Substrate tRNA Recognition Mechanism of tRNA (m7G46) Methyltransferase from Aquifex aeolicus

Mettl1-dependent m7G tRNA modification is essential for maintaining spermatogenesis and fertility in Drosophila melanogaster

Modification of guanosine to N7-methylguanosine (m7G) in the variable loop region of tRNA is catalyzed by the METTL1/WDR4 heterodimer and stabilizes target tRNA. Here, we reveal essential functions of Mettl1 in Drosophila fertility. Knockout of Mettl1 (Mettl1-KO) causes no major effect on the development of non-gonadal tissues, but abolishes the production of elongated spermatids and mature sperm, which is fully rescued by expression of a Mettl1-transgene, but not a catalytic-dead Mettl1 transgene. This demonstrates that Mettl1-dependent m7G is required for spermatogenesis. Mettl1-KO results in a loss of m7G modification on a subset of tRNAs and decreased tRNA abundance. Ribosome profiling shows that Mettl1-KO led to ribosomes stalling at codons decoded by tRNAs that were reduced in abundance. Mettl1-KO also significantly reduces the translation efficiency of genes involved in elongated spermatid formation and sperm stability. Germ cell-specific expression of Mettl1 rescues disrupted m7G tRNA modification and tRNA abundance in Mettl1-KO testes but not in non-gonadal tissues. Ribosome stalling is much less detectable in non-gonadal tissues than in Mettl1-KO testes. These findings reveal a developmental role for m7G tRNA modification and indicate that m7G modification-dependent tRNA abundance differs among tissues.

Escherichia coli tRNA (Gm18) methyltransferase (TrmH) requires the correct localization of its methylation site (G18) in the D-loop for efficient methylation

TrmH is a eubacterial tRNA methyltransferase responsible for formation of 2'-O-methylguaosine at position 18 (Gm18) in tRNA. In Escherichia coli cells, only 14 tRNA species possess the Gm18 modification. To investigate the substrate tRNA selection mechanism of E. coli TrmH, we performed biochemical and structural studies. Escherichia coli TrmH requires a high concentration of substrate tRNA for efficient methylation. Experiments using native tRNA SerCGA purified from a trmH gene disruptant strain showed that modified nucleosides do not affect the methylation. A gel mobility-shift assay reveals that TrmH captures tRNAs without distinguishing between relatively good and very poor substrates. Methylation assays using wild-type and mutant tRNA transcripts revealed that the location of G18 in the D-loop is very important for efficient methylation by E. coli TrmH. In the case of tRNASer, tRNATyrand tRNALeu, the D-loop structure formed by interaction with the long variable region is important. For tRNAGln, the short distance between G18 and A14 is important. Thus, our biochemical study explains all Gm18 modification patterns in E. coli tRNAs. The crystal structure of E. coli TrmH has also been solved, and the tRNA binding mode of E. coli TrmH is discussed based on the structure.

TROP2 translation mediated by dual m6A/m7G RNA modifications promotes bladder cancer development

RNA modifications, including adenine methylation (m6A) of mRNA and guanine methylation (m7G) of tRNA, are crucial for the biological function of RNA. However, the mechanism underlying the translation of specific genes synergistically mediated by dual m6A/m7G RNA modifications in bladder cancer (BCa) remains unclear. We demonstrated that m6A methyltransferase METTL3-mediated programmable m6A modification of oncogene trophoblast cell surface protein 2 (TROP2) mRNA promoted its translation during malignant transformation of bladder epithelial cells. m7G methyltransferase METTL1 enhanced TROP2 translation by mediating m7G modification of certain tRNAs. TROP2 protein inhibition decreased the proliferation and invasion of BCa cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, synergistical knockout of METTL3/METTL1 inhibited BCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; however, TROP2 overexpression partially abrogated its effect. Furthermore, TROP2 expression was significantly positively correlated with the expression levels of METTL3 and METTL1 in BCa patients. Overall, our results revealed that METTL3/METTL1-mediated dual m6A/m7G RNA modifications enhanced TROP2 translation and promoted BCa development, indicating a novel RNA epigenetic mechanism in BCa.

The life and times of a tRNA

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.

Molecular mechanism of tRNA binding by the Escherichia coli N7 guanosine methyltransferase TrmB

Among the large and diverse collection of tRNA modifications, 7-methylguanosine (m⁷G) is frequently found in the tRNA variable loop at position 46. This modification is introduced by the TrmB enzyme, which is conserved in bacteria and eukaryotes. However, the molecular determinants and the mechanism for tRNA recognition by TrmB are not well understood. Complementing the report of various phenotypes for different organisms lacking TrmB homologs, we report here hydrogen peroxide sensitivity for the Escherichia coli ΔtrmB knockout strain. To gain insight into the molecular mechanism of tRNA binding by E. coli TrmB in real-time, we developed a new assay based on introducing a 4-thiouridine modification at position 8 of in vitro transcribed tRNA^Phe enabling us to fluorescently label this unmodified tRNA. Using rapid kinetic stopped-flow measurements with this fluorescent tRNA, we examined the interaction of wildtype and single substitution variants of TrmB with tRNA. Our results reveal the role of SAM for rapid and stable tRNA binding, the rate-limiting nature of m⁷G46 catalysis for tRNA release, and the importance of residues R26, T127 and R155 across the entire surface of TrmB for tRNA binding.

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

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

Structural model of the M7G46 Methyltransferase TrmB in complex with tRNA

TrmB belongs to the class I S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferases (MTases) and introduces a methyl group to guanine at position 7 (m⁷G) in tRNA. In tRNAs m⁷G is most frequently found at position 46 in the variable loop and forms a tertiary base pair with C13 and U22, introducing a positive charge at G46. The TrmB/Trm8 enzyme family is structurally diverse, as TrmB proteins exist in a monomeric, homodimeric, and heterodimeric form. So far, the exact enzymatic mechanism, as well as the tRNA-TrmB crystal structure is not known. Here we present the first crystal structures of B. subtilis TrmB in complex with SAM and SAH. The crystal structures of TrmB apo and in complex with SAM and SAH have been determined by X-ray crystallography to 1.9 Å (apo), 2.5 Å (SAM), and 3.1 Å (SAH). The obtained crystal structures revealed Tyr193 to be important during SAM binding and MTase activity. Applying fluorescence polarization, the dissociation constant K_d of TrmB and tRNA^Phe was determined to be 0.12 µM ± 0.002 µM. Luminescence-based methyltransferase activity assays revealed cooperative effects during TrmB catalysis with half-of-the-site reactivity at physiological SAM concentrations. Structural data retrieved from small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), mass-spectrometry of cross-linked complexes, and molecular docking experiments led to the determination of the TrmB-tRNA^Phe complex structure.

LC-MS/MS Profiling of Post-Transcriptional Modifications in Ginseng tRNA Purified by a Polysaccharase-Aided Extraction Method

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are the most heavily modified RNA species in life entities. Post-transcriptional modifications severely impact the structure and function of tRNAs. To date, hundreds of modifications have been identified in tRNAs, mainly from microorganisms and animals. However, tRNAs in plant roots or tubers that have been widely used for food and medical purpose for centuries are rarely studied because isolation of RNA from plants still remains a challenge. In this paper, a polysaccharase-aided RNA isolation (PARI) method for extraction of high-quality RNA from plants containing large quantities of polysaccharides is developed. This method presents a new strategy of “digesting” polysaccharides that is completely different from the conventional method of “dissolving” the contaminants. By using this method, RNA of high integrity and purity were successfully extracted from ginseng roots because polysaccharide contaminations were removed efficiently with α-amylase digestion. Ginseng tRNAs were first sequenced by NGS and a total of 41 iso acceptors were identified. ChloroplastictRNA^Gly(GCC) in ginseng root was purified and four modified nucleosides, including m⁷G, D, T, and Ψ, were identified by LC-MS/MS. The results also revealed that the m⁷G occurs at a novel position 18, which may be related to the deformation of D-loop. PARI is the first enzyme-assisted technique for RNA isolation from plants, which could fundamentally solve the problem of polysaccharide contaminations. By using the PARI method, more individual tRNAs could be isolated easily from polysaccharide-rich plant tissues, which would have a positive impact on the feasibility of research on structure and function of tRNA in plants.

TrmB, a tRNA m7G46 methyltransferase, plays a role in hydrogen peroxide resistance and positively modulates the translation of katA and katB mRNAs in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Cellular response to oxidative stress is a crucial mechanism that promotes the survival of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during infection. However, the translational regulation of oxidative stress response remains largely unknown. Here, we reveal a tRNA modification-mediated translational response to H₂O₂ in P. aeruginosa. We demonstrated that the P. aeruginosa trmB gene encodes a tRNA guanine (46)-N7-methyltransferase that catalyzes the formation of m⁷G46 in the tRNA variable loop. Twenty-three tRNA substrates of TrmB with a guanosine residue at position 46 were identified, including 11 novel tRNA substrates. We showed that loss of trmB had a strong negative effect on the translation of Phe- and Asp-enriched mRNAs. The trmB-mediated m⁷G modification modulated the expression of the catalase genes katA and katB, which are enriched with Phe/Asp codons at the translational level. In response to H₂O₂ exposure, the level of m⁷G modification increased, consistent with the increased translation efficiency of Phe- and Asp-enriched mRNAs. Inactivation of trmB led to decreased KatA and KatB protein abundance and decreased catalase activity, resulting in H₂O₂-sensitive phenotype. Taken together, our observations reveal a novel role of m⁷G46 tRNA modification in oxidative stress response through translational regulation of Phe- and Asp-enriched genes, such as katA and katB.

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

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

Transcriptome-wide Mapping of Internal N7-Methylguanosine Methylome in Mammalian mRNA

N⁷-methylguanosine (m⁷G) is a positively charged, essential modification at the 5' cap of eukaryotic mRNA, regulating mRNA export, translation, and splicing. m⁷G also occurs internally within tRNA and rRNA, but its existence and distribution within eukaryotic mRNA remain to be investigated. Here, we show the presence of internal m⁷G sites within mammalian mRNA. We then performed transcriptome-wide profiling of internal m⁷G methylome using m⁷G-MeRIP sequencing (MeRIP-seq). To map this modification at base resolution, we developed a chemical-assisted sequencing approach that selectively converts internal m⁷G sites into abasic sites, inducing misincorporation at these sites during reverse transcription. This base-resolution m⁷G-seq enabled transcriptome-wide mapping of m⁷G in human tRNA and mRNA, revealing distribution features of the internal m⁷G methylome in human cells. We also identified METTL1 as a methyltransferase that installs a subset of m⁷G within mRNA and showed that internal m⁷G methylation could affect mRNA translation.

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

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

Multi-Substrate Specificity and the Evolutionary Basis for Interdependence in tRNA Editing and Methylation Enzymes

Among tRNA modification enzymes there is a correlation between specificity for multiple tRNA substrates and heteromultimerization. In general, enzymes that modify a conserved residue in different tRNA sequences adopt a heterodimeric structure. Presumably, such changes in the oligomeric state of enzymes, to gain multi-substrate recognition, are driven by the need to accommodate and catalyze a particular reaction in different substrates while maintaining high specificity. This review focuses on two classes of enzymes where the case for multimerization as a way to diversify molecular recognition can be made. We will highlight several new themes with tRNA methyltransferases and will also discuss recent findings with tRNA editing deaminases. These topics will be discussed in the context of several mechanisms by which heterodimerization may have been achieved during evolution and how these mechanisms might impact modifications in different systems.

7-Methylguanosine Modifications in Transfer RNA (tRNA)

More than 90 different modified nucleosides have been identified in tRNA. Among the tRNA modifications, the 7-methylguanosine (m⁷G) modification is found widely in eubacteria, eukaryotes, and a few archaea. In most cases, the m⁷G modification occurs at position 46 in the variable region and is a product of tRNA (m⁷G46) methyltransferase. The m⁷G46 modification forms a tertiary base pair with C13-G22, and stabilizes the tRNA structure. A reaction mechanism for eubacterial tRNA m⁷G methyltransferase has been proposed based on the results of biochemical, bioinformatic, and structural studies. However, an experimentally determined mechanism of methyl-transfer remains to be ascertained. The physiological functions of m⁷G46 in tRNA have started to be determined over the past decade. For example, tRNA m⁷G46 or tRNA (m⁷G46) methyltransferase controls the amount of other tRNA modifications in thermophilic bacteria, contributes to the pathogenic infectivity, and is also associated with several diseases. In this review, information of tRNA m⁷G modifications and tRNA m⁷G methyltransferases is summarized and the differences in reaction mechanism between tRNA m⁷G methyltransferase and rRNA or mRNA m⁷G methylation enzyme are discussed.

Transfer RNA Modification Enzymes from Thermophiles and Their Modified Nucleosides in tRNA

To date, numerous modified nucleosides in tRNA as well as tRNA modification enzymes have been identified not only in thermophiles but also in mesophiles. Because most modified nucleosides in tRNA from thermophiles are common to those in tRNA from mesophiles, they are considered to work essentially in steps of protein synthesis at high temperatures. At high temperatures, the structure of unmodified tRNA will be disrupted. Therefore, thermophiles must possess strategies to stabilize tRNA structures. To this end, several thermophile-specific modified nucleosides in tRNA have been identified. Other factors such as RNA-binding proteins and polyamines contribute to the stability of tRNA at high temperatures. Thermus thermophilus, which is an extreme-thermophilic eubacterium, can adapt its protein synthesis system in response to temperature changes via the network of modified nucleosides in tRNA and tRNA modification enzymes. Notably, tRNA modification enzymes from thermophiles are very stable. Therefore, they have been utilized for biochemical and structural studies. In the future, thermostable tRNA modification enzymes may be useful as biotechnology tools and may be utilized for medical science.

A rationale for tRNA modification circuits in the anticodon loop

The numerous post-transcriptional modifications of tRNA play a crucial role in tRNA function. While most modifications are introduced to tRNA independently, several sets of modifications are found to be interconnected such that the presence of one set of modifications drives the formation of another modification. The vast majority of these modification circuits are found in the anticodon loop (ACL) region where the largest variety and highest density of modifications occur compared to the other parts of the tRNA and where there is relatively limited sequence and structural information. We speculate here that the modification circuits in the ACL region arise to enhance enzyme modification specificity by direct or indirect use of the first modification in the circuit as an additional recognition element for the second modification. We also describe the five well-studied modification circuits in the ACL, and outline possible mechanisms by which they may act. The prevalence of these modification circuits in the ACL and the phylogenetic conservation of some of them suggest that a number of other modification circuits will be found in this region in different organisms.

Consumption of N5, N10-methylenetetrahydrofolate in Thermus thermophilus under nutrient-poor condition

TrmFO catalyzes the formation of 5-methyluridine at position 54 in tRNA and uses N5, N10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (CH2THF) as the methyl group donor. We found that the trmFO gene-disruptant strain of Thermus thermophilus, an extremely thermophilic eubacterium, can grow faster than the wild-type strain in the synthetic medium at 70°C (optimal growth temperature). Nucleoside analysis revealed that the majority of modifications were appropriately introduced into tRNA, showing that the limited nutrients are preferentially consumed in the tRNA modification systems. CH2THF is consumed not only for tRNA methylation by TrmFO but also for dTMP synthesis by ThyX and methionine synthesis by multiple steps including MetF reaction. In vivo experiment revealed that methylene group derived from serine was rapidly incorporated into DNA in the absence of TrmFO. Furthermore, the addition of thymidine to the medium accelerated growth speed of the wild-type strain. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that TrmFO interfered with ThyX through consumption of CH2THF. Addition of methionine to the medium accelerated growth speed of wild-type strain and the activity of TrmFO was disturbed by MetF. Thus, the consumption of CH2THF by TrmFO has a negative effect on dTMP and methionine syntheses and results in the slow growth under a nutrient-poor condition.

Capturing the interactome of newly transcribed RNA

We combine the labeling of newly transcribed RNAs with 5-ethynyluridine with the characterization of bound proteins. This approach, named capture of the newly transcribed RNA interactome using click chemistry (RICK), systematically captures proteins bound to a wide range of RNAs, including nascent RNAs and traditionally neglected nonpolyadenylated RNAs. RICK has identified mitotic regulators amongst other novel RNA-binding proteins with preferential affinity for nonpolyadenylated RNAs, revealed a link between metabolic enzymes/factors and nascent RNAs, and expanded the known RNA-bound proteome of mouse embryonic stem cells. RICK will facilitate an in-depth interrogation of the total RNA-bound proteome in different cells and systems.

An asymmetric dimeric structure of TrmJ tRNA methyltransferase from Zymomonas mobilis with a flexible C-terminal dimer

The tRNA methyltransferase J (TrmJ) and D (TrmD) catalyze the transferring reaction of a methyl group to the tRNA anticodon loop. They commonly have the N-terminal domain (NTD) and the C-terminal domain (CTD). Whereas two monomeric CTDs symmetrically interact with a dimeric NTD in TrmD, a CTD dimer has exhibited an asymmetric interaction with the NTD dimer in the presence of a product. The elucidated apo-structure of the full-length TrmJ from Zymomonas mobilis ZM4 shows a dimeric CTD that asymmetrically interacts with the NTD dimer, thereby distributing non-symmetrical potential charge on the both side of the protein surface. Comparison with the product-bound structures reveals a local re-orientation of the two arginine-containing loop at the active site, which interacts with the product. Further, the CTD dimers have diverse orientations compared to the NTD dimers, suggesting their flexibility. These data indicate that an asymmetric interaction between the NTD dimer and the CTD dimer is a common structural feature among TrmJ proteins, regardless of the presence of a substrate or a product.

Effects of polyamines from Thermus thermophilus, an extreme-thermophilic eubacterium, on tRNA methylation by tRNA (Gm18) methyltransferase (TrmH)

Thermus thermophilus is an extreme-thermophilic eubacterium, which grows at a wide range of temperatures (50-83°C). This thermophile produces various polyamines including long and branched polyamines. In tRNAs from T. thermophilus, three distinct modifications, 2'-O-methylguanosine at position 18 (Gm18), 5-methyl-2-thiouridine at position 54 and N(1)-methyladenosine at position 58, are assembled at the elbow region to stabilize the L-shaped tRNA structure. However, the structures of unmodified tRNA precursors are disrupted at high temperatures. We hypothesize that polyamine(s) might have a positive effect on the modification process of unmodified tRNA transcript. We investigated the effects of eight polyamines on Gm18 formation in the yeast tRNA(Phe) transcript by tRNA (Gm18) methyltransferase (TrmH). Higher concentrations of linear polyamines inhibited TrmH activity at 55°C, while optimum concentration increased TrmH activity at 45-75°C. Exceptionally, caldohexamine, a long polyamine, did not show any positive effect on the TrmH activity at 55°C. However, temperature-dependent experiments revealed that 1 mM caldohexamine increased TrmH activity at 60-80°C. Furthermore, 0.25 mM tetrakis(3-aminopropy)ammonium, a branched polyamine, increased TrmH activity at a broad range of temperatures (40-85°C). Thus, caldohexamine and tetrakis(3-aminopropy)ammonium were found to enhance the TrmH activity at high temperatures.

Substrate tRNA recognition mechanism of eubacterial tRNA (m1A58) methyltransferase (TrmI)

TrmI generates N(1)-methyladenosine at position 58 (m(1)A58) in tRNA. The Thermus thermophilus tRNA(Phe) transcript was methylated efficiently by T. thermophilus TrmI, whereas the yeast tRNA(Phe) transcript was poorly methylated. Fourteen chimeric tRNA transcripts derived from these two tRNAs revealed that TrmI recognized the combination of aminoacyl stem, variable region, and T-loop. This was confirmed by 10 deletion tRNA variants: TrmI methylated transcripts containing the aminoacyl stem, variable region, and T-arm. The requirement for the T-stem itself was confirmed by disrupting the T-stem. Disrupting the interaction between T- and D-arms accelerated the methylation, suggesting that this disruption is included in part of the reaction. Experiments with 17 point mutant transcripts elucidated the positive sequence determinants C56, purine 57, A58, and U60. Replacing A58 with inosine and 2-aminopurine completely abrogated methylation, demonstrating that the 6-amino group in A58 is recognized by TrmI. T. thermophilus tRNAGGU(Thr)GGU(Thr) contains C60 instead of U60. The tRNAGGU(Thr) transcript was poorly methylated by TrmI, and replacing C60 with U increased the methylation, consistent with the point mutation experiments. A gel shift assay revealed that tRNAGGU(Thr) had a low affinity for TrmI than tRNA(Phe). Furthermore, analysis of tRNAGGU(Thr) purified from the trmI gene disruptant strain revealed that the other modifications in tRNA accelerated the formation of m(1)A58 by TrmI. Moreover, nucleoside analysis of tRNAGGU(Thr) from the wild-type strain indicated that less than 50% of tRNAGG(Thr) contained m(1)A58. Thus, the results from the in vitro experiments were confirmed by the in vivo methylation patterns.

Transfer RNA methyltransferases from Thermoplasma acidophilum, a thermoacidophilic archaeon

We investigated tRNA methyltransferase activities in crude cell extracts from the thermoacidophilic archaeon Thermoplasma acidophilum. We analyzed the modified nucleosides in native initiator and elongator tRNAMet, predicted the candidate genes for the tRNA methyltransferases on the basis of the tRNAMet and tRNALeu sequences, and characterized Trm5, Trm1 and Trm56 by purifying recombinant proteins. We found that the Ta0997, Ta0931, and Ta0836 genes of T. acidophilum encode Trm1, Trm56 and Trm5, respectively. Initiator tRNAMet from T. acidophilum strain HO-62 contained G+, m1I, and m22G, which were not reported previously in this tRNA, and the m2G26 and m22G26 were formed by Trm1. In the case of elongator tRNAMet, our analysis showed that the previously unidentified G modification at position 26 was a mixture of m2G and m22G, and that they were also generated by Trm1. Furthermore, purified Trm1 and Trm56 could methylate the precursor of elongator tRNAMet, which has an intron at the canonical position. However, the speed of methyl-transfer by Trm56 to the precursor RNA was considerably slower than that to the mature transcript, which suggests that Trm56 acts mainly on the transcript after the intron has been removed. Moreover, cellular arrangements of the tRNA methyltransferases in T. acidophilum are discussed.

Methylated nucleosides in tRNA and tRNA methyltransferases

To date, more than 90 modified nucleosides have been found in tRNA and the biosynthetic pathways of the majority of tRNA modifications include a methylation step(s). Recent studies of the biosynthetic pathways have demonstrated that the availability of methyl group donors for the methylation in tRNA is important for correct and efficient protein synthesis. In this review, I focus on the methylated nucleosides and tRNA methyltransferases. The primary functions of tRNA methylations are linked to the different steps of protein synthesis, such as the stabilization of tRNA structure, reinforcement of the codon-anticodon interaction, regulation of wobble base pairing, and prevention of frameshift errors. However, beyond these basic functions, recent studies have demonstrated that tRNA methylations are also involved in the RNA quality control system and regulation of tRNA localization in the cell. In a thermophilic eubacterium, tRNA modifications and the modification enzymes form a network that responses to temperature changes. Furthermore, several modifications are involved in genetic diseases, infections, and the immune response. Moreover, structural, biochemical, and bioinformatics studies of tRNA methyltransferases have been clarifying the details of tRNA methyltransferases and have enabled these enzymes to be classified. In the final section, the evolution of modification enzymes is discussed.

Transfer RNA Modification: Presence, Synthesis, and Function

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

The Dnmt2 RNA methyltransferase homolog of Geobacter sulfurreducens specifically methylates tRNA-Glu

Dnmt2 enzymes are conserved in eukaryotes, where they methylate C38 of tRNA-Asp with high activity. Here, the activity of one of the very few prokaryotic Dnmt2 homologs from Geobacter species (GsDnmt2) was investigated. GsDnmt2 was observed to methylate tRNA-Asp from flies and mice. Unexpectedly, it had only a weak activity toward its matching Geobacter tRNA-Asp, but methylated Geobacter tRNA-Glu with good activity. In agreement with this result, we show that tRNA-Glu is methylated in Geobacter while the methylation is absent in tRNA-Asp. The activities of Dnmt2 enzymes from Homo sapiens, Drosophila melanogaster, Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Dictyostelium discoideum for methylation of the Geobacter tRNA-Asp and tRNA-Glu were determined showing that all these Dnmt2s preferentially methylate tRNA-Asp. Hence, the GsDnmt2 enzyme has a swapped transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) specificity. By comparing the different tRNAs, a characteristic sequence pattern was identified in the variable loop of all preferred tRNA substrates. An exchange of two nucleotides in the variable loop of murine tRNA-Asp converted it to the corresponding variable loop of tRNA-Glu and led to a strong reduction of GsDnmt2 activity. Interestingly, the same loss of activity was observed with human DNMT2, indicating that the variable loop functions as a specificity determinant in tRNA recognition of Dnmt2 enzymes.

Distinct tRNA modifications in the thermo-acidophilic archaeon, Thermoplasma acidophilum

Thermoplasma acidophilum is a thermo-acidophilic archaeon. We purified tRNA(Leu) (UAG) from T. acidophilum using a solid-phase DNA probe method and determined the RNA sequence after determining via nucleoside analysis and m(7)G-specific aniline cleavage because it has been reported that T. acidophilum tRNA contains m(7)G, which is generally not found in archaeal tRNAs. RNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that the m(7)G modification exists at a novel position 49. Furthermore, we found several distinct modifications, which have not previously been found in archaeal tRNA, such as 4-thiouridine9, archaeosine13 and 5-carbamoylmethyuridine34. The related tRNA modification enzymes and their genes are discussed.

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

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

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

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

Flexible recognition of the tRNA G18 methylation target site by TrmH methyltransferase through first binding and induced fit processes

Transfer RNA (Gm18) methyltransferase (TrmH) catalyzes methyl transfer from S-adenosyl-l-methionine to a conserved G18 in tRNA. We investigated the recognition mechanism of Thermus thermophilus TrmH for its guanosine target. Thirteen yeast tRNA(Phe) mutant transcripts were prepared in which the modification site and/or other nucleotides in the D-loop were substituted by dG, inosine, or other nucleotides. We then conducted methyl transfer kinetic studies, gel shift assays, and inhibition experiments using these tRNA variants. Sites of methylation were confirmed with RNA sequencing or primer extension. Although the G18G19 sequence is not essential for methylation by TrmH, disruption of G18G19 severely reduces the efficiency of methyl transfer. There is strict recognition of guanosine by TrmH, in that methylation occurs at the adjacent G19 when the G18 is replaced by dG or adenosine. The fact that TrmH methylates guanosine in D-loops from 4 to 12 nucleotides in length suggests that selection of the position of guanosine within the D-loop is relatively flexible. Our studies also demonstrate that the oxygen 6 atom of the guanine base is a positive determinant for TrmH recognition. The recognition process of TrmH for substrate is inducible and product-inhibited, in that tRNAs containing Gm18 are excluded by TrmH. In contrast, substitution of G18 with dG18 results in the formation of a more stable TrmH-tRNA complex. To address the mechanism, we performed the stopped-flow pre-steady state kinetic analysis. The result clearly showed that the binding of TrmH to tRNA is composed of at least three steps, the first bi-molecular binding and the subsequent two uni-molecular induced-fit processes.

N7-Methylguanine at position 46 (m7G46) in tRNA from Thermus thermophilus is required for cell viability at high temperatures through a tRNA modification network

N(7)-methylguanine at position 46 (m(7)G46) in tRNA is produced by tRNA (m(7)G46) methyltransferase (TrmB). To clarify the role of this modification, we made a trmB gene disruptant (DeltatrmB) of Thermus thermophilus, an extreme thermophilic eubacterium. The absence of TrmB activity in cell extract from the DeltatrmB strain and the lack of the m(7)G46 modification in tRNA(Phe) were confirmed by enzyme assay, nucleoside analysis and RNA sequencing. When the DeltatrmB strain was cultured at high temperatures, several modified nucleotides in tRNA were hypo-modified in addition to the lack of the m(7)G46 modification. Assays with tRNA modification enzymes revealed hypo-modifications of Gm18 and m(1)G37, suggesting that the m(7)G46 positively affects their formations. Although the lack of the m(7)G46 modification and the hypo-modifications do not affect the Phe charging activity of tRNA(Phe), they cause a decrease in melting temperature of class I tRNA and degradation of tRNA(Phe) and tRNA(Ile). (35)S-Met incorporation into proteins revealed that protein synthesis in DeltatrmB cells is depressed above 70 degrees C. At 80 degrees C, the DeltatrmB strain exhibits a severe growth defect. Thus, the m(7)G46 modification is required for cell viability at high temperatures via a tRNA modification network, in which the m(7)G46 modification supports introduction of other modifications.

Stereochemical mechanisms of tRNA methyltransferases

Methylation of tRNA on the four canonical bases adds structural complexity to the molecule, and improves decoding specificity and efficiency. While many tRNA methylases are known, detailed insight into the catalytic mechanism is only available in a few cases. Of interest among all tRNA methylases is the structural basis for nucleotide selection, by which the specificity is limited to a single site, or broadened to multiple sites. General themes in catalysis include the basis for rate acceleration at highly diverse nucleophilic centers for methyl transfer, using S-adenosylmethionine as a cofactor. Studies of tRNA methylases have also yielded insights into molecular evolution, particularly in the case of enzymes that recognize distinct structures to perform identical reactions at the same target nucleotide.

Aquifex aeolicus tRNA (N2,N2-guanine)-dimethyltransferase (Trm1) catalyzes transfer of methyl groups not only to guanine 26 but also to guanine 27 in tRNA

Transfer RNA (N2,N2-guanine)-dimethyltransferase (Trm1) catalyzes N2,N2-dimethylguanine formation at position 26 (m(2)(2)G26) in tRNA. In the reaction, N2-guanine at position 26 (m(2)G26) is generated as an intermediate. The trm1 genes are found only in archaea and eukaryotes, although it has been reported that Aquifex aeolicus, a hyper-thermophilic eubacterium, has a putative trm1 gene. To confirm whether A. aeolicus Trm1 has tRNA methyltransferase activity, we purified recombinant Trm1 protein. In vitro methyl transfer assay revealed that the protein has a strong tRNA methyltransferase activity. We confirmed that this gene product is expressed in living A. aeolicus cells and that the enzymatic activity exists in cell extract. By preparing 22 tRNA transcripts and testing their methyl group acceptance activities, it was demonstrated that this Trm1 protein has a novel tRNA specificity. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that it catalyzes methyl transfers not only to G26 but also to G27 in substrate tRNA. Furthermore, it was confirmed that native tRNA(Cys) has an m(2)(2)G26m(2)G27 or m(2)(2)G26m(2)(2)G27 sequence, demonstrating that these modifications occur in living cells. Kinetic studies reveal that the m2G26 formation is faster than the m(2)G27 formation and that disruption of the G27-C43 base pair accelerates velocity of the G27 modification. Moreover, we prepared an additional 22 mutant tRNA transcripts and clarified that the recognition sites exist in the T-arm structure. This long distance recognition results in multisite recognition by the enzyme.

Atomic structure of a folate/FAD-dependent tRNA T54 methyltransferase

tRNAs from all 3 phylogenetic domains have a 5-methyluridine at position 54 (T54) in the T-loop. The methyl group is transferred from S-adenosylmethionine by TrmA methyltransferase in most Gram-negative bacteria and some archaea and eukaryotes, whereas it is transferred from 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHF) by TrmFO, a folate/FAD-dependent methyltransferase, in most Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria. However, the catalytic mechanism remains unclear, because the crystal structure of TrmFO has not been solved. Here, we report the crystal structures of Thermus thermophilus TrmFO in its free form, tetrahydrofolate (THF)-bound form, and glutathione-bound form at 2.1-, 1.6-, and 1.05-A resolutions, respectively. TrmFO consists of an FAD-binding domain and an insertion domain, which both share structural similarity with those of GidA, an enzyme involved in the 5-carboxymethylaminomethylation of U34 of some tRNAs. However, the overall structures of TrmFO and GidA are basically different because of their distinct domain orientations, which are consistent with their respective functional specificities. In the THF complex, the pteridin ring of THF is sandwiched between the flavin ring of FAD and the imidazole ring of a His residue. This structure provides a snapshot of the folate/FAD-dependent methyl transfer, suggesting that the transferring methylene group of MTHF is located close to the redox-active N5 atom of FAD. Furthermore, we established an in vitro system to measure the methylation activity. Our TrmFO-tRNA docking model, in combination with mutational analyses, suggests a catalytic mechanism, in which the methylene of MTHF is directly transferred onto U54, and then the exocyclic methylene of U54 is reduced by FADH(2).

The C-terminal region of thermophilic tRNA (m7G46) methyltransferase (TrmB) stabilizes the dimer structure and enhances fidelity of methylation

Transfer RNA (m(7)G46) methyltransferase catalyzes methyl-transfer from S-adenosyl-L-methionine to N(7) atom of the semi-conserved G46 base in tRNA. Aquifex aeolicus is a hyper thermophilic eubacterium that grows at close to 95 degrees C. A. aeolicus tRNA (m(7)G46) methyltransferase [TrmB] has an elongated C-terminal region as compared with mesophilic counterparts. In this study, the authors focused on the functions of this C-terminal region. Analytic gel filtration chromatography and amino acid sequencing reveled that the start point (Glu202) of the C-terminal region is often cleaved by proteases during purification steps and the C-terminal region tightly binds to another subunit even in the presence of 6M urea. Because the C-terminal region contains abundant basic amino acid residues, the authors assumed that some of these residues might be involved in tRNA binding. To address this idea, the authors prepared eight alanine substitution mutant proteins. However, measurements of initial velocities of these mutant proteins suggested that the basic amino acid residues in the C-terminal region are not involved in tRNA binding. The authors investigated effects of the deletion of the C-terminal region. Deletion mutant protein of the C-terminal region (the core protein) was precipitated by incubation at 85 degrees C, while the wild type protein was soluble at that temperature, demonstrating that the C-terminal region contributes to the protein stability at high temperatures. The core protein had a methyl-transfer activity to yeast tRNA(Phe) transcript. Furthermore, the core protein slowly methylated tRNA transcripts, which did not contain G46 base. Moreover, the modified base was identified as m(7)G by two-dimensional thin layer chromatography. Thus, the deletion of the C-terminal region causes nonspecific methylation of N(7) atom of guanine base(s) in tRNA transcripts.

Stabilization of tRNA (mG37) methyltransferase [TrmD] from Aquifex aeolicus by an intersubunit disulfide bond formation

Recombinant Aquifex aeolicus TrmD protein has a Cys20-Cys20 disulfide bond between its two subunits. This was demonstrated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel analysis of wild-type enzyme and C20S mutant protein (in which the Cys20 residue is substituted by serine), in the absence or presence of various concentrations of dithiothreitol. Analytical gel-filtration chromatography revealed that the C20S mutant protein forms a dimer structure even though it is missing the disulfide bond. Western blotting analysis suggests that the Cys20-Cys20 disulfide bond is formed in native TrmD protein in living A. aeolicus cells. Incubation at 85 degrees C for 20 min caused the precipitation of more than half of the C20S protein, while more than 70% of the wild-type enzyme was soluble at that temperature. This assay clearly demonstrates that the disulfide bond enhances the protein stability at 85 degrees C. A kinetic assay showed that the methyl-transfer activity of the C20S mutant protein was slightly less than that of the wild-type enzyme at 70 degrees C. Comparison of the CD-spectra of wild-type and C20S proteins reveals that some of the alpha-helices in the C20S mutant protein are less tightly packed than those of the wild-type enzyme at 70 degrees C.

Production of yeast tRNA (m(7)G46) methyltransferase (Trm8-Trm82 complex) in a wheat germ cell-free translation system

Cell-free translation systems are a powerful tool for the production of many kinds of proteins. However the production of proteins made up of hetero subunits is a major problem. In this study, we selected yeast tRNA (m(7)G46) methyltransferase (Trm8-Trm82 heterodimer) as a model protein. The enzyme catalyzes a methyl-transfer from S-adenosyl-l-methionine to the N(7) atom of guanine at position 46 in tRNA. When Trm8 or Trm82 mRNA were used for cell-free translation, Trm8 and Trm82 proteins could be synthesized. Upon mixing the synthesized Trm8 and Trm82 proteins, no active Trm8-Trm82 heterodimer was produced. Active Trm8-Trm82 heterodimer was only synthesized under conditions, in which both Trm8 and Trm82 mRNAs were co-translated. These results strongly suggest that the association of the Trm8 and Trm82 subunits is translationally controlled in living cells. Kinetic parameters of purified Trm8-Trm82 heterodimer were measured and these showed that the protein has comparable activity to other tRNA methyltransferases. The production of the m(7)G base at position 46 in tRNA was confirmed by two-dimensional thin layer chromatography and aniline cleavage of the methylated tRNA.

RNA recognition mechanism of eukaryote tRNA (m7G46) methyltransferase (Trm8-Trm82 complex)

Yeast tRNA (m(7)G46) methyltransferase contains two protein subunits (Trm8 and Trm82). To address the RNA recognition mechanism of the Trm8-Trm82 complex, we investigated methyl acceptance activities of eight truncated yeast tRNA(Phe) transcripts. Both the D-stem and T-stem structures were required for efficient methyl-transfer. To clarify the role of the D-stem structure, we tested four mutant transcripts, in which tertiary base pairs were disrupted. The tertiary base pairs were important but not essential for the methyl-transfer to yeast tRNA(Phe) transcript, suggesting that these base pairs support the induced fit of the G46 base into the catalytic pocket.

The substrate specificity of tRNA (m1G37) methyltransferase (TrmD) from Aquifex aeolicus

Transfer RNA (m(1)G37) methyltransferase (TrmD) catalyzes methyl-transfer from S-adenosyl-L-methionine to the N(1) atom of G37 in tRNA. In Escherichia coli cells, TrmD methylates tRNA species possessing a G36G37 sequence. It was previously believed that G36 was the positive determinant of TrmD recognition. In the current study, we demonstrate that TrmD from Aquifex aeolicus methylates tRNA transcripts possessing an A36G37 sequence as well as tRNA transcripts possessing a G36G37 sequence. In contrast, tRNA transcripts possessing pyrimidine36G37 were not methylated at all. These substrate specificities were confirmed by an in vitro kinetic assay using 16 tRNA transcripts. The modified nucleoside and the position in yeast tRNA(Phe) transcript were confirmed by LC/MS. Furthermore, nine truncated tRNA molecules were tested to clarify the additional recognition site. Unexpectedly, A. aeolicus TrmD protein efficiently methylated the micro helix corresponding to the anti-codon arm. Because the disruption of the anti-codon stem caused the complete loss of the methyl group acceptance activity, the anti-codon stem is essential for the recognition. Moreover, the existence of the D-arm structure inhibited the activity. Recently, it was reported that E. coli TrmD methylates yeast tRNA(Phe) harboring a sequence A36G37. Thus, recognition of the purine36G37 sequence is probably common to eubacteria TrmD proteins.

Mass Spectrometric Identification and Characterization of RNA‐Modifying Enzymes

Posttranscriptional modifications are characteristic structural features of RNA molecules. To study the functional roles played by RNA modifications, it is necessary to identify the genes and enzymes that are responsible for their biosynthesis. Many uncharacterized genes for RNA modifications still remain buried in the genomes of model organisms. We describe here a systematic genomewide screening method that uses a reverse genetic approach combined with mass spectrometry, which we have named "ribonucleome analysis," to identify uncharacterized genes that are involved in generating RNA modifications.

Functional Categorization of the Conserved Basic Amino Acid Residues in TrmH (tRNA (Gm18) Methyltansferase) Enzymes

Transfer RNA (Gm18) methyltransferase (TrmH) catalyzes the methyl transfer from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) to the 2'-OH group of the G18 ribose in tRNA. To identify amino acid residues responsible for the tRNA recognition, we have carried out the alanine substitution mutagenesis of the basic amino acid residues that are conserved only in TrmH enzymes and not in the other SpoU proteins. We analyzed the mutant proteins by S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine affinity column chromatography, gel mobility shift assay, and kinetic assay of the methyl transfer reaction. Based on these biochemical studies and the crystal structure of TrmH, we found that the conserved residues can be categorized according to their role (i) in the catalytic center (Arg-41), (ii) in the initial site of tRNA binding (Lys-90, Arg-166, Arg-168, and Arg-176), (iii) in the tRNA binding site required for continuation the catalytic cycle (Arg-8, Arg-19, and Lys-32), (iv) in the structural element involved in release of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (Arg-11-His-71-Met-147 interaction), (v) in the assisted phosphate binding site (His-34), or (vi) in an unknown function (Arg-109). Furthermore, the difference between the Kd and Km values for tRNA suggests that the affinity for tRNA is enhanced in the presence of AdoMet. To confirm this idea, we carried out the kinetic studies, a gel mobility shift assay with a mutant protein disrupted in the catalytic center, and the analytical gel-filtration chromatography. Our experimental results clearly show that the enzyme has a semi-ordered sequential mechanism in which AdoMet both enhances the affinity for tRNA and induces formation of the tetramer structure.

A gene involved in modifying transfer RNA is required for fungal pathogenicity and stress tolerance of Colletotrichum lagenarium

7-Methylguanosine (m7G) modification of tRNA occurs widely in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, although information about its biological roles is limited. Here, we report that a gene involved in m7G modification of tRNA is required for infection by the phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum lagenarium. Analysis of the infection-deficient mutant of C. lagenarium, produced by plasmid insertional mutagenesis, identified a tagged gene that is designated APH1. The aph1 mutants, generated by targeted gene disruption, exhibit significant reduction in pathogenicity on the host plants. We conclude that APH1 is required for fungal infection in C. lagenarium. Aph1 showed a strong similarity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Trm8 involved in m7G modification of tRNA. The m7G content of tRNA from the aph1 deletion mutant was severely reduced compared with that from the wild type, indicating that APH1 is required for m7G methyltransferase activity. Appressoria formed by the aph1 mutants developed penetration hyphae into cellophane, suggesting that appressoria of the mutants retain basic function for penetration. However, the aph1 mutants failed to develop intracellular penetration hyphae into epidermis of the host plants, suggesting a specific requirement of APH1 for appressorium-mediated host invasion. The mutants also had increased sensitivity to salinity and H2O2 stresses. Interestingly, a heat shock treatment on the host plants enabled the aph1 mutant to penetrate them. These data suggest that the APH1 is required for the plant invasion, probably to overcome environmental stresses derived from basal preinvasion (penetration) defence of the host plants.

Mechanistic Insights into Sulfur Relay by Multiple Sulfur Mediators Involved in Thiouridine Biosynthesis at tRNA Wobble Positions

The wobble bases of bacterial tRNAs responsible for NNR codons are modified to 5-methylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine (mnm5s2U). 2-thio modification of mnm5s2U is required for accurate decoding and essential for normal cell growth. We identified five genes yhhP, yheL, yheM, yheN, and yccK (named tusA, tusB, tusC, tusD, and tusE, respectively) that are essential for 2-thiouridylation of mnm5s2U by a systematic genome-wide screen ("ribonucleome analysis"). Efficient 2-thiouridine formation in vitro was reconstituted with recombinant TusA, a TusBCD complex, TusE, and previously identified IscS and MnmA. The desulfurase activity of IscS is stimulated by TusA binding. IscS transfers the persulfide sulfur to TusA. TusE binds TusBCD complex and stimulates sulfur transfer from TusA to TusD. TusE also interacts with an MnmA-tRNA complex. This study revealed that 2-thiouridine formation proceeds through a complex sulfur-relay system composed of multiple sulfur mediators that select and facilitate specific sulfur flow to 2-thiouridine from various pathways of sulfur trafficking.

The crystal structure of a novel SAM-dependent methyltransferase PH1915 from Pyrococcus horikoshii

The S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferases represent a diverse and biologically important class of enzymes. These enzymes utilize the ubiquitous methyl donor SAM as a cofactor to methylate proteins, small molecules, lipids, and nucleic acids. Here we present the crystal structure of PH1915 from Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3, a predicted SAM-dependent methyltransferase. This protein belongs to the Cluster of Orthologous Group 1092, and the presented crystal structure is the first representative structure of this protein family. Based on sequence and 3D structure analysis, we have made valuable functional insights that will facilitate further studies for characterizing this group of proteins. Specifically, we propose that PH1915 and its orthologs are rRNA- or tRNA-specific methyltransferases.

tRNA m7G methyltransferase Trm8p/Trm82p: evidence linking activity to a growth phenotype and implicating Trm82p in maintaining levels of active Trm8p

We show that Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains lacking Trm8p/Trm82p tRNA m7G methyltransferase are temperature-sensitive in synthetic media containing glycerol. Bacterial TRM8 orthologs complement the growth defect of trm8-Delta, trm82-Delta, and trm8-Delta trm82-Delta double mutants, suggesting that bacteria employ a single subunit for Trm8p/Trm82p function. The growth phenotype of trm8 mutants correlates with lack of tRNA m7G methyltransferase activity in vitro and in vivo, based on analysis of 10 mutant alleles of trm8 and bacterial orthologs, and suggests that m7G modification is the cellular function important for growth. Initial examination of the roles of the yeast subunits shows that Trm8p has most of the functions required to effect m7G modification, and that a major role of Trm82p is to maintain cellular levels of Trm8p. Trm8p efficiently cross-links to pre-tRNAPhe in vitro in the presence or absence of Trm82p, in addition to its known residual tRNA m7G modification activity and its SAM-binding domain. Surprisingly, the levels of Trm8p, but not its mRNA, are severely reduced in a trm82-Delta strain. Although Trm8p can be produced in the absence of Trm82p by deliberate overproduction, the resulting protein is inactive, suggesting that a second role of Trm82p is to stabilize Trm8p in an active conformation.

Sequence-structure-function relationships of a tRNA (m7G46) methyltransferase studied by homology modeling and site-directed mutagenesis

The Escherichia coli TrmB protein and its Saccharomyces cerevisiae ortholog Trm8p catalyze the S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent formation of 7-methylguanosine at position 46 (m7G46) in tRNA. To learn more about the sequence-structure-function relationships of these enzymes we carried out a thorough bioinformatics analysis of the tRNA:m7G methyltransferase (MTase) family to predict sequence regions and individual amino acid residues that may be important for the interactions between the MTase and the tRNA substrate, in particular the target guanosine 46. We used site-directed mutagenesis to construct a series of alanine substitutions and tested the activity of the mutants to elucidate the catalytic and tRNA-recognition mechanism of TrmB. The functional analysis of the mutants, together with the homology model of the TrmB structure and the results of the phylogenetic analysis, revealed the crucial residues for the formation of the substrate-binding site and the catalytic center in tRNA:m7G MTases.

Distribution of cannabinoid receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system

CB1 cannabinoid receptors appear to mediate most, if not all of the psychoactive effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and related compounds. This G protein-coupled receptor has a characteristic distribution in the nervous system: It is particularly enriched in cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia outflow tracts, and cerebellum--a distribution that corresponds to the most prominent behavioral effects of cannabis. In addition, this distribution helps to predict neurological and psychological maladies for which manipulation of the endocannabinoid system might be beneficial. CB1 receptors are primarily expressed on neurons, where most of the receptors are found on axons and synaptic terminals, emphasizing the important role of this receptor in modulating neurotransmission at specific synapses. While our knowledge of CB1 localization in the nervous system has advanced tremendously over the past 15 years, there is still more to learn. Particularly pressing is the need for (1) detailed anatomical studies of brain regions important in the therapeutic actions of drugs that modify the endocannabinoid system and (2) the determination of the localization of the enzymes that synthesize, degrade, and transport the endocannabinoids.

The phylogenetic distribution and evolutionary origins of endocannabinoid signalling

The endocannabinoid signalling system in mammals comprises several molecular components, including cannabinoid receptors (e.g. CB1, CB2), putative endogenous ligands for these receptors [e.g. anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)] and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and inactivation of anandamide (e.g. NAPE-PLD, FAAH) and 2-AG (e.g. DAG lipase, MGL). In this review we examine the occurrence of these molecules in non-mammalian organisms (in particular, animals and plants) by surveying published data and by basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) analysis of the GenBank database and of genomic sequence data from several vertebrate and invertebrate species. We conclude that the ability of cells to synthesise molecules that are categorised as "endocannabinoids" in mammals is an evolutionarily ancient phenomenon that may date back to the unicellular common ancestor of animals and plants. However, exploitation of these molecules for intercellular signalling may have occurred independently in different lineages during the evolution of the eukaryotes. The CB1- and CB2-type receptors that mediate effects of endocannabinoids in mammals occur throughout the vertebrates, and an orthologue of vertebrate cannabinoid receptors was recently identified in the deuterostomian invertebrate Ciona intestinalis (CiCBR). However, orthologues of the vertebrate cannabinoid receptors are not found in protostomian invertebrates (e.g. Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans). Therefore, it is likely that a CB1/CB2-type cannabinoid receptor originated in a deuterostomian invertebrate. This phylogenetic information provides a basis for exploitation of selected non-mammalian organisms as model systems for research on endocannabinoid signalling.

The biosynthesis, fate and pharmacological properties of endocannabinoids

The finding of endogenous ligands for cannabinoid receptors, the endocannabinoids, opened a new era in cannabinoid research. It meant that the biological role of cannabinoid signalling could be finally studied by investigating not only the pharmacological actions subsequent to stimulation of cannabinoid receptors by their agonists, but also how the activity of these receptors was regulated under physiological and pathological conditions by varying levels of the endocannabinoids. This in turn meant that the enzymes catalysing endocannabinoid biosynthesis and inactivation had to be identified and characterized, and that selective inhibitors of these enzymes had to be developed to be used as (1) probes to confirm endocannabinoid involvement in health and disease, and (2) templates for the design of new therapeutic drugs. This chapter summarizes the progress achieved in this direction during the 12 years following the discovery of the first endocannabinoid.