Recent excitement in understanding transfer RNA identity

The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are small vesicles that can be actively secreted by most cell types into the extracellular environment. Evidence indicates that EVs can carry microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), proteins, and lipids to target cells or tissue organizations. Latest studies show that EVs play a vital role in the immune modulation and may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by abnormal T cell activation and sustained production of autoantibodies against self-antigens, resulting in inflammation and damage to multiple systems. Pathogenic mechanisms of SLE, however, are still not well understood. In this review, we summarize the latest research advances on the functions and mechanisms of EVs, and its role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of SLE.

Glycyl-tRNA synthetase from Nanoarchaeum equitans: The first crystal structure of archaeal GlyRS and analysis of its tRNA glycylation

This study reports the X-ray crystallographic structure of the glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) of Nanoarchaeum equitans - a hyperthermophilic archaeal species. This is the first archaeal GlyRS crystal structure elucidated. The GlyRS comprises an N-terminal catalytic domain and a C-terminal anticodon-binding domain with a long β-sheet inserted between these domains. An unmodified transcript of the wild-type N. equitans tRNA^Gly was successfully glycylated using GlyRS. Substitution of the discriminator base A73 of tRNA^Gly with any other nucleotide caused a significant decrease in glycylation activity. Mutational analysis of the second base-pair C2G71 of the acceptor stem of tRNA^Gly elucidated the importance of the base-pair, especially G71, as an identity element for recognition by GlyRS. Glycylation assays using tRNA^Gly G71 substitution mutants and a GlyRS mutant where Arg223 is mutated to alanine strengthen the possibility that the carbonyl oxygen at position 6 of G71 would hydrogen-bond with the guanidine nitrogen of Arg223 in N. equitans GlyRS.

tRNAs and tRNA mimics as cornerstones of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase regulations

Structural plasticity of transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules is essential for interactions with their biological partners in aminoacylation reactions and during ribosome-dependent protein synthesis. This holds true when tRNAs are recruited for other functions than translation. Here we review regulation pathways where tRNAs and tRNA mimics play a pivotal role. We further discuss the importance of the identity signals used in aminoacylation that are also required to specify regulatory mechanisms. Such mechanisms are diverse and intervene in transcription, splicing and translation. Altogether, the review highlights the many manners architectural features of tRNA were selected by evolution to control biological key processes.

Prolegomena to Future Experimental Efforts on Genetic Code Engineering by Expanding Its Amino Acid Repertoire

Protein synthesis and its relation to the genetic code was for a long time a central issue in biology. Rapid experimental progress throughout the past decade, crowned with the recently elucidated ribosomal structures, provided an almost complete description of this process. In addition important experiments provided solid evidence that the natural protein translation machinery can be reprogrammed to encode genetically a vast number of non-coded (i.e. noncanonical) amino acids. Indeed, in the set of 20 canonical amino acids as prescribed by the universal genetic code, many desirable functionalities, such as halogeno, keto, cyano, azido, nitroso, nitro, and silyl groups, as well as C=C or C[triple bond]C bonds, are absent. The ability to encode genetically such chemical diversity will enable us to reprogram living cells, such as bacteria, to express tailor-made proteins exhibiting functional diversity. Accordingly, genetic code engineering has developed into an exciting emerging research field at the interface of biology, chemistry, and physics.

A series of spirocyclic analogues as potent inhibitors of bacterial phenylalanyl- t RNA synthetases

We have identified a series of spirocyclic furan and pyrrolidine inhibitors of Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetases. The most potent analogue 1b showed IC50=5 nM (E. faecalis PheRS) and IC50=2 nM (S. aureus PheRS) with high selectivity over the human enzyme. The crystal X-ray structure of analogue 1b was determined.

A series of quinoline analogues as potent inhibitors of C. albicans prolyl tRNA synthetase

A series of quinoline inhibitors of C. albicans prolyl tRNA synthetase was identified. The most potent analogue, 2-(4-bromo-phenyl)-6-chloro-8-methyl-4-quinolinecarboxylic acid, showed IC50 = 5 nM (Ca. ProRS) with high selectivity over the human enzyme.

Recognition of tRNA(Gly) by three widely diverged glycyl-tRNA synthetases

Glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GlyRS) is an unusual aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase because it varies in its quarternary structure between organisms; Escherichia coli GlyRS is an alpha2beta2 tetramer, whereas those of Thermus thermophilus and yeast are alpha2 dimers. In contrast, the tRNA(Gly) sequence is virtually identical in E. coli and T. thermophilus but very different in yeast. In this study, we examined the molecular recognition of tRNA(Gly) by three widely diverged GlyRSs using in vitro tRNA transcripts. Mutation studies showed that the discriminator base at position 73, the second base-pair, C2 x G71, in the acceptor stem, and the anticodon nucleotides, C35 and C36, contribute to the specific aminoacylation of all three GlyRSs, the discriminator base differing between prokaryotes (U73) and eukaryotes (A73). However, we found differences between yeast and two bacteria around the second base-pair in the acceptor stem. The first base-pair, G1 x C72, is important for glycylation in E. coli and T. thermophilus, whereas the third base-pair, G3 x C70, is important for glycylation in yeast. These findings indicate that despite such large differences of the two prokaryotic GlyRSs, tRNA(Gly) identity has been essentially conserved in prokaryotes, and that there are also differences in the acceptor stem recognition between prokaryotes and yeast. The clear separation between prokaryotes and yeast is retained in the identity element location, whereas the apparent diversity of the two prokaryotic enzymes does not reflect on the tRNA recognition.

Yeast tRNA(Met) recognition by methionyl-tRNA synthetase requires determinants from the primary, secondary and tertiary structure: a review

The primordial role of the CAU anticodon in methionine identity of the tRNA has been established by others nearly a decade ago in Escherichia coli and yeast tRNA(Met). We show here that the CAU triplet alone is unable to confer methionine acceptance to a tRNA. This requires the contribution of the discriminatory base A73 and the non-anticodon bases of the anticodon loop. To better understand the functional communication between the anticodon and the active site, we analysed the binding and aminoacylation of tRNA(Met) based anticodon and acceptor-stem minihelices and of tRNA(Met) chimeras where the central core region of yeast tRNA(Met) is replaced by that of unusual mitochondrial forms lacking either a D-stem or a T-stem. These studies suggest that the high selectivity of the anticodon bases in tRNA(Met) implies the L-conformation of the tRNA and the presence of a D-stem. The importance of a L-structure for recognition of tRNA(Met) was also deduced from mutations of tertiary interactions known to play a general role in tRNA(Met) folding.

The transfer RNA identity problem: a search for rules

Correct recognition of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases is central to the maintenance of translational fidelity. The hypothesis that synthetases recognize anticodon nucleotides was proposed in 1964 and had considerable experimental support by the mid-1970s. Nevertheless, the idea was not widely accepted until relatively recently in part because the methodologies initially available for examining tRNA recognition proved hampering for adequately testing alternative hypotheses. Implementation of new technologies has led to a reasonably complete picture of how tRNAs are recognized. The anticodon is indeed important for 17 of the 20 Escherichia coli isoaccepting groups. For many of the isoaccepting groups, the acceptor stem or position 73 (or both) is important as well.

Yeast seryl-tRNA synthetase expressed in Escherichia coli recognizes bacterial serine-specific tRNAs in vivo

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae serS gene which encodes seryl-tRNA synthetase (SerRS) was expressed in Escherichia coli from the promoter and the ribosome binding sequences contained in its own 5'-flanking region. The low level of yeast SerRS in the prokaryotic host was sufficient to permit in vivo complementation of two temperature-sensitive E. coli serS mutants at the nonpermissive temperature. Thus, yeast SerRS can aminoacylate E. coli tRNA(Ser) species in vivo. Yeast SerRS, isolated from an overexpressing E. coli strain by a rapid two-step purification on FPLC, aminoacylated E. coli tRNA with serine much more poorly (relative kcat/Km = 2 x 10(-4)) than its homologous tRNAs. DL-Serine hydroxamate, an inhibitor of E. coli SerRS, inhibits yeast SerRS in vivo and in vitro with an inhibition constant (Ki) of 2.7 mM, a value 90-fold higher than that for E. coli SerRS.

Enzymatic RNA synthesis with deoxynucleoside 5'-O-(1-thiotriphosphates)

We have investigated the incorporation of 2'-deoxynucleoside-5'-O-(1-thiotriphosphates) into RNA transcripts using T7 RNA polymerase. With the exception of [alpha-S]dGTP, we obtained full-length transcripts of pre-tRNA(Phe) and pre-tRNA(Tyr) using an appropriate mixture of 2'-deoxynucleoside 5'-O-(1-thiotriphosphate) and the corresponding normal nucleoside triphosphate. The yields of the transcripts were comparable to those obtained with unmodified NTPs. Both substrates, [alpha-S]dTTP and [alpha-S]dATP, were inserted specifically. However, [alpha-S]dCTP was excluded at specific sites. We could not obtain transcripts using the deoxyguanosine derivative.

The anticodon triplet is not sufficient to confer methionine acceptance to a transfer RNA

Previous work suggested that the presence of the anticodon CAU alone was enough to confer methionine acceptance to a tRNA. Conversions of Escherichia coli nonmethionine tRNAs to a methionine-accepting species were obtained by substitutions reconstructing the whole methionine anticodon loop together with preservation (or introduction) of the acceptor stem base A73. We show here that the CAU triplet alone is unable to confer methionine acceptance when transplanted into a yeast aspartic tRNA. Both non-anticodon bases of the anticodon loop of yeast tRNA(Met) and A73 are required in addition to CAU for methionine acceptance. The importance of these non-anticodon bases in other CAU-containing tRNA frameworks was also established. These specific non-anticodon base interactions make a substantial thermodynamic contribution to the methionine acceptance of a transfer RNA.

Footprinting evidence for close contacts of the yeast tRNA(Asp) anticodon region with aspartyl-tRNA synthetase

Chemical footprinting experiments on brewer's yeast tRNA(Asp) complexed to its cognate aspartyl-tRNA synthetase are reported: they demonstrate that bases of the anticodon loop, including the anticodon itself, are in close proximity with the synthetase. Contacts were determined using dimethylsulfate as the probe for testing reactivity of guanine and cytosine residues in free and complexed tRNA. Results correlate with the decrease in aspartylation activity of yeast tRNA(Asp) molecules mutated at these contact positions and will be compared with other structural data arising from solution and crystallographic studies on the aspartic acid complex.

The T-loop region of animal mitochondrial tRNA(Ser)(AGY) is a main recognition site for homologous seryl-tRNA synthetase

Recognition sites of bovine mitochondrial serine tRNA specific for condons AGY [tRNA(Ser) (AGY)] by the cognate mitochondrial seryl-tRNA synthetase were studied using a range of tRNA(Ser)(AGY) variants which were obtained by the in vitro transcription of synthetic tRNA genes with T7 RNA polymerase. Base replacements in the anticodon and discriminator sites did not affect serine acceptance. However, deletion and/or replacement in the T-loop region completely deprived the variants of their charging activities. Point mutation experiments in this region also showed that the adenosine residue in the middle of the T-loop (position 58), which is involved in tertiary interaction between the T-loop and the truncated D-arm [de Bruijn and Klug, 1983] played a significant role in the recognition process by the synthetase.

Role of residue Glu152 in the discrimination between transfer RNAs by tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase from Bacillus stearothermophilus

Residue Glu152 of tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrTS) from Bacillus stearothermophilus is close to phosphate groups 73 and 74 of tRNATyr in the structural model of their complex. TyrTS(E152A), a mutant synthetase carrying the change of Glu152 to Ala, was toxic when overproduced in Escherichia coli. The toxicity strongly increased with the growth temperature. It was measured by the ratios of the efficiencies with which the producing cells plated in induced or repressed conditions and at 30 degrees C or 37 degrees C. TyrTS(E152Q), TyrTS(E152D) and the wild-type synthetase were not toxic in conditions where TyrTS(E152A) was toxic. The toxicity of TyrTS(E152A) was abolished by additional mutations of the synthetase that prevent the binding of tRNATyr but not by a mutation that prevents the formation of Tyr-AMP. Because TyrTS(E152A) was active for the aminoacylation of tRNATyr, its toxicity could only be due to faulty interactions with non-cognate tRNAs, either their non-productive binding or their mischarging with tyrosine. TyrTS(E152A) and TyrTS(E152Q) mischarged tRNAPhe and tRNAVal in vitro with tyrosine unlike TyrTS(E152D) or the wild-type enzyme. Thus, several features of the side-chain in position 152 of TyrTS, including its negative charge, are important for the rejection of non-cognate tRNAs. TyrTS(E152A), TyrTS(E152D) and TyrTS(E152Q) had similar steady-state kinetics parameters for the charging of tRNATyr with tyrosine in vitro, with kcat/KM ratios improved 2.5 times relative to the wild-type synthetase. We conclude that the side-chain of residue Glu152 weakens the binding of TyrTS to tRNATyr and prevents its interaction with non-cognate tRNAs.

Prebiotic co-evolution of self-replication and translation or RNA world?

A prebiotic scenario is proposed, based on the recent "domain hypothesis" model (Lahav, 1989, J. molec. Evol. 29, 475-479), suggested for domain propagation of RNA-like molecules in a fluctuating environment. The same system is suggested now not only for the evolution of ribozymes, but also for the evolution of directed peptide synthesis, as follows: Short, self-structured strands (termed prebioectons), each possessing a templatable domain which is chargeable by an amino acid, are the predecessors of tRNA (proto-tRNA). Complementary domains are formed on these prebioectons during an environmental cycle such as wetting-drying, followed by their dissociation from their template domain and ligation, to form the predecessor of mRNA (proto-mRNA). The evolution of directed peptide synthesis is suggested to be based on the ability of the charged prebioectons to attach preferentially to their complementary domains on the proto-mRNA. Two stages of this process are envisioned, namely: (a) Template-directed, random peptide synthesis taking place when non-specifically-charged prebioectons are sequentially attached each to its complementary domain on the proto-mRNA, followed by peptide bond formation. (b) Template-and-sequence-directed peptide synthesis, which can be realized after the "invention" of a catalytic molecule capable of specifically charging a proto-tRNA by an amino acid; this is the crucial evolutionary stage, where a crude genetic code becomes functional. Gradually, catalytic peptides and ribozymes are selected for their functions and evolve, while being encoded in the primitive "memory" of the emerging system. Thus, rather than the RNA monopoly postulated by the RNA World hypothesis, an early co-evolution of primitive enzymes and ribozymes is suggested.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interaction of Escherichia coli tRNA(Ser) with its cognate aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase as determined by footprinting with phosphorothioate-containing tRNA transcripts

A footprinting technique using phosphorothioate-containing RNA transcripts has been developed and applied to identify contacts between Escherichia coli tRNA(Ser) and its cognate aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase. The cloned gene for the tRNA was transcribed in four reactions in which a different NTP was complemented by 5% of the corresponding nucleoside 5'-O-(1-thiotriphosphate). The phosphorothioate groups of such transcripts are cleaved by reaction with iodine to permit sequencing of the transcripts. Footprinting was achieved by performing the same reaction with the phosphorothioate-tRNA-enzyme complex. At 1 mM iodine, selective protection of the tRNA transcripts in the cognate system was observed, with strong protection at positions 52 and 68 and weak protection at positions 46, 53, 67, 69, and 70. It is suggested that these regions of the tRNA interact with the helical arm of the synthetase.

Identity elements of Escherichia coli tRNA(Ala)

Studies using the T7 transcription system revealed that the discriminator base A73 and the G20 in the variable pocket play important roles in the Escherichia coli alanine tRNA identity. The C60 in the T-loop, which is unique to alanine tRNA, was not found to be crucial for alanine identity. Anticodon replacement into the valine anticodon UAC did not decrease alanine charging activity, and no alanine charging activity was detected in the mutant valine tRNA possessing the alanine anticodon UGC.

Specific valylation identity of turnip yellow mosaic virus RNA by yeast valyl-tRNA synthetase is directed by the anticodon in a kinetic rather than affinity-based discrimination

Variants with mutations in three parts of the tRNA-like structure of turnip yellow mosaic virus RNA (the anticodon, the discriminator position in the amino acid acceptor stem, and in the variable loop) were created via site-directed mutagenesis of a cDNA clone and transcription with T7 RNA polymerase. The valylation properties of transcripts were studied in the presence of pure yeast valyl-tRNA synthetase. Mutation of the central position of the anticodon triplet resulted in a quasi-total loss of valylation activity, indicating that the anticodon is a principal determinant for valylation of the turnip yellow mosaic virus tRNA-like structure. These anticodon mutants interacted with yeast valyl-tRNA synthetase with affinities comparable to those of the wild-type RNA and behaved as competitive inhibitors in the valylation reaction of yeast tRNAVal. The defective aminoacylation of these mutants therefore results from kinetic rather than affinity effects. Minor negative effects on valylation efficiency were observed for mutants with substitutions at the two other sites studied, suggesting a structural role or a limited contribution to the valine identity of the tRNA-like molecule.

Use of nonsense suppression to generate altered proteins

The use of suppressed nonsense mutations to generate altered proteins can greatly simplify studies in which a large number of defined mutant proteins are sought. If site-directed mutagenesis is used to generate specific mutations, than for every amber (UAG) mutation constructed, as many as 13 different amino acids can be inserted at the corresponding site in the protein. This allows a rapid screening of many altered proteins for those with interesting properties. Once identified, the interesting substitutions can be regenerated by missense changes, to avoid some of the potential problems of the method. Nonsense suppression has been used to generate more than 3300 amino acid replacements in the E. coli lac repressor, and close to 250 amino acid substitutions in E. coli thymidylate synthase.

Conversion of aminoacylation specificity from tRNA(Tyr) to tRNA(Ser) in vitro

The discrimination mechanism between tRNA(Ser) and tRNA(Tyr) was studied using various in vitro transcripts of E. coli tRNATyr variants. The insertion of only two nucleotides into the variable stem of tRNA(Tyr) generates serine charging activity. The acceptor activities of some of the tRNA(Tyr) mutants with insertions in the long variable arm were enhanced by changes in nucleotides at positions 9 and/or 20B, which are possible elements for dictating the orientation of the long variable arm. These findings suggest that the long variable arm is involved in recognition by seryl-tRNA synthetase in spite of sequence and length variations shown within tRNA(Ser) isoacceptors, and eventually serves as a determinant for selection from other tRNA species. Changing the anticodon from GUA to the serine anticodon GGA resulted in a marked decrease in tyrosine charging activity, but this mutant did not show any serine charging activity. The discriminator base, the fourth base from the 3' end of tRNA, was also important for aminoacylation with tyrosine. Complete specificity change in vitro was facilitated by insertion of three nucleotides into the variable arm plus two nucleotide changes at positions 9 and 73.

Suppression and the code: beyond codons and anticodons

Specificity and accuracy in the decoding of genetic information during mRNA-programmed, ribosome-dependent polypeptide synthesis (translation) involves more than just hydrogen bonding between two anti-parallel trinucleotides, the mRNA codon and the tRNA anticodon. Other macromolecules are also involved, and translational suppression has been and continues to be an appropriate and effective way to identify them, as well as other parts of mRNA and tRNA, and to elucidate the structural determinants of their functions and interactions. Experimental results are presented that bear upon codon context effects, the role of tRNA structural features in aminoacyl-tRNA selection and in codon selection (reading-frame maintenance), determinants of tRNA identity, elongation factor suppressor mutants, and termination codon recognition by the ribosomal RNA of the small subunit. The examples presented illustrate the complexity of the decoding process and the interconnectedness of translational macromolecules in achieving specificity and accuracy in polypeptide synthesis.

A thermodynamic scale for the helix-forming tendencies of the commonly occurring amino acids

Amino acids have distinct conformational preferences that influence the stabilities of protein secondary and tertiary structures. The relative thermodynamic stabilities of each of the 20 commonly occurring amino acids in the alpha-helical versus random coil states have been determined through the design of a peptide that forms a noncovalent alpha-helical dimer, which is in equilibrium with a randomly coiled monomeric state. The alpha helices in the dimer contain a single solvent-exposed site that is surrounded by small, neutral amino acid side chains. Each of the commonly occurring amino acids was substituted into this guest site, and the resulting equilibrium constants for the monomer-dimer equilibrium were determined to provide a list of free energy difference (delta delta G degree) values.

Search of essential parameters for the aminoacylation of viral tRNA-like molecules. Comparison with canonical transfer RNAs

Comparative structural and functional results on the valine and tyrosine accepting tRNA-like molecules from turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) and brome mosaic virus (BMV), and the corresponding cognate yeast tRNAs are presented. Novel experiments on TYMV RNA include design of variant genes of the tRNA-like domain and their transcription in vitro by T7 RNA polymerase, analysis of their valylation catalyzed by yeast valyl-tRNA synthetase, and structural mapping with dimethyl sulfate and carbodiimide combined with graphical modelling. Particular emphasis is given to conformational effects affecting the valylation capacity of the TYMV tRNA-like molecule (e.g., the effect of the U43----C43 mutation). The contacts of the TYMV and BMV RNAs with valyl- and tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases are compared with the positions in the molecules affecting their aminoacylation capacities. Finally, the involvement of the putative valine and tyrosine anticodons in the tRNA-like valylation and tyrosylation reactions is discussed. While an anticodon-like sequence participates in the valine identity of TYMV RNA, this seems not to be the case for the tyrosine identity of BMV RNA despite the fact that the tyrosine anticodon has been shown to be involved in the tyrosylation of canonical tRNA.

Recognition of tRNA(Tyr) by tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase

In this review, I have brought together and compared the available data on the interaction between tRNA(Tyr) and tyrosyl-tRNA synthetases (TyrTS) of prokaryotic origins. The amino acid sequences of the heterologous TyrTS that can charge Escherichia coli tRNA(Tyr), show that the residues involved in the binding and recognition of tyrosine are strictly conserved whereas those involved in the interaction with tRNA(Tyr) are only weakly similar. The results of in vivo genetic complementation experiments indicate that the identity elements of tRNAs and the recognition mechanisms of such elements by the synthetases have been conserved during evolution. Heterologous or mutant tRNA(Tyr) are quantitatively charged by E coli TyrTS; the set of their common residues contains less than 10 elements if one excludes the invariant and semi-invariant residues of tRNAs. The residues of this set are candidates for a specific recognition by TyrTS. So far, adenosine-73 is the only residue for which a specific recognition of the base has been demonstrated. The residues that might serve as identity elements for E coli tRNA(Tyr) [McClain WH, Nicholas Jr HB (1987) J Mol Biol 194, 635-642] do not belong to the above set of conserved residues and therefore probably play negative roles, enabling tRNA(Tyr) to avoid non-cognate synthetases. Comparison of the charging and stability properties of mutant tRNA(Tyr) su +3 shows that bases 1 and 72 must pair (either by Watson-Crick or non-canonical hydrogen bonds) and adopt a geometry which is compatible with the helical structure of the acceptor stem in order for the mutant tRNA(Tyr) to be charged with tyrosine. If bases 1 and 72 or bases 2 and 71 cannot form such pairings, the suppressor phenotype of the mutant tRNA(Tyr)su +3 becomes thermosensitive. The weakening of base pair 1/72 by mutation or the change of adenosine-73 into guanosine results in the charging of tRNA(Tyr)su +3 with glutamine. Comparison of the structural model of the TyrTS/tRNA(Tyr) complex with the crystallographic structure of the GlnTS/tRNA(Gln) complex indicates that the mechanisms for the recognition of the acceptor arm are different in the 2 cases. Chemical attack and molecular modeling experiments have indicated that the acceptor end of tRNA(Tyr) ... CCCA3'-OH, remains mobile after the initial binding of tRNA(Tyr) to TyrTS.

Structural studies of protein-nucleic acid interaction: the sources of sequence-specific binding

Structural studies of DNA-binding proteins and their complexes with DNA have proceeded at an accelerating pace in recent years due to important technical advances in molecular genetics, DNA synthesis, protein crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance. The last major review on this subject by Pabo & Sauer (1984) summarized the structural and functional studies of the three sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins whose crystal structures were then known, theE. colicatabolite gene activator protein (CAP) (McKay & Steitz, 1981; McKayet al.1982; Weber & Steitz, 1987), acrorepressor from phage λ (Andersonet al.1981), and the DNA-binding proteolytic fragment ofλcIrepressor protein (Pabo & Lewis, 1982) Although crystallographic studies of theE. coli lacrepressor protein were initiated as early as 1971 when it was the only regulatory protein available in sufficient quantities for structural studies (Steitzet al.1974), little was established about the structural aspects of DNA-binding proteins until the structure of CAP was determined in 1980 followed shortly thereafter by the structure ofλcrorepressor and subsequently that of the λ repressor fragment. There are now determined at high resolution the crystal structures of seven prokaryotic gene regulatory proteins or fragments [CAP,λcro,λcIrepressor fragment, 434 repressor fragment (Andersonet al.1987), 434crorepressor (Wolbergeret al.1988),E. coli trprepressor (Schevitzet al.1985),E. coli metrepressor (Raffertyet al.1989)],EcoRI restriction endonuclease (McClarinet al.1986), DNAse I (Suck & Ofner, 1986), the catalytic domain of γδ resolvase (Hatfullet al.1989) and two sequence-independent double-stranded DNA-binding proteins [the Klenow fragment ofE. coliDNA polymerase I (Olliset al.1985) and theE. coliHu protein (Tanakaet al., 1984)].

Construction of Escherichia coli amber suppressor tRNA genes. II. Synthesis of additional tRNA genes and improvement of suppressor efficiency

Using synthetic oligonucleotides, we have constructed 17 tRNA suppressor genes from Escherichia coli representing 13 species of tRNA. We have measured the levels of in vivo suppression resulting from introducing each tRNA gene into E. coli via a plasmid vector. The suppressors function at varying efficiencies. Some synthetic suppressors fail to yield detectable levels of suppression, whereas others insert amino acids with greater than 70% efficiency. Results reported in the accompanying paper demonstrate that some of these suppressors insert the original cognate amino acid, whereas others do not. We have altered some of the synthetic tRNA genes in order to improve the suppressor efficiency of the resulting tRNAs. Both tRNA(CUAHis) and tRNA(CUAGlu) were altered by single base changes, which generated -A-A- following the anticodon, resulting in a markedly improved efficiency of suppression. The tRNA(CUAPro) was inactive, but a hybrid suppressor tRNA consisting of the tRNA(CUAPhe) anticodon stem and loop together with the remainder of the tRNA(Pro) proved highly efficient at suppressing nonsense codons. Protein chemistry results reported in the accompanying paper show that the altered tRNA(CUAHis) and the hybrid tRNA(CUAPro) insert only histidine and proline, respectively, whereas the altered tRNA(CUAGlu) inserts principally glutamic acid but some glutamine. Also, a strain deficient in release factor I was employed to increase the efficiency of weak nonsense suppressors.

Exploring the aminoacylation function of transfer RNA by macromolecular engineering approaches. Involvement of conformational features in the charging process of yeast tRNA(Asp)

This report presents the conceptual and methodological framework that presently underlies the experiments designed to decipher the structural features in tRNA important for its aminoacylation by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. It emphasizes the importance of conformational features in tRNA for an optimized aminoacylation. This is illustrated by selected examples on yeast tRNA(Asp). Using the phage T7 transcriptional system, a series of tRNA(Asp) variants were created in which conformational elements were modified. It is shown that aspartyl-tRNA synthetase tolerates conformational variability in tRNA(Asp) at the level of the D-loop and variable region, of the tertiary Levitt base-pair 15-48 which can be inverted and in the T-arm in which residue 49 can be excised. However, changing the anticodon region completely abolishes the aspartylation capacity of the variants. Transplanting the phenylalanine identity elements into a different tRNA(Asp) variant presenting conformational characteristics of tRNA(Phe) converts this molecule into a phenylalanine acceptor but is less efficient than wild-type tRNA(Phe). This engineered tRNA completely loses its aspartylation capacity, showing that some aspartic acid and phenylalanine identity determinants overlap. The fact that chimeric tRNA(Asp) molecules with altered anticodon regions lose their aspartylation capacity demonstrates that this region is part of the aspartic acid identity of tRNA(Asp).

The anticodon contains a major element of the identity of arginine transfer RNAs

The contribution of the anticodon to the discrimination between cognate and noncognate tRNAs by Escherichia coli Arg-tRNA synthetase has been investigated by in vitro synthesis and aminoacylation of elongator methionine tRNA (tRNA(mMet) mutants. Substitution of the Arg anticodon CCG for the Met anticodon CAU leads to a dramatic increase in Arg acceptance by tRNA(mMet). A nucleotide (A20) previously identified by others in the dihydrouridine loop of tRNA(Arg)s makes a smaller contribution to the conversion of tRNA(mMet) identity from Met to Arg. The combined anticodon and dihydrouridine loop mutations yield a tRNA(mMet) derivative that is aminoacylated with near-normal kinetics by the Arg-tRNA synthetase.

Structure of E. coli glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase complexed with tRNA(Gln) and ATP at 2.8 A resolution

The crystal structure of Escherichia coli glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase (GlnRS) complexed with its cognate glutaminyl transfer RNA (tRNA(Gln] and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has been derived from a 2.8 angstrom resolution electron density map and the known protein and tRNA sequences. The 63.4-kilodalton monomeric enzyme consists of four domains arranged to give an elongated molecule with an axial ratio greater than 3 to 1. Its interactions with the tRNA extend from the anticodon to the acceptor stem along the entire inside of the L of the tRNA. The complexed tRNA retains the overall conformation of the yeast phenylalanine tRNA (tRNA(Phe] with two major differences: the 3' acceptor strand of tRNA(Gln) makes a hairpin turn toward the inside of the L, with the disruption of the final base pair of the acceptor stem, and the anticodon loop adopts a conformation not seen in any of the previously determined tRNA structures. Specific recognition elements identified so far include (i) enzyme contacts with the 2-amino groups of guanine via the tRNA minor groove in the acceptor stem at G2 and G3; (ii) interactions between the enzyme and the anticodon nucleotides; and (iii) the ability of the nucleotides G73 and U1.A72 of the cognate tRNA to assume a conformation stabilized by the protein at a lower free energy cost than noncognate sequences. The central domain of this synthetase binds ATP, glutamine, and the acceptor end of the tRNA as well as making specific interactions with the acceptor stem.2+t is

Role of the extra G-C pair at the end of the acceptor stem of tRNA(His) in aminoacylation

All sequenced histidine tRNAs have one additional nucleotide at the 5' end compared with other tRNA species. To investigate the role of this unique structure in aminoacylation, we constructed in vitro transcripts corresponding to the E. coli histidine tRNA sequence and its variants at the G-1-C73 base pair, by using T7 RNA polymerase transcription system. A transcript having a wild-type sequence with no modified bases was a good substrate for histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HisRS), and aminoacylation activity was affected by introduction of a triphosphate at the 5' terminus. Base replacements at position 73 caused a marked decrease of Vmax, and deletion and substitution of the G-1 had a remarkable effect on the aminoacylation. A mutant having an A-1-U73 pair was also not a good substrate for HisRS. Comparison among G-1-deficient mutants showed that A was preferable rather than C as the base at position 73. These data demonstrate that the set of the G-1-C73 pair at the end of the acceptor stem of histidine tRNA is crucial for the catalytic process of aminoacylation.

Discriminator base of tRNA(Asp) is involved in amino acid acceptor activity

Unmodified E. coli tRNA(Asp) was obtained by in vitro transcription with T7 RNA polymerase from a plasmid carrying a tRNA(Asp) sequence adjacent to the T7 promoter. The transcript exhibited almost the same level of amino acid acceptor activity as intact tRNA(Asp), and the kinetic parameters were also similar. However, substitution of the discriminator base (the fourth base from the 3'-end) markedly affected the amino acid acceptor activity. These results suggest that the discriminator base in tRNA(Asp) plays an important role in the recognition of aspartyl-tRNA synthetase.

Evidence that a major determinant for the identity of a transfer RNA is conserved in evolution

We observed recently that a single G3.U70 base pair in the amino acid acceptor stem of an Escherichia coli alanine tRNA is a major determinant for its identity. Inspection of tRNA sequences shows that G3.U70 is unique to alanine in E. coli and is present in eucaryotic cytoplasmic alanine tRNAs. We show here that single nucleotide changes of G3.U70 to A3.U70 or to G3.C70 eliminate in vitro aminoacylation of an insect and of a human alanine tRNA by the respective homologous synthetase. Compared to the influence of G3.U70, other sequence variations in tRNAAla have a relatively small effect on aminoacylation by the insect and human enzymes. In addition, while these eucaryotic tRNAs have nucleotide differences from E. coli alanine tRNA, they are heterologously charged only with alanine when expressed in E. coli. The results indicate a functional role for G3.U70 that is conserved in evolution. They also suggest that the sequence differences between E. coli and the eucaryotic alanine tRNAs at sites other than the conserved G3.U70 do not create major determinants for recognition by any other bacterial enzyme.

How do proteins recognize specific RNA sites? New clues from autogenously regulated ribosomal proteins

Some ribosomal proteins which bind specifically to ribosomal RNA also act as translational repressors and recognize their encoding messenger RNAs. The messenger- and ribosomal-RNA binding sites for four of these proteins are now well defined, and striking similarities in primary and secondary structure are apparent in most cases. These 'consensus' structures are useful clues to the features proteins use to recognize specific RNAs.

How old is the genetic code? Statistical geometry of tRNA provides an answer

The age of the molecular organization of life as expressed in the genetic code can be estimated from experimental data. Comparative sequence analysis of transfer RNA by the method of statistical geometry in sequence space suggests that about one-third of the present transfer RNA sequence divergence was present at the urkingdom level about the time when archaebacteria separated from eubacteria. It is concluded that the genetic code is not older than, but almost as old as our planet. While this result may not be unexpected, it was not clear until now that interpretable data exist that permit inferences about such early stages of life as the establishment of the genetic code.

Purification and characterization of two serine isoacceptor tRNAs from bovine mitochondria by using a hybridization assay method

For large scale preparation of mitochondrial tRNAs, a new hybridization assay method using synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotide probes (16-17mer) complementary to individual tRNA sequences was developed and applied for the purification of two serine isoacceptor tRNAs (tRNASerAGY and tRNASerUCN) from bovine mitochondria. It is about 100 times more sensitive than the conventional aminoacylation assay method. 2-4 A260 units each of both tRNASer isoacceptors were purified from 17.5 kg of bovine liver, and they were characterized by means of nuclease digestion, melting profiles and aminoacylation activity. It is suggested that tRNASerUCN possesses the D loop/T loop interaction like usual L-shaped tRNAs, and that tRNASerAGY lacking almost an entire D arm is aminoacylated with an efficiency not very much lower than that of tRNASerUCN.

Replication in vivo of mutant brome mosaic virus RNAs defective in aminoacylation

In order to understand the relationship between replication and aminoacylation of the genomic RNAs of brome mosaic virus, the replication of four mutants, whose RNAs were expected (on the basis of their properties in vitro) to be inefficiently tyrosylated in vivo, was studied in barley protoplasts and plants. Test inocula consisted of capped transcripts of wild-type RNAs 1 and 2, and of RNA 3 variants with defined mutations in the 3' tRNA-like region. Mutant 5'PsK, which is defective in minus-strand promoter activity and a poor substrate in vitro for both tyrosylation and 3' adenylation, replicated in protoplasts to 20% of wild-type even though only about 6% of the progeny molecules had correct 3' termini that would permit tyrosylation. Mutant psi GG, which is defective in vitro for 3' adenylation and minus-strand promoter activities but accepts tyrosine at near-normal rates, replicated to 40% of wild-type in protoplasts although only 15% of the progeny molecules had correct 3' termini. Two other mutants (delta 5' and 5'AGA), with 20-fold lower rates of tyrosylation in vitro than wild-type RNA, replicated to 60 to 70% of wild-type levels in protoplasts and gave similar yields to wild-type in systemic infections of plants. All mutant sequences were preserved in progeny RNAs, indicating that no recombination between homologous 3' ends occurred. The 40% reduction of replication in protoplasts seen for mutant delta 5', whose only known functional lesion is depressed tyrosylation in vitro, may indicate that an indirect role for aminoacylation exists. However, the results obtained argue against an obligatory role for tyrosylation in RNA replication in vivo.

A single base pair affects binding and catalytic parameters in the molecular recognition of a transfer RNA

A single G3.U70 base pair in the acceptor helix is a major determinant of the identity of an alanine transfer RNA. Alteration of this base pair to A.U or G.C prevents aminoacylation with alanine. We show here that, at approximate physiological conditions (pH 7.5, 37 degrees C), high concentrations of the mutant A3.U70 species do not inhibit aminoacylation of a wild-type alanine tRNA. The observation suggests that, under these conditions, the G3 to A3 substitution increases Km for tRNA by more than 30-fold. Other experiments at pH 7.5 show that no aminoacylation of A3.U70, G3.C70, or U3.G70 mutant tRNAs occurs with substrate levels of enzyme. This suggests that kcat for these mutant tRNAs is sharply reduced as well and that the catalytic defect is not due to slow release of charged mutant tRNAs from the enzyme. Investigations were also done at pH 5.5, where association of tRNAs with synthetases is generally stronger and where binding can be conveniently measured apart from aminoacylation. Under these conditions, the binding of the A3.U70 and G3.C70 species is readily detected and is only 3-5-fold weaker than the binding of the wild-type tRNA. Although the A3.U70 species was demonstrated to compete with the wild-type tRNA for the same site on the enzyme, no aminoacylation could be detected. Thus, even when conditions are adjusted to obtain strong competitive binding, a sharp reduction in kcat prevents aminoacylation of a tRNA(Ala) species with a substitution at position 3.70.

Studies of interactions of porphyrins with transfer RNA by high-resolution NMR

The interactions of tetra-4N-methylpyridyl porphyrin and its zinc(II), copper(II) and manganese(III) complexes with brewer's yeast type V phenylalanine specific tRNA have been evaluated by high-resolution NMR. Differences in chemical shifts have been noted for three proton resonances in response to the presence of small quantities of the free base and the zinc and copper complexes. The protons giving rise to these signals are located on bases T54 and psi 55, both of which are involved in the primary intraloop and interloop hydrogen bonds that hold the D and T psi C loops together in the tertiary structure. In addition, broadening of specific resonances due to hydrogen bonding protons in the D stem at low ratios of porphyrin to tRNA indicates that the association of porphyrins increases the rate of imino proton exchange. The titration of the tRNA with the manganese(III) complex did not reveal shifts or specific broadening comparable to the other porphyrins at low ratios. The changes induced in the NMR spectrum of tRNA by porphyrins define their site of interaction with the polynucleotide. This site, at the outside of the elbow-bend in the tRNA 'L', is different from the locus of binding in tRNA for other classical DNA intercalators. Furthermore, a new mode of binding may be involved that is neither intercalative nor simply electrostatic.

Structural and kinetic bases for the recognition of tRNATyr by tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase

The aminoacylation of transfer RNA is a key step of translation since it relates amino acids to anticodons. To understand how the tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrTS) from Bacillus stearothermophilus recognizes tRNA(Tyr), we constructed 14 new mutant TyrTS by site-directed mutagenesis, determined their kinetic properties and used these and previous data to construct a detailed structural model of the complex between TyrTS and the acceptor arm of tRNA(Tyr). In the model Arg207, Lys208, Asn 146 and Glu 152 interact with phosphate groups. A contact between guanine 1 and Trp 196 is unspecific. Adenine 73, the fourth base from the 3' end, is specifically recognized through Trp 196 and the main-chain carbonyl of Ala150. At the active site, adenine 76 might interact with Lys82 and Arg86. There is a tight complementarity in shape between the tRNA and the synthetase. TyrTS and tRNA(Tyr) form an additional contact, in the vicinity of adenine 73, when their complex goes from the initial state to the transition state. The rate of aminoacylation, through the precise recognition of adenine 73, could thus be an important factor of discrimination by TyrTS among tRNAs.

Anticodon switching changes the identity of methionine and valine transfer RNAs

The anticodon has previously been shown to play a role in recognition of certain transfer RNAs by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases; however, the extent to which this sequence dictates tRNA identity is generally unknown. To investigate the contribution of the anticodon to the identity of Escherichia coli methionine and valine tRNAs, in vitro transcripts of these tRNAs were prepared that contained normal and interchanged anticodon sequences. Transcripts containing wild-type tRNA sequences were excellent substrates for their respective cognate aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and were effectively discriminated against by a variety of noncognate enzymes. The mutant tRNAs produced by switching the anticodon sequences lost their original tRNA identity and assumed an identity corresponding to the acquired anticodon sequence. These results indicate that the anticodon contains sufficient information to distinguish methionine and valine tRNAs with high fidelity.

Amino acid preferences for specific locations at the ends of alpha helices

A definition based on alpha-carbon positions and a sample of 215 alpha helices from 45 different globular protein structures were used to tabulate amino acid preferences for 16 individual positions relative to the helix ends. The interface residue, which is half in and half out of the helix, is called the N-cap or C-cap, whichever is appropriate. The results confirm earlier observations, such as asymmetrical charge distributions in the first and last helical turn, but several new, sharp preferences are found as well. The most striking of these are a 3.5:1 preference for Asn at the N-cap position, and a preference of 2.6:1 for Pro at N-cap + 1. The C-cap position is overwhelmingly dominated by Gly, which ends 34 percent of the helices. Hydrophobic residues peak at positions N-cap + 4 and C-cap - 4.