Role of tRNA amino acid-accepting end in aminoacylation and its quality control

Mammalian mitochondrial translation infidelity leads to oxidative stress-induced cell cycle arrest and cardiomyopathy

Proofreading (editing) of mischarged tRNAs by cytoplasmic aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), whose impairment causes neurodegeneration and cardiac diseases, is of high significance for protein homeostasis. However, whether mitochondrial translation needs fidelity and the significance of editing by mitochondrial aaRSs have been unclear. Here, we show that mammalian cells critically depended on the editing of mitochondrial threonyl-tRNA synthetase (mtThrRS, encoded by Tars2), disruption of which accumulated Ser-tRNAThr and generated a large abundance of Thr-to-Ser misincorporated peptides in vivo. Such infidelity impaired mitochondrial translation and oxidative phosphorylation, causing oxidative stress and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Notably, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging by N-acetylcysteine attenuated this abnormal cell proliferation. A mouse model of heart-specific defective mtThrRS editing was established. Increased ROS levels, blocked cardiomyocyte proliferation, contractile dysfunction, dilated cardiomyopathy, and cardiac fibrosis were observed. Our results elucidate that mitochondria critically require a high level of translational accuracy at Thr codons and highlight the cellular dysfunctions and imbalance in tissue homeostasis caused by mitochondrial mistranslation.

Human lysyl-tRNA synthetase evolves a dynamic structure that can be stabilized by forming complex

The evolutionary necessity of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases being associated into complex is unknown. Human lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS) is one component of the multi-tRNA synthetase complex (MSC), which is not only critical for protein translation but also involved in multiple cellular pathways such as immune response, cell migration, etc. Here, combined with crystallography, CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, biochemistry, and cell biology analyses, we show that the structures of LysRSs from metazoan are more dynamic than those from single-celled organisms. Without the presence of MSC scaffold proteins, such as aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase complex-interacting multifunctional protein 2 (AIMP2), human LysRS is free from the MSC. The interaction with AIMP2 stabilizes the closed conformation of LysRS, thereby protects the essential aminoacylation activity under stressed conditions. Deleting AIMP2 from the human embryonic kidney 293 cells leads to retardation in cell growth in nutrient deficient mediums. Together, these results suggest that the evolutionary emergence of the MSC in metazoan might be to protect the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase components from being modified or recruited for use in other cellular pathways.

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms associated with TARS2-related mitochondrial disease

TARS2 encodes human mitochondrial threonyl tRNA-synthetase that is responsible for generating mitochondrial Thr-tRNAThr and clearing mischarged Ser-tRNAThr during mitochondrial translation. Pathogenic variants in TARS2 have hitherto been reported in a pair of siblings and an unrelated patient with an early onset mitochondrial encephalomyopathy and a combined respiratory chain enzyme deficiency in muscle. We here report five additional unrelated patients with TARS2-related mitochondrial diseases, expanding the clinical phenotype to also include epilepsy, dystonia, hyperhidrosis and severe hearing impairment. Additionally, we document seven novel TARS2 variants-one nonsense variant and six missense variants-that we demonstrate are pathogenic and causal of the disease presentation based on population frequency, homology modelling and functional studies that show the effects of the pathogenic variants on TARS2 stability and/or function.

Hearing impairment-associated KARS mutations lead to defects in aminoacylation of both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial tRNALys

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are ubiquitously expressed, essential enzymes, synthesizing aminoacyl-tRNAs for protein synthesis. Functional defects of aaRSs frequently cause various human disorders. Human KARS encodes both cytosolic and mitochondrial lysyl-tRNA synthetases (LysRSs). Previously, two mutations (c.1129G>A and c.517T>C) were identified that led to hearing impairment; however, the underlying biochemical mechanism is unclear. In the present study, we found that the two mutations have no impact on the incorporation of LysRS into the multiple-synthetase complex in the cytosol, but affect the cytosolic LysRS level, its tertiary structure, and cytosolic tRNA aminoacylation in vitro. As for mitochondrial translation, the two mutations have little effect on the steady-state level, mitochondrial targeting, and tRNA binding affinity of mitochondrial LysRS. However, they exhibit striking differences in charging mitochondrial tRNA^Lys, with the c.517T>C mutant being completely deficient in vitro and in vivo. We constructed two yeast genetic models, which are powerful tools to test the in vivo aminoacylation activity of KARS mutations at both the cytosolic and mitochondrial levels. Overall, our data provided biochemical insights into the potentially molecular pathological mechanism of KARS c.1129G>A and c.517T>C mutations and provided yeast genetic bases to investigate other KARS mutations in the future.

LeuRS can leucylate type I and type II tRNALeus in Streptomyces coelicolor

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are divided into two types, type I with a short variable loop and type II with a long variable loop. Aminoacylation of type I or type II tRNA^Leu is catalyzed by their cognate leucyl-tRNA synthetases (LeuRSs). However, in Streptomyces coelicolor, there are two types of tRNA^Leu and only one LeuRS (ScoLeuRS). We found that the enzyme could leucylate both types of ScotRNA^Leu, and had a higher catalytic efficiency for type II ScotRNA^Leu(UAA) than for type I ScotRNA^Leu(CAA). The results from tRNA and enzyme mutagenesis showed that ScoLeuRS did not interact with the canonical discriminator A73. The number of nucleotides, rather than the type of base of the variable loop in the two types of ScotRNA^Leus, was determined as important for aminoacylation. In vitro and in vivo assays showed that the tertiary structure formed by the D-loop and TψC-loop is more important for ScotRNA^Leu(UAA)_. We showed that the leucine-specific domain (LSD) of ScoLeuRS could help LeuRS, which originally only leucylates type II tRNA^Leu, to aminoacylate type I ScotRNA^Leu(CAA) and identified the crucial amino acid residues at the C-terminus of the LSD to recognize type I ScotRNA^Leu(CAA). Overall, our findings identified a rare recognition mechanism of LeuRS to tRNA^Leu.

Characterization of Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases in Chromerids

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AaRSs) are enzymes that catalyze the ligation of tRNAs to amino acids. There are AaRSs specific for each amino acid in the cell. Each cellular compartment in which translation takes place (the cytosol, mitochondria, and plastids in most cases), needs the full set of AaRSs; however, individual AaRSs can function in multiple compartments due to dual (or even multiple) targeting of nuclear-encoded proteins to various destinations in the cell. We searched the genomes of the chromerids, Chromera velia and Vitrella brassicaformis, for AaRS genes: 48 genes encoding AaRSs were identified in C. velia, while only 39 AaRS genes were found in V. brassicaformis. In the latter alga, ArgRS and GluRS were each encoded by a single gene occurring in a single copy; only PheRS was found in three genes, while the remaining AaRSs were encoded by two genes. In contrast, there were nine cases for which C. velia contained three genes of a given AaRS (45% of the AaRSs), all of them representing duplicated genes, except AsnRS and PheRS, which are more likely pseudoparalogs (acquired via horizontal or endosymbiotic gene transfer). Targeting predictions indicated that AaRSs are not (or not exclusively), in most cases, used in the cellular compartment from which their gene originates. The molecular phylogenies of the AaRSs are variable between the specific types, and similar between the two investigated chromerids. While genes with eukaryotic origin are more frequently retained, there is no clear pattern of orthologous pairs between C. velia and V. brassicaformis.

Editing activity for eliminating mischarged tRNAs is essential in mammalian mitochondria

Accuracy of protein synthesis is enabled by the selection of amino acids for tRNA charging by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs), and further enhanced by the proofreading functions of some of these enzymes for eliminating tRNAs mischarged with noncognate amino acids. Mouse models of editing-defective cytoplasmic alanyl-tRNA synthetase (AlaRS) have previously demonstrated the importance of proofreading for cytoplasmic protein synthesis, with embryonic lethal and progressive neurodegeneration phenotypes. Mammalian mitochondria import their own set of nuclear-encoded ARSs for translating critical polypeptides of the oxidative phosphorylation system, but the importance of editing by the mitochondrial ARSs for mitochondrial proteostasis has not been known. We demonstrate here that the human mitochondrial AlaRS is capable of editing mischarged tRNAs in vitro, and that loss of the proofreading activity causes embryonic lethality in mice. These results indicate that tRNA proofreading is essential in mammalian mitochondria, and cannot be overcome by other quality control mechanisms.

A natural non-Watson-Crick base pair in human mitochondrial tRNAThr causes structural and functional susceptibility to local mutations

Six pathogenic mutations have been reported in human mitochondrial tRNA^Thr (hmtRNA^Thr); however, the pathogenic molecular mechanism remains unclear. Previously, we established an activity assay system for human mitochondrial threonyl-tRNA synthetase (hmThrRS). In the present study, we surveyed the structural and enzymatic effects of pathogenic mutations in hmtRNA^Thr and then focused on m.15915 G > A (G30A) and m.15923A > G (A38G). The harmful evolutionary gain of non-Watson–Crick base pair A29/C41 caused hmtRNA^Thr to be highly susceptible to mutations disrupting the G30–C40 base pair in various ways; for example, structural integrity maintenance, modification and aminoacylation of tRNA^Thr, and editing mischarged tRNA^Thr. A similar phenomenon was observed for hmtRNA^Trp with an A29/C41 non-Watson–Crick base pair, but not in bovine mtRNA^Thr with a natural G29–C41 base pair. The A38G mutation caused a severe reduction in Thr-acceptance and editing of hmThrRS. Importantly, A38 is a nucleotide determinant for the t⁶A modification at A37, which is essential for the coding properties of hmtRNA^Thr. In summary, our results revealed the crucial role of the G30–C40 base pair in maintaining the proper structure and function of hmtRNA^Thr because of A29/C41 non-Watson–Crick base pair and explained the molecular outcome of pathogenic G30A and A38G mutations.

Morphological, genomic and transcriptomic responses of Klebsiella pneumoniae to the last-line antibiotic colistin

Colistin remains one of the few antibiotics effective against multi-drug resistant (MDR) hospital pathogens, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae. Yet resistance to this last-line drug is rapidly increasing. Characterized mechanisms of col^R in K. pneumoniae are largely due to chromosomal mutations in two-component regulators, although a plasmid-mediated col^R mechanism has recently been uncovered. However, the effects of intrinsic colistin resistance are yet to be characterized on a whole-genome level. Here, we used a genomics-based approach to understand the mechanisms of adaptive col^R acquisition in K. pneumoniae. In controlled directed-evolution experiments we observed two distinct paths to colistin resistance acquisition. Whole genome sequencing identified mutations in two colistin resistance genes: in the known col^R regulator phoQ which became fixed in the population and resulted in a single amino acid change, and unstable minority variants in the recently described two-component sensor crrB. Through RNAseq and microscopy, we reveal the broad range of effects that colistin exposure has on the cell. This study is the first to use genomics to identify a population of minority variants with mutations in a col^R gene in K. pneumoniae.

Structure of Escherichia coli Arginyl-tRNA Synthetase in Complex with tRNAArg: Pivotal Role of the D-loop

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are essential components in protein biosynthesis. Arginyl-tRNA synthetase (ArgRS) belongs to the small group of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases requiring cognate tRNA for amino acid activation. The crystal structure of Escherichia coli (Eco) ArgRS has been solved in complex with tRNA^Arg at 3.0-Å resolution. With this first bacterial tRNA complex, we are attempting to bridge the gap existing in structure-function understanding in prokaryotic tRNA^Arg recognition. The structure shows a tight binding of tRNA on the synthetase through the identity determinant A20 from the D-loop, a tRNA recognition snapshot never elucidated structurally. This interaction of A20 involves 5 amino acids from the synthetase. Additional contacts via U20a and U16 from the D-loop reinforce the interaction. The importance of D-loop recognition in EcoArgRS functioning is supported by a mutagenesis analysis of critical amino acids that anchor tRNA^Arg on the synthetase; in particular, mutations at amino acids interacting with A20 affect binding affinity to the tRNA and specificity of arginylation. Altogether the structural and functional data indicate that the unprecedented ArgRS crystal structure represents a snapshot during functioning and suggest that the recognition of the D-loop by ArgRS is an important trigger that anchors tRNA^Arg on the synthetase. In this process, A20 plays a major role, together with prominent conformational changes in several ArgRS domains that may eventually lead to the mature ArgRS:tRNA complex and the arginine activation. Functional implications that could be idiosyncratic to the arginine identity of bacterial ArgRSs are discussed.

Genome analysis of Mycoplasma synoviae strain MS-H, the most common M. synoviae strain with a worldwide distribution

BACKGROUND

The bacterial pathogen Mycoplasma synoviae can cause subclinical respiratory disease, synovitis, airsacculitis and reproductive tract disease in poultry and is a major cause of economic loss worldwide. The M. synoviae strain MS-H was developed by chemical mutagenesis of an Australian isolate and has been used as a live attenuated vaccine in many countries over the past two decades. As a result it may now be the most prevalent strain of M. synoviae globally. Differentiation of the MS-H vaccine from local field strains is important for epidemiological investigations and is often required for registration of the vaccine.

RESULTS

The complete genomic sequence of the MS-H strain was determined using a combination of Illumina and Nanopore methods and compared to WVU-1853, the M. synoviae type strain isolated in the USA 30 years before the parent strain of MS-H, and MS53, a more recent isolate from Brazil. The vaccine strain genome had a slightly larger number of pseudogenes than the two other strains and contained a unique 55 kb chromosomal inversion partially affecting a putative genomic island. Variations in gene content were also noted, including a deoxyribose-phosphate aldolase (deoC) fragment and an ATP-dependent DNA helicase gene found only in MS-H. Some of these sequences may have been acquired horizontally from other avian mycoplasma species.

CONCLUSIONS

MS-H was somewhat more similar to WVU-1853 than to MS53. The genome sequence of MS-H will enable identification of vaccine-specific genetic markers for use as diagnostic and epidemiological tools to better control M. synoviae.

Genomic evidence for plant-parasitic nematodes as the earliest Wolbachia hosts

Wolbachia, one of the most widespread endosymbionts, is a target for biological control of mosquito-borne diseases (malaria and dengue virus), and antibiotic elimination of infectious filarial nematodes. We sequenced and analyzed the genome of a new Wolbachia strain (wPpe) in the plant-parasitic nematode Pratylenchus penetrans. Phylogenomic analyses placed wPpe as the earliest diverging Wolbachia, suggesting two evolutionary invasions into nematodes. The next branches comprised strains in sap-feeding insects, suggesting Wolbachia may have first evolved as a nutritional mutualist. Genome size, protein content, %GC, and repetitive DNA allied wPpe with mutualistic Wolbachia, whereas gene repertoire analyses placed it between parasite (A, B) and mutualist (C, D, F) groups. Conservation of iron metabolism genes across Wolbachia suggests iron homeostasis as a potential factor in its success. This study enhances our understanding of this globally pandemic endosymbiont, highlighting genetic patterns associated with host changes. Combined with future work on this strain, these genomic data could help provide potential new targets for plant-parasitic nematode control.

A Human Disease-causing Point Mutation in Mitochondrial Threonyl-tRNA Synthetase Induces Both Structural and Functional Defects

Mitochondria require all translational components, including aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), to complete organelle protein synthesis. Some aaRS mutations cause mitochondrial disorders, including human mitochondrial threonyl-tRNA synthetase (hmtThrRS) (encoded by TARS2), the P282L mutation of which causes mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. However, its catalytic and structural consequences remain unclear. Herein, we cloned TARS2 and purified the wild-type and P282L mutant hmtThrRS. hmtThrRS misactivates non-cognate Ser and uses post-transfer editing to clear erroneously synthesized products. In vitro and in vivo analyses revealed that the mutation induces a decrease in Thr activation, aminoacylation, and proofreading activities and a change in the protein structure and/or stability, which might cause reduced catalytic efficiency. We also identified a splicing variant of TARS2 mRNA lacking exons 8 and 9, the protein product of which is targeted into mitochondria. In HEK293T cells, the variant does not dimerize and cannot complement the ThrRS knock-out strain in yeast, suggesting that the truncated protein is inactive and might have a non-canonical function, as observed for other aaRS fragments. The present study describes the aminoacylation and editing properties of hmtThrRS, clarifies the molecular consequences of the P282L mutation, and shows that the yeast ThrRS-deletion model is suitable to test pathology-associated point mutations or alternative splicing variants of mammalian aaRS mRNAs.

Natural products and their derivatives as tRNA synthetase inhibitors and antimicrobial agents

The tRNA synthetase enzymes are promising targets for development of therapeutic agents against infections by parasitic protozoans (e.g. malaria), fungi and yeast, as well as bacteria resistant to current antibiotics.

C-terminal Domain of Leucyl-tRNA Synthetase from Pathogenic Candida albicans Recognizes both tRNASer and tRNALeu

Leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) is a multidomain enzyme that catalyzes Leu-tRNA(Leu) formation and is classified into bacterial and archaeal/eukaryotic types with significant diversity in the C-terminal domain (CTD). CTDs of both bacterial and archaeal LeuRSs have been reported to recognize tRNA(Leu) through different modes of interaction. In the human pathogen Candida albicans, the cytoplasmic LeuRS (CaLeuRS) is distinguished by its capacity to recognize a uniquely evolved chimeric tRNA(Ser) (CatRNA(Ser)(CAG)) in addition to its cognate CatRNA(Leu), leading to CUG codon reassignment. Our previous study showed that eukaryotic but not archaeal LeuRSs recognize this peculiar tRNA(Ser), suggesting the significance of their highly divergent CTDs in tRNA(Ser) recognition. The results of this study provided the first evidence of the indispensable function of the CTD of eukaryotic LeuRS in recognizing non-cognate CatRNA(Ser) and cognate CatRNA(Leu). Three lysine residues were identified as involved in mediating enzyme-tRNA interaction in the leucylation process: mutation of all three sites totally ablated the leucylation activity. The importance of the three lysine residues was further verified by gel mobility shift assays and complementation of a yeast leuS gene knock-out strain.

Degenerate connective polypeptide 1 (CP1) domain from human mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase

The connective polypeptide 1 (CP1) editing domain of leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) from various species either harbors a conserved active site to exclude tRNA mis-charging with noncognate amino acids or is evolutionarily truncated or lost because there is no requirement for high translational fidelity. However, human mitochondrial LeuRS (hmtLeuRS) contains a full-length but degenerate CP1 domain that has mutations in some residues important for post-transfer editing. The significance of such an inactive CP1 domain and a translational accuracy mechanism with different noncognate amino acids are not completely understood. Here, we identified the essential role of the evolutionarily divergent CP1 domain in facilitating hmtLeuRS's catalytic efficiency and endowing enzyme with resistance to AN2690, a broad-spectrum drug acting on LeuRSs. In addition, the canonical core of hmtLeuRS is not stringent for noncognate norvaline (Nva) and valine (Val). hmtLeuRS has a very weak tRNA-independent pre-transfer editing activity for Nva, which is insufficient to remove mis-activated Nva. Moreover, hmtLeuRS chimeras fused with a functional CP1 domain from LeuRSs of other species, regardless of origin, showed restored post-transfer editing activity and acquired fidelity during aminoacylation. This work offers a novel perspective on the role of the CP1 domain in optimizing aminoacylation efficiency.

Modulation of Aminoacylation and Editing Properties of Leucyl-tRNA Synthetase by a Conserved Structural Module

A conserved structural module following the KMSKS catalytic loop exhibits α-α-β-α topology in class Ia and Ib aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. However, the function of this domain has received little attention. Here, we describe the effect this module has on the aminoacylation and editing capacities of leucyl-tRNA synthetases (LeuRSs) by characterizing the key residues from various species. Mutation of highly conserved basic residues on the third α-helix of this domain impairs the affinity of LeuRS for the anticodon stem of tRNA(Leu), which decreases both aminoacylation and editing activities. Two glycine residues on this α-helix contribute to flexibility, leucine activation, and editing of LeuRS from Escherichia coli (EcLeuRS). Acidic residues on the β-strand enhance the editing activity of EcLeuRS and sense the size of the tRNA(Leu) D-loop. Incorporation of these residues stimulates the tRNA-dependent editing activity of the chimeric minimalist enzyme Mycoplasma mobile LeuRS fused to the connective polypeptide 1 editing domain and leucine-specific domain from EcLeuRS. Together, these results reveal the stem contact-fold to be a functional as well as a structural linker between the catalytic site and the tRNA binding domain. Sequence comparison of the EcLeuRS stem contact-fold domain with editing-deficient enzymes suggests that key residues of this module have evolved an adaptive strategy to follow the editing functions of LeuRS.

Recent developments of engineered translational machineries for the incorporation of non-canonical amino acids into polypeptides

Genetic code expansion and reprogramming methodologies allow us to incorporate non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) bearing various functional groups, such as fluorescent groups, bioorthogonal functional groups, and post-translational modifications, into a desired position or multiple positions in polypeptides both in vitro and in vivo. In order to efficiently incorporate a wide range of ncAAs, several methodologies have been developed, such as orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase (AARS)–tRNA pairs, aminoacylation ribozymes, frame-shift suppression of quadruplet codons, and engineered ribosomes. More recently, it has been reported that an engineered translation system specifically utilizes an artificially built genetic code and functions orthogonally to naturally occurring counterpart. In this review we summarize recent advances in the field of ribosomal polypeptide synthesis containing ncAAs.

Non-contiguous finished genome sequence and description of Clostridium saudii sp. nov

Clostridium saudii strain JCC(T) sp. nov. is the type strain of C. saudii sp. nov., a new species within the genus Clostridia. This strain, whose genome is described here, was isolated from a fecal sample collected from an obese 24-year-old (body mass index 52 kg/m2) man living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. C. saudii is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacillus. Here we describe the features of this organism, together with the complete genome sequence and annotation. The 3,653,762 bp long genome contains 3,452 protein-coding and 53 RNA genes, including 4 rRNA genes.

Next generation sequencing analysis of nine Corynebacterium ulcerans isolates reveals zoonotic transmission and a novel putative diphtheria toxin-encoding pathogenicity island

BACKGROUND

Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans can cause a diphtheria-like illness in humans and have been found in domestic animals, which were suspected to serve as reservoirs for a zoonotic transmission. Additionally, toxigenic C. ulcerans were reported to take over the leading role in causing diphtheria in the last years in many industrialized countries.

METHODS

To gain deeper insights into the tox gene locus and to understand the transmission pathway in detail, we analyzed nine isolates derived from human patients and their domestic animals applying next generation sequencing and comparative genomics.

RESULTS

We provide molecular evidence for zoonotic transmission of C. ulcerans in four cases and demonstrate the superior resolution of next generation sequencing compared to multi-locus sequence typing for epidemiologic research. Additionally, we provide evidence that the virulence of C. ulcerans can change rapidly by acquisition of novel virulence genes. This mechanism is exemplified by an isolate which acquired a prophage not present in the corresponding isolate from the domestic animal. This prophage contains a putative novel virulence factor, which shares high identity with the RhuM virulence factor from Salmonella enterica but which is unknown in Corynebacteria so far. Furthermore, we identified a putative pathogenicity island for C. ulcerans bearing a diphtheria toxin gene.

CONCLUSION

The novel putative diphtheria toxin pathogenicity island could provide a new and alternative pathway for Corynebacteria to acquire a functional diphtheria toxin-encoding gene by horizontal gene transfer, distinct from the previously well characterized phage infection model. The novel transmission pathway might explain the unexpectedly high number of toxigenic C. ulcerans.

Identification of lethal mutations in yeast threonyl-tRNA synthetase revealing critical residues in its human homolog

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are a group of ancient enzymes catalyzing aminoacylation and editing reactions for protein biosynthesis. Increasing evidence suggests that these critical enzymes are often associated with mammalian disorders. Therefore, complete determination of the enzymes functions is essential for informed diagnosis and treatment. Here, we show that a yeast knock-out strain for the threonyl-tRNA synthetase (ThrRS) gene is an excellent platform for such an investigation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae ThrRS has a unique modular structure containing four structural domains and a eukaryote-specific N-terminal extension. Using randomly mutated libraries of the ThrRS gene (thrS) and a genetic screen, a set of loss-of-function mutants were identified. The mutations affected the synthetic and editing activities and influenced the dimer interface. The results also highlighted the role of the N-terminal extension for enzymatic activity and protein stability. To gain insights into the pathological mechanisms induced by mutated aaRSs, we systematically introduced the loss-of-function mutations into the human cytoplasmic ThrRS gene. All mutations induced similar detrimental effects, showing that the yeast model could be used to study pathology-associated point mutations in mammalian aaRSs.

A minimalist mitochondrial threonyl-tRNA synthetase exhibits tRNA-isoacceptor specificity during proofreading

Yeast mitochondria contain a minimalist threonyl-tRNA synthetase (ThrRS) composed only of the catalytic core and tRNA binding domain but lacking the entire editing domain. Besides the usual tRNA^Thr2, some budding yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also contain a non-canonical tRNA^Thr1 with an enlarged 8-nucleotide anticodon loop, reprograming the usual leucine CUN codons to threonine. This raises interesting questions about the aminoacylation fidelity of such ThrRSs and the possible contribution of the two tRNA^Thrs during editing. Here, we found that, despite the absence of the editing domain, S. cerevisiae mitochondrial ThrRS (ScmtThrRS) harbors a tRNA-dependent pre-transfer editing activity. Remarkably, only the usual tRNA^Thr2 stimulated pre-transfer editing, thus, establishing the first example of a synthetase exhibiting tRNA-isoacceptor specificity during pre-transfer editing. We also showed that the failure of tRNA^Thr1 to stimulate tRNA-dependent pre-transfer editing was due to the lack of an editing domain. Using assays of the complementation of a ScmtThrRS gene knockout strain, we showed that the catalytic core and tRNA binding domain of ScmtThrRS co-evolved to recognize the unusual tRNA^Thr1. In combination, the results provide insights into the tRNA-dependent editing process and suggest that tRNA-dependent pre-transfer editing takes place in the aminoacylation catalytic core.

Comparative and genetic analysis of the four sequenced Paenibacillus polymyxa genomes reveals a diverse metabolism and conservation of genes relevant to plant-growth promotion and competitiveness

BACKGROUND

Members of the genus Paenibacillus are important plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria that can serve as bio-reactors. Paenibacillus polymyxa promotes the growth of a variety of economically important crops. Our lab recently completed the genome sequence of Paenibacillus polymyxa CR1. As of January 2014, four P. polymyxa genomes have been completely sequenced but no comparative genomic analyses have been reported.

RESULTS

Here we report the comparative and genetic analyses of four sequenced P. polymyxa genomes, which revealed a significantly conserved core genome. Complex metabolic pathways and regulatory networks were highly conserved and allow P. polymyxa to rapidly respond to dynamic environmental cues. Genes responsible for phytohormone synthesis, phosphate solubilization, iron acquisition, transcriptional regulation, σ-factors, stress responses, transporters and biomass degradation were well conserved, indicating an intimate association with plant hosts and the rhizosphere niche. In addition, genes responsible for antimicrobial resistance and non-ribosomal peptide/polyketide synthesis are present in both the core and accessory genome of each strain. Comparative analyses also reveal variations in the accessory genome, including large plasmids present in strains M1 and SC2. Furthermore, a considerable number of strain-specific genes and genomic islands are irregularly distributed throughout each genome. Although a variety of plant-growth promoting traits are encoded by all strains, only P. polymyxa CR1 encodes the unique nitrogen fixation cluster found in other Paenibacillus sp.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that genomic loci relevant to host interaction and ecological fitness are highly conserved within the P. polymyxa genomes analysed, despite variations in the accessory genome. This work suggets that plant-growth promotion by P. polymyxa is mediated largely through phytohormone production, increased nutrient availability and bio-control mechanisms. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the genome architecture of this species, thus facilitating future genetic engineering and applications in agriculture, industry and medicine. Furthermore, this study highlights the current gap in our understanding of complex plant biomass metabolism in Gram-positive bacteria.

An orthogonal ribosome-tRNA pair via engineering of the peptidyl transferase center

The Watson-Crick base pairs between the 3'-terminal end of tRNAs and ribosomal RNA in the peptidyl transferase center are universally conserved. Here, we report that the introduction of compensatory mutations to Escherichia coli RNAs in this site leads to an orthogonal system independent of the wild-type counterpart, as demonstrated via the production of two peptide sequences from a single mRNA. This work thus identifies a new way to reprogram the genetic code.

Coexistence of bacterial leucyl-tRNA synthetases with archaeal tRNA binding domains that distinguish tRNA(Leu) in the archaeal mode

Leucyl-tRNA (transfer RNA) synthetase (LeuRS) is a multi-domain enzyme, which is divided into bacterial and archaeal/eukaryotic types. In general, one specific LeuRS, the domains of which are of the same type, exists in a single cell compartment. However, some species, such as the haloalkaliphile Natrialba magadii, encode two cytoplasmic LeuRSs, NmLeuRS1 and NmLeuRS2, which are the first examples of naturally occurring chimeric enzymes with different domains of bacterial and archaeal types. Furthermore, N. magadii encodes typical archaeal tRNA^Leus. The tRNA recognition mode, aminoacylation and translational quality control activities of these two LeuRSs are interesting questions to be addressed. Herein, active NmLeuRS1 and NmLeuRS2 were successfully purified after gene expression in Escherichia coli. Under the optimized aminoacylation conditions, we discovered that they distinguished cognate NmtRNA^Leu in the archaeal mode, whereas the N-terminal region was of the bacterial type. However, NmLeuRS1 exhibited much higher aminoacylation and editing activity than NmLeuRS2, suggesting that NmLeuRS1 is more likely to generate Leu-tRNA^Leu for protein biosynthesis. Moreover, using NmLeuRS1 as a model, we demonstrated misactivation of several non-cognate amino acids, and accuracy of protein synthesis was maintained mainly via post-transfer editing. This comprehensive study of the NmLeuRS/tRNA^Leu system provides a detailed understanding of the coevolution of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and tRNA.

Transfer RNA: a dancer between charging and mis-charging for protein biosynthesis

Transfer RNA plays a fundamental role in the protein biosynthesis as an adaptor molecule by functioning as a biological link between the genetic nucleotide sequence in the mRNA and the amino acid sequence in the protein. To perform its role in protein biosynthesis, it has to be accurately recognized by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) to generate aminoacyl-tRNAs (aa-tRNAs). The correct pairing between an amino acid with its cognate tRNA is crucial for translational quality control. Production and utilization of mis-charged tRNAs are usually detrimental for all the species, resulting in cellular dysfunctions. Correct aa-tRNAs formation is collectively controlled by aaRSs with distinct mechanisms and/or other trans-factors. However, in very limited instances, mis-charged tRNAs are intermediate for specific pathways or essential components for the translational machinery. Here, from the point of accuracy in tRNA charging, we review our understanding about the mechanism ensuring correct aa-tRNA generation. In addition, some unique mis-charged tRNA species necessary for the organism are also briefly described.

Aminoacylation and translational quality control strategy employed by leucyl-tRNA synthetase from a human pathogen with genetic code ambiguity

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases should ensure high accuracy in tRNA aminoacylation. However, the absence of significant structural differences between amino acids always poses a direct challenge for some aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, such as leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS), which require editing function to remove mis-activated amino acids. In the cytoplasm of the human pathogen Candida albicans, the CUG codon is translated as both Ser and Leu by a uniquely evolved CatRNA^Ser(CAG). Its cytoplasmic LeuRS (CaLeuRS) is a crucial component for CUG codon ambiguity and harbors only one CUG codon at position 919. Comparison of the activity of CaLeuRS-Ser⁹¹⁹ and CaLeuRS-Leu⁹¹⁹ revealed yeast LeuRSs have a relaxed tRNA recognition capacity. We also studied the mis-activation and editing of non-cognate amino acids by CaLeuRS. Interestingly, we found that CaLeuRS is naturally deficient in tRNA-dependent pre-transfer editing for non-cognate norvaline while displaying a weak tRNA-dependent pre-transfer editing capacity for non-cognate α-amino butyric acid. We also demonstrated that post-transfer editing of CaLeuRS is not tRNA^Leu species-specific. In addition, other eukaryotic but not archaeal or bacterial LeuRSs were found to recognize CatRNA^Ser(CAG). Overall, we systematically studied the aminoacylation and editing properties of CaLeuRS and established a characteristic LeuRS model with naturally deficient tRNA-dependent pre-transfer editing, which increases LeuRS types with unique editing patterns.

The Yin and Yang of tRNA: proper binding of acceptor end determines the catalytic balance of editing and aminoacylation

Faithful translation of the genetic code depends on accurate coupling of amino acids with cognate transfer RNAs (tRNAs) catalyzed by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. The fidelity of leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) depends mainly on proofreading at the pre- and post-transfer levels. During the catalytic cycle, the tRNA CCA-tail shuttles between the synthetic and editing domains to accomplish the aminoacylation and editing reactions. Previously, we showed that the Y330D mutation of Escherichia coli LeuRS, which blocks the entry of the tRNA CCA-tail into the connective polypeptide 1domain, abolishes both tRNA-dependent pre- and post-transfer editing. In this study, we identified the counterpart substitutions, which constrain the tRNA acceptor stem binding within the synthetic active site. These mutations negatively impact the tRNA charging activity while retaining the capacity to activate the amino acid. Interestingly, the mutated LeuRSs exhibit increased global editing activity in the presence of a non-cognate amino acid. We used a reaction mimicking post-transfer editing to show that these mutations decrease post-transfer editing owing to reduced tRNA aminoacylation activity. This implied that the increased editing activity originates from tRNA-dependent pre-transfer editing. These results, together with our previous work, provide a comprehensive assessment of how intra-molecular translocation of the tRNA CCA-tail balances the aminoacylation and editing activities of LeuRS.

Human cytoplasmic ProX edits mischarged tRNAPro with amino acid but not tRNA specificity

aaRSs (aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases) are responsible for ensuring the fidelity of the genetic code translation by accurately linking a particular amino acid to its cognate tRNA isoacceptor. To ensure accuracy of protein biosynthesis, some aaRSs have evolved an editing process to remove mischarged tRNA. The hydrolysis of the mischarged tRNA usually occurs in an editing domain, which is inserted into or appended to the main body of the aaRS. In addition, autonomous, editing domain-homologous proteins can also trans-edit mischarged tRNA in concert or in compensating for the editing function of its corresponding aaRS. The freestanding ProX is a homologue of the editing domain of bacterial ProRS (prolyl-tRNA synthetase). In the present study, we cloned for the first time a gene encoding HsProX (human cytoplasmic ProX) and purified the expressed recombinant protein. The catalytic specificity of HsProX for non-cognate amino acids and identity elements on tRNAPro for editing were also investigated. We found that HsProX could deacylate mischarged Ala-tRNAPro, but not Cys-HstRNA(UGGPro), and specifically targeted the alanine moiety of Ala-tRNAPro. The importance of the CCA76 end of the tRNA for deacylation activity and key amino acid residues in HsProX for its editing function were also identified.

Leucine-specific domain modulates the aminoacylation and proofreading functional cycle of bacterial leucyl-tRNA synthetase

The leucine-specific domain (LSD) is a compact well-ordered module that participates in positioning of the conserved KMSKS catalytic loop in most leucyl-tRNA synthetases (LeuRSs). However, the LeuRS from Mycoplasma mobile (MmLeuRS) has a tetrapeptide GKDG instead of the LSD. Here, we show that the tetrapeptide GKDG can confer tRNA charging and post-transfer editing activity when transplanted into an inactive Escherichia coli LeuRS (EcLeuRS) that has had its LSD deleted. Reciprocally, the LSD, together with the CP1-editing domain of EcLeuRS, can cooperate when inserted into the scaffold of the minimal MmLeuRS, and this generates an enzyme nearly as active as EcLeuRS. Further, we show that LSD participates in tRNA(Leu) recognition and favours the binding of tRNAs harbouring a large loop in the variable arm. Additional analysis established that the Lys598 in the LSD is the critical residue for tRNA binding. Conversion of Lys598 to Ala simultaneously reduces the tRNA-binding strength and aminoacylation and editing capacities, indicating that these factors are subtly connected and controlled at the level of the LSD. The present work provides a novel framework of co-evolution between LeuRS and its cognate tRNA through LSD.

Crucial role of the C-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis leucyl-tRNA synthetase in aminoacylation and editing

The C-terminal extension of prokaryotic leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) has been shown to make contacts with the tertiary structure base pairs of tRNA(Leu) as well as its long variable arm. However, the precise role of the flexibly linked LeuRS C-terminal domain (CTD) in aminoacylation and editing processes has not been clarified. In this study, we carried out aspartic acid scanning within the CTD of Mycobacterium tuberculosis LeuRS (MtbLeuRS) and studied the effects on tRNA(Leu)-binding capacity and enzymatic activity. Several critical residues were identified to impact upon the interactions between LeuRS and tRNA(Leu) due to their contributions in the maintenance of structural stability or a neutral interaction interface between the CTD platform and tRNA(Leu) elbow region. Moreover, we propose Arg921 as a crucial recognition site for the tRNA(Leu) long variable arm in aminoacylation and tRNA-dependent pre-transfer editing. We also show here the CTD flexibility conferred by Val910 in regulation of LeuRS-tRNA(Leu) interaction. Taken together, our results suggest the structural importance of the CTD in modulating precise interactions between LeuRS and tRNA(Leu) during the quality control of leucyl-tRNA(Leu) synthesis. This system for the investigation of the interactions between MtbLeuRS and tRNA(Leu) provides a platform for the development of novel antitubercular drugs.

Translational fidelity maintenance preventing Ser mis-incorporation at Thr codon in protein from eukaryote

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS) catalyzes the first step of protein synthesis, producing aminoacyl-tRNAs as building blocks. Eukaryotic aaRS differs from its prokaryotic counterpart in terminal extension or insertion. Moreover, the editing function of aaRSs is an indispensable checkpoint excluding non-cognate amino acids at a given codon and ensuring overall translational fidelity. We found higher eukaryotes encode two cytoplasmic threonyl-tRNA synthetases (ThrRSs) with difference in N-terminus. The longer isoform is more closely related to the ThrRSs of higher eukaryotes than to those of lower eukaryotes. A yeast strain was generated to include deletion of the thrS gene encoding ThrRS. Combining in vitro biochemical and in vivo genetic data, ThrRSs from eukaryotic cytoplasm were systematically analyzed, and role of the eukaryotic cytoplasmic ThrRS-specific N-terminal extension was elucidated. Furthermore, the mechanisms of aminoacylation and editing activity mediated by Saccharomyces cerevisiae ThrRS (ScThrRS) were clarified. Interestingly, yeast cells were tolerant of variation at the editing active sites of ScThrRS without significant Thr-to-Ser conversion in the proteome even under significant environmental stress, implying checkpoints downstream of aminoacylation to provide a further quality control mechanism for the yeast translation system. This study has provided the first comprehensive elucidation of the translational fidelity control mechanism of eukaryotic ThrRS.

In vivo identification of essential nucleotides in tRNALeu to its functions by using a constructed yeast tRNALeu knockout strain

The fidelity of protein biosynthesis requires the aminoacylation of tRNA with its cognate amino acid catalyzed by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase with high levels of accuracy and efficiency. Crucial bases in tRNA^Leu to aminoacylation or editing functions of leucyl-tRNA synthetase have been extensively studied mainly by in vitro methods. In the present study, we constructed two Saccharomyces cerevisiae tRNA^Leu knockout strains carrying deletions of the genes for tRNA^Leu(GAG) and tRNA^Leu(UAG). Disrupting the single gene encoding tRNA^Leu(GAG) had no phenotypic consequence when compared to the wild-type strain. While disrupting the three genes for tRNA^Leu(UAG) had a lethal effect on the yeast strain, indicating that tRNA^Leu(UAG) decoding capacity could not be compensated by another tRNA^Leu isoacceptor. Using the triple tRNA knockout strain and a randomly mutated library of tRNA^Leu(UAG), a selection to identify critical tRNA^Leu elements was performed. In this way, mutations inducing in vivo decreases of tRNA levels or aminoacylation or editing ability by leucyl-tRNA synthetase were identified. Overall, the data showed that the triple tRNA knockout strain is a suitable tool for in vivo studies and identification of essential nucleotides of the tRNA.