1
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Simonson T, Mihaila V, Reveguk I. Uncovering substrate specificity determinants of class IIb aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases with machine learning. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 132:108818. [PMID: 39025021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2024.108818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Specific amino acid (AA) binding by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) is necessary for correct translation of the genetic code. Sequence and structure analyses have revealed the main specificity determinants and allowed a partitioning of aaRSs into two classes and several subclasses. However, the information contributed by each determinant has not been precisely quantified, and other, minor determinants may still be unidentified. Growth of genomic data and development of machine learning classification methods allow us to revisit these questions. This work considered the subclass IIb, formed by the three enzymes aspartyl-, asparaginyl-, and lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS). Over 35,000 sequences from the Pfam database were considered, and used to train a machine-learning model based on ensembles of decision trees. The model was trained to reproduce the existing classification of each sequence as AspRS, AsnRS, or LysRS, and to identify which sequence positions were most important for the classification. A few positions (5-8 depending on the AA substrate) sufficed for accurate classification. Most but not all of them were well-known specificity determinants. The machine learning models thus identified sets of mutations that distinguish the three subclass members, which might be targeted in engineering efforts to alter or swap the AA specificities for biotechnology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Simonson
- Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale de la Cellule (CNRS UMR7654), Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France.
| | - Victor Mihaila
- Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale de la Cellule (CNRS UMR7654), Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
| | - Ivan Reveguk
- Laboratoire de Biologie Structurale de la Cellule (CNRS UMR7654), Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
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2
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Xie SC, Wang Y, Morton CJ, Metcalfe RD, Dogovski C, Pasaje CFA, Dunn E, Luth MR, Kumpornsin K, Istvan ES, Park JS, Fairhurst KJ, Ketprasit N, Yeo T, Yildirim O, Bhebhe MN, Klug DM, Rutledge PJ, Godoy LC, Dey S, De Souza ML, Siqueira-Neto JL, Du Y, Puhalovich T, Amini M, Shami G, Loesbanluechai D, Nie S, Williamson N, Jana GP, Maity BC, Thomson P, Foley T, Tan DS, Niles JC, Han BW, Goldberg DE, Burrows J, Fidock DA, Lee MCS, Winzeler EA, Griffin MDW, Todd MH, Tilley L. Reaction hijacking inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum asparagine tRNA synthetase. Nat Commun 2024; 15:937. [PMID: 38297033 PMCID: PMC10831071 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45224-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria poses an enormous threat to human health. With ever increasing resistance to currently deployed drugs, breakthrough compounds with novel mechanisms of action are urgently needed. Here, we explore pyrimidine-based sulfonamides as a new low molecular weight inhibitor class with drug-like physical parameters and a synthetically accessible scaffold. We show that the exemplar, OSM-S-106, has potent activity against parasite cultures, low mammalian cell toxicity and low propensity for resistance development. In vitro evolution of resistance using a slow ramp-up approach pointed to the Plasmodium falciparum cytoplasmic asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (PfAsnRS) as the target, consistent with our finding that OSM-S-106 inhibits protein translation and activates the amino acid starvation response. Targeted mass spectrometry confirms that OSM-S-106 is a pro-inhibitor and that inhibition of PfAsnRS occurs via enzyme-mediated production of an Asn-OSM-S-106 adduct. Human AsnRS is much less susceptible to this reaction hijacking mechanism. X-ray crystallographic studies of human AsnRS in complex with inhibitor adducts and docking of pro-inhibitors into a model of Asn-tRNA-bound PfAsnRS provide insights into the structure-activity relationship and the selectivity mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley C Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Yinuo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Craig J Morton
- Biomedical Manufacturing Program, CSIRO, Clayton South, VIC, Australia
| | - Riley D Metcalfe
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Con Dogovski
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Charisse Flerida A Pasaje
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Elyse Dunn
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Madeline R Luth
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Krittikorn Kumpornsin
- Parasites and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- Calibr, Division of the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Eva S Istvan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joon Sung Park
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kate J Fairhurst
- Center for Malaria Therapeutics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Nutpakal Ketprasit
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Tomas Yeo
- Center for Malaria Therapeutics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Okan Yildirim
- Chemical Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | | | - Dana M Klug
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Peter J Rutledge
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Luiz C Godoy
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sumanta Dey
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mariana Laureano De Souza
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jair L Siqueira-Neto
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Yawei Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Tanya Puhalovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Mona Amini
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Gerry Shami
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | | | - Shuai Nie
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas Williamson
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Gouranga P Jana
- TCG Lifesciences Private Limited, Salt-Lake Electronics Complex, Kolkata, India
| | - Bikash C Maity
- TCG Lifesciences Private Limited, Salt-Lake Electronics Complex, Kolkata, India
| | - Patrick Thomson
- School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JJ, UK
| | - Thomas Foley
- School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JJ, UK
| | - Derek S Tan
- Chemical Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jacquin C Niles
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Byung Woo Han
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Daniel E Goldberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jeremy Burrows
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, 20, Route de Pré-Bois, 1215, Geneva 15, Switzerland
| | - David A Fidock
- Center for Malaria Therapeutics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Marcus C S Lee
- Parasites and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Winzeler
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Michael D W Griffin
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Matthew H Todd
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University College London, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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3
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Xie SC, Wang Y, Morton CJ, Metcalfe RD, Dogovski C, Pasaje CFA, Dunn E, Luth MR, Kumpornsin K, Istvan ES, Park JS, Fairhurst KJ, Ketprasit N, Yeo T, Yildirim O, Bhebhe MN, Klug DM, Rutledge PJ, Godoy LC, Dey S, De Souza ML, Siqueira-Neto JL, Du Y, Puhalovich T, Amini M, Shami G, Loesbanluechai D, Nie S, Williamson N, Jana GP, Maity BC, Thomson P, Foley T, Tan DS, Niles JC, Han BW, Goldberg DE, Burrows J, Fidock DA, Lee MC, Winzeler EA, Griffin MDW, Todd MH, Tilley L. Reaction hijacking inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum asparagine tRNA synthetase. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3198291. [PMID: 37546892 PMCID: PMC10402266 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3198291/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Malaria poses an enormous threat to human health. With ever increasing resistance to currently deployed drugs, breakthrough compounds with novel mechanisms of action are urgently needed. Here, we explore pyrimidine-based sulfonamides as a new low molecular weight inhibitor class with drug-like physical parameters and a synthetically accessible scaffold. We show that the exemplar, OSM-S-106, has potent activity against parasite cultures, low mammalian cell toxicity and low propensity for resistance development. In vitro evolution of resistance using a slow ramp-up approach pointed to the Plasmodium falciparum cytoplasmic asparaginyl tRNA synthetase (PfAsnRS) as the target, consistent with our finding that OSM-S-106 inhibits protein translation and activates the amino acid starvation response. Targeted mass spectrometry confirms that OSM-S-106 is a pro-inhibitor and that inhibition of PfAsnRS occurs via enzyme-mediated production of an Asn-OSM-S-106 adduct. Human AsnRS is much less susceptible to this reaction hijacking mechanism. X-ray crystallographic studies of human AsnRS in complex with inhibitor adducts and docking of pro-inhibitors into a model of Asn-tRNA-bound PfAsnRS provide insights into the structure activity relationship and the selectivity mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley C. Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Yinuo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Craig J. Morton
- Biomedical Manufacturing Program, CSIRO, Clayton South, Australia
| | - Riley D. Metcalfe
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Con Dogovski
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | | | - Elyse Dunn
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Madeline R Luth
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Krittikorn Kumpornsin
- Parasites and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
- Calibr, Division of the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Eva S Istvan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Joon Sung Park
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kate J. Fairhurst
- Center for Malaria Therapeutics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Nutpakal Ketprasit
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Tomas Yeo
- Center for Malaria Therapeutics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Okan Yildirim
- Chemical Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Dana M. Klug
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. Rutledge
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Luiz C. Godoy
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sumanta Dey
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mariana Laureano De Souza
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Jair L. Siqueira-Neto
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Yawei Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Tanya Puhalovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mona Amini
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Gerry Shami
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | | | - Shuai Nie
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas Williamson
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Gouranga P. Jana
- TCG Lifesciences Private Limited, Salt-lake Electronics Complex, Kolkata, India
| | - Bikash C. Maity
- TCG Lifesciences Private Limited, Salt-lake Electronics Complex, Kolkata, India
| | - Patrick Thomson
- School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Foley
- School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, United Kingdom
| | - Derek S. Tan
- Chemical Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jacquin C Niles
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Byung Woo Han
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Daniel E Goldberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Jeremy Burrows
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, 20, Route de Pré-Bois 1215, Geneva 15, Switzerland
| | - David A. Fidock
- Center for Malaria Therapeutics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Marcus C.S. Lee
- Parasites and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A. Winzeler
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Michael D. W. Griffin
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Matthew H. Todd
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University College London, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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4
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Giegé R, Eriani G. The tRNA identity landscape for aminoacylation and beyond. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:1528-1570. [PMID: 36744444 PMCID: PMC9976931 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
tRNAs are key partners in ribosome-dependent protein synthesis. This process is highly dependent on the fidelity of tRNA aminoacylation by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and relies primarily on sets of identities within tRNA molecules composed of determinants and antideterminants preventing mischarging by non-cognate synthetases. Such identity sets were discovered in the tRNAs of a few model organisms, and their properties were generalized as universal identity rules. Since then, the panel of identity elements governing the accuracy of tRNA aminoacylation has expanded considerably, but the increasing number of reported functional idiosyncrasies has led to some confusion. In parallel, the description of other processes involving tRNAs, often well beyond aminoacylation, has progressed considerably, greatly expanding their interactome and uncovering multiple novel identities on the same tRNA molecule. This review highlights key findings on the mechanistics and evolution of tRNA and tRNA-like identities. In addition, new methods and their results for searching sets of multiple identities on a single tRNA are discussed. Taken together, this knowledge shows that a comprehensive understanding of the functional role of individual and collective nucleotide identity sets in tRNA molecules is needed for medical, biotechnological and other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Giegé
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Richard Giegé.
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5
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Kim MH, Kang BS. Structure and Dynamics of the Human Multi-tRNA Synthetase Complex. Subcell Biochem 2022; 99:199-233. [PMID: 36151377 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-00793-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are essential enzymes that ligate amino acids to their cognate tRNAs during protein synthesis. A growing body of scientific evidence acknowledges that ubiquitously expressed ARSs act as crossover mediators of biological processes, such as immunity and metabolism, beyond translation. In particular, a cytoplasmic multi-tRNA synthetase complex (MSC), which consists of eight ARSs and three ARS-interacting multifunctional proteins in humans, is recognized to be a central player that controls the complexity of biological systems. Although the role of the MSC in biological processes including protein synthesis is still unclear, maintaining the structural integrity of MSC is essential for life. This chapter deals with current knowledge on the structural aspects of the human MSC and its protein components. The main focus is on the regulatory functions of MSC beyond its catalytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Hee Kim
- Infection and Immunity Research Laboratory, Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, South Korea.
| | - Beom Sik Kang
- School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
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6
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Michalska K, Jedrzejczak R, Wower J, Chang C, Baragaña B, Gilbert IH, Forte B, Joachimiak A. Mycobacterium tuberculosis Phe-tRNA synthetase: structural insights into tRNA recognition and aminoacylation. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:5351-5368. [PMID: 33885823 PMCID: PMC8136816 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, responsible for ∼1.5 million fatalities in 2018, is the deadliest infectious disease. Global spread of multidrug resistant strains is a public health threat, requiring new treatments. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are plausible candidates as potential drug targets, because they play an essential role in translating the DNA code into protein sequence by attaching a specific amino acid to their cognate tRNAs. We report structures of M. tuberculosis Phe-tRNA synthetase complexed with an unmodified tRNAPhe transcript and either L-Phe or a nonhydrolyzable phenylalanine adenylate analog. High-resolution models reveal details of two modes of tRNA interaction with the enzyme: an initial recognition via indirect readout of anticodon stem-loop and aminoacylation ready state involving interactions of the 3′ end of tRNAPhe with the adenylate site. For the first time, we observe the protein gate controlling access to the active site and detailed geometry of the acyl donor and tRNA acceptor consistent with accepted mechanism. We biochemically validated the inhibitory potency of the adenylate analog and provide the most complete view of the Phe-tRNA synthetase/tRNAPhe system to date. The presented topography of amino adenylate-binding and editing sites at different stages of tRNA binding to the enzyme provide insights for the rational design of anti-tuberculosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Michalska
- Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60667, USA.,Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Robert Jedrzejczak
- Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60667, USA.,Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Jacek Wower
- Department of Animal Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Changsoo Chang
- Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60667, USA.,Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
| | - Beatriz Baragaña
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Ian H Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Barbara Forte
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Andrzej Joachimiak
- Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60667, USA.,Structural Biology Center, X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60367, USA
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7
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Structural analyses of a human lysyl-tRNA synthetase mutant associated with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing impairment. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 554:83-88. [PMID: 33784510 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.03.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) catalyze the ligation of amino acids to their cognate tRNAs and therefore play an essential role in protein biosynthesis in all living cells. The KARS gene in human encodes both cytosolic and mitochondrial lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS). A recent study identified a missense mutation in KARS gene (c.517T > C) that caused autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss. This mutation led to a tyrosine to histidine (YH) substitution in both cytosolic and mitochondrial LysRS proteins, and decreased their aminoacylation activity to different levels. Here, we report the crystal structure of LysRS YH mutant at a resolution of 2.5 Å. We found that the mutation did not interfere with the active center, nor did it cause any significant conformational changes in the protein. The loops involved in tetramer interface and tRNA anticodon binding site showed relatively bigger variations between the mutant and wild type proteins. Considering the differences between the cytosolic and mitochondrial tRNAlyss, we suggest that the mutation triggered subtle changes in the tRNA anticodon binding region, and the interferences were further amplified by the different D and T loops in mitochondrial tRNAlys, and led to a complete loss of the aminoacylation of mitochondrial tRNAlys.
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8
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Kong J, Kim S. Cell-based analysis of pairwise interactions between the components of the multi-tRNA synthetase complex. FASEB J 2020; 34:10476-10488. [PMID: 32539228 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000418r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cytoplasmic aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are organized into multi-tRNA synthetase complexes (MSCs), from Archaea to mammals. An evolutionary conserved role of the MSCs is enhancement of aminoacylation by forming stable associations of the ARSs and tRNAs. In mammals, a single macromolecular MSC exists, which is composed of eight cytoplasmic ARSs, for nine amino acids, and three scaffold proteins. Consequently, nearly half of aminoacyl-tRNA efflux becomes concentrated at the MSC. Stable supply of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome is, therefore, considered to be a major role of the mammalian MSC. Furthermore, the mammalian MSC also serves as a reservoir for releasable components with noncanonical functions. In this study, a split-luciferase complementation system was applied to investigate the configuration of the MSC in live mammalian cells. Multiplex interconnections between the components were simplified into binary protein-protein interactions, and pairwise comparison of the interactions reconstituted a framework consistent with previous in vitro studies. Reversibility of the split-luciferase reporter binding demonstrated convertible organization of the mammalian MSC, including interferon gamma (IFNγ)-stimulated glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (EPRS1) release, as well as the cooperation with the ribosome bridged by the tRNAs. The cell-based analysis provided an improved understanding of the flexible framework of the mammalian MSC in physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Kong
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Sunghoon Kim
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
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9
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Pang L, Nautiyal M, De Graef S, Gadakh B, Zorzini V, Economou A, Strelkov SV, Van Aerschot A, Weeks SD. Structural Insights into the Binding of Natural Pyrimidine-Based Inhibitors of Class II Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:407-415. [PMID: 31869198 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The pyrimidine-containing Trojan horse antibiotics albomycin and a recently discovered cytidine-containing microcin C analog target the class II seryl- and aspartyl-tRNA synthetases (serRS and aspRS), respectively. The active components of these compounds are competitive inhibitors that mimic the aminoacyl-adenylate intermediate. How they effectively substitute for the interactions mediated by the canonical purine group is unknown. Employing nonhydrolyzable aminoacyl-sulfamoyl nucleosides substituting the base with cytosine, uracil, and N3-methyluracil the structure-activity relationship of the natural compounds was evaluated. In vitro using E. coli serRS and aspRS, the best compounds demonstrated IC50 values in the low nanomolar range, with a clear preference for cytosine or N3-methyluracil over uracil. X-ray crystallographic structures of K. pneumoniae serRS and T. thermophilus aspRS in complex with the compounds showed the contribution of structured waters and residues in the conserved motif-2 loop in defining base preference. Utilizing the N3-methyluracil bound serRS structure, MD simulations of the fully modified albomycin base were performed to identify the interacting network that drives stable association. This analysis pointed to key interactions with a methionine in the motif-2 loop. Interestingly, this residue is mutated to a glycine in a second serRS (serRS2) found in albomycin-producing actinobacteria possessing self-immunity to this antibiotic. A comparative study demonstrated that serRS2 is poorly inhibited by the pyrimidine-containing intermediate analogs, and an equivalent mutation in E. coli serRS significantly decreased the affinity of the cytosine congener. These findings highlight the crucial role of dynamics and solvation of the motif-2 loop in modulating the binding of the natural antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luping Pang
- Biocrystallography, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 822, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49 Box 1041, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manesh Nautiyal
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49 Box 1041, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steff De Graef
- Biocrystallography, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 822, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bharat Gadakh
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49 Box 1041, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Valentina Zorzini
- Laboratory for Molecular Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49, Gasthuisberg Campus, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anastassios Economou
- Laboratory for Molecular Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49, Gasthuisberg Campus, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sergei V. Strelkov
- Biocrystallography, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 822, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arthur Van Aerschot
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49 Box 1041, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephen D. Weeks
- Biocrystallography, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 822, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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10
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Ramakrishnan C, Nagarajan R, Sekijima M, Michael Gromiha M. Molecular dynamics simulations of cognate and non-cognate AspRS-tRNA Asp complexes. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:493-501. [PMID: 31900102 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1711188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Aspartyl tRNA synthetase (AspRS), one of the 20 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, plays an important role in protein synthesis by catalyzing the aminoacylation reaction and synthesises Aspartyl-tRNA (tRNAAsp). A typical three-dimensional structure of AspRS comprises three distinct domains for the recognition of cognate tRNA and catalysis, namely, anti-codon binding domain/N-terminal domain, hinge domain and catalytic domain through their interactions with anti-codon loop, D-stem and acceptor arm of cognate tRNA, respectively. In this work, we have studied the structural characteristics of each domain of AspRS to understand the recognition mechanism of tRNAAsp using molecular dynamics simulations. The dynamics of AspRS-tRNAAsp complexes from E.coli (cognate and non-cognate), S.cerevisiae (cognate) and T.thermophilus (non-cognate) were compared to understand the differences in recognition of cognate and non-cognate tRNAs. Our results explain that the conformational changes associated with the recognition of tRNA occur only in the cognate complexes. Among the cognate complexes, the conformational changes in yeast AspRS are highly controlled during tRNAAsp recognition than that of in the E. coli AspRS. Moreover, the functional motions required for the tRNA recognition are observed only in the cognate complexes, and the conformational changes in AspRS and their recognition of tRNAAsp are organism specific.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ramakrishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - R Nagarajan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - M Sekijima
- Advanced Computational Drug Discovery Unit, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - M Michael Gromiha
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India.,Advanced Computational Drug Discovery Unit, Tokyo Tech World Research Hub Initiative (WRHI), Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
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11
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Florentz C, Giegé R. History of tRNA research in strasbourg. IUBMB Life 2019; 71:1066-1087. [PMID: 31185141 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The tRNA molecules, in addition to translating the genetic code into protein and defining the second genetic code via their aminoacylation by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, act in many other cellular functions and dysfunctions. This article, illustrated by personal souvenirs, covers the history of ~60 years tRNA research in Strasbourg. Typical examples point up how the work in Strasbourg was a two-way street, influenced by and at the same time influencing investigators outside of France. All along, research in Strasbourg has nurtured the structural and functional diversity of tRNA. It produced massive sequence and crystallographic data on tRNA and its partners, thereby leading to a deeper physicochemical understanding of tRNA architecture, dynamics, and identity. Moreover, it emphasized the role of nucleoside modifications and in the last two decades, highlighted tRNA idiosyncrasies in plants and organelles, together with cellular and health-focused aspects. The tRNA field benefited from a rich local academic heritage and a strong support by both university and CNRS. Its broad interlinks to the worldwide community of tRNA researchers opens to an exciting future. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019 © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(8):1066-1087, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Florentz
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS and Université de Strasbourg, F-67084, 15 rue René Descartes, Strasbourg, France.,Direction de la Recherche et de la Valorisation, Université de Strasbourg, F-67084, 4 rue Blaise Pascal, Strasbourg, France
| | - Richard Giegé
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS and Université de Strasbourg, F-67084, 15 rue René Descartes, Strasbourg, France
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12
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Abstract
Inhibition of tRNA aminoacylation has proven to be an effective antimicrobial strategy, impeding an essential step of protein synthesis. Mupirocin, the well-known selective inhibitor of bacterial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, is one of three aminoacylation inhibitors now approved for human or animal use. However, design of novel aminoacylation inhibitors is complicated by the steadfast requirement to avoid off-target inhibition of protein synthesis in human cells. Here we review available data regarding known aminoacylation inhibitors as well as key amino-acid residues in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) and nucleotides in tRNA that determine the specificity and strength of the aaRS-tRNA interaction. Unlike most ligand-protein interactions, the aaRS-tRNA recognition interaction represents coevolution of both the tRNA and aaRS structures to conserve the specificity of aminoacylation. This property means that many determinants of tRNA recognition in pathogens have diverged from those of humans-a phenomenon that provides a valuable source of data for antimicrobial drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne M Ho
- a Department of BioSciences , Rice University , Houston , TX , United States
| | | | - Dieter Söll
- c Departments of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry , Yale University , New Haven , CT , United States.,d Department of Chemistry , Yale University , New Haven , CT , United States
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13
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Dutta S, Nandi N. Classical molecular dynamics simulation of seryl tRNA synthetase and threonyl tRNA synthetase bound with tRNA and aminoacyl adenylate. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2018; 37:336-358. [PMID: 29320932 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2018.1426498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saheb Dutta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Nilashis Nandi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia 741235, West Bengal, India
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Corona A, Palmer SO, Zamacona R, Mendez B, Dean FB, Bullard JM. Discovery and Characterization of Chemical Compounds That Inhibit the Function of Aspartyl-tRNA Synthetase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. SLAS DISCOVERY 2017; 23:294-301. [PMID: 29186665 DOI: 10.1177/2472555217744559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, is highly susceptible to developing resistance to multiple antibiotics. The gene encoding aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (AspRS) from P. aeruginosa was cloned and the resulting protein characterized. AspRS was kinetically evaluated, and the KM values for aspartic acid, ATP, and tRNA were 170, 495, and 0.5 μM, respectively. AspRS was developed into a screening platform using scintillation proximity assay (SPA) technology and used to screen 1690 chemical compounds, resulting in the identification of two inhibitory compounds, BT02A02 and BT02C05. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined against nine clinically relevant bacterial strains, including efflux pump mutant and hypersensitive strains of P. aeruginosa. The compounds displayed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and inhibited growth of the efflux and hypersensitive strains with MICs of 16 μg/mL. Growth of wild-type strains were unaffected, indicating that efflux was likely responsible for this lack of activity. BT02A02 did not inhibit growth of human cell cultures at any concentration. However, BT02C05 did inhibit human cell cultures with a cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) of 61.6 μg/mL. The compounds did not compete with either aspartic acid or ATP for binding AspRS, indicating that the mechanism of action of the compound occurs outside the active site of aminoacylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Corona
- 1 Chemistry Department, The University of Texas-RGV, Edinburg, TX, USA
| | | | - Regina Zamacona
- 1 Chemistry Department, The University of Texas-RGV, Edinburg, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin Mendez
- 1 Chemistry Department, The University of Texas-RGV, Edinburg, TX, USA
| | - Frank B Dean
- 1 Chemistry Department, The University of Texas-RGV, Edinburg, TX, USA
| | - James M Bullard
- 1 Chemistry Department, The University of Texas-RGV, Edinburg, TX, USA
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15
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Alawieh H, Wicker N, Al Ayoubi B, Moulinier L. Penalized multidimensional fitting for protein movement detection. J Appl Stat 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/02664763.2016.1261811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Alawieh
- Paul Painlevé Laboratory, UFR Mathematics, University of Lille 1, Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Wicker
- Paul Painlevé Laboratory, UFR Mathematics, University of Lille 1, Lille, France
| | - Baydaa Al Ayoubi
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Luc Moulinier
- ICube/LBGI, Faculty of Medecine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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16
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Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are modular enzymes globally conserved in the three kingdoms of life. All catalyze the same two-step reaction, i.e., the attachment of a proteinogenic amino acid on their cognate tRNAs, thereby mediating the correct expression of the genetic code. In addition, some aaRSs acquired other functions beyond this key role in translation. Genomics and X-ray crystallography have revealed great structural diversity in aaRSs (e.g., in oligomery and modularity, in ranking into two distinct groups each subdivided in 3 subgroups, by additional domains appended on the catalytic modules). AaRSs show huge structural plasticity related to function and limited idiosyncrasies that are kingdom or even species specific (e.g., the presence in many Bacteria of non discriminating aaRSs compensating for the absence of one or two specific aaRSs, notably AsnRS and/or GlnRS). Diversity, as well, occurs in the mechanisms of aaRS gene regulation that are not conserved in evolution, notably between distant groups such as Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria. The review focuses on bacterial aaRSs (and their paralogs) and covers their structure, function, regulation, and evolution. Structure/function relationships are emphasized, notably the enzymology of tRNA aminoacylation and the editing mechanisms for correction of activation and charging errors. The huge amount of genomic and structural data that accumulated in last two decades is reviewed, showing how the field moved from essentially reductionist biology towards more global and integrated approaches. Likewise, the alternative functions of aaRSs and those of aaRS paralogs (e.g., during cell wall biogenesis and other metabolic processes in or outside protein synthesis) are reviewed. Since aaRS phylogenies present promiscuous bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryal features, similarities and differences in the properties of aaRSs from the three kingdoms of life are pinpointed throughout the review and distinctive characteristics of bacterium-like synthetases from organelles are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Giegé
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IBMC, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mathias Springer
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Cité, UPR9073 CNRS, IBPC, 75005 Paris, France
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17
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Chawla M, Oliva R, Bujnicki JM, Cavallo L. An atlas of RNA base pairs involving modified nucleobases with optimal geometries and accurate energies. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:6714-29. [PMID: 26117545 PMCID: PMC4538814 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttranscriptional modifications greatly enhance the chemical information of RNA molecules, contributing to explain the diversity of their structures and functions. A significant fraction of RNA experimental structures available to date present modified nucleobases, with half of them being involved in H-bonding interactions with other bases, i.e. ‘modified base pairs’. Herein we present a systematic investigation of modified base pairs, in the context of experimental RNA structures. To this end, we first compiled an atlas of experimentally observed modified base pairs, for which we recorded occurrences and structural context. Then, for each base pair, we selected a representative for subsequent quantum mechanics calculations, to find out its optimal geometry and interaction energy. Our structural analyses show that most of the modified base pairs are non Watson–Crick like and are involved in RNA tertiary structure motifs. In addition, quantum mechanics calculations quantify and provide a rationale for the impact of the different modifications on the geometry and stability of the base pairs they participate in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Chawla
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, Kaust Catalysis Center, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Romina Oliva
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University Parthenope of Naples, Centro Direzionale Isola C4, I-80143, Naples, Italy
| | - Janusz M Bujnicki
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Luigi Cavallo
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, Kaust Catalysis Center, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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18
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Nagarajan R, Chothani SP, Ramakrishnan C, Sekijima M, Gromiha MM. Structure based approach for understanding organism specific recognition of protein-RNA complexes. Biol Direct 2015; 10:8. [PMID: 25886642 PMCID: PMC4352265 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-015-0039-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Protein-RNA interactions perform diverse functions within the cell. Understanding the recognition mechanism of protein-RNA complexes has been a challenging task in molecular and computational biology. In earlier works, the recognition mechanisms have been studied for a specific complex or using a set of non–redundant complexes. In this work, we have constructed 18 sets of same protein-RNA complexes belonging to different organisms from Protein Data Bank (PDB). The similarities and differences in each set of complexes have been revealed in terms of various sequence and structure based features such as root mean square deviation, sequence homology, propensity of binding site residues, variance, conservation at binding sites, binding segments, binding motifs of amino acid residues and nucleotides, preferred amino acid-nucleotide pairs and influence of neighboring residues for binding. Results We found that the proteins of mesophilic organisms have more number of binding sites than thermophiles and the binding propensities of amino acid residues are distinct in E. coli, H. sapiens, S. cerevisiae, thermophiles and archaea. Proteins prefer to bind with RNA using a single residue segment in all the organisms while RNA prefers to use a stretch of up to six nucleotides for binding with proteins. We have developed amino acid residue-nucleotide pair potentials for different organisms, which could be used for predicting the binding specificity. Further, molecular dynamics simulation studies on aspartyl tRNA synthetase complexed with aspartyl tRNA showed specific modes of recognition in E. coli, T. thermophilus and S. cerevisiae. Conclusion Based on structural analysis and molecular dynamics simulations we suggest that the mode of recognition depends on the type of the organism in a protein-RNA complex. Reviewers This article was reviewed by Sandor Pongor, Gajendra Raghava and Narayanaswamy Srinivasan. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13062-015-0039-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Nagarajan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat Jyoti Metha School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Sonia Pankaj Chothani
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat Jyoti Metha School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamilnadu, India. .,Philips Research North America, 345 Scarborough Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY, 10510, USA.
| | - Chandrasekaran Ramakrishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat Jyoti Metha School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Masakazu Sekijima
- Global Scientific Information and Computing Center (GSIC), Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550, Japan.
| | - M Michael Gromiha
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat Jyoti Metha School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamilnadu, India.
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19
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Laporte D, Huot JL, Bader G, Enkler L, Senger B, Becker HD. Exploring the evolutionary diversity and assembly modes of multi-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complexes: lessons from unicellular organisms. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:4268-78. [PMID: 25315413 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are ubiquitous and ancient enzymes, mostly known for their essential role in generating aminoacylated tRNAs. During the last two decades, many aaRSs have been found to perform additional and equally crucial tasks outside translation. In metazoans, aaRSs have been shown to assemble, together with non-enzymatic assembly proteins called aaRSs-interacting multifunctional proteins (AIMPs), into so-called multi-synthetase complexes (MSCs). Metazoan MSCs are dynamic particles able to specifically release some of their constituents in response to a given stimulus. Upon their release from MSCs, aaRSs can reach other subcellular compartments, where they often participate to cellular processes that do not exploit their primary function of synthesizing aminoacyl-tRNAs. The dynamics of MSCs and the expansion of the aaRSs functional repertoire are features that are so far thought to be restricted to higher and multicellular eukaryotes. However, much can be learnt about how MSCs are assembled and function from apparently 'simple' organisms. Here we provide an overview on the diversity of these MSCs, their composition, mode of assembly and the functions that their constituents, namely aaRSs and AIMPs, exert in unicellular organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphné Laporte
- UMR 'Génétique Moléculaire, Génomique, Microbiologie', CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 21 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Jonathan L Huot
- UMR 'Génétique Moléculaire, Génomique, Microbiologie', CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 21 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Gaétan Bader
- UMR 'Génétique Moléculaire, Génomique, Microbiologie', CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 21 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Ludovic Enkler
- UMR 'Génétique Moléculaire, Génomique, Microbiologie', CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 21 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Bruno Senger
- UMR 'Génétique Moléculaire, Génomique, Microbiologie', CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 21 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Hubert Dominique Becker
- UMR 'Génétique Moléculaire, Génomique, Microbiologie', CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 21 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France.
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20
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Ray S, Blaise M, Roy B, Ghosh S, Kern D, Banerjee R. Fusion with anticodon binding domain of GluRS is not sufficient to alter the substrate specificity of a chimeric Glu-Q-RS. Protein J 2014; 33:48-60. [PMID: 24374508 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-013-9537-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Glutamyl-queuosine-tRNA(Asp) synthetase (Glu-Q-RS) is a paralog of glutamyl-tRNA synthetase (GluRS) and is found in more than forty species of proteobacteria, cyanobacteria, and actinobacteria. Glu-Q-RS shows striking structural similarity with N-terminal catalytic domain of GluRS (NGluRS) but it lacks the C-terminal anticodon binding domain (CGluRS). In spite of structural similarities, Glu-Q-RS and NGluRS differ in their functional properties. Glu-Q-RS glutamylates the Q34 nucleotide of the anticodon of tRNA(Asp) whereas NGluRS constitutes the catalytic domain of GluRS catalyzing the transfer of Glu on the acceptor end of tRNA(Glu). Since NGluRS is able to catalyze aminoacylation of only tRNA(Glu) the glutamylation capacity of tRNA(Asp) by Glu-Q-RS is surprising. To understand the substrate specificity of Glu-Q-RS we undertook a systemic approach by investigating the biophysical and biochemical properties of the NGluRS (1-301), CGluRS (314-471) and Glu-Q-RS-CGluRS, (1-298 of Glu-Q-RS fused to 314-471 from GluRS). Circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analyses revealed absence of N-terminal domain (1-298 of Glu-Q-RS) and C-terminal domain (314-471 from GluRS) communication in chimera, in contrast to the native full length GluRS. The chimeric Glu-Q-RS is still able to aminoacylate tRNA(Asp) but has also the capacity to bind tRNA(Glu). However the chimeric protein is unable to aminoacylate tRNA(Glu) probably as a consequence of the lack of domain-domain communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutapa Ray
- Department of Biotechnology and Dr. B C Guha Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700 019, India
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Fuengfuloy P, Chuawong P, Suebka S, Wattana-amorn P, Williams C, Crump MP, Songsiriritthigul C. Overproduction of the N-terminal anticodon-binding domain of the non-discriminating aspartyl-tRNA synthetase from Helicobacter pylori for crystallization and NMR measurements. Protein Expr Purif 2013; 89:25-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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22
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Sivasakthi V, Anbarasu A, Ramaiah S. π–π Interactions in Structural Stability: Role in RNA Binding Proteins. Cell Biochem Biophys 2013; 67:853-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s12013-013-9573-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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23
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Abstract
The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are essential components of the protein synthesis machinery responsible for defining the genetic code by pairing the correct amino acids to their cognate tRNAs. The aaRSs are an ancient enzyme family believed to have origins that may predate the last common ancestor and as such they provide insights into the evolution and development of the extant genetic code. Although the aaRSs have long been viewed as a highly conserved group of enzymes, findings within the last couple of decades have started to demonstrate how diverse and versatile these enzymes really are. Beyond their central role in translation, aaRSs and their numerous homologs have evolved a wide array of alternative functions both inside and outside translation. Current understanding of the emergence of the aaRSs, and their subsequent evolution into a functionally diverse enzyme family, are discussed in this chapter.
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Perona JJ, Gruic-Sovulj I. Synthetic and editing mechanisms of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2013; 344:1-41. [PMID: 23852030 DOI: 10.1007/128_2013_456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRS) ensure the faithful transmission of genetic information in all living cells. The 24 known aaRS families are divided into 2 structurally distinct classes (class I and class II), each featuring a catalytic domain with a common fold that binds ATP, amino acid, and the 3'-terminus of tRNA. In a common two-step reaction, each aaRS first uses the energy stored in ATP to synthesize an activated aminoacyl adenylate intermediate. In the second step, either the 2'- or 3'-hydroxyl oxygen atom of the 3'-A76 tRNA nucleotide functions as a nucleophile in synthesis of aminoacyl-tRNA. Ten of the 24 aaRS families are unable to distinguish cognate from noncognate amino acids in the synthetic reactions alone. These enzymes possess additional editing activities for hydrolysis of misactivated amino acids and misacylated tRNAs, with clearance of the latter species accomplished in spatially separate post-transfer editing domains. A distinct class of trans-acting proteins that are homologous to class II editing domains also perform hydrolytic editing of some misacylated tRNAs. Here we review essential themes in catalysis with a view toward integrating the kinetic, stereochemical, and structural mechanisms of the enzymes. Although the aaRS have now been the subject of investigation for many decades, it will be seen that a significant number of questions regarding fundamental catalytic functioning still remain unresolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Perona
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, 751, Portland, OR, 97207, USA,
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Neuenfeldt A, Lorber B, Ennifar E, Gaudry A, Sauter C, Sissler M, Florentz C. Thermodynamic properties distinguish human mitochondrial aspartyl-tRNA synthetase from bacterial homolog with same 3D architecture. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 41:2698-708. [PMID: 23275545 PMCID: PMC3575848 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks1322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian mitochondrial translation apparatus, the proteins and their partner RNAs are coded by two genomes. The proteins are nuclear-encoded and resemble their homologs, whereas the RNAs coming from the rapidly evolving mitochondrial genome have lost critical structural information. This raises the question of molecular adaptation of these proteins to their peculiar partner RNAs. The crystal structure of the homodimeric bacterial-type human mitochondrial aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (DRS) confirmed a 3D architecture close to that of Escherichia coli DRS. However, the mitochondrial enzyme distinguishes by an enlarged catalytic groove, a more electropositive surface potential and an alternate interaction network at the subunits interface. It also presented a thermal stability reduced by as much as 12°C. Isothermal titration calorimetry analyses revealed that the affinity of the mitochondrial enzyme for cognate and non-cognate tRNAs is one order of magnitude higher, but with different enthalpy and entropy contributions. They further indicated that both enzymes bind an adenylate analog by a cooperative allosteric mechanism with different thermodynamic contributions. The larger flexibility of the mitochondrial synthetase with respect to the bacterial enzyme, in combination with a preserved architecture, may represent an evolutionary process, allowing nuclear-encoded proteins to cooperate with degenerated organelle RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Neuenfeldt
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IBMC, F-67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
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Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNAsynthetases (aaRSs) are modular enzymesglobally conserved in the three kingdoms of life. All catalyze the same two-step reaction, i.e., the attachment of a proteinogenic amino acid on their cognate tRNAs, thereby mediating the correct expression of the genetic code. In addition, some aaRSs acquired other functions beyond this key role in translation.Genomics and X-ray crystallography have revealed great structural diversity in aaRSs (e.g.,in oligomery and modularity, in ranking into two distinct groups each subdivided in 3 subgroups, by additional domains appended on the catalytic modules). AaRSs show hugestructural plasticity related to function andlimited idiosyncrasies that are kingdom or even speciesspecific (e.g.,the presence in many Bacteria of non discriminating aaRSs compensating for the absence of one or two specific aaRSs, notably AsnRS and/or GlnRS).Diversity, as well, occurs in the mechanisms of aaRS gene regulation that are not conserved in evolution, notably betweendistant groups such as Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria.Thereview focuses on bacterial aaRSs (and their paralogs) and covers their structure, function, regulation,and evolution. Structure/function relationships are emphasized, notably the enzymology of tRNA aminoacylation and the editing mechanisms for correction of activation and charging errors. The huge amount of genomic and structural data that accumulatedin last two decades is reviewed,showing how thefield moved from essentially reductionist biologytowards more global and integrated approaches. Likewise, the alternative functions of aaRSs and those of aaRSparalogs (e.g., during cellwall biogenesis and other metabolic processes in or outside protein synthesis) are reviewed. Since aaRS phylogenies present promiscuous bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryal features, similarities and differences in the properties of aaRSs from the three kingdoms of life are pinpointedthroughout the reviewand distinctive characteristics of bacterium-like synthetases from organelles are outlined.
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Perona JJ, Hadd A. Structural diversity and protein engineering of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Biochemistry 2012; 51:8705-29. [PMID: 23075299 DOI: 10.1021/bi301180x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRS) are the enzymes that ensure faithful transmission of genetic information in all living cells, and are central to the developing technologies for expanding the capacity of the translation apparatus to incorporate nonstandard amino acids into proteins in vivo. The 24 known aaRS families are divided into two classes that exhibit functional evolutionary convergence. Each class features an active site domain with a common fold that binds ATP, the amino acid, and the 3'-terminus of tRNA, embellished by idiosyncratic further domains that bind distal portions of the tRNA and enhance specificity. Fidelity in the expression of the genetic code requires that the aaRS be selective for both amino acids and tRNAs, a substantial challenge given the presence of structurally very similar noncognate substrates of both types. Here we comprehensively review central themes concerning the architectures of the protein structures and the remarkable dual-substrate selectivities, with a view toward discerning the most important issues that still substantially limit our capacity for rational protein engineering. A suggested general approach to rational design is presented, which should yield insight into the identities of the protein-RNA motifs at the heart of the genetic code, while also offering a basis for improving the catalytic properties of engineered tRNA synthetases emerging from genetic selections.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Perona
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97207, United States.
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Fender A, Gaudry A, Jühling F, Sissler M, Florentz C. Adaptation of aminoacylation identity rules to mammalian mitochondria. Biochimie 2012; 94:1090-7. [PMID: 22402012 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2012.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Many mammalian mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are of bacterial-type and share structural domains with homologous bacterial enzymes of the same specificity. Despite this high similarity, synthetases from bacteria are known for their inability to aminoacylate mitochondrial tRNAs, while mitochondrial enzymes do aminoacylate bacterial tRNAs. Here, the reasons for non-aminoacylation by a bacterial enzyme of a mitochondrial tRNA have been explored. A mutagenic analysis performed on in vitro transcribed human mitochondrial tRNA(Asp) variants tested for their ability to become aspartylated by Escherichia coli aspartyl-tRNA synthetase, reveals that full conversion cannot be achieved on the basis of the currently established tRNA/synthetase recognition rules. Integration of the full set of aspartylation identity elements and stabilization of the structural tRNA scaffold by restoration of D- and T-loop interactions, enable only a partial gain in aspartylation efficiency. The sequence context and high structural instability of the mitochondrial tRNA are additional features hindering optimal adaptation of the tRNA to the bacterial enzyme. Our data support the hypothesis that non-aminoacylation of mitochondrial tRNAs by bacterial synthetases is linked to the large sequence and structural relaxation of the organelle encoded tRNAs, itself a consequence of the high rate of mitochondrial genome divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Fender
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, IBMC, 15 rue René Descartes, F-67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
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Szenes A, Pál G. Mapping hidden potential identity elements by computing the average discriminating power of individual tRNA positions. DNA Res 2012; 19:245-58. [PMID: 22378766 PMCID: PMC3372374 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dss008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The recently published discrete mathematical method, extended consensus partition (ECP), identifies nucleotide types at each position that are strictly absent from a given sequence set, while occur in other sets. These are defined as discriminating elements (DEs). In this study using the ECP approach, we mapped potential hidden identity elements that discriminate the 20 different tRNA identities. We filtered the tDNA data set for the obligatory presence of well-established tRNA features, and then separately for each identity set, the presence of already experimentally identified strictly present identity elements. The analysis was performed on the three kingdoms of life. We determined the number of DE, e.g. the number of sets discriminated by the given position, for each tRNA position of each tRNA identity set. Then, from the positional DE numbers obtained from the 380 pairwise comparisons of the 20 identity sets, we calculated the average excluding value (AEV) for each tRNA position. The AEV provides a measure on the overall discriminating power of each position. Using a statistical analysis, we show that positional AEVs correlate with the number of already identified identity elements. Positions having high AEV but lacking published identity elements predict hitherto undiscovered tRNA identity elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aron Szenes
- Department of Biochemistry, Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary
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Fischer F, Huot JL, Lorber B, Diss G, Hendrickson TL, Becker HD, Lapointe J, Kern D. The asparagine-transamidosome from Helicobacter pylori: a dual-kinetic mode in non-discriminating aspartyl-tRNA synthetase safeguards the genetic code. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:4965-76. [PMID: 22362756 PMCID: PMC3367201 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori catalyzes Asn-tRNA(Asn) formation by use of the indirect pathway that involves charging of Asp onto tRNA(Asn) by a non-discriminating aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (ND-AspRS), followed by conversion of the mischarged Asp into Asn by the GatCAB amidotransferase. We show that the partners of asparaginylation assemble into a dynamic Asn-transamidosome, which uses a different strategy than the Gln-transamidosome to prevent the release of the mischarged aminoacyl-tRNA intermediate. The complex is described by gel-filtration, dynamic light scattering and kinetic measurements. Two strategies for asparaginylation are shown: (i) tRNA(Asn) binds GatCAB first, allowing aminoacylation and immediate transamidation once ND-AspRS joins the complex; (ii) tRNA(Asn) is bound by ND-AspRS which releases the Asp-tRNA(Asn) product much slower than the cognate Asp-tRNA(Asp); this kinetic peculiarity allows GatCAB to bind and transamidate Asp-tRNA(Asn) before its release by the ND-AspRS. These results are discussed in the context of the interrelation between the Asn and Gln-transamidosomes which use the same GatCAB in H. pylori, and shed light on a kinetic mechanism that ensures faithful codon reassignment for Asn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Fischer
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UPR 9002 du CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
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Klipcan L, Moor N, Finarov I, Kessler N, Sukhanova M, Safro MG. Crystal structure of human mitochondrial PheRS complexed with tRNA(Phe) in the active "open" state. J Mol Biol 2011; 415:527-37. [PMID: 22137894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2011.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Monomeric human mitochondrial phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (PheRS), or hmPheRS, is the smallest known enzyme exhibiting aminoacylation activity. HmPheRS consists of only two structural domains and differs markedly from heterodimeric eukaryotic cytosolic and bacterial analogs both in the domain organization and in the mode of tRNA binding. Here, we describe the first crystal structure of mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS) complexed with tRNA at a resolution of 3.0 Å. Unlike bacterial PheRSs, the hmPheRS recognizes C74, the G1-C72 base pair, and the "discriminator" base A73, proposed to contribute to tRNA(Phe) identity in the yeast mitochondrial enzyme. An interaction of the tRNA acceptor stem with the signature motif 2 residues of hmPheRS is of critical importance for the stabilization of the CCA-extended conformation and its correct placement in the synthetic site of the enzyme. The crystal structure of hmPheRS-tRNA(Phe) provides direct evidence that the formation of the complex with tRNA requires a significant rearrangement of the anticodon-binding domain from the "closed" to the productive "open" state. Global repositioning of the domain is tRNA modulated and governed by long-range electrostatic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Klipcan
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Hertzel Street, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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Dignam JD, Guo J, Griffith WP, Garbett NC, Holloway A, Mueser T. Allosteric interaction of nucleotides and tRNA(ala) with E. coli alanyl-tRNA synthetase. Biochemistry 2011; 50:9886-900. [PMID: 21985608 DOI: 10.1021/bi2012004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alanyl-tRNA synthetase, a dimeric class 2 aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, activates glycine and serine at significant rates. An editing activity hydrolyzes Gly-tRNA(ala) and Ser-tRNA(ala) to ensure fidelity of aminoacylation. Analytical ultracentrifugation demonstrates that the enzyme is predominately a dimer in solution. ATP binding to full length enzyme (ARS875) and to an N-terminal construct (ARS461) is endothermic (ΔH = 3-4 kcal mol(-1)) with stoichiometries of 1:1 for ARS461 and 2:1 for full-length dimer. Binding of aminoacyl-adenylate analogues, 5'-O-[N-(L-alanyl)sulfamoyl]adenosine (ASAd) and 5'-O-[N-(L-glycinyl)sulfamoyl]adenosine (GSAd), are exothermic; ASAd exhibits a large negative heat capacity change (ΔC(p) = 0.48 kcal mol(-1) K(-1)). Modification of alanyl-tRNA synthetase with periodate-oxidized tRNA(ala) (otRNA(ala)) generates multiple, covalent, enzyme-tRNA(ala) products. The distribution of these products is altered by ATP, ATP and alanine, and aminoacyl-adenylate analogues (ASAd and GSAd). Alanyl-tRNA synthetase was modified with otRNA(ala), and tRNA-peptides from tryptic digests were purified by ion exchange chromatography. Six peptides linked through a cyclic dehydromoropholino structure at the 3'-end of tRNA(ala) were sequenced by mass spectrometry. One site lies in the N-terminal adenylate synthesis domain (residue 74), two lie in the opening to the editing site (residues 526 and 585), and three (residues 637, 639, and 648) lie on the back side of the editing domain. At least one additional modification site was inferred from analysis of modification of ARS461. The location of the sites modified by otRNA(ala) suggests that there are multiple modes of interaction of tRNA(ala) with the enzyme, whose distribution is influenced by occupation of the ATP binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- John David Dignam
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio 43614, United States.
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Dulic M, Pozar J, Bilokapic S, Weygand-Durasevic I, Gruic-Sovulj I. An idiosyncratic serine ordering loop in methanogen seryl-tRNA synthetases guides substrates through seryl-tRNASer formation. Biochimie 2011; 93:1761-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2011.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Giegé R, Jühling F, Pütz J, Stadler P, Sauter C, Florentz C. Structure of transfer RNAs: similarity and variability. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2011; 3:37-61. [DOI: 10.1002/wrna.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Vondenhoff GHM, Van Aerschot A. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase inhibitors as potential antibiotics. Eur J Med Chem 2011; 46:5227-36. [PMID: 21968372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2011.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Increasing resistance to antibiotics is a major problem worldwide and provides the stimulus for development of new bacterial inhibitors with preferably different modes of action. In search for new leads, several new bacterial targets are being exploited beside the use of traditional screening methods. Hereto, inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis is a long-standing validated target. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) play an indispensable role in protein synthesis and their structures proved quite conserved in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. However, some divergence has occurred allowing the development of selective aaRS inhibitors. Following an outline on the action mechanism of aaRSs, an overview will be given of already existing aaRS inhibitors, which are largely based on mimics of the aminoacyl-adenylates, the natural reaction intermediates. This is followed by a discussion on more recent developments in the field and the bioavailability problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaston H M Vondenhoff
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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PoxA, yjeK, and elongation factor P coordinately modulate virulence and drug resistance in Salmonella enterica. Mol Cell 2010; 39:209-21. [PMID: 20670890 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2010.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2009] [Revised: 03/03/2010] [Accepted: 05/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We report an interaction between poxA, encoding a paralog of lysyl tRNA-synthetase, and the closely linked yjeK gene, encoding a putative 2,3-beta-lysine aminomutase, that is critical for virulence and stress resistance in Salmonella enterica. Salmonella poxA and yjeK mutants share extensive phenotypic pleiotropy, including attenuated virulence in mice, an increased ability to respire under nutrient-limiting conditions, hypersusceptibility to a variety of diverse growth inhibitors, and altered expression of multiple proteins, including several encoded on the SPI-1 pathogenicity island. PoxA mediates posttranslational modification of bacterial elongation factor P (EF-P), analogous to the modification of the eukaryotic EF-P homolog, eIF5A, with hypusine. The modification of EF-P is a mechanism of regulation whereby PoxA acts as an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase that attaches an amino acid to a protein resembling tRNA rather than to a tRNA.
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Lopes A, Schmidt Am Busch M, Simonson T. Computational design of protein-ligand binding: modifying the specificity of asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase. J Comput Chem 2010; 31:1273-86. [PMID: 19862811 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.21414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A method for computational design of protein-ligand interactions is implemented and tested on the asparaginyl- and aspartyl-tRNA synthetase enzymes (AsnRS, AspRS). The substrate specificity of these enzymes is crucial for the accurate translation of the genetic code. The method relies on a molecular mechanics energy function and a simple, continuum electrostatic, implicit solvent model. As test calculations, we first compute AspRS-substrate binding free energy changes due to nine point mutations, for which experimental data are available; we also perform large-scale redesign of the entire active site of each enzyme (40 amino acids) and compare to experimental sequences. We then apply the method to engineer an increased binding of aspartyl-adenylate (AspAMP) into AsnRS. Mutants are obtained using several directed evolution protocols, where four or five amino acid positions in the active site are randomized. Promising mutants are subjected to molecular dynamics simulations; Poisson-Boltzmann calculations provide an estimate of the corresponding, AspAMP, binding free energy changes, relative to the native AsnRS. Several of the mutants are predicted to have an inverted binding specificity, preferring to bind AspAMP rather than the natural substrate, AsnAMP. The computed binding affinities are significantly weaker than the native, AsnRS:AsnAMP affinity, and in most cases, the active site structure is significantly changed, compared to the native complex. This almost certainly precludes catalytic activity. One of the designed sequences has a higher affinity and more native-like structure and may represent a valid candidate for Asp activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Lopes
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, Department of Biology, UMR CNRS 7654, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau, France
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Merritt EA, Arakaki TL, Larson ET, Kelley A, Mueller N, Napuli AJ, Zhang L, Deditta G, Luft J, Verlinde CLMJ, Fan E, Zucker F, Buckner FS, Van Voorhis WC, Hol WGJ. Crystal structure of the aspartyl-tRNA synthetase from Entamoeba histolytica. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2009; 169:95-100. [PMID: 19874856 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2009.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2009] [Revised: 10/15/2009] [Accepted: 10/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The crystal structure of the aspartyl-tRNA synthetase from the eukaryotic parasite Entamoeba histolytica has been determined at 2.8Aresolution. Relative to homologous sequences, the E. histolytica protein contains a 43-residue insertion between the N-terminal anticodon binding domain and the C-terminal catalytic domain. The present structure reveals that this insertion extends an arm of the hinge region that has previously been shown to mediate interaction of aspartyl-tRNA synthetase with the cognate tRNA D-stem. Modeling indicates that this Entamoeba-specific insertion is likely to increase the interaction surface with the cognate tRNA(Asp). In doing so it may substitute functionally for an RNA-binding motif located in N-terminal extensions found in AspRS sequences from lower eukaryotes but absent in Entamoeba. The E. histolytica AspRS structure shows a well-ordered N-terminus that contributes to the AspRS dimer interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan A Merritt
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Mailstop 357742, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Bour T, Akaddar A, Lorber B, Blais S, Balg C, Candolfi E, Frugier M. Plasmodial aspartyl-tRNA synthetases and peculiarities in Plasmodium falciparum. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:18893-903. [PMID: 19443655 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.015297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Distinctive features of aspartyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetases (AspRS) from the protozoan Plasmodium genus are described. These apicomplexan AspRSs contain 29-31 amino acid insertions in their anticodon binding domains, a remarkably long N-terminal appendix that varies in size from 110 to 165 amino acids and two potential initiation codons. This article focuses on the atypical functional and structural properties of Plasmodium falciparum cytosolic AspRS, the causative parasite of human malaria. This species encodes a 626 or 577 amino acids AspRS depending on whether initiation starts on the first or second in-frame initiation codon. The longer protein has poor solubility and a propensity to aggregate. Production of the short version was favored as shown by the comparison of the recombinant protein with endogenous AspRS. Comparison of the tRNA aminoacylation activity of wild-type and mutant parasite AspRSs with those of yeast and human AspRSs revealed unique properties. The N-terminal extension contains a motif that provides unexpectedly strong RNA binding to plasmodial AspRS. Furthermore, experiments demonstrated the requirement of the plasmodial insertion for AspRS dimerization and, therefore, tRNA aminoacylation and other putative functions. Implications for the parasite biology are proposed. These data provide a robust background for unraveling the precise functional properties of the parasite AspRS and for developing novel lead compounds against malaria, targeting its idiosyncratic domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Bour
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
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RNA-assisted catalysis in a protein enzyme: The 2'-hydroxyl of tRNA(Thr) A76 promotes aminoacylation by threonyl-tRNA synthetase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:17748-53. [PMID: 18997014 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0804247105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) join amino acids to 1 of 2 terminal hydroxyl groups of their cognate tRNAs, thereby contributing to the overall fidelity of protein synthesis. In class II histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HisRS) the nonbridging S(p)-oxygen of the adenylate is a potential general base for aminoacyl transfer. To test for conservation of this mechanism in other aaRSs and the role of terminal hydroxyls of tRNA in aminoacyl transfer, we investigated the class II Escherichia coli threonyl-tRNA synthetase (ThrRS). As with other class II aaRSs, the rate-determining step for ThrRS is amino acid activation. In ThrRS, however, the 2'-OH of A76 of tRNA(Thr) and a conserved active-site histidine (His-309) collaborate to catalyze aminoacyl transfer by a mechanism distinct from HisRS. Conserved residues in the ThrRS active site were replaced with alanine, and then the resulting mutant proteins were analyzed by steady-state and rapid kinetics. Nearly all mutants preferentially affected the amino acid activation step, with only a modest effect on aminoacyl transfer. By contrast, H309A ThrRS decreased transfer 242-fold and imposed a kinetic block to CCA accommodation. His-309 hydrogen bonds to the 2'-OH of A76, and substitution of the latter by hydrogen or fluorine decreased aminoacyl transfer by 763- and 94-fold, respectively. The proton relay mechanism suggested by these data to promote aminoacylation is reminiscent of the NAD(+)-dependent mechanisms of alcohol dehydrogenases and sirtuins and the RNA-mediated catalysis of the ribosomal peptidyl transferase center.
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Francklyn CS. DNA polymerases and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases: shared mechanisms for ensuring the fidelity of gene expression. Biochemistry 2008; 47:11695-703. [PMID: 18850722 DOI: 10.1021/bi801500z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
DNA polymerases and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) represent large enzyme families with critical roles in the transformation of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein. DNA polymerases carry out replication and collaborate in the repair of the genome, while ARSs provide aminoacylated tRNA precursors for protein synthesis. Enzymes of both families face the common challenge of selecting their cognate small molecule substrates from a pool of chemically related molecules, achieving high levels of discrimination with the assistance of proofreading mechanisms. Here, the fidelity preservation mechanisms in these two important systems are reviewed and similar features highlighted. Among the noteworthy features common to both DNA polymerases and ARSs are the use of multidomain architectures that segregate synthetic and proofreading functions into discrete domains; the use of induced fit to enhance binding selectivity; the imposition of fidelity at the level of chemistry; and the use of postchemistry error correction mechanisms to hydrolyze incorrect products in a discrete editing domain. These latter mechanisms further share the common property that error correction involves the translocation of misincorporated products from the synthetic to the editing site and that the accuracy of the process may be influenced by the rates of translocation in either direction. Fidelity control in both families can thus be said to rely on multiple elementary steps, each with its contribution to overall fidelity. The summed contribution of these kinetic checkpoints provides the high observed overall accuracy of DNA replication and aminoacylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Francklyn
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA.
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43
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Giegé R. Toward a more complete view of tRNA biology. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2008; 15:1007-14. [PMID: 18836497 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.1498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2008] [Accepted: 09/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transfer RNAs are ancient molecules present in all domains of life. In addition to translating the genetic code into protein and defining the second genetic code together with aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, tRNAs act in many other cellular functions. Robust phenomenological observations on the role of tRNAs in translation, together with massive sequence and crystallographic data, have led to a deeper physicochemical understanding of tRNA architecture, dynamics and identity. In vitro studies complemented by cell biology data already indicate how tRNA behaves in cellular environments, in particular in higher Eukarya. From an opposite approach, reverse evolution considerations suggest how tRNAs emerged as simplified structures from the RNA world. This perspective discusses what basic questions remain unanswered, how these answers can be obtained and how a more rational understanding of the function and dysfunction of tRNA can have applications in medicine and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Giegé
- Département Machineries Traductionnelles, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique & Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France.
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Thompson D, Lazennec C, Plateau P, Simonson T. Probing electrostatic interactions and ligand binding in aspartyl-tRNA synthetase through site-directed mutagenesis and computer simulations. Proteins 2008; 71:1450-60. [PMID: 18076053 DOI: 10.1002/prot.21834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Faithful genetic code translation requires that each aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase recognise its cognate amino acid ligand specifically. Aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (AspRS) distinguishes between its negatively-charged Asp substrate and two competitors, neutral Asn and di-negative succinate, using a complex network of electrostatic interactions. Here, we used molecular dynamics simulations and site-directed mutagenesis experiments to probe these interactions further. We attempt to decrease the Asp/Asn binding free energy difference via single, double and triple mutations that reduce the net positive charge in the active site of Escherichia coli AspRS. Earlier, Glutamine 199 was changed to a negatively-charged glutamate, giving a computed reduction in Asp affinity in good agreement with experiment. Here, Lysine 198 was changed to a neutral leucine; then, Lys198 and Gln199 were mutated simultaneously. Both mutants are predicted to have reduced Asp binding and improved Asn binding, but the changes are insufficient to overcome the initial, high specificity of the native enzyme, which retains a preference for Asp. Probing the aminoacyl-adenylation reaction through pyrophosphate exchange experiments, we found no detectable activity for the mutant enzymes, indicating weaker Asp binding and/or poorer transition state stabilization. The simulations show that the mutations' effect is partly offset by proton uptake by a nearby histidine. Therefore, we performed additional simulations where the nearby Histidines 448 and 449 were mutated to neutral or negative residues: (Lys198Leu, His448Gln, His449Gln), and (Lys198Leu, His448Glu, His449Gln). This led to unexpected conformational changes and loss of active site preorganization, suggesting that the AspRS active site has a limited structural tolerance for electrostatic modifications. The data give insights into the complex electrostatic network in the AspRS active site and illustrate the difficulty in engineering charged-to-neutral changes of the preferred ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Thompson
- Tyndall National Institute, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork, Ireland.
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Xiao H, Murakami H, Suga H, Ferré-D'Amaré AR. Structural basis of specific tRNA aminoacylation by a small in vitro selected ribozyme. Nature 2008; 454:358-61. [PMID: 18548004 DOI: 10.1038/nature07033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2008] [Accepted: 04/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In modern organisms, protein enzymes are solely responsible for the aminoacylation of transfer RNA. However, the evolution of protein synthesis in the RNA world required RNAs capable of catalysing this reaction. Ribozymes that aminoacylate RNA by using activated amino acids have been discovered through selection in vitro. Flexizyme is a 45-nucleotide ribozyme capable of charging tRNA in trans with various activated l-phenylalanine derivatives. In addition to a more than 10(5) rate enhancement and more than 10(4)-fold discrimination against some non-cognate amino acids, this ribozyme achieves good regioselectivity: of all the hydroxyl groups of a tRNA, it exclusively aminoacylates the terminal 3'-OH. Here we report the 2.8-A resolution structure of flexizyme fused to a substrate RNA. Together with randomization of ribozyme core residues and reselection, this structure shows that very few nucleotides are needed for the aminoacylation of specific tRNAs. Although it primarily recognizes tRNA through base-pairing with the CCA terminus of the tRNA molecule, flexizyme makes numerous local interactions to position the acceptor end of tRNA precisely. A comparison of two crystallographically independent flexizyme conformations, only one of which appears capable of binding activated phenylalanine, suggests that this ribozyme may achieve enhanced specificity by coupling active-site folding to tRNA docking. Such a mechanism would be reminiscent of the mutually induced fit of tRNA and protein employed by some aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases to increase specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xiao
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, Washington 98109-1024, USA
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46
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An S, Barany G, Musier-Forsyth K. Evolution of acceptor stem tRNA recognition by class II prolyl-tRNA synthetase. Nucleic Acids Res 2008; 36:2514-21. [PMID: 18310681 PMCID: PMC2377447 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkn063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARS) are an essential family of enzymes that catalyze the attachment of amino acids to specific tRNAs during translation. Previously, we showed that base-specific recognition of the tRNA(Pro) acceptor stem is critical for recognition by Escherichia coli prolyl-tRNA synthetase (ProRS), but not for human ProRS. To further delineate species-specific differences in acceptor stem recognition, atomic group mutagenesis was used to probe the role of sugar-phosphate backbone interactions in recognition of human tRNA(Pro). Incorporation of site-specific 2'-deoxynucleotides, as well as phosphorothioate and methylphosphonate modifications within the tRNA acceptor stem revealed an extensive network of interactions with specific functional groups proximal to the first base pair and the discriminator base. Backbone functional groups located at the base of the acceptor stem, especially the 2'-hydroxyl of A66, are also critical for aminoacylation catalytic efficiency by human ProRS. Therefore, in contrast to the bacterial system, backbone-specific interactions contribute significantly more to tRNA recognition by the human enzyme than base-specific interactions. Taken together with previous studies, these data show that ProRS-tRNA acceptor stem interactions have co-adapted through evolution from a mechanism involving 'direct readout' of nucleotide bases to one relying primarily on backbone-specific 'indirect readout'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songon An
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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47
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Yanagisawa T, Ishii R, Fukunaga R, Kobayashi T, Sakamoto K, Yokoyama S. Crystallographic studies on multiple conformational states of active-site loops in pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase. J Mol Biol 2008; 378:634-52. [PMID: 18387634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2008.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2007] [Revised: 01/24/2008] [Accepted: 02/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pyrrolysine, a lysine derivative with a bulky pyrroline ring, is the "22nd" genetically encoded amino acid. In the present study, the carboxy-terminal catalytic fragment of Methanosarcina mazei pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS) was analyzed by X-ray crystallography and site-directed mutagenesis. The catalytic fragment ligated tRNA(Pyl) with pyrrolysine nearly as efficiently as the full-length PylRS. We determined the crystal structures of the PylRS catalytic fragment in the substrate-free, ATP analogue (AMPPNP)-bound, and AMPPNP/pyrrolysine-bound forms, and compared them with the previously-reported PylRS structures. The ordering loop and the motif-2 loop undergo conformational changes from the "open" states to the "closed" states upon AMPPNP binding. On the other hand, the beta 7-beta 8 hairpin exhibits multiple conformational states, the open, intermediate (beta 7-open/beta 8-open and beta 7-closed/beta 8-open), and closed states, which are not induced upon substrate binding. The PylRS structures with a docked tRNA suggest that the active-site pocket can accommodate the CCA terminus of tRNA when the motif-2 loop is in the closed state and the beta 7-beta 8 hairpin is in the open or intermediate state. The entrance of the active-site pocket is nearly closed in the closed state of the beta 7-beta 8 hairpin, which may protect the pyrrolysyladenylate intermediate in the absence of tRNA(Pyl). Moreover, a structure-based mutational analysis revealed that hydrophobic residues in the amino acid-binding tunnel are important for accommodating the pyrrolysine side chain and that Asn346 is essential for anchoring the side-chain carbonyl and alpha-amino groups of pyrrolysine. In addition, a docking model of PylRS with tRNA was constructed based on the aspartyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA structure, and was confirmed by a mutational analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Yanagisawa
- Protein Research Group, Genomic Sciences Center, Yokohama Institute, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
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48
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Thompson D, Lazennec C, Plateau P, Simonson T. Ammonium Scanning in an Enzyme Active Site. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:30856-68. [PMID: 17690095 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m704788200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
D-amino acids are largely excluded from protein synthesis, yet they are of great interest in biotechnology. Aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (AspRS) can misacylate tRNA(Asp) with D-aspartate instead of its usual substrate, L-Asp. We investigate how the preference for L-Asp arises, using molecular dynamics simulations. Asp presents a special problem, having pseudosymmetry broken only by its ammonium group, and AspRS must protect not only against D-Asp, but against an "inverted" orientation where the two substrate carboxylates are swapped. We compare L-Asp and D-Asp, in both orientations, and succinate, where the ammonium group is removed and the ligand has an additional negative charge. All possible ammonium positions on the ligand are thus scanned, providing information on electrostatic interactions. As controls, we simulate a Q199E mutation, obtaining a reduction in binding free energy in agreement with experiment, and we simulate TyrRS, which can misacylate tRNA(Tyr) with D-Tyr. For both TyrRS and AspRS, we obtain a moderate binding free energy difference DeltaDeltaG between the L- and D-amino acids, in agreement with their known ability to misacylate their tRNAs. In contrast, we predict that AspRS is strongly protected against inverted L-Asp binding. For succinate, kinetic measurements reveal a DeltaDeltaG of over 5 kcal/mol, favoring L-Asp. The simulations show how chiral discriminations arises from the structures, with two AspRS conformations acting in different ways and proton uptake by nearby histidines playing a role. A complex network of charges protects AspRS against most binding errors, making the engineering of its specificity a difficult challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Thompson
- Laboratoire de Biochimie (CNRS, UMR7654), Department of Biology, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau, France.
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Abstract
Aminoacylation of tRNA by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases is the essential reaction that matches protein amino acids with the trinucleotide sequences specified in mRNA. Direct electrostatic interactions made by tRNA synthetases with discriminating functional groups on the tRNA bases have long been known to determine aminoacylation specificity. However, structural and biochemical studies have revealed a second "indirect readout" mechanism that makes an important contribution as well. In indirect readout, the sequence-dependent conformations of tRNA are recognized through protein contacts with the sugar-phosphate backbone and with nonspecific portions of the bases. This mechanism appears to function in single-stranded regions, in canonical A-type duplex segments, and in the complex tertiary core portion of the tRNA. Operation of the indirect mechanism is not exclusive of the direct mechanism, and both are further mediated by induced-fit rearrangements, in which enzyme and tRNA undergo precise conformational changes after formation of an initial encounter complex. The examples of indirect readout in tRNA synthetase complexes extend the concept beyond its traditional application to DNA duplexes and serve as models for the operation of this mechanism in more complex systems such as the ribosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Perona
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Interdepartmental Program in Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9510, USA.
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50
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Vasil'eva IA, Moor NA. Interaction of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases with tRNA: general principles and distinguishing characteristics of the high-molecular-weight substrate recognition. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2007; 72:247-63. [PMID: 17447878 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297907030029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes results of numerous (mainly functional) studies that have been accumulated over recent years on the problem of tRNA recognition by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Development and employment of approaches that use synthetic mutant and chimeric tRNAs have demonstrated general principles underlying highly specific interaction in different systems. The specificity of interaction is determined by a certain number of nucleotides and structural elements of tRNA (constituting the set of recognition elements or specificity determinants), which are characteristic of each pair. Crystallographic structures available for many systems provide the details of the molecular basis of selective interaction. Diversity and identity of biochemical functions of the recognition elements make substantial contribution to the specificity of such interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Vasil'eva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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