1
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Hughes LA, Rackham O, Filipovska A. Illuminating mitochondrial translation through mouse models. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:R61-R79. [PMID: 38779771 PMCID: PMC11112386 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are hubs of metabolic activity with a major role in ATP conversion by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The mammalian mitochondrial genome encodes 11 mRNAs encoding 13 OXPHOS proteins along with 2 rRNAs and 22 tRNAs, that facilitate their translation on mitoribosomes. Maintaining the internal production of core OXPHOS subunits requires modulation of the mitochondrial capacity to match the cellular requirements and correct insertion of particularly hydrophobic proteins into the inner mitochondrial membrane. The mitochondrial translation system is essential for energy production and defects result in severe, phenotypically diverse diseases, including mitochondrial diseases that typically affect postmitotic tissues with high metabolic demands. Understanding the complex mechanisms that underlie the pathologies of diseases involving impaired mitochondrial translation is key to tailoring specific treatments and effectively targeting the affected organs. Disease mutations have provided a fundamental, yet limited, understanding of mitochondrial protein synthesis, since effective modification of the mitochondrial genome has proven challenging. However, advances in next generation sequencing, cryoelectron microscopy, and multi-omic technologies have revealed unexpected and unusual features of the mitochondrial protein synthesis machinery in the last decade. Genome editing tools have generated unique models that have accelerated our mechanistic understanding of mitochondrial translation and its physiological importance. Here we review the most recent mouse models of disease pathogenesis caused by defects in mitochondrial protein synthesis and discuss their value for preclinical research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia A Hughes
- Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Oliver Rackham
- Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Aleksandra Filipovska
- Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children’s Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 19 Innovation Walk, Clayton, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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2
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Krüger A, Kovalchuk D, Shiriaev D, Rorbach J. Decoding the Enigma: Translation Termination in Human Mitochondria. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:R42-R46. [PMID: 38779770 PMCID: PMC11112381 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial translation is a complex process responsible for the synthesis of essential proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation, a fundamental pathway for cellular energy production. Central to this process is the termination phase, where dedicated factors play a pivotal role in ensuring accurate and timely protein production. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of translation termination in human mitochondria, emphasizing structural features and molecular functions of two mitochondrial termination factors mtRF1 and mtRF1a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Krüger
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Metabolism, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, Solna 171 65, Sweden
| | - Daria Kovalchuk
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Metabolism, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, Solna 171 65, Sweden
| | - Dmitrii Shiriaev
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Metabolism, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, Solna 171 65, Sweden
| | - Joanna Rorbach
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Metabolism, Karolinska Institutet, Solnavägen 9, Solna 171 65, Sweden
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3
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Nadler F, Richter-Dennerlein R. Translation termination in human mitochondria - substrate specificity of mitochondrial release factors. Biol Chem 2023; 404:769-779. [PMID: 37377370 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the essential players in eukaryotic ATP production by oxidative phosphorylation, which relies on the maintenance and accurate expression of the mitochondrial genome. Even though the basic principles of translation are conserved due to the descendance from a bacterial ancestor, some deviations regarding translation factors as well as mRNA characteristics and the applied genetic code are present in human mitochondria. Together, these features are certain challenges during translation the mitochondrion has to handle. Here, we discuss the current knowledge regarding mitochondrial translation focusing on the termination process and the associated quality control mechanisms. We describe how mtRF1a resembles bacterial RF1 mechanistically and summarize in vitro and recent in vivo data leading to the conclusion of mtRF1a being the major mitochondrial release factor. On the other hand, we discuss the ongoing debate about the function of the second codon-dependent mitochondrial release factor mtRF1 regarding its role as a specialized termination factor. Finally, we link defects in mitochondrial translation termination to the activation of mitochondrial rescue mechanisms highlighting the importance of ribosome-associated quality control for sufficient respiratory function and therefore for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Nadler
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ricarda Richter-Dennerlein
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Göttingen, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
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4
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Saurer M, Leibundgut M, Nadimpalli HP, Scaiola A, Schönhut T, Lee RG, Siira SJ, Rackham O, Dreos R, Lenarčič T, Kummer E, Gatfield D, Filipovska A, Ban N. Molecular basis of translation termination at noncanonical stop codons in human mitochondria. Science 2023; 380:531-536. [PMID: 37141370 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf9890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The genetic code that specifies the identity of amino acids incorporated into proteins during protein synthesis is almost universally conserved. Mitochondrial genomes feature deviations from the standard genetic code, including the reassignment of two arginine codons to stop codons. The protein required for translation termination at these noncanonical stop codons to release the newly synthesized polypeptides is not currently known. In this study, we used gene editing and ribosomal profiling in combination with cryo-electron microscopy to establish that mitochondrial release factor 1 (mtRF1) detects noncanonical stop codons in human mitochondria by a previously unknown mechanism of codon recognition. We discovered that binding of mtRF1 to the decoding center of the ribosome stabilizes a highly unusual conformation in the messenger RNA in which the ribosomal RNA participates in specific recognition of the noncanonical stop codons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Saurer
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Leibundgut
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Alain Scaiola
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Schönhut
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Richard G Lee
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, QEII Medical Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Stefan J Siira
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, QEII Medical Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Oliver Rackham
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, QEII Medical Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Medical School and Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - René Dreos
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tea Lenarčič
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Kummer
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Protein Structure and Function Program, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N, Denmark
| | - David Gatfield
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aleksandra Filipovska
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, QEII Medical Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nenad Ban
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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5
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Krüger A, Remes C, Shiriaev DI, Liu Y, Spåhr H, Wibom R, Atanassov I, Nguyen MD, Cooperman BS, Rorbach J. Human mitochondria require mtRF1 for translation termination at non-canonical stop codons. Nat Commun 2023; 14:30. [PMID: 36596788 PMCID: PMC9810596 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35684-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial translation machinery highly diverged from its bacterial counterpart. This includes deviation from the universal genetic code, with AGA and AGG codons lacking cognate tRNAs in human mitochondria. The locations of these codons at the end of COX1 and ND6 open reading frames, respectively, suggest they might function as stop codons. However, while the canonical stop codons UAA and UAG are known to be recognized by mtRF1a, the release mechanism at AGA and AGG codons remains a debated issue. Here, we show that upon the loss of another member of the mitochondrial release factor family, mtRF1, mitoribosomes accumulate specifically at AGA and AGG codons. Stalling of mitoribosomes alters COX1 transcript and protein levels, but not ND6 synthesis. In addition, using an in vitro reconstituted mitochondrial translation system, we demonstrate the specific peptide release activity of mtRF1 at the AGA and AGG codons. Together, our results reveal the role of mtRF1 in translation termination at non-canonical stop codons in mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Krüger
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Metabolism, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, 171 65, Solna, Sweden.,Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cristina Remes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Dmitrii Igorevich Shiriaev
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Metabolism, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, 171 65, Solna, Sweden.,Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Metabolism, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, 171 65, Solna, Sweden.,Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Spåhr
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Metabolism, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, 171 65, Solna, Sweden.,Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rolf Wibom
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ilian Atanassov
- Proteomics Core Facility, Max-Planck-Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 9b, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Minh Duc Nguyen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Metabolism, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, 171 65, Solna, Sweden.,Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Barry S Cooperman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Joanna Rorbach
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Metabolism, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, 171 65, Solna, Sweden. .,Max Planck Institute Biology of Ageing - Karolinska Institutet Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,S.T.I.A.S: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Marais Rd, Mostertsdrift, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
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6
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Organization and expression of the mammalian mitochondrial genome. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:606-623. [PMID: 35459860 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00480-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mitochondrial genome encodes core subunits of the respiratory chain that drives oxidative phosphorylation and is, therefore, essential for energy conversion. Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies and cryoelectron microscopy have shed light on the structure and organization of the mitochondrial genome and revealed unique mechanisms of mitochondrial gene regulation. New animal models of impaired mitochondrial protein synthesis have shown how the coordinated regulation of the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial translation machineries ensures the correct assembly of the respiratory chain complexes. These new technologies and disease models are providing a deeper understanding of mitochondrial genome organization and expression and of the diseases caused by impaired energy conversion, including mitochondrial, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. They also provide avenues for the development of treatments for these conditions.
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7
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Małecki JM, Davydova E, Falnes PØ. Protein methylation in mitochondria. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101791. [PMID: 35247388 PMCID: PMC9006661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many proteins are modified by posttranslational methylation, introduced by a number of methyltransferases (MTases). Protein methylation plays important roles in modulating protein function and thus in optimizing and regulating cellular and physiological processes. Research has mainly focused on nuclear and cytosolic protein methylation, but it has been known for many years that also mitochondrial proteins are methylated. During the last decade, significant progress has been made on identifying the MTases responsible for mitochondrial protein methylation and addressing its functional significance. In particular, several novel human MTases have been uncovered that methylate lysine, arginine, histidine, and glutamine residues in various mitochondrial substrates. Several of these substrates are key components of the bioenergetics machinery, e.g., respiratory Complex I, citrate synthase, and the ATP synthase. In the present review, we report the status of the field of mitochondrial protein methylation, with a particular emphasis on recently discovered human MTases. We also discuss evolutionary aspects and functional significance of mitochondrial protein methylation and present an outlook for this emergent research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jędrzej M Małecki
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Erna Davydova
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Ø Falnes
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
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8
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Nadler F, Lavdovskaia E, Richter-Dennerlein R. Maintaining mitochondrial ribosome function: The role of ribosome rescue and recycling factors. RNA Biol 2021; 19:117-131. [PMID: 34923906 PMCID: PMC8786322 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2021.2015561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The universally conserved process of protein biosynthesis is crucial for maintaining cellular homoeostasis and in eukaryotes, mitochondrial translation is essential for aerobic energy production. Mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) are highly specialized to synthesize 13 core subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes. Although the mitochondrial translation machinery traces its origin from a bacterial ancestor, it has acquired substantial differences within this endosymbiotic environment. The cycle of mitoribosome function proceeds through the conserved canonical steps of initiation, elongation, termination and mitoribosome recycling. However, when mitoribosomes operate in the context of limited translation factors or on aberrant mRNAs, they can become stalled and activation of rescue mechanisms is required. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of protein biosynthesis in mitochondria, focusing especially on the mechanistic and physiological details of translation termination, and mitoribosome recycling and rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Nadler
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Elena Lavdovskaia
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ricarda Richter-Dennerlein
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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9
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Korostelev AA. Diversity and Similarity of Termination and Ribosome Rescue in Bacterial, Mitochondrial, and Cytoplasmic Translation. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:1107-1121. [PMID: 34565314 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921090066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
When a ribosome encounters the stop codon of an mRNA, it terminates translation, releases the newly made protein, and is recycled to initiate translation on a new mRNA. Termination is a highly dynamic process in which release factors (RF1 and RF2 in bacteria; eRF1•eRF3•GTP in eukaryotes) coordinate peptide release with large-scale molecular rearrangements of the ribosome. Ribosomes stalled on aberrant mRNAs are rescued and recycled by diverse bacterial, mitochondrial, or cytoplasmic quality control mechanisms. These are catalyzed by rescue factors with peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase activity (bacterial ArfA•RF2 and ArfB, mitochondrial ICT1 and mtRF-R, and cytoplasmic Vms1), that are distinct from each other and from release factors. Nevertheless, recent structural studies demonstrate a remarkable similarity between translation termination and ribosome rescue mechanisms. This review describes how these pathways rely on inherent ribosome dynamics, emphasizing the active role of the ribosome in all translation steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei A Korostelev
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, UMass Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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10
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Kummer E, Schubert KN, Schoenhut T, Scaiola A, Ban N. Structural basis of translation termination, rescue, and recycling in mammalian mitochondria. Mol Cell 2021; 81:2566-2582.e6. [PMID: 33878294 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The mitochondrial translation system originates from a bacterial ancestor but has substantially diverged in the course of evolution. Here, we use single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) as a screening tool to identify mitochondrial translation termination mechanisms and to describe them in molecular detail. We show how mitochondrial release factor 1a releases the nascent chain from the ribosome when it encounters the canonical stop codons UAA and UAG. Furthermore, we define how the peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase ICT1 acts as a rescue factor on mitoribosomes that have stalled on truncated messages to recover them for protein synthesis. Finally, we present structural models detailing the process of mitochondrial ribosome recycling to explain how a dedicated elongation factor, mitochondrial EFG2 (mtEFG2), has specialized for cooperation with the mitochondrial ribosome recycling factor to dissociate the mitoribosomal subunits at the end of the translation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kummer
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Otto-Stern-Weg 5, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Katharina Noel Schubert
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Otto-Stern-Weg 5, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Schoenhut
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Otto-Stern-Weg 5, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alain Scaiola
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Otto-Stern-Weg 5, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nenad Ban
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Otto-Stern-Weg 5, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
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11
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Mechanisms and regulation of protein synthesis in mitochondria. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:307-325. [PMID: 33594280 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00332-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are cellular organelles responsible for generation of chemical energy in the process called oxidative phosphorylation. They originate from a bacterial ancestor and maintain their own genome, which is expressed by designated, mitochondrial transcription and translation machineries that differ from those operating for nuclear gene expression. In particular, the mitochondrial protein synthesis machinery is structurally and functionally very different from that governing eukaryotic, cytosolic translation. Despite harbouring their own genetic information, mitochondria are far from being independent of the rest of the cell and, conversely, cellular fitness is closely linked to mitochondrial function. Mitochondria depend heavily on the import of nuclear-encoded proteins for gene expression and function, and hence engage in extensive inter-compartmental crosstalk to regulate their proteome. This connectivity allows mitochondria to adapt to changes in cellular conditions and also mediates responses to stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. With a focus on mammals and yeast, we review fundamental insights that have been made into the biogenesis, architecture and mechanisms of the mitochondrial translation apparatus in the past years owing to the emergence of numerous near-atomic structures and a considerable amount of biochemical work. Moreover, we discuss how cellular mitochondrial protein expression is regulated, including aspects of mRNA and tRNA maturation and stability, roles of auxiliary factors, such as translation regulators, that adapt mitochondrial translation rates, and the importance of inter-compartmental crosstalk with nuclear gene expression and cytosolic translation and how it enables integration of mitochondrial translation into the cellular context.
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12
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Ayyub SA, Gao F, Lightowlers RN, Chrzanowska-Lightowlers ZM. Rescuing stalled mammalian mitoribosomes - what can we learn from bacteria? J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/1/jcs231811. [PMID: 31896602 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.231811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the canonical process of translation, newly completed proteins escape from the ribosome following cleavage of the ester bond that anchors the polypeptide to the P-site tRNA, after which the ribosome can be recycled to initiate a new round of translation. Not all protein synthesis runs to completion as various factors can impede the progression of ribosomes. Rescuing of stalled ribosomes in mammalian mitochondria, however, does not share the same mechanisms that many bacteria use. The classic method for rescuing bacterial ribosomes is trans-translation. The key components of this system are absent from mammalian mitochondria; however, four members of a translation termination factor family are present, with some evidence of homology to members of a bacterial back-up rescue system. To date, there is no definitive demonstration of any other member of this family functioning in mitoribosome rescue. Here, we provide an overview of the processes and key players of canonical translation termination in both bacteria and mammalian mitochondria, followed by a perspective of the bacterial systems used to rescue stalled ribosomes. We highlight any similarities or differences with the mitochondrial translation release factors, and suggest potential roles for these proteins in ribosome rescue in mammalian mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Ahana Ayyub
- The Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Newcastle University, The Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Fei Gao
- The Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Newcastle University, The Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Robert N Lightowlers
- The Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Newcastle University, The Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Zofia M Chrzanowska-Lightowlers
- The Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Newcastle University, The Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
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13
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Lind C, Esguerra M, Jespers W, Satpati P, Gutierrez-de-Terán H, Åqvist J. Free energy calculations of RNA interactions. Methods 2019; 162-163:85-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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14
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'Stop' in protein synthesis is modulated with exquisite subtlety by an extended RNA translation signal. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1615-1625. [PMID: 30420414 DOI: 10.1042/bst20180190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Translational stop codons, UAA, UAG, and UGA, form an integral part of the universal genetic code. They are of significant interest today for their underlying fundamental role in terminating protein synthesis, but also for their potential utilisation for programmed alternative translation events. In diverse organisms, UAA has wide usage, but it is puzzling that the high fidelity UAG is selected against and yet UGA, vulnerable to suppression, is widely used, particularly in those archaeal and bacterial genomes with a high GC content. In canonical protein synthesis, stop codons are interpreted by protein release factors that structurally and functionally mimic decoding tRNAs and occupy the decoding site on the ribosome. The release factors make close contact with the decoding complex through multiple interactions. Correct interactions cause conformational changes resulting in new and enhanced contacts with the ribosome, particularly between specific bases in the mRNA and rRNA. The base following the stop codon (fourth or +4 base) may strongly influence decoding efficiency, facilitating alternative non-canonical events like frameshifting or selenocysteine incorporation. The fourth base is drawn into the decoding site with a compacted stop codon in the eukaryotic termination complex. Surprisingly, mRNA sequences upstream and downstream of this core tetranucleotide signal have a significant influence on the strength of the signal. Since nine bases downstream of the stop codon are within the mRNA channel, their interactions with rRNA, and r-proteins may affect efficiency. With this understanding, it is now possible to design stop signals of desired strength for specific applied purposes.
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15
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Atkins JF, Loughran G, Bhatt PR, Firth AE, Baranov PV. Ribosomal frameshifting and transcriptional slippage: From genetic steganography and cryptography to adventitious use. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:7007-78. [PMID: 27436286 PMCID: PMC5009743 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic decoding is not ‘frozen’ as was earlier thought, but dynamic. One facet of this is frameshifting that often results in synthesis of a C-terminal region encoded by a new frame. Ribosomal frameshifting is utilized for the synthesis of additional products, for regulatory purposes and for translational ‘correction’ of problem or ‘savior’ indels. Utilization for synthesis of additional products occurs prominently in the decoding of mobile chromosomal element and viral genomes. One class of regulatory frameshifting of stable chromosomal genes governs cellular polyamine levels from yeasts to humans. In many cases of productively utilized frameshifting, the proportion of ribosomes that frameshift at a shift-prone site is enhanced by specific nascent peptide or mRNA context features. Such mRNA signals, which can be 5′ or 3′ of the shift site or both, can act by pairing with ribosomal RNA or as stem loops or pseudoknots even with one component being 4 kb 3′ from the shift site. Transcriptional realignment at slippage-prone sequences also generates productively utilized products encoded trans-frame with respect to the genomic sequence. This too can be enhanced by nucleic acid structure. Together with dynamic codon redefinition, frameshifting is one of the forms of recoding that enriches gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Atkins
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Gary Loughran
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Pramod R Bhatt
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Andrew E Firth
- Division of Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Pavel V Baranov
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Abstract
Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the mechanism whereby ATP, the major energy source for the cell, is produced by harnessing cellular respiration in the mitochondrion. This is facilitated by five multi-subunit complexes housed within the inner mitochondrial membrane. These complexes, with the exception of complex II, are of a dual genetic origin, requiring expression from nuclear and mitochondrial genes. Mitochondrially encoded mRNA is translated on the mitochondrial ribosome (mitoribosome) and the recent release of the near atomic resolution structure of the mammalian mitoribosome has highlighted its peculiar features. However, whereas some aspects of mitochondrial translation are understood, much is to be learnt about the presentation of mitochondrial mRNA to the mitoribosome, the biogenesis of the machinery, the exact role of the membrane, the constitution of the translocon/insertion machinery and the regulation of translation in the mitochondrion. This review addresses our current knowledge of mammalian mitochondrial gene expression, highlights key questions and indicates how defects in this process can result in profound mitochondrial disease.
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Baranov PV, Atkins JF, Yordanova MM. Augmented genetic decoding: global, local and temporal alterations of decoding processes and codon meaning. Nat Rev Genet 2015; 16:517-29. [PMID: 26260261 DOI: 10.1038/nrg3963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The non-universality of the genetic code is now widely appreciated. Codes differ between organisms, and certain genes are known to alter the decoding rules in a site-specific manner. Recently discovered examples of decoding plasticity are particularly spectacular. These examples include organisms and organelles with disruptions of triplet continuity during the translation of many genes, viruses that alter the entire genetic code of their hosts and organisms that adjust their genetic code in response to changing environments. In this Review, we outline various modes of alternative genetic decoding and expand existing terminology to accommodate recently discovered manifestations of this seemingly sophisticated phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel V Baranov
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Atkins
- 1] School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Ireland. [2] Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, 15 N 2030 E Rm. 7410, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-5330, USA
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Chrzanowska-Lightowlers ZM, Lightowlers RN. Response to "Ribosome Rescue and Translation Termination at Non-standard Stop Codons by ICT1 in Mammalian Mitochondria". PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005227. [PMID: 26087262 PMCID: PMC4472777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Maria Chrzanowska-Lightowlers
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Newcastle University, Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (ZMCL); (RNL)
| | - Robert Neil Lightowlers
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Newcastle University, Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (ZMCL); (RNL)
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Ivanova NN, Schwientek P, Tripp HJ, Rinke C, Pati A, Huntemann M, Visel A, Woyke T, Kyrpides NC, Rubin EM. Stop codon reassignments in the wild. Science 2014; 344:909-13. [PMID: 24855270 DOI: 10.1126/science.1250691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The canonical genetic code is assumed to be deeply conserved across all domains of life with very few exceptions. By scanning 5.6 trillion base pairs of metagenomic data for stop codon reassignment events, we detected recoding in a substantial fraction of the >1700 environmental samples examined. We observed extensive opal and amber stop codon reassignments in bacteriophages and of opal in bacteria. Our data indicate that bacteriophages can infect hosts with a different genetic code and demonstrate phage-host antagonism based on code differences. The abundance and diversity of genetic codes present in environmental organisms should be considered in the design of engineered organisms with altered genetic codes in order to preclude the exchange of genetic information with naturally occurring species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia N Ivanova
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI), Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA
| | - Patrick Schwientek
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI), Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA
| | - H James Tripp
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI), Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA
| | - Christian Rinke
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI), Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA
| | - Amrita Pati
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI), Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA
| | - Marcel Huntemann
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI), Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA
| | - Axel Visel
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI), Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA. Genomics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Tanja Woyke
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI), Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA
| | - Nikos C Kyrpides
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI), Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA
| | - Edward M Rubin
- Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (DOE JGI), Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA. Genomics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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Lind C, Sund J, Åqvist J. Codon-reading specificities of mitochondrial release factors and translation termination at non-standard stop codons. Nat Commun 2013; 4:2940. [DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Putative mitochondrial polypeptides coded by expanded quadruplet codons, decoded by antisense tRNAs with unusual anticodons. Biosystems 2012; 110:84-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Revised: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Seligmann H. Coding constraints modulate chemically spontaneous mutational replication gradients in mitochondrial genomes. Curr Genomics 2012; 13:37-54. [PMID: 22942674 PMCID: PMC3269015 DOI: 10.2174/138920212799034802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Distances from heavy and light strand replication origins determine duration mitochondrial DNA remains singlestranded during replication. Hydrolytic deaminations from A->G and C->T occur more on single- than doublestranded DNA. Corresponding replicational nucleotide gradients exist across mitochondrial genomes, most at 3rd, least 2nd codon positions. DNA singlestrandedness during RNA transcription causes gradients mainly in long-lived species with relatively slow metabolism (high transcription/replication ratios). Third codon nucleotide contents, evolutionary results of mutation cumulation, follow replicational, not transcriptional gradients in Homo; observed human mutations follow transcriptional gradients. Synonymous third codon position transitions potentially alter adaptive off frame information. No mutational gradients occur at synonymous positions forming off frame stops (these adaptively stop early accidental frameshifted protein synthesis), nor in regions coding for putative overlapping genes according to an overlapping genetic code reassigning stop codons to amino acids. Deviation of 3rd codon nucleotide contents from deamination gradients increases with coding importance of main frame 3rd codon positions in overlapping genes (greatest if these are 2nd position in overlapping genes). Third codon position deamination gradients calculated separately for each codon family are strongest where synonymous transitions are rarely pathogenic; weakest where transitions are frequently pathogenic. Synonymous mutations affect translational accuracy, such as error compensation of misloaded tRNAs by codon-anticodon mismatches (prevents amino acid misinsertion despite tRNA misacylation), a potential cause of pathogenic mutations at synonymous codon positions. Indeed, codon-family-specific gradients are inversely proportional to error compensation associated with gradient-promoted transitions. Deamination gradients reflect spontaneous chemical reactions in singlestranded DNA, but functional coding constraints modulate gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Seligmann
- National Collections of Natural History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91404; Department of Life Sciences, Ben Gurion University, 84105 Beer Sheva, Israel
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Kogure H, Hikawa Y, Hagihara M, Tochio N, Koshiba S, Inoue Y, Güntert P, Kigawa T, Yokoyama S, Nameki N. Solution structure and siRNA-mediated knockdown analysis of the mitochondrial disease-related protein C12orf65. Proteins 2012; 80:2629-42. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.24152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Duarte I, Nabuurs SB, Magno R, Huynen M. Evolution and diversification of the organellar release factor family. Mol Biol Evol 2012; 29:3497-512. [PMID: 22688947 PMCID: PMC3472500 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/mss157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Translation termination is accomplished by proteins of the Class I release factor family (RF) that recognize stop codons and catalyze the ribosomal release of the newly synthesized peptide. Bacteria have two canonical RFs: RF1 recognizes UAA and UAG, RF2 recognizes UAA and UGA. Despite that these two release factor proteins are sufficient for de facto translation termination, the eukaryotic organellar RF protein family, which has evolved from bacterial release factors, has expanded considerably, comprising multiple subfamilies, most of which have not been functionally characterized or formally classified. Here, we integrate multiple sources of information to analyze the remarkable differentiation of the RF family among organelles. We document the origin, phylogenetic distribution and sequence structure features of the mitochondrial and plastidial release factors: mtRF1a, mtRF1, mtRF2a, mtRF2b, mtRF2c, ICT1, C12orf65, pRF1, and pRF2, and review published relevant experimental data. The canonical release factors (mtRF1a, mtRF2a, pRF1, and pRF2) and ICT1 are derived from bacterial ancestors, whereas the others have resulted from gene duplications of another release factor. These new RF family members have all lost one or more specific motifs relevant for bona fide release factor function but are mostly targeted to the same organelle as their ancestor. We also characterize the subset of canonical release factor proteins that bear nonclassical PxT/SPF tripeptide motifs and provide a molecular-model-based rationale for their retained ability to recognize stop codons. Finally, we analyze the coevolution of canonical RFs with the organellar genetic code. Although the RF presence in an organelle and its stop codon usage tend to coevolve, we find three taxa that encode an RF2 without using UGA stop codons, and one reverse scenario, where mamiellales green algae use UGA stop codons in their mitochondria without having a mitochondrial type RF2. For the latter, we put forward a “stop-codon reinvention” hypothesis that involves the retargeting of the plastid release factor to the mitochondrion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Duarte
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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26
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Huynen MA, Duarte I, Chrzanowska-Lightowlers ZMA, Nabuurs SB. Structure based hypothesis of a mitochondrial ribosome rescue mechanism. Biol Direct 2012; 7:14. [PMID: 22569235 PMCID: PMC3418547 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6150-7-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background mtRF1 is a vertebrate mitochondrial protein with an unknown function that arose from a duplication of the mitochondrial release factor mtRF1a. To elucidate the function of mtRF1, we determined the positions that are conserved among mtRF1 sequences but that are different in their mtRF1a paralogs. We subsequently modeled the 3D structure of mtRF1a and mtRF1 bound to the ribosome, highlighting the structural implications of these differences to derive a hypothesis for the function of mtRF1. Results Our model predicts, in agreement with the experimental data, that the 3D structure of mtRF1a allows it to recognize the stop codons UAA and UAG in the A-site of the ribosome. In contrast, we show that mtRF1 likely can only bind the ribosome when the A-site is devoid of mRNA. Furthermore, while mtRF1a will adopt its catalytic conformation, in which it functions as a peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase in the ribosome, only upon binding of a stop codon in the A-site, mtRF1 appears specifically adapted to assume this extended, peptidyl-tRNA hydrolyzing conformation in the absence of mRNA in the A-site. Conclusions We predict that mtRF1 specifically recognizes ribosomes with an empty A-site and is able to function as a peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase in those situations. Stalled ribosomes with empty A-sites that still contain a tRNA bound to a peptide chain can result from the translation of truncated, stop-codon less mRNAs. We hypothesize that mtRF1 recycles such stalled ribosomes, performing a function that is analogous to that of tmRNA in bacteria. Reviewers This article was reviewed by Dr. Eugene Koonin, Prof. Knud H. Nierhaus (nominated by Dr. Sarah Teichmann) and Dr. Shamil Sunyaev.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn A Huynen
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, P,O, Box 9101, 6400, HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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An overlapping genetic code for frameshifted overlapping genes in Drosophila mitochondria: Antisense antitermination tRNAs UAR insert serine. J Theor Biol 2012; 298:51-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2011.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2010] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Two genetic codes, one genome: Frameshifted primate mitochondrial genes code for additional proteins in presence of antisense antitermination tRNAs. Biosystems 2011; 105:271-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2011.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Chrzanowska-Lightowlers ZMA, Pajak A, Lightowlers RN. Termination of protein synthesis in mammalian mitochondria. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:34479-85. [PMID: 21873426 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r111.290585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
All mechanisms of protein synthesis can be considered in four stages: initiation, elongation, termination, and ribosome recycling. Remarkable progress has been made in understanding how these processes are mediated in the cytosol of many species; however, details of organellar protein synthesis remain sketchy. This is an important omission, as defects in human mitochondrial translation are known to cause disease and may contribute to the aging process itself. In this minireview, we focus on the recent advances that have been made in understanding how one of these processes, translation termination, occurs in the human mitochondrion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia M A Chrzanowska-Lightowlers
- Mitochondrial Research Group, Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
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Korostelev AA. Structural aspects of translation termination on the ribosome. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2011; 17:1409-1421. [PMID: 21700725 PMCID: PMC3153966 DOI: 10.1261/rna.2733411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Translation of genetic information encoded in messenger RNAs into polypeptide sequences is carried out by ribosomes in all organisms. When a full protein is synthesized, a stop codon positioned in the ribosomal A site signals termination of translation and protein release. Translation termination depends on class I release factors. Recently, atomic-resolution crystal structures were determined for bacterial 70S ribosome termination complexes bound with release factors RF1 or RF2. In combination with recent biochemical studies, the structures resolve long-standing questions about translation termination. They bring insights into the mechanisms of recognition of all three stop codons, peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis, and coordination of stop-codon recognition with peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis. In this review, the structural aspects of these mechanisms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei A Korostelev
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA.
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Young DJ, Edgar CD, Poole ES, Tate WP. The codon specificity of eubacterial release factors is determined by the sequence and size of the recognition loop. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2010; 16:1623-33. [PMID: 20584893 PMCID: PMC2905760 DOI: 10.1261/rna.2117010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The two codon-specific eubacterial release factors (RF1: UAA/UAG and RF2: UAA/UGA) have specific tripeptide motifs (PXT/SPF) within an exposed recognition loop shown in recent structures to interact with stop codons during protein synthesis termination. The motifs have been inferred to be critical for codon specificity, but this study shows that they are insufficient to determine specificity alone. Swapping the motifs or the entire loop between factors resulted in a loss of codon recognition rather than a switch of codon specificity. From a study of chimeric eubacterial RF1/RF2 recognition loops and an atypical shorter variant in Caenorhabditis elegans mitochondrial RF1 that lacks the classical tripeptide motif PXT, key determinants throughout the whole loop have been defined. It reveals that more than one configuration of the recognition loop based on specific sequence and size can achieve the same desired codon specificity. This study has provided unexpected insight into why a combination of the two factors is necessary in eubacteria to exclude recognition of UGG as stop.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Young
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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