, biological studies such as antibacterial activity was performed by the broth dilution method whereas antioxidant was studied through the DPPH radical scavenging technique. To compare the antibacterial activity between Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, the highest bacterial growth of inhibition was observed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa than Staphylococcus aureus when increasing the concentration of the plant extract and Ma-Ag NPs. The scavenging activity of DPPH for both leaf extract and synthesized Ma-Ag NPs was represented in a dose-dependent manner (0.1-1.0 mg/mL), Ma-Ag NPs have shown a significant scavenging activity ranging from 39 to 54% with an average IC50 value of 0.87 ± 0.08. Furthermore, a molecular docking study was performed to confirm the binding interaction outline between the bioactive molecule methyl commate A, Ma-Ag NPs, and proteins such as Aminotransferase and Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase active sites. The highest interaction tendency was observed between the Aminotransferase and methyl commate A with a binding energy of - 7.79 kcal/mol-1. The high electronegative oxygen of the ligand interacts with H-N- of Lys98 (-O--H-N-) through the formation of hydrogen bond by 3.53A° distance. In addition, the photocatalytic efficiency of Ma-Ag NPs was studied with methylene blue dye degradation under sunlight irradiation at different time intervals. The attained photocatalytic degradation efficiency was 98.3% after 120 min.

The DEAD-box RNA helicase ZmRH48 is required for the splicing of multiple mitochondrial introns, mitochondrial complex biosynthesis, and seed development in maize

RNA helicases participate in nearly all aspects of RNA metabolism by rearranging RNAs or RNA-protein complexes in an adenosine triphosphate-dependent manner. Due to the large RNA helicase families in plants, the precise roles of many RNA helicases in plant physiology and development remain to be clarified. Here, we show that mutations in maize (Zea mays) DEAD-box RNA helicase 48 (ZmRH48) impair the splicing of mitochondrial introns, mitochondrial complex biosynthesis, and seed development. Loss of ZmRH48 function severely arrested embryogenesis and endosperm development, leading to defective kernel formation. ZmRH48 is targeted to mitochondria, where its deficiency dramatically reduced the splicing efficiency of five cis-introns (nad5 intron 1; nad7 introns 1, 2, and 3; and ccmFc intron 1) and one trans-intron (nad2 intron 2), leading to lower levels of mitochondrial complexes I and III. ZmRH48 interacts with two unique pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins, PPR-SMR1 and SPR2, which are required for the splicing of over half of all mitochondrial introns. PPR-SMR1 interacts with SPR2, and both proteins interact with P-type PPR proteins and Zm-mCSF1 to facilitate intron splicing. These results suggest that ZmRH48 is likely a component of a splicing complex and is critical for mitochondrial complex biosynthesis and seed development.

Seryl-tRNA Synthetase Shows a Noncanonical Activity of Upregulating Laccase Transcription in Trametes hirsuta AH28-2 Exposed to Copper Ion

The function of Seryl-tRNA synthetase in fungi during gene transcription regulation beyond translation has not been reported. Here, we report a seryl-tRNA synthetase, ThserRS, which can negatively regulate laccase lacA transcription in Trametes hirsuta AH28-2 under exposure to copper ion. ThserRS was obtained through yeast one-hybrid screening using a bait sequence of lacA promoter (-502 to -372 bp). ThserRS decreased while lacA increased at the transcription level in T. hirsuta AH28-2 in the first 36 h upon CuSO4 induction. Then, ThserRS was upregulated, and lacA was downregulated. ThserRS overexpression in T. hirsuta AH28-2 resulted in a decrement in lacA transcription and LacA activity. By comparison, ThserRS silencing led to increased LacA transcripts and activity. A minimum of a 32-bp DNA fragment containing two putative xenobiotic response elements could interact with ThserRS, with a dissociation constant of 919.9 nM. ThserRS localized in the cell cytoplasm and nucleus in T. hirsuta AH28-2 and was heterologously expressed in yeast. ThserRS overexpression also enhanced mycelial growth and oxidative stress resistance. The transcriptional level of several intracellular antioxidative enzymes in T. hirsuta AH28-2 was upregulated. Our results demonstrate a noncanonical activity of SerRS that acts as a transcriptional regulation factor to upregulate laccase expression at an early stage after exposure to copper ions. IMPORTANCE Seryl-tRNA synthetase is well known for the attachment of serine to the corresponding cognate tRNA during protein translation. In contrast, its functions beyond translation in microorganisms are underexplored. We performed in vitro and cell experiments to show that the seryl-tRNA synthetase in fungi with no UNE-S domain at the carboxyl terminus can enter the nucleus, directly interact with the promoter of the laccase gene, and negatively regulate the fungal laccase transcription early upon copper ion induction. Our study deepens our understanding of the Seryl-tRNA synthetase noncanonical activities in microorganisms. It also demonstrates a new transcription factor for fungal laccase transcription.

Group I Intron as a Potential Target for Antifungal Compounds: Development of a Trans-Splicing High-Throughput Screening Strategy

The search for safe and efficient new antifungal compounds for agriculture has led to more efforts in finding new modes of action. This involves the discovery of new molecular targets, including coding and non-coding RNA. Rarely found in plants and animals but present in fungi, group I introns are of interest as their complex tertiary structure may allow selective targeting using small molecules. In this work, we demonstrate that group I introns present in phytopathogenic fungi have a self-splicing activity in vitro that can be adapted in a high-throughput screening to find new antifungal compounds. Ten candidate introns from different filamentous fungi were tested and one group ID intron found in F. oxysporum showed high self-splicing efficiency in vitro. We designed the Fusarium intron to act as a trans-acting ribozyme and used a fluorescence-based reporter system to monitor its real time splicing activity. Together, these results are opening the way to study the druggability of such introns in crop pathogen and potentially discover small molecules selectively targeting group I introns in future high-throughput screenings.

Effects of chain length of polyethylene glycol molecular crowders on a mutant Tetrahymena group I ribozyme lacking large peripheral module

While current group I ribozymes use several distinct strategies to function under conditions of low Mg²⁺ concentration (≤ 3 mM), a deletion mutant of the Tetrahymena ribozyme (ΔP5 ribozyme) is virtually inactive with 3 mM Mg²⁺ due to removal of the large peripheral module, P5abc, supporting the active conformation of the core module. We investigated the molecular crowding effects of synthetic polyethylene glycols (PEGs) on the activity of the ΔP5 ribozyme. Among PEG molecules with different chain lengths, PEG600 improved the activity of the ΔP5 ribozyme most effectively in the presence of 3 mM Mg²⁺.

An RNA-centric historical narrative around the Protein Data Bank

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.

αβDCA method identifies unspecific binding but specific disruption of the group I intron by the StpA chaperone

Chaperone proteins-the most disordered among all protein groups-help RNAs fold into their functional structure by destabilizing misfolded configurations or stabilizing the functional ones. But disentangling the mechanism underlying RNA chaperoning is challenging, mostly because of inherent disorder of the chaperones and the transient nature of their interactions with RNA. In particular, it is unclear how specific the interactions are and what role is played by amino acid charge and polarity patterns. Here, we address these questions in the RNA chaperone StpA. We adapted direct coupling analysis (DCA) into the αβDCA method that can treat in tandem sequences written in two alphabets, nucleotides and amino acids. With αβDCA, we could analyze StpA-RNA interactions and show consistency with a previously proposed two-pronged mechanism: StpA disrupts specific positions in the group I intron while globally and loosely binding to the entire structure. Moreover, the interactions are strongly associated with the charge pattern: Negatively charged regions in the destabilizing StpA amino-terminal affect a few specific positions in the RNA, located in stems and in the pseudoknot. In contrast, positive regions in the carboxy-terminal contain strongly coupled amino acids that promote nonspecific or weakly specific binding to the RNA. The present study opens new avenues to examine the functions of disordered proteins and to design disruptive proteins based on their charge patterns.

Localization and RNA Binding of Mitochondrial Aminoacyl tRNA Synthetases

Mitochondria contain a complete translation machinery that is used to translate its internally transcribed mRNAs. This machinery uses a distinct set of tRNAs that are charged with cognate amino acids inside the organelle. Interestingly, charging is executed by aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (aaRS) that are encoded by the nuclear genome, translated in the cytosol, and need to be imported into the mitochondria. Here, we review import mechanisms of these enzymes with emphasis on those that are localized to both mitochondria and cytosol. Furthermore, we describe RNA recognition features of these enzymes and their interaction with tRNA and non-tRNA molecules. The dual localization of mitochondria-destined aaRSs and their association with various RNA types impose diverse impacts on cellular physiology. Yet, the breadth and significance of these functions are not fully resolved. We highlight here possibilities for future explorations.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases

The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are an essential and universally distributed family of enzymes that plays a critical role in protein synthesis, pairing tRNAs with their cognate amino acids for decoding mRNAs according to the genetic code. Synthetases help to ensure accurate translation of the genetic code by using both highly accurate cognate substrate recognition and stringent proofreading of noncognate products. While alterations in the quality control mechanisms of synthetases are generally detrimental to cellular viability, recent studies suggest that in some instances such changes facilitate adaption to stress conditions. Beyond their central role in translation, synthetases are also emerging as key players in an increasing number of other cellular processes, with far-reaching consequences in health and disease. The biochemical versatility of the synthetases has also proven pivotal in efforts to expand the genetic code, further emphasizing the wide-ranging roles of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase family in synthetic and natural biology.

RNA mimicry in post-transcriptional regulation by aminoacyl tRNA synthetases

Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (aaRS) are well studied for their roles in tRNA charging with cognate amino acid. Nevertheless, numerous lines of evidence indicate that these proteins have roles other than tRNA charging. These include coordination of cellular signaling cascades, induction of cytokines outside the cell and transcription regulation. Herein, we focus on their roles in post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA expression. We describe functions that are related to antitermination of transcription, RNA splicing and mRNA translation. Cases were recognition of mRNA by the aaRS involves recognition of tRNA-like structures are described. Such recognition may be achieved by repurposing tRNA-binding domains or through domains added to the aaRS later in evolution. Furthermore, we describe cases in which binding by aaRS is implicated in autogenous regulation of expression. Overall, we propose RNA-mimicry as a common mode of interaction between aaRS and mRNA which allows efficient expression regulation. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > tRNA Processing RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications Translation > Translation Regulation.

How to fold and protect mitochondrial ribosomal RNA with fewer guanines

Mammalian mitochondrial ribosomes evolved from bacterial ribosomes by reduction of ribosomal RNAs, increase of ribosomal protein content, and loss of guanine nucleotides. Guanine is the base most sensitive to oxidative damage. By systematically comparing high-quality, small ribosomal subunit RNA sequence alignments and solved 3D ribosome structures from mammalian mitochondria and bacteria, we deduce rules for folding a complex RNA with the remaining guanines shielded from solvent. Almost all conserved guanines in both bacterial and mammalian mitochondrial ribosomal RNA form guanine-specific, local or long-range, RNA–RNA or RNA–protein interactions. Many solvent-exposed guanines conserved in bacteria are replaced in mammalian mitochondria by bases less sensitive to oxidation. New guanines, conserved only in the mitochondrial alignment, are strategically positioned at solvent inaccessible sites to stabilize the ribosomal RNA structure. New mitochondrial proteins substitute for truncated RNA helices, maintain mutual spatial orientations of helices, compensate for lost RNA–RNA interactions, reduce solvent accessibility of bases, and replace guanines conserved in bacteria by forming specific amino acid–RNA interactions.

Structural control of caspase-generated glutamyl-tRNA synthetase by appended noncatalytic WHEP domains

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are ubiquitous, evolutionarily conserved enzymes catalyzing the conjugation of amino acids onto cognate tRNAs. During eukaryotic evolution, tRNA synthetases have been the targets of persistent structural modifications. These modifications can be additive, as in the evolutionary acquisition of noncatalytic domains, or subtractive, as in the generation of truncated variants through regulated mechanisms such as proteolytic processing, alternative splicing, or coding region polyadenylation. A unique variant is the human glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase (EPRS) consisting of two fused synthetases joined by a linker containing three copies of the WHEP domain (termed by its presence in tryptophanyl-, histidyl-, and glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetases). Here, we identify site-selective proteolysis as a mechanism that severs the linkage between the EPRS synthetases in vitro and in vivo Caspase action targeted Asp-929 in the third WHEP domain, thereby separating the two synthetases. Using a neoepitope antibody directed against the newly exposed C terminus, we demonstrate EPRS cleavage at Asp-929 in vitro and in vivo Biochemical and biophysical characterizations of the N-terminally generated EPRS proteoform containing the glutamyl-tRNA synthetase and most of the linker, including two WHEP domains, combined with structural analysis by small-angle neutron scattering, revealed a role for the WHEP domains in modulating conformations of the catalytic core and GSH-S-transferase-C-terminal-like (GST-C) domain. WHEP-driven conformational rearrangement altered GST-C domain interactions and conferred distinct oligomeric states in solution. Collectively, our results reveal long-range conformational changes imposed by the WHEP domains and illustrate how noncatalytic domains can modulate the global structure of tRNA synthetases in complex eukaryotic systems.

Structure of a Thermostable Group II Intron Reverse Transcriptase with Template-Primer and Its Functional and Evolutionary Implications

Bacterial group II intron reverse transcriptases (RTs) function in both intron mobility and RNA splicing and are evolutionary predecessors of retrotransposon, telomerase, and retroviral RTs as well as the spliceosomal protein Prp8 in eukaryotes. Here we determined a crystal structure of a full-length thermostable group II intron RT in complex with an RNA template-DNA primer duplex and incoming deoxynucleotide triphosphate (dNTP) at 3.0-Å resolution. We find that the binding of template-primer and key aspects of the RT active site are surprisingly different from retroviral RTs but remarkably similar to viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. The structure reveals a host of features not seen previously in RTs that may contribute to distinctive biochemical properties of group II intron RTs, and it provides a prototype for many related bacterial and eukaryotic non-LTR retroelement RTs. It also reveals how protein structural features used for reverse transcription evolved to promote the splicing of both group II and spliceosomal introns.

Structural Divergence of the Group I Intron Binding Surface in Fungal Mitochondrial Tyrosyl-tRNA Synthetases That Function in RNA Splicing

The mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases (mtTyrRSs) of Pezizomycotina fungi, a subphylum that includes many pathogenic species, are bifunctional proteins that both charge mitochondrial tRNA(Tyr) and act as splicing cofactors for autocatalytic group I introns. Previous studies showed that one of these proteins, Neurospora crassa CYT-18, binds group I introns by using both its N-terminal catalytic and C-terminal anticodon binding domains and that the catalytic domain uses a newly evolved group I intron binding surface that includes an N-terminal extension and two small insertions (insertions 1 and 2) with distinctive features not found in non-splicing mtTyrRSs. To explore how this RNA binding surface diverged to accommodate different group I introns in other Pezizomycotina fungi, we determined x-ray crystal structures of C-terminally truncated Aspergillus nidulans and Coccidioides posadasii mtTyrRSs. Comparisons with previous N. crassa CYT-18 structures and a structural model of the Aspergillus fumigatus mtTyrRS showed that the overall topology of the group I intron binding surface is conserved but with variations in key intron binding regions, particularly the Pezizomycotina-specific insertions. These insertions, which arose by expansion of flexible termini or internal loops, show greater variation in structure and amino acids potentially involved in group I intron binding than do neighboring protein core regions, which also function in intron binding but may be more constrained to preserve mtTyrRS activity. Our results suggest a structural basis for the intron specificity of different Pezizomycotina mtTyrRSs, highlight flexible terminal and loop regions as major sites for enzyme diversification, and identify targets for therapeutic intervention by disrupting an essential RNA-protein interaction in pathogenic fungi.

Single-Cell (Meta-)Genomics of a Dimorphic Candidatus Thiomargarita nelsonii Reveals Genomic Plasticity

The genus Thiomargarita includes the world's largest bacteria. But as uncultured organisms, their physiology, metabolism, and basis for their gigantism are not well understood. Thus, a genomics approach, applied to a single Candidatus Thiomargarita nelsonii cell was employed to explore the genetic potential of one of these enigmatic giant bacteria. The Thiomargarita cell was obtained from an assemblage of budding Ca. T. nelsonii attached to a provannid gastropod shell from Hydrate Ridge, a methane seep offshore of Oregon, USA. Here we present a manually curated genome of Bud S10 resulting from a hybrid assembly of long Pacific Biosciences and short Illumina sequencing reads. With respect to inorganic carbon fixation and sulfur oxidation pathways, the Ca. T. nelsonii Hydrate Ridge Bud S10 genome was similar to marine sister taxa within the family Beggiatoaceae. However, the Bud S10 genome contains genes suggestive of the genetic potential for lithotrophic growth on arsenite and perhaps hydrogen. The genome also revealed that Bud S10 likely respires nitrate via two pathways: a complete denitrification pathway and a dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia pathway. Both pathways have been predicted, but not previously fully elucidated, in the genomes of other large, vacuolated, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. Surprisingly, the genome also had a high number of unusual features for a bacterium to include the largest number of metacaspases and introns ever reported in a bacterium. Also present, are a large number of other mobile genetic elements, such as insertion sequence (IS) transposable elements and miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs). In some cases, mobile genetic elements disrupted key genes in metabolic pathways. For example, a MITE interrupts hupL, which encodes the large subunit of the hydrogenase in hydrogen oxidation. Moreover, we detected a group I intron in one of the most critical genes in the sulfur oxidation pathway, dsrA. The dsrA group I intron also carried a MITE sequence that, like the hupL MITE family, occurs broadly across the genome. The presence of a high degree of mobile elements in genes central to Thiomargarita's core metabolism has not been previously reported in free-living bacteria and suggests a highly mutable genome.

Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases in the Bacterial World

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are modular enzymes globally conserved in the three kingdoms of life. All catalyze the same two-step reaction, i.e., the attachment of a proteinogenic amino acid on their cognate tRNAs, thereby mediating the correct expression of the genetic code. In addition, some aaRSs acquired other functions beyond this key role in translation. Genomics and X-ray crystallography have revealed great structural diversity in aaRSs (e.g., in oligomery and modularity, in ranking into two distinct groups each subdivided in 3 subgroups, by additional domains appended on the catalytic modules). AaRSs show huge structural plasticity related to function and limited idiosyncrasies that are kingdom or even species specific (e.g., the presence in many Bacteria of non discriminating aaRSs compensating for the absence of one or two specific aaRSs, notably AsnRS and/or GlnRS). Diversity, as well, occurs in the mechanisms of aaRS gene regulation that are not conserved in evolution, notably between distant groups such as Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria. The review focuses on bacterial aaRSs (and their paralogs) and covers their structure, function, regulation, and evolution. Structure/function relationships are emphasized, notably the enzymology of tRNA aminoacylation and the editing mechanisms for correction of activation and charging errors. The huge amount of genomic and structural data that accumulated in last two decades is reviewed, showing how the field moved from essentially reductionist biology towards more global and integrated approaches. Likewise, the alternative functions of aaRSs and those of aaRS paralogs (e.g., during cell wall biogenesis and other metabolic processes in or outside protein synthesis) are reviewed. Since aaRS phylogenies present promiscuous bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryal features, similarities and differences in the properties of aaRSs from the three kingdoms of life are pinpointed throughout the review and distinctive characteristics of bacterium-like synthetases from organelles are outlined.

The exome sequencing identified the mutation in YARS2 encoding the mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase as a nuclear modifier for the phenotypic manifestation of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy-associated mitochondrial DNA mutation

Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is the most common mitochondrial disorder. Nuclear modifier genes are proposed to modify the phenotypic expression of LHON-associated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations. By using an exome sequencing approach, we identified a LHON susceptibility allele (c.572G>T, p.191Gly>Val) in YARS2 gene encoding mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, which interacts with m.11778G>A mutation to cause visual failure. We performed functional assays by using lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from members of Chinese families (asymptomatic individuals carrying m.11778G>A mutation, or both m.11778G>A and heterozygous p.191Gly>Val mutations and symptomatic subjects harboring m.11778G>A and homozygous p.191Gly>Val mutations) and controls lacking these mutations. The 191Gly>Val mutation reduced the YARS2 protein level in the mutant cells. The aminoacylated efficiency and steady-state level of tRNA(Tyr) were markedly decreased in the cell lines derived from patients both carrying homozygous YARS2 p.191Gly>Val and m.11778G>A mutations. The failure in tRNA(Tyr) metabolism impaired mitochondrial translation, especially for polypeptides with high content of tyrosine codon such as ND4, ND5, ND6 and COX2 in cells lines carrying homozygous YARS2 p.191Gly>Val and m.11778G>A mutations. The YARS2 p.191Gly>Val mutation worsened the respiratory phenotypes associated with m.11778G>A mutation, especially reducing activities of complexes I and IV. The respiratory deficiency altered the efficiency of mitochondrial ATP synthesis and increased the production of reactive oxygen species. Thus, mutated YARS2 aggravates mitochondrial dysfunctions associated with the m.11778G>A mutation, exceeding the threshold for the expression of blindness phenotype. Our findings provided new insights into the pathophysiology of LHON that were manifested by interaction between mtDNA mutation and mutated nuclear-modifier YARS2.

Evolution of RNA-protein interactions: non-specific binding led to RNA splicing activity of fungal mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases

Studies of tRNA synthetases that adapted to assist the splicing of group I introns provide insight into how proteins can evolve new RNA-binding functions.

The Neurospora crassa mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (mtTyrRS; CYT-18 protein) evolved a new function as a group I intron splicing factor by acquiring the ability to bind group I intron RNAs and stabilize their catalytically active RNA structure. Previous studies showed: (i) CYT-18 binds group I introns by using both its N-terminal catalytic domain and flexibly attached C-terminal anticodon-binding domain (CTD); and (ii) the catalytic domain binds group I introns specifically via multiple structural adaptations that occurred during or after the divergence of Peziomycotina and Saccharomycotina. However, the function of the CTD and how it contributed to the evolution of splicing activity have been unclear. Here, small angle X-ray scattering analysis of CYT-18 shows that both CTDs of the homodimeric protein extend outward from the catalytic domain, but move inward to bind opposite ends of a group I intron RNA. Biochemical assays show that the isolated CTD of CYT-18 binds RNAs non-specifically, possibly contributing to its interaction with the structurally different ends of the intron RNA. Finally, we find that the yeast mtTyrRS, which diverged from Pezizomycotina fungal mtTyrRSs prior to the evolution of splicing activity, binds group I intron and other RNAs non-specifically via its CTD, but lacks further adaptations needed for group I intron splicing. Our results suggest a scenario of constructive neutral (i.e., pre-adaptive) evolution in which an initial non-specific interaction between the CTD of an ancestral fungal mtTyrRS and a self-splicing group I intron was “fixed” by an intron RNA mutation that resulted in protein-dependent splicing. Once fixed, this interaction could be elaborated by further adaptive mutations in both the catalytic domain and CTD that enabled specific binding of group I introns. Our results highlight a role for non-specific RNA binding in the evolution of RNA-binding proteins.

The acquisition of new modes of post-transcriptional gene regulation played an important role in the evolution of eukaryotes and was achieved by an increase in the number of RNA-binding proteins with new functions. RNA-binding proteins bind directly to double- or single-stranded RNA and regulate many cellular processes. Here, we address how proteins evolve new RNA-binding functions by using as a model system a fungal mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase that evolved to acquire a novel function in splicing group I introns. Group I introns are RNA enzymes (or “ribozymes”) that catalyze their own removal from transcripts, but can become dependent upon proteins to stabilize their active structure. We show that the C-terminal domain of the synthetase is flexibly attached and has high non-specific RNA-binding activity that likely pre-dated the evolution of splicing activity. Our findings suggest an evolutionary scenario in which an initial non-specific interaction between an ancestral synthetase and a self-splicing group I intron was fixed by an intron RNA mutation, thereby making it dependent upon the protein for structural stabilization. The interaction then evolved by the acquisition of adaptive mutations throughout the protein and RNA that increased both the splicing efficiency and its protein-dependence. Our results suggest a general mechanism by which non-specific binding interactions can lead to the evolution of new RNA-binding functions and provide novel insights into splicing and synthetase mechanisms.

tRNA synthetase: tRNA aminoacylation and beyond

The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are prominently known for their classic function in the first step of protein synthesis, where they bear the responsibility of setting the genetic code. Each enzyme is exquisitely adapted to covalently link a single standard amino acid to its cognate set of tRNA isoacceptors. These ancient enzymes have evolved idiosyncratically to host alternate activities that go far beyond their aminoacylation role and impact a wide range of other metabolic pathways and cell signaling processes. The family of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases has also been suggested as a remarkable scaffold to incorporate new domains that would drive evolution and the emergence of new organisms with more complex function. Because they are essential, the tRNA synthetases have served as pharmaceutical targets for drug and antibiotic development. The recent unfolding of novel important functions for this family of proteins offers new and promising pathways for therapeutic development to treat diverse human diseases.

Bacterial group I introns: mobile RNA catalysts

Group I introns are intervening sequences that have invaded tRNA, rRNA and protein coding genes in bacteria and their phages. The ability of group I introns to self-splice from their host transcripts, by acting as ribozymes, potentially renders their insertion into genes phenotypically neutral. Some group I introns are mobile genetic elements due to encoded homing endonuclease genes that function in DNA-based mobility pathways to promote spread to intronless alleles. Group I introns have a limited distribution among bacteria and the current assumption is that they are benign selfish elements, although some introns and homing endonucleases are a source of genetic novelty as they have been co-opted by host genomes to provide regulatory functions. Questions regarding the origin and maintenance of group I introns among the bacteria and phages are also addressed.

An in vitro peptide complementation assay for CYT-18-dependent group I intron splicing reveals a new role for the N-terminus

The mitochondrial tyrosyl tRNA synthetase from Neurospora crassa (CYT-18 protein) is a bifunctional group I intron splicing cofactor. CYT-18 is capable of splicing multiple group I introns from a wide variety of sources by stabilizing the catalytically active intron structures. CYT-18 and mt TyrRSs from related fungal species have evolved to assist in group I intron splicing in part by the accumulation of three N-terminal domain insertions. Biochemical and structural analysis indicate that the N-terminal insertions serve primarily to create a structure-stabilizing scaffold for critical tertiary interactions between the two major RNA domains of group I introns. Previous studies concluded that the primarily α-helical N-terminal insertion, H0, contributes to protein stability and is necessary for splicing the N. crassa ND1 intron but is dispensable for splicing the N. crassa mitochondrial LSU intron. Here, we show that CYT-18 with a complete H0 deletion retains residual ND1 intron splicing activity and that addition of the missing N-terminus in trans is capable of restoring a significant portion of its splicing activity. The development of this peptide complementation assay has allowed us to explore important characteristics of the CYT-18/group I intron interaction including the stoichiometry of H0 in intron splicing and the importance of specific H0 residues. Evaluation of truncated H0 peptides in this assay and a re-examination of the CYT-18 crystal structure suggest a previously unknown structural role of the first five N-terminal residues of CYT-18. These residues interact directly with another splicing insertion, making H0 a central structural element responsible for connecting all three N-terminal splicing insertions.

On the importance of cotranscriptional RNA structure formation

The expression of genes, both coding and noncoding, can be significantly influenced by RNA structural features of their corresponding transcripts. There is by now mounting experimental and some theoretical evidence that structure formation in vivo starts during transcription and that this cotranscriptional folding determines the functional RNA structural features that are being formed. Several decades of research in bioinformatics have resulted in a wide range of computational methods for predicting RNA secondary structures. Almost all state-of-the-art methods in terms of prediction accuracy, however, completely ignore the process of structure formation and focus exclusively on the final RNA structure. This review hopes to bridge this gap. We summarize the existing evidence for cotranscriptional folding and then review the different, currently used strategies for RNA secondary-structure prediction. Finally, we propose a range of ideas on how state-of-the-art methods could be potentially improved by explicitly capturing the process of cotranscriptional structure formation.

Group I introns in Staphylococcus bacteriophages

The abundance of group I introns, intragenic RNA sequences capable of self-splicing, in Gram-positive bacteriophage genomes, is illustrated by various new group I introns recently described in Staphylococcus phage genomes. These introns were found to interrupt DNA metabolism genes as well as late genes. These group I introns often code for homing endonucleases, which promote lateral transfer of group I introns, thereby enabling spread through a population. Homing endonucleases encoded by group I introns in Staphylococcus phage genomes were predicted to belong to the GIY-YIG, LAGLIDADG, HNH or EDxHD family of endonucleases. The group I intron distribution in Staphylococcus phage genomes exemplifies the homology between these introns as well as the encoded endonucleases. Despite several suggested functions, the role of group I introns in bacteriophages remains unclear or might be nonexistent. However, transcriptome analysis might provide additional information to elucidate the possible purpose of group I introns in phage genomes.

Essential nontranslational functions of tRNA synthetases

Nontranslational functions of vertebrate aminoacyl tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), which catalyze the production of aminoacyl-tRNAs for protein synthesis, have recently been discovered. Although these new functions were thought to be 'moonlighting activities', many are as critical for cellular homeostasis as their activity in translation. New roles have been associated with their cytoplasmic forms as well as with nuclear and secreted extracellular forms that affect pathways for cardiovascular development and the immune response and mTOR, IFN-γ and p53 signaling. The associations of aaRSs with autoimmune disorders, cancers and neurological disorders further highlight nontranslational functions of these proteins. New architecture elaborations of the aaRSs accompany their functional expansion in higher organisms and have been associated with the nontranslational functions for several aaRSs. Although a general understanding of how these functions developed is limited, the expropriation of aaRSs for essential nontranslational functions may have been initiated by co-opting the amino acid-binding site for another purpose.

Frequent gain and loss of introns in fungal cytochrome b genes

In this study, all available cytochrome b (Cyt b) genes from the GOBASE database were compiled and the evolutionary dynamics of the Cyt b gene introns was assessed. Cyt b gene introns were frequently present in the fungal kingdom and some lower plants, but generally absent or rare in Chromista, Protozoa, and Animalia. Fungal Cyt b introns were found at 35 positions in Cyt b genes and the number of introns varied at individual positions from a single representative to 32 different introns at position 131, showing a wide and patchy distribution. Many homologous introns were present at the same position in distantly related species but absent in closely related species, suggesting that introns of the Cyt b genes were frequently lost. On the other hand, highly similar intron sequences were observed in some distantly related species rather than in closely related species, suggesting that these introns were gained independently, likely through lateral transfers. The intron loss-and-gain events could be mediated by transpositions that might have occurred between nuclear and mitochondria. Southern hybridization analysis confirmed that some introns contained repetitive sequences and might be transposable elements. An intron gain in Botryotinia fuckeliana prevented the development of QoI fungicide resistance, suggesting that intron loss-and-gain events were not necessarily beneficial to their host organisms.

Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases in the Bacterial World

Aminoacyl-tRNAsynthetases (aaRSs) are modular enzymesglobally conserved in the three kingdoms of life. All catalyze the same two-step reaction, i.e., the attachment of a proteinogenic amino acid on their cognate tRNAs, thereby mediating the correct expression of the genetic code. In addition, some aaRSs acquired other functions beyond this key role in translation.Genomics and X-ray crystallography have revealed great structural diversity in aaRSs (e.g.,in oligomery and modularity, in ranking into two distinct groups each subdivided in 3 subgroups, by additional domains appended on the catalytic modules). AaRSs show hugestructural plasticity related to function andlimited idiosyncrasies that are kingdom or even speciesspecific (e.g.,the presence in many Bacteria of non discriminating aaRSs compensating for the absence of one or two specific aaRSs, notably AsnRS and/or GlnRS).Diversity, as well, occurs in the mechanisms of aaRS gene regulation that are not conserved in evolution, notably betweendistant groups such as Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria.Thereview focuses on bacterial aaRSs (and their paralogs) and covers their structure, function, regulation,and evolution. Structure/function relationships are emphasized, notably the enzymology of tRNA aminoacylation and the editing mechanisms for correction of activation and charging errors. The huge amount of genomic and structural data that accumulatedin last two decades is reviewed,showing how thefield moved from essentially reductionist biologytowards more global and integrated approaches. Likewise, the alternative functions of aaRSs and those of aaRSparalogs (e.g., during cellwall biogenesis and other metabolic processes in or outside protein synthesis) are reviewed. Since aaRS phylogenies present promiscuous bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryal features, similarities and differences in the properties of aaRSs from the three kingdoms of life are pinpointedthroughout the reviewand distinctive characteristics of bacterium-like synthetases from organelles are outlined.

Mss116p: a DEAD-box protein facilitates RNA folding

RNA folding is an essential aspect underlying RNA-mediated cellular processes. Many RNAs, including large, multi-domain ribozymes, are capable of folding to the native, functional state without assistance of a protein cofactor in vitro. In the cell, trans-acting factors, such as proteins, are however known to modulate the structure and thus the fate of an RNA. DEAD-box proteins, including Mss116p, were recently found to assist folding of group I and group II introns in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism(s) have been studied extensively to explore the contribution of ATP hydrolysis and duplex unwinding in helicase-stimulated intron splicing. Here we summarize the ongoing efforts to understand the novel role of DEAD-box proteins in RNA folding.

Mapping of the css (chloroplast splicing suppressor) gene(s) to a recombinationally suppressed region of chromosome III in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

In previous work, three suppressors of defective group I introns (7151, 71N1, 7120) were isolated from a mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii that had a splicing-deficient chloroplast large subunit (LSU) rRNA intron. Genetic analysis indicated that the 7151 and 71N1 suppressor mutations each involved single nuclear loci, and that the 7151 mutation was dominant. Here we present genetic evidence that the 7120 suppressor also involves a single nuclear locus and that the mutation is dominant in vegetative diploids. Moreover, we have employed crosses with the S1D2 strain and molecular markers to map the 7120 and 71N1 suppressors. Based on an analysis of 800 progeny from 7120 × S1D2, the 7120 suppressor is located in a region of ~400 kb on chromosome III that is devoid of recombination. The ~400-kb region contains at least 72 genes, about one-third of which (i.e., 22) are predicted to be organelle targeted. Similar analysis of 71N1 × S1D2 using 400 progeny also pointed to the recombination-deficient region of chromosome III, raising the possibility that these mutations could affect the same gene. These efforts lay the foundation for identifying the css (chloroplast splicing suppressor) gene(s), which promotes splicing of multiple chloroplast group I introns.

Yeast mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase CP1 domain has functionally diverged to accommodate RNA splicing at expense of hydrolytic editing

The yeast mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase (ymLeuRS) performs dual essential roles in group I intron splicing and protein synthesis. A specific LeuRS domain called CP1 is responsible for clearing noncognate amino acids that are misactivated during aminoacylation. The ymLeuRS CP1 domain also plays a critical role in splicing. Herein, the ymLeuRS CP1 domain was isolated from the full-length enzyme and was active in RNA splicing in vitro. Unlike its Escherichia coli LeuRS CP1 domain counterpart, it failed to significantly hydrolyze misaminoacylated tRNA(Leu). In addition and in stark contrast to the yeast domain, the editing-active E. coli LeuRS CP1 domain failed to recapitulate the splicing activity of the full-length E. coli enzyme. Although LeuRS-dependent splicing activity is rooted in an ancient adaptation for its aminoacylation activity, these results suggest that the ymLeuRS has functionally diverged to confer a robust splicing activity. This adaptation could have come at some expense to the protein's housekeeping role in aminoacylation and editing.

Functional complexity and regulation through RNA dynamics

Changes to the conformation of coding and non-coding RNAs form the basis of elements of genetic regulation and provide an important source of complexity, which drives many of the fundamental processes of life. Although the structure of RNA is highly flexible, the underlying dynamics of RNA are robust and are limited to transitions between the few conformations that preserve favourable base-pairing and stacking interactions. The mechanisms by which cellular processes harness the intrinsic dynamic behaviour of RNA and use it within functionally productive pathways are complex. The versatile functions and ease by which it is integrated into a wide variety of genetic circuits and biochemical pathways suggests there is a general and fundamental role for RNA dynamics in cellular processes.

Unveiling the structural basis for translational ambiguity tolerance in a human fungal pathogen

In a restricted group of opportunistic fungal pathogens the universal leucine CUG codon is translated both as serine (97%) and leucine (3%), challenging the concept that translational ambiguity has a negative impact in living organisms. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the in vivo tolerance to a nonconserved genetic code alteration, we have undertaken an extensive structural analysis of proteins containing CUG-encoded residues and solved the crystal structures of the two natural isoforms of Candida albicans seryl-tRNA synthetase. We show that codon reassignment resulted in a nonrandom genome-wide CUG redistribution tailored to minimize protein misfolding events induced by the large-scale leucine-to-serine replacement within the CTG clade. Leucine or serine incorporation at the CUG position in C. albicans seryl-tRNA synthetase induces only local structural changes and, although both isoforms display tRNA serylation activity, the leucine-containing isoform is more active. Similarly, codon ambiguity is predicted to shape the function of C. albicans proteins containing CUG-encoded residues in functionally relevant positions, some of which have a key role in signaling cascades associated with morphological changes and pathogenesis. This study provides a first detailed analysis on natural reassignment of codon identity, unveiling a highly dynamic evolutionary pattern of thousands of fungal CUG codons to confer an optimized balance between protein structural robustness and functional plasticity.

Tightening of active site interactions en route to the transition state revealed by single-atom substitution in the guanosine-binding site of the Tetrahymena group I ribozyme

Protein enzymes establish intricate networks of interactions to bind and position substrates and catalytic groups within active sites, enabling stabilization of the chemical transition state. Crystal structures of several RNA enzymes also suggest extensive interaction networks, despite RNA's structural limitations, but there is little information on the functional and the energetic properties of these inferred networks. We used double mutant cycles and presteady-state kinetic analyses to probe the putative interaction between the exocyclic amino group of the guanosine nucleophile and the N7 atom of residue G264 of the Tetrahymena group I ribozyme. As expected, the results supported the presence of this interaction, but remarkably, the energetic penalty for introducing a CH group at the 7-position of residue G264 accumulates as the reaction proceeds toward the chemical transition state to a total of 6.2 kcal/mol. Functional tests of neighboring interactions revealed that the presence of the CH group compromises multiple contacts within the interaction network that encompass the reactive elements, apparently forcing the nucleophile to bind and attack from an altered, suboptimal orientation. The energetic consequences of this indirect disruption of neighboring interactions as the reaction proceeds demonstrate that linkage between binding interactions and catalysis hinges critically on the precise structural integrity of a network of interacting groups.

Transient RNA-protein interactions in RNA folding

The RNA folding trajectory features numerous off-pathway folding traps, which represent conformations that are often equally as stable as the native functional ones. Therefore, the conversion between these off-pathway structures and the native correctly folded ones is the critical step in RNA folding. This process, referred to as RNA refolding, is slow, and is represented by a transition state that has a characteristic high free energy. Because this kinetically limiting process occurs in vivo, proteins (called RNA chaperones) have evolved that facilitate the (re)folding of RNA molecules. Here, we present an overview of how proteins interact with RNA molecules in order to achieve properly folded states. In this respect, the discrimination between static and transient interactions is crucial, as different proteins have evolved a multitude of mechanisms for RNA remodeling. For RNA chaperones that act in a sequence-unspecific manner and without the use of external sources of energy, such as ATP, transient RNA–protein interactions represent the basis of the mode of action. By presenting stretches of positively charged amino acids that are positioned in defined spatial configurations, RNA chaperones enable the RNA backbone, via transient electrostatic interactions, to sample a wider conformational space that opens the route for efficient refolding reactions.

NMR Structure of the C-terminal domain of a tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase that functions in group I intron splicing

The mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases (mt TyrRSs) of Pezizomycotina fungi are bifunctional proteins that aminoacylate mitochondrial tRNA(Tyr) and are structure-stabilizing splicing cofactors for group I introns. Studies with the Neurospora crassa synthetase (CYT-18 protein) showed that splicing activity is dependent upon Pezizomycotina-specific structural adaptations that form a distinct group I intron-binding site in the N-terminal catalytic domain. Although CYT-18's C-terminal domain also binds group I introns, it has been intractable to X-ray crystallography in the full-length protein. Here, we determined an NMR structure of the isolated C-terminal domain of the Aspergillus nidulans mt TyrRS, which is closely related to but smaller than CYT-18's. The structure shows an S4 fold like that of bacterial TyrRSs, but with novel features, including three Pezizomycontia-specific insertions. (15)N-(1)H two-dimensional NMR showed that C-terminal domains of the full-length A. nidulans and Geobacillus stearothermophilus synthetases do not tumble independently in solution, suggesting restricted orientations. Modeling onto a CYT-18/group I intron cocrystal structure indicates that the C-terminal domains of both subunits of the homodimeric protein bind different ends of the intron RNA, with one C-terminal domain having to undergo a large shift on its flexible linker to bind tRNA(Tyr) or the intron RNA on either side of the catalytic domain. The modeling suggests that the C-terminal domain acts together with the N-terminal domain to clamp parts of the intron's catalytic core, that at least one C-terminal domain insertion functions in group I intron binding, and that some C-terminal domain regions bind both tRNA(Tyr) and group I intron RNAs.

Learning to live together: mutualism between self-splicing introns and their hosts

Group I and II introns can be considered as molecular parasites that interrupt protein-coding and structural RNA genes in all domains of life. They function as self-splicing ribozymes and thereby limit the phenotypic costs associated with disruption of a host gene while they act as mobile DNA elements to promote their spread within and between genomes. Once considered purely selfish DNA elements, they now seem, in the light of recent work on the molecular mechanisms regulating bacterial and phage group I and II intron dynamics, to show evidence of co-evolution with their hosts. These previously underappreciated relationships serve the co-evolving entities particularly well in times of environmental stress.

Emerging structural themes in large RNA molecules

Extensive networks of tertiary interactions give rise to unique, highly organized domain architectures that characterize the three-dimensional structure of large RNA molecules. Formed by stacked layers of a near-planar arrangement of contiguous coaxial helices, large RNA molecules are relatively flat in overall shape. The functional core of these molecules is stabilized by a diverse set of tertiary interaction motifs that often bring together distant regions of conserved nucleotides. Although homologous RNAs from different organisms can be structurally diverse, they adopt a structurally conserved functional core that includes preassembled active and/or substrate binding sites. These findings broaden our understanding of RNA folding and tertiary structure stabilization, illustrating how large, complex RNAs assemble into unique structures to perform recognition and catalysis.

Evolution of introns in the archaeal world

The self-splicing group I introns are removed by an autocatalytic mechanism that involves a series of transesterification reactions. They require RNA binding proteins to act as chaperones to correctly fold the RNA into an active intermediate structure in vivo. Pre-tRNA introns in Bacteria and in higher eukaryote plastids are typical examples of self-splicing group I introns. By contrast, two striking features characterize RNA splicing in the archaeal world. First, self-splicing group I introns cannot be found, to this date, in that kingdom. Second, the RNA splicing scenario in Archaea is uniform: All introns, whether in pre-tRNA or elsewhere, are removed by tRNA splicing endonucleases. We suggest that in Archaea, the protein recruited for splicing is the preexisting tRNA splicing endonuclease and that this enzyme, together with the ligase, takes over the task of intron removal in a more efficient fashion than the ribozyme. The extinction of group I introns in Archaea would then be a consequence of recruitment of the tRNA splicing endonuclease. We deal here with comparative genome analysis, focusing specifically on the integration of introns into genes coding for 23S rRNA molecules, and how this newly acquired intron has to be removed to regenerate a functional RNA molecule. We show that all known oligomeric structures of the endonuclease can recognize and cleave a ribosomal intron, even when the endonuclease derives from a strain lacking rRNA introns. The persistence of group I introns in mitochondria and chloroplasts would be explained by the inaccessibility of these introns to the endonuclease.

Dissociating quaternary structure regulates cell-signaling functions of a secreted human tRNA synthetase

Many tRNA synthetases are homodimers that are catalytically inactive as monomers. An example is the 528-amino acid human tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, which is made up of an N-terminal catalytic unit (TyrRS(Mini)) and a 164-amino acid C-domain. Although native TyrRS has no known cytokine functions, natural proteolysis of secreted TyrRS releases TyrRS(Mini), which not only has the same aminoacylation activity as native TyrRS but also has strong activity for stimulating migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The migration-stimulating activity is dependent on an ELR tripeptide motif, similar to that in CXC cytokines like IL-8, and also has the familiar bell-shaped concentration dependence seen for CXC cytokines. Here we show that in contrast to IL-8, where the bell-shaped dependence arises from the effects of CXCR1/2 receptor internalization, TyrRS(Mini) does not induce internalization of CXCR1/2. A rationally designed non-associating monomer and a non-dissociating dimer were constructed. With these constructs, the bell-shaped concentration dependence of leukocyte migration was shown to arise from the agonist (for migration) activity of the catalytically inactive monomer and the antagonist activity of the catalytically active dimer. Thus, the dissociating quaternary structure of TyrRS(Mini) regulates two opposing cytokine activities and suggests the possibility of dissociating quaternary structures regulating novel functions of other tRNA synthetases.

A maturase that specifically stabilizes and activates its cognate group I intron at high temperatures

Folding of large structured RNAs into their functional tertiary structures at high temperatures is challenging. Here we show that I-TnaI protein, a small LAGLIDADG homing endonuclease encoded by a group I intron from a hyperthermophilic bacterium, acts as a maturase that is essential for the catalytic activity of this intron at high temperatures and physiological cationic conditions. I-TnaI specifically binds to and induces tertiary packing of the P4-P6 domain of the intron; this RNA-protein complex might serve as a thermostable platform for active folding of the entire intron. Interestingly, the binding affinity of I-TnaI to its cognate intron RNA largely increases with temperature; over 30-fold stronger binding at higher temperatures relative to 37 °C correlates with a switch from an entropy-driven (37 °C) to an enthalpy-driven (55-60 °C) interaction mode. This binding mode may represent a novel strategy how an RNA binding protein can promote the function of its target RNA specifically at high temperatures.

The scenario on the origin of translation in the RNA world: in principle of replication parsimony

Background

It is now believed that in the origin of life, proteins should have been "invented" in an RNA world. However, due to the complexity of a possible RNA-based proto-translation system, this evolving process seems quite complicated and the associated scenario remains very blurry. Considering that RNA can bind amino acids with specificity, it has been reasonably supposed that initial peptides might have been synthesized on "RNA templates" containing multiple amino acid binding sites. This "Direct RNA Template (DRT)" mechanism is attractive because it should be the simplest mechanism for RNA to synthesize peptides, thus very likely to have been adopted initially in the RNA world. Then, how this mechanism could develop into a proto-translation system mechanism is an interesting problem.

Presentation of the hypothesis

Here an explanation to this problem is shown considering the principle of "replication parsimony" --- genetic information tends to be utilized in a parsimonious way under selection pressure, due to its replication cost (e.g., in the RNA world, nucleotides and ribozymes for RNA replication). Because a DRT would be quite long even for a short peptide, its replication cost would be great. Thus the diversity and the length of functional peptides synthesized by the DRT mechanism would be seriously limited. Adaptors (proto-tRNAs) would arise to allow a DRT's complementary strand (called "C-DRT" here) to direct the synthesis of the same peptide synthesized by the DRT itself. Because the C-DRT is a necessary part in the DRT's replication, fewer turns of the DRT's replication would be needed to synthesize definite copies of the functional peptide, thus saving the replication cost. Acting through adaptors, C-DRTs could transform into much shorter templates (called "proto-mRNAs" here) and substitute the role of DRTs, thus significantly saving the replication cost. A proto-rRNA corresponding to the small subunit rRNA would then emerge to aid the binding of proto-tRNAs and proto-mRNAs, allowing the reduction of base pairs between them (ultimately resulting in the triplet anticodon/codon pair), thus further saving the replication cost. In this context, the replication cost saved would allow the appearance of more and longer functional peptides and, finally, proteins. The hypothesis could be called "DRT-RP" ("RP" for "replication parsimony").

Testing the hypothesis

The scenario described here is open for experimental work at some key scenes, including the compact DRT mechanism, the development of adaptors from aa-aptamers, the synthesis of peptides by proto-tRNAs and proto-mRNAs without the participation of proto-rRNAs, etc. Interestingly, a recent computer simulation study has demonstrated the plausibility of one of the evolving processes driven by replication parsimony in the scenario.

Implication of the hypothesis

An RNA-based proto-translation system could arise gradually from the DRT mechanism according to the principle of "replication parsimony" --- to save the replication cost of RNA templates for functional peptides. A surprising side deduction along the logic of the hypothesis is that complex, biosynthetic amino acids might have entered the genetic code earlier than simple, prebiotic amino acids, which is opposite to the common sense. Overall, the present discussion clarifies the blurry scenario concerning the origin of translation with a major clue, which shows vividly how life could "manage" to exploit potential chemical resources in nature, eventually in an efficient way over evolution.

Reviewers

This article was reviewed by Eugene V. Koonin, Juergen Brosius, and Arcady Mushegian.

RNA folding in living cells

RNA folding is the most essential process underlying RNA function. While significant progress has been made in understanding the forces driving RNA folding in vitro, exploring the rules governing intracellular RNA structure formation is still in its infancy. The cellular environment hosts a great diversity of factors that potentially influence RNA folding in vivo. For example, the nature of transcription and translation is known to shape the folding landscape of RNA molecules. Trans-acting factors such as proteins, RNAs and metabolites, among others, are also able to modulate the structure and thus the fate of an RNA. Here we summarize the ongoing efforts to uncover how RNA folds in living cells.

Computational exploration of mobile ion distributions around RNA duplex

Atomically detailed distributions of ions around an A-form RNA are computed. Different mixtures of monovalent and divalent ions are considered explicitly. Studies of tightly bound and of diffusive (but bound) ions around 25 base pairs RNA are conducted in explicit solvent. Replica exchange simulations provide detailed equilibrium distributions with moderate computing resources (20 ns of simulation using 64 replicas). The simulations show distinct behavior of single and double charged cations. Binding of Mg(2+) ion includes tight binding to specific sites while Na(+) binds only diffusively. The tight binding of Mg(2+) is with a solvation shell while Na(+) can bind directly to RNA. Negative mobile ions can be found near the RNA but must be assisted by proximate and mobile cations. At distances larger than 16 A from the RNA center, a model of RNA as charged rod in a continuum of ionic solution provides quantitative description of the ion density (the same as in atomically detailed simulation). At shorter distances, the structure of RNA (and ions) has a significant impact on the pair correlation functions. Predicted binding sites of Mg(2+) at the RNA surface are in accord with structures from crystallography. Electric field relaxation is investigated. The relaxation due to solution rearrangements is completed in tens of picoseconds, while the contribution of RNA tumbling continues to a few nanoseconds.

Generation and development of RNA ligase ribozymes with modular architecture through "design and selection"

In vitro selection with long random RNA libraries has been used as a powerful method to generate novel functional RNAs, although it often requires laborious structural analysis of isolated RNA molecules. Rational RNA design is an attractive alternative to avoid this laborious step, but rational design of catalytic modules is still a challenging task. A hybrid strategy of in vitro selection and rational design has been proposed. With this strategy termed “design and selection,” new ribozymes can be generated through installation of catalytic modules onto RNA scaffolds with defined 3D structures. This approach, the concept of which was inspired by the modular architecture of naturally occurring ribozymes, allows prediction of the overall architectures of the resulting ribozymes, and the structural modularity of the resulting ribozymes allows modification of their structures and functions. In this review, we summarize the design, generation, properties, and engineering of four classes of ligase ribozyme generated by design and selection.

Protein-facilitated folding of group II intron ribozymes

Multiple studies hypothesize that DEAD-box proteins facilitate folding of the ai5gamma group II intron. However, these conclusions are generally inferred from splicing kinetics, and not from direct monitoring of DEAD-box protein-facilitated folding of the intron. Using native gel electrophoresis and dimethyl sulfate structural probing, we monitored Mss-116-facilitated folding of ai5gamma intron ribozymes and a catalytically active self-splicing RNA containing full-length intron and short exons. We found that the protein directly stimulates folding of these RNAs by accelerating formation of the compact near-native state. This process occurs in an ATP-independent manner, although ATP is required for the protein turnover. As Mss 116 binds RNA nonspecifically, most binding events do not result in the formation of the compact state, and ATP is required for the protein to dissociate from such nonproductive complexes and rebind the unfolded RNA. Results obtained from experiments at different concentrations of magnesium ions suggest that Mss 116 stimulates folding of ai5gamma ribozymes by promoting the formation of unstable folding intermediates, which is then followed by a cascade of folding events resulting in the formation of the compact near-native state. Dimethyl sulfate probing results suggest that the compact state formed in the presence of the protein is identical to the near-native state formed more slowly in its absence. Our results also indicate that Mss 116 does not stabilize the native state of the ribozyme, but that such stabilization results from binding of attached exons.

Exploring RNA structure by integrative molecular modelling

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.

The Mrs1 splicing factor binds the bI3 group I intron at each of two tetraloop-receptor motifs

Most large ribozymes require protein cofactors in order to function efficiently. The yeast mitochondrial bI3 group I intron requires two proteins for efficient splicing, Mrs1 and the bI3 maturase. Mrs1 has evolved from DNA junction resolvases to function as an RNA cofactor for at least two group I introns; however, the RNA binding site and the mechanism by which Mrs1 facilitates splicing were unknown. Here we use high-throughput RNA structure analysis to show that Mrs1 binds a ubiquitous RNA tertiary structure motif, the GNRA tetraloop-receptor interaction, at two sites in the bI3 RNA. Mrs1 also interacts at similar tetraloop-receptor elements, as well as other structures, in the self-folding Azoarcus group I intron and in the RNase P enzyme. Thus, Mrs1 recognizes general features found in the tetraloop-receptor motif. Identification of the two Mrs1 binding sites now makes it possible to create a model of the complete six-component bI3 ribonucleoprotein. All protein cofactors bind at the periphery of the RNA such that every long-range RNA tertiary interaction is stabilized by protein binding, involving either Mrs1 or the bI3 maturase. This work emphasizes the strong evolutionary pressure to bolster RNA tertiary structure with RNA-binding interactions as seen in the ribosome, spliceosome, and other large RNA machines.

Functional expansion of human tRNA synthetases achieved by structural inventions

Known as an essential component of the translational apparatus, the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase family catalyzes the first step reaction in protein synthesis, that is, to specifically attach each amino acid to its cognate tRNA. While preserving this essential role, tRNA synthetases developed other roles during evolution. Human tRNA synthetases, in particular, have diverse functions in different pathways involving angiogenesis, inflammation and apoptosis. The functional diversity is further illustrated in the association with various diseases through genetic mutations that do not affect aminoacylation or protein synthesis. Here we review the accumulated knowledge on how human tRNA synthetases used structural inventions to achieve functional expansions.

Orthogonal use of a human tRNA synthetase active site to achieve multifunctionality

Protein multifunctionality is an emerging explanation for the complexity of higher organisms. In this regard, aminoacyl tRNA synthetases catalyze amino acid activation for protein synthesis, but some also act in pathways for inflammation, angiogenesis and apoptosis. It is unclear how these multiple functions evolved and how they relate to the active site. Here structural modeling analysis, mutagenesis and cell-based functional studies show that the potent angiostatic, natural fragment of human tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (TrpRS) associates via tryptophan side chains that protrude from its cognate cellular receptor vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin). VE-cadherin's tryptophan side chains fit into the tryptophan-specific active site of the synthetase. Thus, specific side chains of the receptor mimic amino acid substrates and expand the functionality of the active site of the synthetase. We propose that orthogonal use of the same active site may be a general way to develop multifunctionality of human tRNA synthetases and other proteins.

Processing of multiple-intron-containing pretRNA

Computational studies predict the simultaneous presence of two and even three introns in certain crenarchaeal tRNA genes. In these multiple-intron-containing pretRNAs, the introns are nested one inside the other and the pretRNA folds into a conformation that is anticipated to allow splicing of the last intron only after splicing the others. A set of operations, each consisting of two cleavages and one ligation, therefore needs to be carried out sequentially. PretRNAs containing multiple introns are predicted to fold, forming bulge-helix-bulge (BHB) and BHB-like motifs. The tRNA splicing endonuclease should recognize these motifs. To test this hypothetical scenario, we used the homotetrameric enzyme from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii (METJA) and the heterotetrameric enzyme from Sulfolobus solfataricus (SULSO). On the basis of our previous studies, the METJA enzyme should cleave only the BHB structure motif, while the SULSO enzyme can in addition cleave variant substrate structures, like the bulge-helix-loop (BHL). We show here that the processing of multiple-intron-containing pretRNA can be observed in vitro.