The extended loops of ribosomal proteins uL4 and uL22 of Escherichia coli contribute to ribosome assembly and protein translation

The Giardia lamblia ribosome structure reveals divergence in several biological pathways and the mode of emetine function

Giardia lamblia is a deeply branching protist and a human pathogen. Its unusual biology presents the opportunity to explore conserved and fundamental molecular mechanisms. We determined the structure of the G. lamblia 80S ribosome bound to tRNA, mRNA, and the antibiotic emetine by cryo-electron microscopy, to an overall resolution of 2.49 Å. The structure reveals rapidly evolving protein and nucleotide regions, differences in the peptide exit tunnel, and likely altered ribosome quality control pathways. Examination of translation initiation factor binding sites suggests these interactions are conserved despite a divergent initiation mechanism. Highlighting the potential of G. lamblia to resolve conserved biological principles; our structure reveals the interactions of the translation inhibitor emetine with the ribosome and mRNA, thus providing insight into the mechanism of action for this widely used antibiotic. Our work defines key questions in G. lamblia and motivates future experiments to explore the diversity of eukaryotic gene regulation.

Extraribosomal Functions of Bacterial Ribosomal Proteins-An Update, 2023

Ribosomal proteins (r-proteins) are abundant, highly conserved, and multifaceted cellular proteins in all domains of life. Most r-proteins have RNA-binding properties and can form protein-protein contacts. Bacterial r-proteins govern the co-transcriptional rRNA folding during ribosome assembly and participate in the formation of the ribosome functional sites, such as the mRNA-binding site, tRNA-binding sites, the peptidyl transferase center, and the protein exit tunnel. In addition to their primary role in a cell as integral components of the protein synthesis machinery, many r-proteins can function beyond the ribosome (the phenomenon known as moonlighting), acting either as individual regulatory proteins or in complexes with various cellular components. The extraribosomal activities of r-proteins have been studied over the decades. In the past decade, our understanding of r-protein functions has advanced significantly due to intensive studies on ribosomes and gene expression mechanisms not only in model bacteria like Escherichia coli or Bacillus subtilis but also in little-explored bacterial species from various phyla. The aim of this review is to update information on the multiple functions of r-proteins in bacteria.

A Legionella toxin exhibits tRNA mimicry and glycosyl transferase activity to target the translation machinery and trigger a ribotoxic stress response

A widespread strategy employed by pathogens to establish infection is to inhibit host-cell protein synthesis. Legionella pneumophila, an intracellular bacterial pathogen and the causative organism of Legionnaires' disease, secretes a subset of protein effectors into host cells that inhibit translation elongation. Mechanistic insights into how the bacterium targets translation elongation remain poorly defined. We report here that the Legionella effector SidI functions in an unprecedented way as a transfer-RNA mimic that directly binds to and glycosylates the ribosome. The 3.1 Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of SidI reveals an N-terminal domain with an 'inverted L' shape and surface-charge distribution characteristic of tRNA mimicry, and a C-terminal domain that adopts a glycosyl transferase fold that licenses SidI to utilize GDP-mannose as a sugar precursor. This coupling of tRNA mimicry and enzymatic action endows SidI with the ability to block protein synthesis with a potency comparable to ricin, one of the most powerful toxins known. In Legionella-infected cells, the translational pausing activated by SidI elicits a stress response signature mimicking the ribotoxic stress response, which is activated by elongation inhibitors that induce ribosome collisions. SidI-mediated effects on the ribosome activate the stress kinases ZAKα and p38, which in turn drive an accumulation of the protein activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). Intriguingly, ATF3 escapes the translation block imposed by SidI, translocates to the nucleus and orchestrates the transcription of stress-inducible genes that promote cell death, revealing a major role for ATF3 in the response to collided ribosome stress. Together, our findings elucidate a novel mechanism by which a pathogenic bacterium employs tRNA mimicry to hijack a ribosome-to-nuclear signalling pathway that regulates cell fate.

Modulating co-translational protein folding by rational design and ribosome engineering

Co-translational folding is a fundamental process for the efficient biosynthesis of nascent polypeptides that emerge through the ribosome exit tunnel. To understand how this process is modulated by the shape and surface of the narrow tunnel, we have rationally engineered three exit tunnel protein loops (uL22, uL23 and uL24) of the 70S ribosome by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and studied the co-translational folding of an immunoglobulin-like filamin domain (FLN5). Our thermodynamics measurements employing ¹⁹F/¹⁵N/methyl-TROSY NMR spectroscopy together with cryo-EM and molecular dynamics simulations reveal how the variations in the lengths of the loops present across species exert their distinct effects on the free energy of FLN5 folding. A concerted interplay of the uL23 and uL24 loops is sufficient to alter co-translational folding energetics, which we highlight by the opposite folding outcomes resulting from their extensions. These subtle modulations occur through a combination of the steric effects relating to the shape of the tunnel, the dynamic interactions between the ribosome surface and the unfolded nascent chain, and its altered exit pathway within the vestibule. These results illustrate the role of the exit tunnel structure in co-translational folding, and provide principles for how to remodel it to elicit a desired folding outcome.

The narrow exit tunnel of the ribosome is important for cotranslational protein folding. Here, authors show that their rationally designed and engineered exit tunnel protein loops modulate the free energy of nascent chain dynamics and folding.

Ribosomal protein eL39 is important for maturation of the nascent polypeptide exit tunnel and proper protein folding during translation

During translation, nascent polypeptide chains travel from the peptidyl transferase center through the nascent polypeptide exit tunnel (NPET) to emerge from 60S subunits. The NPET includes portions of five of the six 25S/5.8S rRNA domains and ribosomal proteins uL4, uL22, and eL39. Internal loops of uL4 and uL22 form the constriction sites of the NPET and are important for both assembly and function of ribosomes. Here, we investigated the roles of eL39 in tunnel construction, 60S biogenesis, and protein synthesis. We show that eL39 is important for proper protein folding during translation. Consistent with a delay in processing of 27S and 7S pre-rRNAs, eL39 functions in pre-60S assembly during middle nucleolar stages. Our biochemical assays suggest the presence of eL39 in particles at these stages, although it is not visualized in them by cryo-electron microscopy. This indicates that eL39 takes part in assembly even when it is not fully accommodated into the body of pre-60S particles. eL39 is also important for later steps of assembly, rotation of the 5S ribonucleoprotein complex, likely through long range rRNA interactions. Finally, our data strongly suggest the presence of alternative pathways of ribosome assembly, previously observed in the biogenesis of bacterial ribosomal subunits.

High-resolution structures of a thermophilic eukaryotic 80S ribosome reveal atomistic details of translocation

Ribosomes are complex and highly conserved ribonucleoprotein assemblies catalyzing protein biosynthesis in every organism. Here we present high-resolution cryo-EM structures of the 80S ribosome from a thermophilic fungus in two rotational states, which due to increased 80S stability provide a number of mechanistic details of eukaryotic translation. We identify a universally conserved ‘nested base-triple knot’ in the 26S rRNA at the polypeptide tunnel exit with a bulged-out nucleotide that likely serves as an adaptable element for nascent chain containment and handover. We visualize the structure and dynamics of the ribosome protective factor Stm1 upon ribosomal 40S head swiveling. We describe the structural impact of a unique and essential m1acp3 Ψ 18S rRNA hyper-modification embracing the anticodon wobble-position for eukaryotic tRNA and mRNA translocation. We complete the eEF2-GTPase switch cycle describing the GDP-bound post-hydrolysis state. Taken together, our data and their integration into the structural landscape of 80S ribosomes furthers our understanding of protein biogenesis.

A Survey of Spontaneous Antibiotic-Resistant Mutants of the Halophilic, Thermophilic Bacterium Rhodothermus marinus

Rhodothermus marinus is a halophilic extreme thermophile, with potential as a model organism for studies of the structural basis of antibiotic resistance. In order to facilitate genetic studies of this organism, we have surveyed the antibiotic sensitivity spectrum of R. marinus and identified spontaneous antibiotic-resistant mutants. R. marinus is naturally insensitive to aminoglycosides, aminocylitols and tuberactinomycins that target the 30S ribosomal subunit, but is sensitive to all 50S ribosomal subunit-targeting antibiotics examined, including macrolides, lincosamides, streptogramin B, chloramphenicol, and thiostrepton. It is also sensitive to kirromycin and fusidic acid, which target protein synthesis factors. It is sensitive to rifampicin (RNA polymerase inhibitor) and to the fluoroquinolones ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (DNA gyrase inhibitors), but insensitive to nalidixic acid. Drug-resistant mutants were identified using rifampicin, thiostrepton, erythromycin, spiramycin, tylosin, lincomycin, and chloramphenicol. The majority of these were found to have mutations that are similar or identical to those previously found in other species, while several novel mutations were identified. This study provides potential selectable markers for genetic manipulations and demonstrates the feasibility of using R. marinus as a model system for studies of ribosome and RNA polymerase structure, function, and evolution.

A Novel Model for the RNase MRP-Induced Switch between the Formation of Different Forms of 5.8S rRNA

Processing of the RNA polymerase I pre-rRNA transcript into the mature 18S, 5.8S, and 25S rRNAs requires removing the "spacer" sequences. The canonical pathway for the removal of the ITS1 spacer involves cleavages at the 3' end of 18S rRNA and at two sites inside ITS1. The process can generate either a long or a short 5.8S rRNA that differs in the number of ITS1 nucleotides retained at the 5.8S 5' end. Here we document a novel pathway to the long 5.8S, which bypasses cleavage within ITS1. Instead, the entire ITS1 is degraded from its 5' end by exonuclease Xrn1. Mutations in RNase MRP increase the accumulation of long relative to short 5.8S rRNA. Traditionally this is attributed to a decreased rate of RNase MRP cleavage at its target in ITS1, called A3. However, results from this work show that the MRP-induced switch between long and short 5.8S rRNA formation occurs even when the A3 site is deleted. Based on this and our published data, we propose that the link between RNase MRP and 5.8S 5' end formation involves RNase MRP cleavage at unknown sites elsewhere in pre-rRNA or in RNA molecules other than pre-rRNA.

Evolution of ribosomal protein network architectures

To perform an accurate protein synthesis, ribosomes accomplish complex tasks involving the long-range communication between its functional centres such as the peptidyl transfer centre, the tRNA bindings sites and the peptide exit tunnel. How information is transmitted between these sites remains one of the major challenges in current ribosome research. Many experimental studies have revealed that some r-proteins play essential roles in remote communication and the possible involvement of r-protein networks in these processes have been recently proposed. Our phylogenetic, structural and mathematical study reveals that of the three kingdom's r-protein networks converged towards non-random graphs where r-proteins collectively coevolved to optimize interconnection between functional centres. The massive acquisition of conserved aromatic residues at the interfaces and along the extensions of the newly connected eukaryotic r-proteins also highlights that a strong selective pressure acts on their sequences probably for the formation of new allosteric pathways in the network.

Ribosome Purification from an α-proteobacterium and rRNA Analysis by Northern Blot

Ribosomes are an integral part of cellular life. They are complex molecular machines consisting of multiple ribosomal proteins and RNAs. To study different aspects of ribosome composition, many methods have been developed over the decades. Here, we describe how to purify ribosomes from the α-proteobacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris. Following this protocol, RNA can be extracted from either purified ribosomes or directly from cell cultures, and ribosomal RNAs quantified using Northern blot. This protocol gives an example of studying ribosomes in a bacterium other than the commonly used E. coli. The challenge of performing Northern blots with rRNA is also addressed in detail.

Structural insights into assembly of the ribosomal nascent polypeptide exit tunnel

The nascent polypeptide exit tunnel (NPET) is a major functional center of 60S ribosomal subunits. However, little is known about how the NPET is constructed during ribosome assembly. We utilized molecular genetics, biochemistry, and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to investigate the functions of two NPET-associated proteins, ribosomal protein uL4 and assembly factor Nog1, in NPET assembly. Structures of mutant pre-ribosomes lacking the tunnel domain of uL4 reveal a misassembled NPET, including an aberrantly flexible ribosomal RNA helix 74, resulting in at least three different blocks in 60S assembly. Structures of pre-ribosomes lacking the C-terminal extension of Nog1 demonstrate that this extension scaffolds the tunnel domain of uL4 in the NPET to help maintain stability in the core of pre-60S subunits. Our data reveal that uL4 and Nog1 work together in the maturation of ribosomal RNA helix 74, which is required to ensure proper construction of the NPET and 60S ribosomal subunits.

The nascent polypeptide exit tunnel (NPET) is a functional center of the large ribosomal subunit through which the nascent polypeptide chains travel from the peptidyltransferase center (PTC). Here the authors provide structural insight into NPET maturation and how it is linked to other aspects of ribosome biogenesis.

Reverse genetics-based biochemical studies of the ribosomal exit tunnel constriction region in eukaryotic ribosome stalling: spatial allocation of the regulatory nascent peptide at the constriction

A number of regulatory nascent peptides have been shown to regulate gene expression by causing programmed ribosome stalling during translation. Nascent peptide emerges from the ribosome through the exit tunnel, and one-third of the way along which β-loop structures of ribosomal proteins uL4 and uL22 protrude into the tunnel to form the constriction region. Structural studies have shown interactions between nascent peptides and the exit tunnel components including the constriction region. In eukaryotes, however, there is a lack of genetic studies for the involvement of the constriction region in ribosome stalling. Here, we established transgenic Arabidopsis lines that carry mutations in the β-loop structure of uL4. Translation analyses using a cell-free translation system derived from the transgenic Arabidopsis carrying the mutant ribosome showed that the uL4 mutations reduced the ribosome stalling of four eukaryotic stalling systems, including those for which stalled structures have been solved. Our data, which showed differential effects of the uL4 mutations depending on the stalling systems, explained the spatial allocations of the nascent peptides at the constriction that were deduced by structural studies. Conversely, our data may predict allocation of the nascent peptide at the constriction of stalling systems for which structural studies are not done.

Ribosomal protein L4 of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LRB alters resistance to macrolides and other antibiotics

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is an important lactic acid bacterium that is predominantly used as a probiotic supplement. This bacterium secretes immunomodulatory and antibacterial peptides that are necessary for the probiotic trait. This organism also occupies diverse ecological niches, such as gastrointestinal tracts and the oral cavity. Several studies have shown that L. rhamnosus is prone to spontaneous genome rearrangement irrespective of the ecological origins. We previously characterized an oral isolate of L. rhamnosus, LRB, which is genetically closely related to the widely used probiotic strain L. rhamnosus LGG. In this study, we isolated a nontargeted mutant that was particularly sensitive to acid stress. Using next generation sequencing, we further mapped the putative mutations in the genome and found that the mutant had acquired a deletion of 75 base pairs in the rplD gene that encodes the large ribosomal subunit L4. The mutant had a growth defect at 37°C and at ambient temperature. Further antibiotic sensitivity analyses indicated that the mutant is relatively more resistant to erythromycin and chloramphenicol; two antibiotics that target the 50S subunit. In contrast, the mutant was more sensitive to tetracycline, which targets the 30S subunit. Thus, it appears that nontargeted mutations could significantly alter the antibiotic resistance profile of L. rhamnosus. Our study raises concern that probiotic use of L. rhamnosus should be carefully monitored to avoid unintended consequences.

Interaction between the assembly of the ribosomal subunits: Disruption of 40S ribosomal assembly causes accumulation of extra-ribosomal 60S ribosomal protein uL18/L5

Inhibition of the synthesis of an essential ribosomal protein (r-protein) abrogates the assembly of its cognate subunit, while assembly of the other subunit continues. Ribosomal components that are not stably incorporated into ribosomal particles due to the disrupted assembly are rapidly degraded. The 60S protein uL18/L5 is an exception and this protein accumulates extra-ribosomally during inhibition of 60S assembly. Since the r-proteins in each ribosomal subunit are essential only for the formation of their cognate subunit, it would be predicted that accumulation of extra-ribosomal uL18/L5 is specific to restriction of 60S assembly and does not occur abolition of 40S assembly. Contrary to this prediction, we report here that repression of 40S r-protein genes does lead to accumulation of uL18/L5 outside of the ribosome. Furthermore, the effect varies depending on which 40S ribosomal protein is repressed. Our results also show extra-ribosomal uL18/L5 is formed during 60S assembly, not during degradation of mature cytoplasmic 60S subunits. Finally, we propose a model for the accumulation of extra-ribosomal uL18 in response to the abolition of 40S r-proteins.

Bacterial Longevity Requires Protein Synthesis and a Stringent Response

Gram-negative bacteria in infections, biofilms, and industrial settings often stop growing due to nutrient depletion, immune responses, or environmental stresses. Bacteria in this state tend to be tolerant to antibiotics and are often referred to as dormant. Rhodopseudomonas palustris, a phototrophic alphaproteobacterium, can remain fully viable for more than 4 months when its growth is arrested. Here, we show that protein synthesis, specific proteins involved in translation, and a stringent response are required for this remarkable longevity. Because it can generate ATP from light during growth arrest, R. palustris is an extreme example of a bacterial species that will stay alive for long periods of time as a relatively homogeneous population of cells and it is thus an excellent model organism for studies of bacterial longevity. There is evidence that other Gram-negative species also continue to synthesize proteins during growth arrest and that a stringent response is required for their longevity as well. Our observations challenge the notion that growth-arrested cells are necessarily dormant and metabolically inactive and suggest that such bacteria may have a level of metabolic activity that is higher than many would have assumed. Our results also expand our mechanistic understanding of a crucial but understudied phase of the bacterial life cycle.IMPORTANCE We are surrounded by bacteria, but they do not completely dominate our planet despite the ability of many to grow extremely rapidly in the laboratory. This has been interpreted to mean that bacteria in nature are often in a dormant state. We investigated life in growth arrest of Rhodopseudomonas palustris, a proteobacterium that stays alive for months when it is not growing. We found that cells were metabolically active, and they continued to synthesize proteins and mounted a stringent response, both of which were required for their longevity. Our results suggest that long-lived bacteria are not necessarily inactive but have an active metabolism that is well adjusted to life without growth.

Co-Assembly of 40S and 60S Ribosomal Proteins in Early Steps of Eukaryotic Ribosome Assembly

In eukaryotes three of the four ribosomal RNA (rRNA) molecules are transcribed as a long precursor that is processed into mature rRNAs concurrently with the assembly of ribosomal subunits. However, the relative timing of association of ribosomal proteins with the ribosomal precursor particles and the cleavage of the precursor rRNA into the subunit-specific moieties is not known. To address this question, we searched for ribosomal precursors containing components from both subunits. Particles containing specific ribosomal proteins were targeted by inducing synthesis of epitope-tagged ribosomal proteins followed by pull-down with antibodies targeting the tagged protein. By identifying other ribosomal proteins and internal rRNA transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) in the immuno-purified ribosomal particles, we showed that eS7/S7 and uL4/L4 bind to nascent ribosomes prior to the separation of 40S and 60S specific segments, while uS4/S9, uL22, and eL13/L13 are bound after, or simultaneously with, the separation. Thus, the incorporation of ribosomal proteins from the two subunits begins as a co-assembly with a single rRNA molecule, but is finished as an assembly onto separate precursors for the two subunits.

Structure of Dirithromycin Bound to the Bacterial Ribosome Suggests New Ways for Rational Improvement of Macrolides

Although macrolides are known as excellent antibacterials, their medical use has been significantly limited due to the spread of bacterial drug resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new potent macrolides to combat the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. One of the key steps in rational drug design is the identification of chemical groups that mediate binding of the drug to its target and their subsequent derivatization to strengthen drug-target interactions. In the case of macrolides, a few groups are known to be important for drug binding to the ribosome, such as desosamine. Search for new chemical moieties that improve the interactions of a macrolide with the 70S ribosome might be of crucial importance for the invention of new macrolides. For this purpose, here we studied a classic macrolide, dirithromycin, which has an extended (2-methoxyethoxy)-methyl side chain attached to the C-9/C-11 atoms of the macrolactone ring that can account for strong binding of dirithromycin to the 70S ribosome. By solving the crystal structure of the 70S ribosome in complex with dirithromycin, we found that its side chain interacts with the wall of the nascent peptide exit tunnel in an idiosyncratic fashion: its side chain forms a lone pair-π stacking interaction with the aromatic imidazole ring of the His69 residue in ribosomal protein uL4. To our knowledge, the ability of this side chain to form a contact in the macrolide binding pocket has not been reported previously and potentially can open new avenues for further exploration by medicinal chemists developing next-generation macrolide antibiotics active against resistant pathogens.

The shape of the bacterial ribosome exit tunnel affects cotranslational protein folding

The E. coli ribosome exit tunnel can accommodate small folded proteins, while larger ones fold outside. It remains unclear, however, to what extent the geometry of the tunnel influences protein folding. Here, using E. coli ribosomes with deletions in loops in proteins uL23 and uL24 that protrude into the tunnel, we investigate how tunnel geometry determines where proteins of different sizes fold. We find that a 29-residue zinc-finger domain normally folding close to the uL23 loop folds deeper in the tunnel in uL23 Δloop ribosomes, while two ~ 100 residue proteins normally folding close to the uL24 loop near the tunnel exit port fold at deeper locations in uL24 Δloop ribosomes, in good agreement with results obtained by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. This supports the idea that cotranslational folding commences once a protein domain reaches a location in the exit tunnel where there is sufficient space to house the folded structure.

Analysis of cell cycle parameters during the transition from unhindered growth to ribosomal and translational stress conditions

Abrogation of ribosome synthesis (ribosomal stress) leads to cell cycle arrest. However, the immediate cell response to cessation of ribosome formation and the transition from normal cell proliferation to cell cycle arrest have not been characterized. Furthermore, there are conflicting conclusions about whether cells are arrested in G2/M or G1, and whether the cause is dismantling ribosomal assembly per se, or the ensuing decreased number of translating ribosomes. To address these questions, we have compared the time kinetics of key cell cycle parameters after inhibiting ribosome formation or function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Within one-to-two hours of repressing genes for individual ribosomal proteins or Translation Elongation factor 3, configurations of spindles, spindle pole bodies began changing. Actin began depolarizing within 4 hours. Thus the loss of ribosome formation and function is sensed immediately. After several hours no spindles or mitotic actin rings were visible, but membrane ingression was completed in most cells and Ace2 was localized to daughter cell nuclei demonstrating that the G1 stage was reached. Thus cell division was completed without the help of a contractile actin ring. Moreover, cell wall material held mother and daughter cells together resulting in delayed cell separation, suggesting that expression or function of daughter gluconases and chitinases is inhibited. Moreover, cell development changes in very similar ways in response to inhibition of ribosome formation and function, compatible with the notion that decreased translation capacity contributes to arresting the cell cycle after abrogation of ribosome biogenesis. Potential implications for the mechanisms of diseases caused by mutations in ribosomal genes (ribosomopathies) are discussed.