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Elder JJH, Papadopoulos R, Hayne CK, Stanley RE. The making and breaking of tRNAs by ribonucleases. Trends Genet 2024; 40:511-525. [PMID: 38641471 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.03.007] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Ribonucleases (RNases) play important roles in supporting canonical and non-canonical roles of tRNAs by catalyzing the cleavage of the tRNA phosphodiester backbone. Here, we highlight how recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), protein structure prediction, reconstitution experiments, tRNA sequencing, and other studies have revealed new insight into the nucleases that process tRNA. This represents a very diverse group of nucleases that utilize distinct mechanisms to recognize and cleave tRNA during different stages of a tRNA's life cycle including biogenesis, fragmentation, surveillance, and decay. In this review, we provide a synthesis of the structure, mechanism, regulation, and modes of tRNA recognition by tRNA nucleases, along with open questions for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J H Elder
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Ry Papadopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cassandra K Hayne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Robin E Stanley
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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2
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Zhang J. Recognition of the tRNA structure: Everything everywhere but not all at once. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:36-52. [PMID: 38159570 PMCID: PMC10843564 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
tRNAs are among the most abundant and essential biomolecules in cells. These spontaneously folding, extensively structured yet conformationally flexible anionic polymers literally bridge the worlds of RNAs and proteins, and serve as Rosetta stones that decipher and interpret the genetic code. Their ubiquitous presence, functional irreplaceability, and privileged access to cellular compartments and ribosomes render them prime targets for both endogenous regulation and exogenous manipulation. There is essentially no part of the tRNA that is not touched by another interaction partner, either as programmed or imposed by an external adversary. Recent progresses in genetic, biochemical, and structural analyses of the tRNA interactome produced a wealth of new knowledge into their interaction networks, regulatory functions, and molecular interfaces. In this review, I describe and illustrate the general principles of tRNA recognition by proteins and other RNAs, and discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms that deliver affinity, specificity, and functional competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwei Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Jaksch D, Irnstorfer J, Kalman PF, Martinez J. Thioredoxin regulates the redox state and the activity of the human tRNA ligase complex. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:1856-1869. [PMID: 37648453 PMCID: PMC10653391 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079732.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian tRNA ligase complex (tRNA-LC) catalyzes the splicing of intron-containing pre-tRNAs in the nucleus and the splicing of XBP1 mRNA during the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the cytoplasm. We recently reported that the tRNA-LC coevolved with PYROXD1, an essential oxidoreductase that protects the catalytic cysteine of RTCB, the catalytic subunit of the tRNA-LC, against aerobic oxidation. In this study, we show that the oxidoreductase Thioredoxin (TRX) preserves the enzymatic activity of RTCB under otherwise inhibiting concentrations of oxidants. TRX physically interacts with oxidized RTCB, and reduces and reactivates RTCB through the action of its redox-active cysteine pair. We further show that TRX interacts with RTCB at late stages of UPR. Since the interaction requires oxidative conditions, our findings suggest that prolonged UPR generates reactive oxygen species. Thus, our results support a functional role for TRX in securing and repairing the active site of the tRNA-LC, thereby allowing pre-tRNA splicing and UPR to occur when cells encounter mild, but still inhibitory levels of reactive oxygen species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhaarsini Jaksch
- Max Perutz Laboratories, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Biocenter PhD Program, a Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johanna Irnstorfer
- Max Perutz Laboratories, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra-Franziska Kalman
- Max Perutz Laboratories, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Javier Martinez
- Max Perutz Laboratories, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
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4
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Yuan L, Han Y, Zhao J, Zhang Y, Sun Y. Recognition and cleavage mechanism of intron-containing pre-tRNA by human TSEN endonuclease complex. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6071. [PMID: 37770519 PMCID: PMC10539383 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41845-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Removal of introns from transfer RNA precursors (pre-tRNAs) occurs in all living organisms. This is a vital phase in the maturation and functionality of tRNA. Here we present a 3.2 Å-resolution cryo-EM structure of an active human tRNA splicing endonuclease complex bound to an intron-containing pre-tRNA. TSEN54, along with the unique regions of TSEN34 and TSEN2, cooperatively recognizes the mature body of pre-tRNA and guides the anticodon-intron stem to the correct position for splicing. We capture the moment when the endonucleases are poised for cleavage, illuminating the molecular mechanism for both 3' and 5' cleavage reactions. Two insertion loops from TSEN54 and TSEN2 cover the 3' and 5' splice sites, respectively, trapping the scissile phosphate in the center of the catalytic triad of residues. Our findings reveal the molecular mechanism for eukaryotic pre-tRNA recognition and cleavage, as well as the evolutionary relationship between archaeal and eukaryotic TSENs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yuan
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaoyao Han
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiazheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixiao Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yadong Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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Hayne CK, Sekulovski S, Hurtig JE, Stanley RE, Trowitzsch S, van Hoof A. New insights into RNA processing by the eukaryotic tRNA splicing endonuclease. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105138. [PMID: 37544645 PMCID: PMC10485636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Through its role in intron cleavage, tRNA splicing endonuclease (TSEN) plays a critical function in the maturation of intron-containing pre-tRNAs. The catalytic mechanism and core requirement for this process is conserved between archaea and eukaryotes, but for decades, it has been known that eukaryotic TSENs have evolved additional modes of RNA recognition, which have remained poorly understood. Recent research identified new roles for eukaryotic TSEN, including processing or degradation of additional RNA substrates, and determined the first structures of pre-tRNA-bound human TSEN complexes. These recent discoveries have changed our understanding of how the eukaryotic TSEN targets and recognizes substrates. Here, we review these recent discoveries, their implications, and the new questions raised by these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra K Hayne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Samoil Sekulovski
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jennifer E Hurtig
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robin E Stanley
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National, Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Simon Trowitzsch
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Ambro van Hoof
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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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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Abstract
The study of eukaryotic tRNA processing has given rise to an explosion of new information and insights in the last several years. We now have unprecedented knowledge of each step in the tRNA processing pathway, revealing unexpected twists in biochemical pathways, multiple new connections with regulatory pathways, and numerous biological effects of defects in processing steps that have profound consequences throughout eukaryotes, leading to growth phenotypes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and to neurological and other disorders in humans. This review highlights seminal new results within the pathways that comprise the life of a tRNA, from its birth after transcription until its death by decay. We focus on new findings and revelations in each step of the pathway including the end-processing and splicing steps, many of the numerous modifications throughout the main body and anticodon loop of tRNA that are so crucial for tRNA function, the intricate tRNA trafficking pathways, and the quality control decay pathways, as well as the biogenesis and biology of tRNA-derived fragments. We also describe the many interactions of these pathways with signaling and other pathways in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Phizicky
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
| | - Anita K Hopper
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43235, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita K Hopper
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Center for RNA Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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