Structure of the thiostrepton resistance methyltransferase.S-adenosyl-L-methionine complex and its interaction with ribosomal RNA

Tied up in knots: Untangling substrate recognition by the SPOUT methyltransferases

The SpoU-TrmD (SPOUT) methyltransferase superfamily was designated when structural similarity was identified between the transfer RNA-modifying enzymes TrmH (SpoU) and TrmD. SPOUT methyltransferases are found in all domains of life and predominantly modify transfer RNA or ribosomal RNA substrates, though one instance of an enzyme with a protein substrate has been reported. Modifications placed by SPOUT methyltransferases play diverse roles in regulating cellular processes such as ensuring translational fidelity, altering RNA stability, and conferring bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This large collection of S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferases is defined by a unique α/β fold with a deep trefoil knot in their catalytic (SPOUT) domain. Herein, we describe current knowledge of SPOUT enzyme structure, domain architecture, and key elements of catalytic function, including S-adenosyl-L-methionine co-substrate binding, beginning with a new sequence alignment that divides the SPOUT methyltransferase superfamily into four major clades. Finally, a major focus of this review will be on our growing understanding of how these diverse enzymes accomplish the molecular feat of specific substrate recognition and modification, as highlighted by recent advances in our knowledge of protein-RNA complex structures and the discovery of the dependence of one SPOUT methyltransferase on metal ion binding for catalysis. Considering the broad biological roles of RNA modifications, developing a deeper understanding of the process of substrate recognition by the SPOUT enzymes will be critical for defining many facets of fundamental RNA biology with implications for human disease.

The Bacillus subtilis open reading frame ysgA encodes the SPOUT methyltransferase RlmP forming 2'-O-methylguanosine at position 2553 in the A-loop of 23S rRNA

A previous bioinformatic analysis predicted that the ysgA open reading frame of Bacillus subtilis encodes an RNA methyltransferase of the SPOUT superfamily. Here we show that YsgA is the 2'-O-methyltransferase that targets position G2553 (Escherichia coli numbering) of the A-loop of 23S rRNA. This was shown by a combination of biochemical and mass spectrometry approaches using both rRNA extracted from B. subtilis wild-type or ΔysgA cells and in vitro synthesized rRNA. When the target G2553 is mutated, YsgA is able to methylate the ribose of adenosine. However, it cannot methylate cytidine nor uridine. The enzyme modifies free 23S rRNA but not the fully assembled ribosome nor the 50S subunit, suggesting that the modification occurs early during ribosome biogenesis. Nevertheless, ribosome subunits assembly is unaffected in a B. subtilis ΔysgA mutant strain. The crystal structure of the recombinant YsgA protein, combined with mutagenesis data, outlined in this article highlights a typical SPOUT fold preceded by an L7Ae/L30 (eL8/eL30 in a new nomenclature) amino-terminal domain.

The bacterial thiopeptide thiostrepton. An update of its mode of action, pharmacological properties and applications

The bacterial thiopeptide thiostrepton (TS) is used as a veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infections. TS is a protein translation inhibitor, essentially active against Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria. In procaryotes, TS abrogates binding of GTPase elongation factors to the 70S ribosome, by altering the structure of rRNA-L11 protein complexes. TS exerts also antimalarial effects by disrupting protein synthesis in the apicoplast genome of Plasmodium falciparum. Interestingly, the drug targets both the infectious pathogen (bacteria or parasite) and host cell, by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated autophagy which contributes to enhance the host cell defense. In addition, TS has been characterized as a potent chemical inhibitor of the oncogenic transcription factor FoxM1, frequently overexpressed in cancers or other diseases. The capacity of TS to crosslink FoxM1, and a few other proteins such as peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3) and the 19S proteasome, contributes to the anticancer effects of the thiopeptide. The anticancer activities of TS evidenced using diverse tumor cell lines, in vivo models and drug combinations are reviewed here, together with the implicated targets and mechanisms. The difficulty to formulate TS is a drag on the pharmaceutical development of the natural product. However, the design of hemisynthetic analogues and the use of micellar drug delivery systems should facilitate a broader utilization of the compound in human and veterinary medicines. This review shed light on the many pharmacological properties of TS, with the objective to promote its use as a pharmacological tool and medicinal product.

Targeted Redesign of Suramin Analogs for Novel Antimicrobial Lead Development

The emergence of new viral infections and drug-resistant bacteria urgently necessitates expedient therapeutic development. Repurposing and redesign of existing drugs against different targets are one potential way in which to accelerate this process. Suramin was initially developed as a successful antiparasitic drug but has also shown promising antiviral and antibacterial activities. However, due to its high conformational flexibility and negative charge, suramin is considered quite promiscuous toward positively charged sites within nucleic acid binding proteins. Although some suramin analogs have been developed against specific targets, only limited structure-activity relationship studies were performed, and virtual screening has yet to be used to identify more specific inhibitor(s) based on its scaffold. Using available structures, we investigated suramin's target diversity, confirming that suramin preferentially binds to protein pockets that are both positively charged and enriched in aromatic or leucine residues. Further, suramin's high conformational flexibility allows adaptation to structurally diverse binding surfaces. From this platform, we developed a framework for structure- and docking-guided elaboration of suramin analog scaffolds using virtual screening of suramin and heparin analogs against a panel of diverse therapeutically relevant viral and bacterial protein targets. Use of this new framework to design potentially specific suramin analogs is exemplified using the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and nucleocapsid protein, identifying leads that might inhibit a wide range of coronaviruses. The approach presented here establishes a computational framework for designing suramin analogs against different bacterial and viral targets and repurposing existing drugs for more specific inhibitory activity.

Restriction of S-adenosylmethionine conformational freedom by knotted protein binding sites

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is one of the most important enzyme substrates. It is vital for the function of various proteins, including large group of methyltransferases (MTs). Intriguingly, some bacterial and eukaryotic MTs, while catalysing the same reaction, possess significantly different topologies, with the former being a knotted one. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of SAM conformational space and factors that affect its vastness. We investigated SAM in two forms: free in water (via NMR studies and explicit solvent simulations) and bound to proteins (based on all data available in the PDB and on all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in water). We identified structural descriptors—angles which show the major differences in SAM conformation between unknotted and knotted methyltransferases. Moreover, we report that this is caused mainly by a characteristic for knotted MTs compact binding site formed by the knot and the presence of adenine-binding loop. Additionally, we elucidate conformational restrictions imposed on SAM molecules by other protein groups in comparison to conformational space in water.

The topology of a folded polypeptide chain has great impact on the resulting protein function and its interaction with ligands. Interestingly, topological constraints appear to affect binding of one of the most ubiquitous substrates in the cell, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), to its target proteins. Here, we demonstrate how binding sites of specific proteins restrict SAM conformational freedom in comparison to its unbound state, with a special interest in proteins with non-trivial topology, including an exciting group of knotted methyltransferases. Using a vast array of computational methods combined with NMR experiments, we identify key structural features of knotted methyltransferases that impose unorthodox SAM conformations. We compare them with the characteristics of standard, unknotted SAM binding proteins. These results are significant for understanding differences between analogous, yet topologically different enzymes, as well as for future rational drug design.

Thiostrepton Hijacks Pyoverdine Receptors To Inhibit Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a biofilm-forming opportunistic pathogen and is intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics. In a high-throughput screen for molecules that modulate biofilm formation, we discovered that the thiopeptide antibiotic thiostrepton (TS), which is considered to be inactive against Gram-negative bacteria, stimulated P. aeruginosa biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. This phenotype is characteristic of exposure to antimicrobial compounds at subinhibitory concentrations, suggesting that TS was active against P. aeruginosa Supporting this observation, TS inhibited the growth of a panel of 96 multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa clinical isolates at low-micromolar concentrations. TS also had activity against Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates. The expression of Tsr, a 23S rRNA-modifying methyltransferase from TS producer Streptomyces azureus, in trans conferred TS resistance, confirming that the drug acted via its canonical mode of action, inhibition of ribosome function. The deletion of oligopeptide permease systems used by other peptide antibiotics for uptake failed to confer TS resistance. TS susceptibility was inversely proportional to iron availability, suggesting that TS exploits uptake pathways whose expression is increased under iron starvation. Consistent with this finding, TS activity against P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii was potentiated by the FDA-approved iron chelators deferiprone and deferasirox and by heat-inactivated serum. Screening of P. aeruginosa mutants for TS resistance revealed that it exploits pyoverdine receptors FpvA and FpvB to cross the outer membrane. We show that the biofilm stimulation phenotype can reveal cryptic subinhibitory antibiotic activity, and that TS has activity against select multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens under iron-limited growth conditions, similar to those encountered at sites of infection.

A Family Divided: Distinct Structural and Mechanistic Features of the SpoU-TrmD (SPOUT) Methyltransferase Superfamily

The SPOUT family of enzymes makes up the second largest of seven structurally distinct groups of methyltransferases and is named after two evolutionarily related RNA methyltransferases, SpoU and TrmD. A deep trefoil knotted domain in the tertiary structures of member enzymes defines the SPOUT family. For many years, formation of a homodimeric quaternary structure was thought to be a strict requirement for all SPOUT enzymes, critical for substrate binding and formation of the active site. However, recent structural characterization of two SPOUT members, Trm10 and Sfm1, revealed that they function as monomers without the requirement of this critical dimerization. This unusual monomeric form implies that these enzymes must exhibit a nontraditional substrate binding mode and active site architecture and may represent a new division in the SPOUT family with distinct properties removed from the dimeric enzymes. Here we discuss the mechanistic features of SPOUT enzymes with an emphasis on the monomeric members and implications of this "novel" monomeric structure on cofactor and substrate binding.

Structural and biochemical analysis of the dual-specificity Trm10 enzyme from Thermococcus kodakaraensis prompts reconsideration of its catalytic mechanism

tRNA molecules get heavily modified post-transcriptionally. The N-1 methylation of purines at position 9 of eukaryal and archaeal tRNA is catalyzed by the SPOUT methyltranferase Trm10. Remarkably, while certain Trm10 orthologs are specific for either guanosine or adenosine, others show a dual specificity. Structural and functional studies have been performed on guanosine- and adenosine-specific enzymes. Here we report the structure and biochemical analysis of the dual-specificity enzyme from Thermococcus kodakaraensis (TkTrm10). We report the first crystal structure of a construct of this enzyme, consisting of the N-terminal domain and the catalytic SPOUT domain. Moreover, crystal structures of the SPOUT domain, either in the apo form or bound to S-adenosyl-l-methionine or S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine reveal the conformational plasticity of two active site loops upon substrate binding. Kinetic analysis shows that TkTrm10 has a high affinity for its tRNA substrates, while the enzyme on its own has a very low methyltransferase activity. Mutation of either of two active site aspartate residues (Asp206 and Asp245) to Asn or Ala results in only modest effects on the N-1 methylation reaction, with a small shift toward a preference for m1G formation over m1A formation. Only a double D206A/D245A mutation severely impairs activity. These results are in line with the recent finding that the single active-site aspartate was dispensable for activity in the guanosine-specific Trm10 from yeast, and suggest that also dual-specificity Trm10 orthologs use a noncanonical tRNA methyltransferase mechanism without residues acting as general base catalysts.

Small methyltransferase RlmH assembles a composite active site to methylate a ribosomal pseudouridine

Eubacterial ribosomal large-subunit methyltransferase H (RlmH) methylates 23S ribosomal RNA pseudouridine 1915 (Ψ1915), which lies near the ribosomal decoding center. The smallest member of the SPOUT superfamily of methyltransferases, RlmH lacks the RNA recognition domain found in larger methyltransferases. The catalytic mechanism of RlmH enzyme is unknown. Here, we describe the structures of RlmH bound to S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) and the methyltransferase inhibitor sinefungin. Our structural and biochemical studies reveal catalytically essential residues in the dimer-mediated asymmetrical active site. One monomer provides the SAM-binding site, whereas the conserved C-terminal tail of the second monomer provides residues essential for catalysis. Our findings elucidate the mechanism by which a small protein dimer assembles a functionally asymmetric architecture.

YcaO-Dependent Posttranslational Amide Activation: Biosynthesis, Structure, and Function

With advances in sequencing technology, uncharacterized proteins and domains of unknown function (DUFs) are rapidly accumulating in sequence databases and offer an opportunity to discover new protein chemistry and reaction mechanisms. The focus of this review, the formerly enigmatic YcaO superfamily (DUF181), has been found to catalyze a unique phosphorylation of a ribosomal peptide backbone amide upon attack by different nucleophiles. Established nucleophiles are the side chains of Cys, Ser, and Thr which gives rise to azoline/azole biosynthesis in ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptide (RiPP) natural products. However, much remains unknown about the potential for YcaO proteins to collaborate with other nucleophiles. Recent work suggests potential in forming thioamides, macroamidines, and possibly additional post-translational modifications. This review covers all knowledge through mid-2016 regarding the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), natural products, functions, mechanisms, and applications of YcaO proteins and outlines likely future research directions for this protein superfamily.

Functional roles in S-adenosyl-L-methionine binding and catalysis for active site residues of the thiostrepton resistance methyltransferase

Resistance to the antibiotic thiostrepton, in producing Streptomycetes, is conferred by the S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)-dependent SPOUT methyltransferase Tsr. For this and related enzymes, the roles of active site amino acids have been inadequately described. Herein, we have probed SAM interactions in the Tsr active site by investigating the catalytic activity and the thermodynamics of SAM binding by site-directed Tsr mutants. Two arginine residues were demonstrated to be critical for binding, one of which appears to participate in the catalytic reaction. Additionally, evidence consistent with the involvement of an asparagine in the structural organization of the SAM binding site is presented.

Biological chemistry of the carbon–sulfur bond

Carbon–sulfur biological chemistry encompasses a fascinating area of biochemistry and medicinal chemistry and includes the roles that methionine and S-adenosyl-l-methionine play in cells as well as the chemistry of intracellular thiols such as glutathione. This article, based on the 2014 Bernard Belleau Award lecture, provides an overview of some of the key investigations that were undertaken in this area from a bioorganic perspective. The research has ameliorated our fundamental knowledge of several of the enzymes utilizing these sulfur-containing molecules, has led to the development of several novel 19F biophysical probes, and has explored some of the medicinal chemistry associated with these processes.

A thiostrepton resistance gene and its mutants serve as selectable markers in Geobacillus kaustophilus HTA426

Effective utilization of microbes often requires complex genetic modification using multiple antibiotic resistance markers. Because a few markers have been used in Geobacillus spp., the present study was designed to identify a new marker for these thermophiles. We explored antibiotic resistance genes functional in Geobacillus kaustophilus HTA426 and identified a thiostrepton resistance gene (tsr) effective at 50 °C. The tsr gene was further used to generate the mutant tsr(H258Y) functional at 55 °C. Higher functional temperature of the mutant was attributable to the increase in thermostability of the gene product because recombinant protein produced from tsr(H258Y) was more thermostable than that from tsr. In fact, the tsr(H258Y) gene served as a selectable marker for plasmid transformation of G. kaustophilus. This new marker could facilitate complex genetic modification of G. kaustophilus and potentially other Geobacillus spp.

Substrate recognition and modification by the nosiheptide resistance methyltransferase

Background

The proliferation of antibiotic resistant pathogens is an increasing threat to the general public. Resistance may be conferred by a number of mechanisms including covalent or mutational modification of the antibiotic binding site, covalent modification of the drug, or the over-expression of efflux pumps. The nosiheptide resistance methyltransferase (NHR) confers resistance to the thiazole antibiotic nosiheptide in the nosiheptide producer organism Streptomyces actuosus through 2ʹO-methylation of 23S rRNA at the nucleotide A1067. Although the crystal structures of NHR and the closely related thiostrepton-resistance methyltransferase (TSR) in complex with the cofactor S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) are available, the principles behind NHR substrate recognition and catalysis remain unclear.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We have analyzed the binding interactions between NHR and model 58 and 29 nucleotide substrate RNAs by gel electrophoresis mobility shift assays (EMSA) and fluorescence anisotropy. We show that the enzyme binds to RNA as a dimer. By constructing a hetero-dimer complex composed of one wild-type subunit and one inactive mutant NHR-R135A subunit, we show that only one functional subunit of the NHR homodimer is required for its enzymatic activity. Mutational analysis suggests that the interactions between neighbouring bases (G1068 and U1066) and A1067 have an important role in methyltransfer activity, such that the substitution of a deoxy sugar spacer (5ʹ) to the target nucleotide achieved near wild-type levels of methylation. A series of atomic substitutions at specific positions on the substrate adenine show that local base-base interactions between neighbouring bases are important for methylation.

Conclusion/Significance

Taken together these data suggest that local base-base interactions play an important role in aligning the substrate 2’ hydroxyl group of A1067 for methyl group transfer. Methylation of nucleic acids is playing an increasingly important role in fundamental biological processes and we anticipate that the approach outlined in this manuscript may be useful for investigating other classes of nucleic acid methyltransferases.

Binding induced RNA conformational changes control substrate recognition and catalysis by the thiostrepton resistance methyltransferase (Tsr)

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) post-transcriptional modifications are essential for ribosome maturation, translational fidelity, and are one mechanism used by both antibiotic-producing and pathogenic bacteria to resist the effects of antibiotics that target the ribosome. The thiostrepton producer Streptomyces azureus prevents self-intoxication by expressing the thiostrepton-resistance methyltransferase (Tsr), which methylates the 2'-hydroxyl of 23 S rRNA nucleotide adenosine 1067 within the thiostrepton binding site. Tsr is a homodimer with each protomer containing an L30e-like amino-terminal domain (NTD) and a SPOUT methyltransferase family catalytic carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD). We show that both enzyme domains are required for high affinity RNA substrate binding. The Tsr-CTD has intrinsic, weak RNA affinity that is necessary to direct the specific high-affinity Tsr-RNA interaction via NTDs, which have no detectable RNA affinity in isolation. RNA structure probing experiments identify the Tsr footprint on the RNA and structural changes in the substrate, induced specifically upon NTD binding, which are necessary for catalysis by the CTD. Additionally, we identify a key amino acid in each domain responsible for CTD-RNA binding and the observed NTD-dependent RNA structural changes. These studies allow us to develop a model for Tsr-RNA interaction in which the coordinated substrate recognition of each Tsr structural domain is an obligatory pre-catalytic recognition event. Our findings underscore the complexity of substrate recognition by RNA modification enzymes and the potential for direct involvement of the RNA substrate in controlling the process of its modification.

Molecular interactions between thiostrepton and the TipAS protein from Streptomyces lividans

In Streptomyces lividans, the expression of several proteins is stimulated by the thiopeptide antibiotic thiostrepton. Two of these, TipAL and TipAS, autoregulate their expression after covalently binding to thiostrepton; this irreversibly sequesters the antibiotic and desensitizes the organism to its effects. In this work, additional molecular recognition interactions involved in this critical event were explored by utilizing various thiostrepton analogues and several site-directed mutants of the TipAS antibiotic binding protein. Dissociation constants for several thiostrepton analogues ranged from 0.19 to 12.95 μM, depending on the analogue. The contributions of specific structural elements of the thiostrepton molecule to this interaction have been discerned, and an unusual covalent modification between the antibiotic and a new residue in a TipAS mutant has been detected.

Methylthioadenosine/S-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase, a critical enzyme for bacterial metabolism

The importance of methylthioadenosine/S-adenosylhomocysteine (MTA/SAH) nucleosidase in bacteria has started to be appreciated only in the past decade. A comprehensive analysis of its various roles here demonstrates that it is an integral component of the activated methyl cycle, which recycles adenine and methionine through S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-mediated methylation reactions, and also produces the universal quorum-sensing signal, autoinducer-2 (AI-2). SAM is also essential for synthesis of polyamines, N-acylhomoserine lactone (autoinducer-1), and production of vitamins and other biomolecules formed by SAM radical reactions. MTA, SAH and 5'-deoxyadenosine (5'dADO) are product inhibitors of these reactions, and are substrates of MTA/SAH nucleosidase, underscoring its importance in a wide array of metabolic reactions. Inhibition of this enzyme by certain substrate analogues also limits synthesis of autoinducers and hence causes reduction in biofilm formation and may attenuate virulence. Interestingly, the inhibitors of MTA/SAH nucleosidase are very effective against the Lyme disease causing spirochaete, Borrelia burgdorferi, which uniquely expresses three homologous functional enzymes. These results indicate that inhibition of this enzyme can affect growth of different bacteria by affecting different mechanisms. Therefore, new inhibitors are currently being explored for development of potential novel broad-spectrum antimicrobials.

Expression, purification and crystallization of adenosine 1408 aminoglycoside-resistance rRNA methyltransferases for structural studies

High-level resistance to a broad spectrum of aminoglycoside antibiotics can arise through either N7-methyl guanosine 1405 (m⁷G1405) or N1-methyl adenosine 1408 (m¹A1408) modifications at the drug binding site in the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit decoding center. Two distinct families of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) methyltransferases that incorporate these modifications were first identified in aminoglycoside-producing bacteria but were more recently identified in both human and animal pathogens. These resistance determinants thus pose a new threat to the usefulness of aminoglycosides as antibiotics, demanding urgent characterization of their structures and activities. Here, we describe approaches to cloning, heterologous expression in Escherichia coli, and purification of two A1408 rRNA methyltransferases: KamB from the aminoglycoside-producer Streptoalloteichus tenebrarius and NpmA identified in a clinical isolate of pathogenic E. coli ARS3. Antibiotic minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays and in vitro analysis of KamB and NpmA using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) binding by isothermal titration calorimetry and 30S subunit methylation assays showed both enzymes were soluble, folded and active. Finally, crystals of each enzyme complexed with SAM were obtained, including selenomethionine-derived KamB, that will facilitate high-resolution X-ray crystallographic analyses of these important bacterial antibiotic-resistance determinants.

Structural insights into the function of aminoglycoside-resistance A1408 16S rRNA methyltransferases from antibiotic-producing and human pathogenic bacteria

X-ray crystal structures were determined of the broad-spectrum aminoglycoside-resistance A1408 16S rRNA methyltransferases KamB and NpmA, from the aminoglycoside-producer Streptoalloteichus tenebrarius and human pathogenic Escherichia coli, respectively. Consistent with their common function, both are Class I methyltransferases with additional highly conserved structural motifs that embellish the core SAM-binding fold. In overall structure, the A1408 rRNA methyltransferase were found to be most similar to a second family of Class I methyltransferases of distinct substrate specificity (m(7)G46 tRNA). Critical residues for A1408 rRNA methyltransferase activity were experimentally defined using protein mutagenesis and bacterial growth assays with kanamycin. Essential residues for SAM coenzyme binding and an extended protein surface that likely interacts with the 30S ribosomal subunit were thus revealed. The structures also suggest potential mechanisms of A1408 target nucleotide selection and positioning. We propose that a dynamic extended loop structure that is positioned adjacent to both the bound SAM and a functionally critical structural motif may mediate concerted conformational changes in rRNA and protein that underpin the specificity of target selection and activation of methyltransferase activity. These new structures provide important new insights that may provide a starting point for strategies to inhibit these emerging causes of pathogenic bacterial resistance to aminoglycosides.

Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of nosiheptide-resistance methyltransferase from Streptomyces actuosus in complex with SAM

Nosiheptide-resistance methyltransferase (NSR) methylates 23S rRNA at the nucleotide adenosine 1067 in Escherichia coli and thus contributes to resistance against nosiheptide, a sulfur-containing peptide antibiotic. Here, the expression, purification and crystallization of NSR from Streptomyces actuosus are reported. Diffracting crystals were grown by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method in reservoir solution consisting of 0.35 M ammonium chloride, 24%(w/v) PEG 3350, 0.1 M MES pH 5.7 at 293 K. Native data have been collected from the apo enzyme and a SAM complex, as well as apo SeMet SAD data. The diffraction patterns of the apo form of NSR, of NSR complexed with SAM and of SeMet-labelled NSR crystals extended to 1.90, 1.95 and 2.25 A resolution, respectively, using synchrotron radiation. All crystals belonged to space group P2(1), with approximate unit-cell parameters a = 64.6, b = 69.6, c = 64.9 A, beta = 117.8 degrees .

The ribosome assembly factor Nep1 responsible for Bowen-Conradi syndrome is a pseudouridine-N1-specific methyltransferase

Nep1 (Emg1) is a highly conserved nucleolar protein with an essential function in ribosome biogenesis. A mutation in the human Nep1 homolog causes Bowen-Conradi syndrome-a severe developmental disorder. Structures of Nep1 revealed a dimer with a fold similar to the SPOUT-class of RNA-methyltransferases suggesting that Nep1 acts as a methyltransferase in ribosome biogenesis. The target for this putative methyltransferase activity has not been identified yet. We characterized the RNA-binding specificity of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii Nep1 by fluorescence- and NMR-spectroscopy as well as by yeast three-hybrid screening. Nep1 binds with high affinity to short RNA oligonucleotides corresponding to nt 910-921 of M. jannaschii 16S rRNA through a highly conserved basic surface cleft along the dimer interface. Nep1 only methylates RNAs containing a pseudouridine at a position corresponding to a previously identified hypermodified N1-methyl-N3-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl) pseudouridine (m1acp3-Psi) in eukaryotic 18S rRNAs. Analysis of the methylated nucleoside by MALDI-mass spectrometry, HPLC and NMR shows that the methyl group is transferred to the N1 of the pseudouridine. Thus, Nep1 is the first identified example of an N1-specific pseudouridine methyltransferase. This enzymatic activity is also conserved in human Nep1 suggesting that Nep1 is the methyltransferase in the biosynthesis of m1acp3-Psi in eukaryotic 18S rRNAs.

Recent advances in thiopeptide antibiotic biosynthesis

Thiopeptides, or thiazolylpeptides, are a family of highly modified peptide antibiotics first discovered several decades ago. Dozens of thiopeptides have since been identified, but, until recently, the biosynthetic genes responsible for their production remained elusive. The biosynthetic systems for a handful of thiopeptide metabolites were identified in the first portion of 2009. The surprising finding that these metabolites arise from the enzymatic tailoring of a simple, linear, ribosomally-synthesized precursor peptide led to a renewed appreciation of the architectural complexity accessible by posttranslational modification. This recent progress toward understanding thiopeptide antibiotic biosynthesis benefits the discovery of novel thiopeptides by either directed screening techniques or by mining available microbial genome sequences. Furthermore, access to the biosynthetic machinery now opens an avenue to the biosynthetic engineering of thiopeptide analogs. This Highlight discusses the genetic and biochemical insights revealed by these initial reports of the biosynthetic gene clusters for thiopeptide metabolites.