Subribosomal particle analysis reveals the stages of bacterial ribosome assembly at which rRNA nucleotides are modified

Ribosomal RNA modification enzymes stimulate large ribosome subunit assembly in E. coli

Ribosomal RNA modifications are introduced by specific enzymes during ribosome assembly in bacteria. Deletion of individual modification enzymes has a minor effect on bacterial growth, ribosome biogenesis, and translation, which has complicated the definition of the function of the enzymes and their products. We have constructed an Escherichia coli strain lacking 10 genes encoding enzymes that modify 23S rRNA around the peptidyl-transferase center. This strain exhibits severely compromised growth and ribosome assembly, especially at lower temperatures. Re-introduction of the individual modification enzymes allows for the definition of their functions. The results demonstrate that in addition to previously known RlmE, also RlmB, RlmKL, RlmN and RluC facilitate large ribosome subunit assembly. RlmB and RlmKL have functions in ribosome assembly independent of their modification activities. While the assembly stage specificity of rRNA modification enzymes is well established, this study demonstrates that there is a mutual interdependence between the rRNA modification process and large ribosome subunit assembly.

RlmQ: a newly discovered rRNA modification enzyme bridging RNA modification and virulence traits in Staphylococcus aureus

rRNA modifications play crucial roles in fine-tuning the delicate balance between translation speed and accuracy, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Comparative analyses of the rRNA modifications in taxonomically distant bacteria could help define their general, as well as species-specific, roles. In this study, we identified a new methyltransferase, RlmQ, in Staphylococcus aureus responsible for the Gram-positive specific m7G2601, which is not modified in Escherichia coli (G2574). We also demonstrate the absence of methylation on C1989, equivalent to E. coli C1962, which is methylated at position 5 by the Gram-negative specific RlmI methyltransferase, a paralog of RlmQ. Both modifications (S. aureus m7G2601 and E. coli m5C1962) are situated within the same tRNA accommodation corridor, hinting at a potential shared function in translation. Inactivation of S. aureus rlmQ causes the loss of methylation at G2601 and significantly impacts growth, cytotoxicity, and biofilm formation. These findings unravel the intricate connections between rRNA modifications, translation, and virulence in pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria.

RNA Post-transcriptional Modifications of an Early-Stage Large-Subunit Ribosomal Intermediate

Protein production by ribosomes is fundamental to life, and proper assembly of the ribosome is required for protein production. The RNA, which is post-transcriptionally modified, provides the platform for ribosome assembly. Thus, a complete understanding of ribosome assembly requires the determination of the RNA post-transcriptional modifications in all of the ribosome assembly intermediates and on each pathway. There are 26 RNA post-transcriptional modifications in 23S RNA of the mature Escherichia coli (E. coli) large ribosomal subunit. The levels of these modifications have been investigated extensively only for a small number of large subunit intermediates and under a limited number of cellular and environmental conditions. In this study, we determined the level of incorporations of 2-methyl adenosine, 3-methyl pseudouridine, 5-hydroxycytosine, and seven pseudouridines in an early-stage E. coli large-subunit assembly intermediate with a sedimentation coefficient of 27S. The 27S intermediate is one of three large subunit intermediates accumulated in E. coli cells lacking the DEAD-box RNA helicase DbpA and expressing the helicase inactive R331A DbpA construct. The majority of the investigated modifications are incorporated into the 27S large subunit intermediate to similar levels to those in the mature 50S large subunit, indicating that these early modifications or the enzymes that incorporate them play important roles in the initial events of large subunit ribosome assembly.

Emerging Quantitative Biochemical, Structural, and Biophysical Methods for Studying Ribosome and Protein-RNA Complex Assembly

Ribosome assembly is one of the most fundamental processes of gene expression and has served as a playground for investigating the molecular mechanisms of how protein-RNA complexes (RNPs) assemble. A bacterial ribosome is composed of around 50 ribosomal proteins, several of which are co-transcriptionally assembled on a ~4500-nucleotide-long pre-rRNA transcript that is further processed and modified during transcription, the entire process taking around 2 min in vivo and being assisted by dozens of assembly factors. How this complex molecular process works so efficiently to produce an active ribosome has been investigated over decades, resulting in the development of a plethora of novel approaches that can also be used to study the assembly of other RNPs in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Here, we review biochemical, structural, and biophysical methods that have been developed and integrated to provide a detailed and quantitative understanding of the complex and intricate molecular process of bacterial ribosome assembly. We also discuss emerging, cutting-edge approaches that could be used in the future to study how transcription, rRNA processing, cellular factors, and the native cellular environment shape ribosome assembly and RNP assembly at large.

Cooperative role of AtRsmD and AtRimM proteins in modification and maturation of 16S rRNA in plastids

Chloroplast pre-ribosomal RNA (rRNA) undergoes maturation, which is critical for ribosome assembly. While the central and auxiliary factors in rRNA maturation have been elucidated in bacteria, their mode of action remains largely unexplored in chloroplasts. We now reveal chloroplast-specific factors involved in 16S rRNA maturation, Arabidopsis thaliana orthologs of bacterial RsmD methyltransferase (AtRsmD) and ribosome maturation factor RimM (AtRimM). A forward genetic screen aimed to find suppressors of the Arabidopsis yellow variegated 2 (var2) mutant defective in photosystem II quality control found a causal nonsense mutation in AtRsmD. The substantially impaired 16S rRNA maturation and translation due to the mutation rescued the leaf variegation phenotype by lowering the levels of chloroplast-encoded proteins, including photosystem II core proteins, in var2. The subsequent co-immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry analyses and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay found that AtRsmD interacts with AtRimM. Consistent with their interaction, loss of AtRimM also considerably impairs 16S rRNA maturation with decelerated m² G915 modification in 16S rRNA catalyzed by AtRsmD. The atrimM mutation also rescued var2 mutant phenotypes, corroborating the functional interplay between AtRsmD and AtRimM towards modification and maturation of 16S rRNA and chloroplast proteostasis. The maturation and post-transcriptional modifications of rRNA are critical to assembling ribosomes responsible for protein translation. Here, we revealed that the cooperative regulation of 16S rRNA m² G915 modifications by AtRsmD methyltransferase and ribosome assembly factor AtRimM contributes to 16S rRNA maturation, ribosome assembly, and proteostasis in chloroplasts.

The Bacillus subtilis open reading frame ysgA encodes the SPOUT methyltransferase RlmP forming 2'-O-methylguanosine at position 2553 in the A-loop of 23S rRNA

A previous bioinformatic analysis predicted that the ysgA open reading frame of Bacillus subtilis encodes an RNA methyltransferase of the SPOUT superfamily. Here we show that YsgA is the 2'-O-methyltransferase that targets position G2553 (Escherichia coli numbering) of the A-loop of 23S rRNA. This was shown by a combination of biochemical and mass spectrometry approaches using both rRNA extracted from B. subtilis wild-type or ΔysgA cells and in vitro synthesized rRNA. When the target G2553 is mutated, YsgA is able to methylate the ribose of adenosine. However, it cannot methylate cytidine nor uridine. The enzyme modifies free 23S rRNA but not the fully assembled ribosome nor the 50S subunit, suggesting that the modification occurs early during ribosome biogenesis. Nevertheless, ribosome subunits assembly is unaffected in a B. subtilis ΔysgA mutant strain. The crystal structure of the recombinant YsgA protein, combined with mutagenesis data, outlined in this article highlights a typical SPOUT fold preceded by an L7Ae/L30 (eL8/eL30 in a new nomenclature) amino-terminal domain.

Plasticity and conditional essentiality of modification enzymes for domain V of Escherichia coli 23S ribosomal RNA

Escherichia coli rRNAs are post-transcriptionally modified at 36 positions but their modification enzymes are dispensable individually for growth, bringing into question their significance. However, a major growth defect was reported for deletion of the RlmE enzyme, which abolished a 2'O methylation near the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) of the 23S rRNA. Additionally, an adjacent 80-nt "critical region" around the PTC had to be modified to yield significant peptidyl transferase activity in vitro. Surprisingly, we discovered that an absence of just two rRNA modification enzymes is conditionally lethal (at 20°C): RlmE and RluC. At a permissive temperature (37°C), this double knockout was shown to abolish four modifications and be defective in ribosome assembly, though not more so than the RlmE single knockout. However, the double knockout exhibited an even lower rate of tripeptide synthesis than did the single knockout, suggesting an even more defective ribosomal translocation. A combination knockout of the five critical-region-modifying enzymes RluC, RlmKL, RlmN, RlmM, and RluE (not RlmE), which synthesize five of the seven critical-region modifications and 14 rRNA and tRNA modifications altogether, was viable (minor growth defect at 37°C, major at 20°C). This was surprising based on prior in vitro studies. This five-knockout combination had minimal effects on ribosome assembly and frameshifting at 37°C, but greater effects on ribosome assembly and in vitro peptidyl transferase activity at cooler temperatures. These results establish the conditional essentiality of bacterial rRNA modification enzymes and also reveal unexpected plasticity of modification of the PTC region in vivo.

RNA Post-Transcriptional Modifications in Two Large Subunit Intermediates Populated in E. coli Cells Expressing Helicase Inactive R331A DbpA

23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of Escherichia coli 50S large ribosome subunit contains 26 post-transcriptionally modified nucleosides. Here, we determine the extent of modifications in the 35S and 45S large subunit intermediates, accumulating in cells expressing the helicase inactive DbpA protein, R331A, and the native 50S large subunit. The modifications we characterized are 3-methylpseudouridine, 2-methyladenine, 5-hydroxycytidine, and nine pseudouridines. These modifications were detected using 1-cyclohexyl-3-(2-morpholinoethyl)carbodiimide metho-p-toluenesulfonate (CMCT) treatment followed by alkaline treatment. In addition, KMnO₄ treatment of 23S rRNA was employed to detect 5-hydroxycytidine modification. CMCT and KMnO₄ treatments produce chemical changes in modified nucleotides that cause reverse transcriptase misincorporations and deletions, which were detected employing next-generation sequencing. Our results show that the 2-methyladenine modification and seven uridines to pseudouridine isomerizations are present in both the 35S and 45S to similar extents as in the 50S. Hence, the enzymes that perform these modifications, namely, RluA, RluB, RluC, RluE, RluF, and RlmN, have already acted in the intermediates. Two uridines to pseudouridine isomerizations, the 3-methylpseudouridine and 5-hydroxycytidine modifications, are significantly less present in the 35S and 45S, as compared to the 50S. Therefore, the enzymes that incorporate these modifications, RluD, RlmH, and RlhA, are in the process of modifying the 35S and 45S or will incorporate these modifications during the later stages of ribosome assembly. Our study employs a novel high throughput and single nucleotide resolution technique for the detection of 2-methyladenine and two novel high throughput and single nucleotide resolution techniques for the detection of 5-hydroxycytidine.

Direct detection of RNA modifications and structure using single-molecule nanopore sequencing

Modifications are present on many classes of RNA, including tRNA, rRNA, and mRNA. These modifications modulate diverse biological processes such as genetic recoding and mRNA export and folding. In addition, modifications can be introduced to RNA molecules using chemical probing strategies that reveal RNA structure and dynamics. Many methods exist to detect RNA modifications by short-read sequencing; however, limitations on read length inherent to short-read-based methods dissociate modifications from their native context, preventing single-molecule modification analysis. Here, we demonstrate direct RNA nanopore sequencing to detect endogenous and exogenous RNA modifications on long RNAs at the single-molecule level. We detect endogenous 2'-O-methyl and base modifications across E. coli and S. cerevisiae ribosomal RNAs as shifts in current signal and dwell times distally through interactions with the helicase motor protein. We further use the 2'-hydroxyl reactive SHAPE reagent acetylimidazole to probe RNA structure at the single-molecule level with readout by direct nanopore sequencing.

Stephenson et al. employ direct RNA nanopore sequencing to detect endogenous and exogenous modifications on single RNA molecules. The authors demonstrate detection of endogenous 2'-O-methylation (Nm) on native ribosomal RNAs, confirming known modification patterns. They describe the development of nanoSHAPE, a method that involves exogenously labeling RNA with a small-adduct-generating chemical probe that can reveal RNA structure using long-read sequencing.

Uncovering a delicate balance between endonuclease RNase III and ribosomal protein S15 in E. coli ribosome assembly

The bacterial ribosomal protein S15 is located in the platform, a functional region of the 30S ribosomal subunit. While S15 is critical for in vitro formation of E. coli small subunits (SSUs), it is dispensable for in vivo biogenesis and growth. In this work, a novel synergistic interaction between rpsO, the gene that encodes S15, and rnc (the gene that encodes RNase III), was uncovered in E. coli. RNase III catalyzes processing of precursor ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcripts and thus is involved in functional ribosome subunit maturation. Strains lacking S15 (ΔrpsO), RNase III (Δrnc) or both genes were examined to understand the relationship between these two factors and the impact of this double deletion on rRNA processing and SSU maturation. The double deletion of rpsO and rnc partially alleviates the observed cold sensitivity of ΔrpsO alone. A novel 16S rRNA precursor (17S∗ rRNA) that is detected in free 30S subunits of Δrnc is incorporated in 70S-like ribosomes in the double deletion. The stable accumulation of 17S∗ rRNA suggests that timing of processing events is closely coupled with SSU formation events in vivo. The double deletion has a suppressive effect on the cell elongation phenotype of ΔrpsO. The alteration of the phenotypes associated with S15 loss, due to the absence of RNase III, indicates that pre-rRNA processing and improvement of growth, relative to that observed for ΔrpsO, are connected. The characterization of the functional link between the two factors illustrates that there are redundancies and compensatory pathways for SSU maturation.

A comprehensive review of m6A/m6Am RNA methyltransferase structures

Gene expression is regulated at many levels including co- or post-transcriptionally, where chemical modifications are added to RNA on riboses and bases. Expression control via RNA modifications has been termed 'epitranscriptomics' to keep with the related 'epigenomics' for DNA modification. One such RNA modification is the N6-methylation found on adenosine (m6A) and 2'-O-methyladenosine (m6Am) in most types of RNA. The N6-methylation can affect the fold, stability, degradation and cellular interaction(s) of the modified RNA, implicating it in processes such as splicing, translation, export and decay. The multiple roles played by this modification explains why m6A misregulation is connected to multiple human cancers. The m6A/m6Am writer enzymes are RNA methyltransferases (MTases). Structures are available for functionally characterized m6A RNA MTases from human (m6A mRNA, m6A snRNA, m6A rRNA and m6Am mRNA MTases), zebrafish (m6Am mRNA MTase) and bacteria (m6A rRNA MTase). For each of these MTases, we describe their overall domain organization, the active site architecture and the substrate binding. We identify areas that remain to be investigated, propose yet unexplored routes for structural characterization of MTase:substrate complexes, and highlight common structural elements that should be described for future m6A/m6Am RNA MTase structures.

High-resolution structure of eukaryotic Fibrillarin interacting with Nop56 amino-terminal domain

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) carries extensive 2'-O-methyl marks at functionally important sites. This simple chemical modification is thought to confer stability, promote RNA folding, and contribute to generate a heterogenous ribosome population with a yet-uncharacterized function. 2'-O-methylation occurs both in archaea and eukaryotes and is accomplished by the Box C/D RNP enzyme in an RNA-guided manner. Extensive and partially conflicting structural information exists for the archaeal enzyme, while no structural data is available for the eukaryotic enzyme. The yeast Box C/D RNP consists of a guide RNA, the RNA-primary binding protein Snu13, the two scaffold proteins Nop56 and Nop58, and the enzymatic module Nop1. Here we present the high-resolution structure of the eukaryotic Box C/D methyltransferase Nop1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae bound to the amino-terminal domain of Nop56. We discuss similarities and differences between the interaction modes of the two proteins in archaea and eukaryotes and demonstrate that eukaryotic Nop56 recruits the methyltransferase to the Box C/D RNP through a protein-protein interface that differs substantially from the archaeal orthologs. This study represents a first achievement in understanding the evolution of the structure and function of these proteins from archaea to eukaryotes.

N4-methylcytidine ribosomal RNA methylation in chloroplasts is crucial for chloroplast function, development, and abscisic acid response in Arabidopsis

Although the essential role of messenger RNA methylation in the nucleus is increasingly understood, the nature of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) methyltransferases and the role of rRNA methylation in chloroplasts remain largely unknown. A recent study revealed that CMAL (for Chloroplast mr aW- Like) is a chloroplast-localized rRNA methyltransferase that is responsible for N4-methylcytidine (m⁴ C) in 16S chloroplast rRNA in Arabidopsis thaliana. In this study, we further examined the role of CMAL in chloroplast biogenesis and function, development, and hormone response. The cmal mutant showed reduced chlorophyll biosynthesis, photosynthetic activity, and growth-defect phenotypes, including severely stunted stems, fewer siliques, and lower seed yield. The cmal mutant was hypersensitive to chloroplast translation inhibitors, such as lincomycin and erythromycin, indicating that the m⁴ C-methylation defect in the 16S rRNA leads to a reduced translational activity in chloroplasts. Importantly, the stunted stem of the cmal mutant was partially rescued by exogenous gibberellic acid or auxin. The cmal mutant grew poorer than wild type, whereas the CMAL-overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis plants grew better than wild type in the presence of abscisic acid. Altogether, these results indicate that CMAL is an indispensable rRNA methyltransferase in chloroplasts and is crucial for chloroplast biogenesis and function, photosynthesis, and hormone response during plant growth and development.

Snapshots of native pre-50S ribosomes reveal a biogenesis factor network and evolutionary specialization

Ribosome biogenesis is a fundamental multi-step cellular process that culminates in the formation of ribosomal subunits, whose production and modification are regulated by numerous biogenesis factors. In this study, we analyze physiologic prokaryotic ribosome biogenesis by isolating bona fide pre-50S subunits from an Escherichia coli strain with the biogenesis factor ObgE, affinity tagged at its native gene locus. Our integrative structural approach reveals a network of interacting biogenesis factors consisting of YjgA, RluD, RsfS, and ObgE on the immature pre-50S subunit. In addition, our study provides mechanistic insight into how the GTPase ObgE, in concert with other biogenesis factors, facilitates the maturation of the 50S functional core and reveals both conserved and divergent evolutionary features of ribosome biogenesis between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

METTL15 interacts with the assembly intermediate of murine mitochondrial small ribosomal subunit to form m4C840 12S rRNA residue

Mammalian mitochondrial ribosomes contain a set of modified nucleotides, which is distinct from that of the cytosolic ribosomes. Nucleotide m4C840 of the murine mitochondrial 12S rRNA is equivalent to the dimethylated m4Cm1402 residue of Escherichia coli 16S rRNA. Here we demonstrate that mouse METTL15 protein is responsible for the formation of m4C residue of the 12S rRNA. Inactivation of Mettl15 gene in murine cell line perturbs the composition of mitochondrial protein biosynthesis machinery. Identification of METTL15 interaction partners revealed that the likely substrate for this RNA methyltransferase is an assembly intermediate of the mitochondrial small ribosomal subunit containing an assembly factor RBFA.

Methylation of Ribosomal RNA: A Mitochondrial Perspective

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) from all organisms undergoes post-transcriptional modifications that increase the diversity of its composition and activity. In mitochondria, specialized mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) are responsible for the synthesis of 13 oxidative phosphorylation proteins encoded by the mitochondrial genome. Mitoribosomal RNA is also modified, with 10 modifications thus far identified and all corresponding modifying enzymes described. This form of epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial gene expression affects mitoribosome biogenesis and function. Here, we provide an overview on rRNA methylation and highlight critical work that is beginning to elucidate its role in mitochondrial gene expression. Given the similarities between bacterial and mitochondrial ribosomes, we focus on studies involving Escherichia coli and human models. Furthermore, we highlight the use of state-of-the-art technologies, such as cryoEM in the study of rRNA methylation and its biological relevance. Understanding the mechanisms and functional relevance of this process represents an exciting frontier in the RNA biology and mitochondrial fields.

RsmG forms stable complexes with premature small subunit rRNA during bacterial ribosome biogenesis

The ribosome is the ribonucleoprotein machine that carries out protein biosynthesis in all forms of life. Perfect synchronization between ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription, folding, post-transcriptional modification, maturation, and assembly of r-proteins is essential for the rapid formation of structurally and functionally accurate ribosomes. Many RNA nucleotide modification enzymes may function as assembly factors that oversee the accuracy of ribosome assembly. The protein RsmG is a methyltransferase enzyme that is responsible for N7 methylation in G527 of 16S rRNA. Here we illustrate the ability of RsmG to bind various premature small subunit ribosomal RNAs with contrasting affinities. Protein RsmG binds with approximately 15-times higher affinity to premature 16S rRNA with the full leader sequence compared to that of mature 16S rRNA. Various r-proteins which bind to the 5′-domain influence RsmG binding. The observed binding cooperativity between RsmG and r-proteins is sensitive to the maturation status of premature small subunit rRNA. However, neither the maturation of 16S rRNA nor the presence of various r-proteins significantly influence the methylation activity of RsmG. The capability of RsmG to bind to premature small subunit rRNA and alter its binding preference to various RNA–protein complexes based on the maturation of rRNA indicates its ability to influence ribosome assembly.

RsmG is the methyltransferase responsible for the N7 methylation of G527 of 16S rRNA. Here we show that RsmG binds preferably to premature bacterial small subunit rRNA. The presence of ribosomal proteins also influences the stability of RsmG–rRNA complexes.

Pseudouridine Synthase RsuA Captures an Assembly Intermediate that Is Stabilized by Ribosomal Protein S17

The ribosome is a large ribonucleoprotein complex that synthesizes protein in all living organisms. Ribosome biogenesis is a complex process that requires synchronization of various cellular events, including ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription, ribosome assembly, and processing and post-transcriptional modification of rRNA. Ribosome biogenesis is fine-tuned with various assembly factors, possibly including nucleotide modification enzymes. Ribosomal small subunit pseudouridine synthase A (RsuA) pseudouridylates U516 of 16S helix 18. Protein RsuA is a multi-domain protein that contains the N-terminal peripheral domain, which is structurally similar to the ribosomal protein S4. Our study shows RsuA preferably binds and pseudouridylates an assembly intermediate that is stabilized by ribosomal protein S17 over the native-like complex. In addition, the N-terminal domain truncated RsuA showed that the presence of the S4-like domain is important for RsuA substrate recognition.

Ribosomal RNA Methyltransferase RsmC Moonlights as an RNA Chaperone

Ribosomes are ribonucleoprotein particles that are essential for protein biosynthesis in all forms of life. During ribosome biogenesis, transcription, folding, modification, and processing of rRNA are coupled to the assembly of proteins. Various assembly factors are required to synchronize all different processes that occur during ribosome biogenesis. Herein, the RNA chaperone and RNA strand annealing activity of rRNA modification enzyme ribosome small subunit methyltransferase C (RsmC), which modifies guanine to 2-methylguanosine (m² G) at position 1207 of 16S rRNA (Escherichia coli nucleotide numbering) located at helix 34 (h34), are reported. A 25-fold increase in the h34 RNA strand annealing rates is observed in the presence of RsmC. Single-molecule FRET experiments confirmed the ability of protein RsmC to denature a non-native structure formed by one of the two h34 strands and to form a native-like duplex. This observed RNA chaperone activity of protein RsmC might play a vital role in the rapid generation of functional ribosomes.

Structural and evolutionary insights into ribosomal RNA methylation

Methylation of nucleotides in ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) is a ubiquitous feature that occurs in all living organisms. Identification of all enzymes responsible for rRNA methylation, as well as mapping of all modified rRNA residues, is now complete for a number of model species, such as Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Recent high-resolution structures of bacterial ribosomes provided the first direct visualization of methylated nucleotides. The structures of ribosomes from various organisms and organelles have also lately become available, enabling comparative structure-based analysis of rRNA methylation sites in various taxonomic groups. In addition to the conserved core of modified residues in ribosomes from the majority of studied organisms, structural analysis points to the functional roles of some of the rRNA methylations, which are discussed in this Review in an evolutionary context.

Assembly and functionality of the ribosome with tethered subunits

Ribo-T is an engineered ribosome whose small and large subunits are tethered together by linking 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA in a single molecule. Although Ribo-T can support cell proliferation in the absence of wild type ribosomes, Ribo-T cells grow slower than those with wild type ribosomes. Here, we show that cell growth defect is likely explained primarily by slow Ribo-T assembly rather than its imperfect functionality. Ribo-T maturation is stalled at a late assembly stage. Several post-transcriptional rRNA modifications and some ribosomal proteins are underrepresented in the accumulated assembly intermediates and rRNA ends are incompletely trimmed. Ribosome profiling of Ribo-T cells shows no defects in translation elongation but reveals somewhat higher occupancy by Ribo-T of the start codons and to a lesser extent stop codons, suggesting that subunit tethering mildly affects the initiation and termination stages of translation. Understanding limitations of Ribo-T system offers ways for its future development.

The tethered ribosome system Ribo-T supports cell proliferation though at a reduced rate. Here the authors show this is due to slower ribosome assembly instead of reduced functionality.

Pseudomonas putida Responds to the Toxin GraT by Inducing Ribosome Biogenesis Factors and Repressing TCA Cycle Enzymes

The potentially self-poisonous toxin-antitoxin modules are widespread in bacterial chromosomes, but despite extensive studies, their biological importance remains poorly understood. Here, we used whole-cell proteomics to study the cellular effects of the Pseudomonas putida toxin GraT that is known to inhibit growth and ribosome maturation in a cold-dependent manner when the graA antitoxin gene is deleted from the genome. Proteomic analysis of P. putida wild-type and ΔgraA strains at 30 °C and 25 °C, where the growth is differently affected by GraT, revealed two major responses to GraT at both temperatures. First, ribosome biogenesis factors, including the RNA helicase DeaD and RNase III, are upregulated in ΔgraA. This likely serves to alleviate the ribosome biogenesis defect of the ΔgraA strain. Secondly, proteome data indicated that GraT induces downregulation of central carbon metabolism, as suggested by the decreased levels of TCA cycle enzymes isocitrate dehydrogenase Idh, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase subunit SucA, and succinate-CoA ligase subunit SucD. Metabolomic analysis revealed remarkable GraT-dependent accumulation of oxaloacetate at 25 °C and a reduced amount of malate, another TCA intermediate. The accumulation of oxaloacetate is likely due to decreased flux through the TCA cycle but also indicates inhibition of anabolic pathways in GraT-affected bacteria. Thus, proteomic and metabolomic analysis of the ΔgraA strain revealed that GraT-mediated stress triggers several responses that reprogram the cell physiology to alleviate the GraT-caused damage.

Mapping of ribosomal 23S ribosomal RNA modifications in Clostridium sporogenes

All organisms contain RNA modifications in their ribosomal RNA (rRNA), but the importance, positions and exact function of these are still not fully elucidated. Various functions such as stabilizing structures, controlling ribosome assembly and facilitating interactions have been suggested and in some cases substantiated. Bacterial rRNA contains much fewer modifications than eukaryotic rRNA. The rRNA modification patterns in bacteria differ from each other, but too few organisms have been mapped to draw general conclusions. This study maps 23S ribosomal RNA modifications in Clostridium sporogenes that can be characterized as a non-toxin producing Clostridium botulinum. Clostridia are able to sporulate and thereby survive harsh conditions, and are in general considered to be resilient to antibiotics. Selected regions of the 23S rRNA were investigated by mass spectrometry and by primer extension analysis to pinpoint modified sites and the nature of the modifications. Apparently, C. sporogenes 23S rRNA contains few modifications compared to other investigated bacteria. No modifications were identified in domain II and III of 23S rRNA. Three modifications were identified in domain IV, all of which have also been found in other organisms. Two unusual modifications were identified in domain V, methylated dihydrouridine at position U2449 and dihydrouridine at position U2500 (Escherichia coli numbering), in addition to four previously known modified positions. The enzymes responsible for the modifications were searched for in the C. sporogenes genome using BLAST with characterized enzymes as query. The search identified genes potentially coding for RNA modifying enzymes responsible for most of the found modifications.

Molecular Determinants for 23S rRNA Recognition and Modification by the E. coli Pseudouridine Synthase RluE

The isomerization of uridine to pseudouridine is the most common type of RNA modification found in RNAs across all domains of life and is performed by RNA-dependent and RNA-independent enzymes. The Escherichia coli pseudouridine synthase RluE acts as a stand-alone, highly specific enzyme forming the universally conserved pseudouridine at position 2457, located in helix 89 (H89) of the 23S rRNA in the peptidyltransferase center. Here, we conduct a detailed structure-function analysis to determine the structural elements both in RluE and in 23S rRNA required for RNA-protein interaction and pseudouridine formation. We determined that RluE recognizes a large part of 23S rRNA comprising both H89 and the single-stranded flanking regions which explains the high substrate specificity of RluE. Within RluE, the target RNA is recognized through sequence-specific contacts with loop L7-8 as well as interactions with loop L1-2 and the flexible N-terminal region. We demonstrate that RluE is a faster pseudouridine synthase than other enzymes which likely enables it to act in the early stages of ribosome formation. In summary, our biochemical characterization of RluE provides detailed insight into the molecular mechanism of RluE forming a highly conserved pseudouridine during ribosome biogenesis.

Pseudouridine-Free Escherichia coli Ribosomes

Pseudouridine (Ψ) is present at conserved, functionally important regions in the ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) from all three domains of life. Little, however, is known about the functions of Ψ modifications in bacterial ribosomes. An Escherichia coli strain has been constructed in which all seven rRNA Ψ synthases have been inactivated and whose ribosomes are devoid of all Ψs. Surprisingly, this strain displays only minor defects in ribosome biogenesis and function, and cell growth is only modestly affected. This is in contrast to a strong requirement for Ψ in eukaryotic ribosomes and suggests divergent roles for rRNA Ψ modifications in these two domains.IMPORTANCE Pseudouridine (Ψ) is the most abundant posttranscriptional modification in RNAs. In the ribosome, Ψ modifications are typically located at conserved, critical regions, suggesting they play an important functional role. In eukarya and archaea, rRNAs are modified by a single pseudouridine synthase (PUS) enzyme, targeted to rRNA via a snoRNA-dependent mechanism, while bacteria use multiple stand-alone PUS enzymes. Disruption of Ψ modification of rRNA in eukarya seriously impairs ribosome function and cell growth. We have constructed an E. coli multiple deletion strain lacking all Ψ modifications in rRNA. In contrast to the equivalent eukaryotic mutants, the E. coli strain is only modestly affected in growth, decoding, and ribosome biogenesis, indicating a differential requirement for Ψ modifications in these two domains.

Random pseuoduridylation in vivo reveals critical region of Escherichia coli 23S rRNA for ribosome assembly

Pseudouridine is the most common modified nucleoside in RNA, which is found in stable RNA species and in eukaryotic mRNAs. Functional analysis of pseudouridine is complicated by marginal effect of its absence. We demonstrate that excessive pseudouridines in rRNA inhibit ribosome assembly. Ten-fold increase of pseudouridines in the 16S and 23S rRNA made by a chimeric pseudouridine synthase leads to accumulation of the incompletely assembled large ribosome subunits. Hyper modified 23S rRNA is found in the r-protein assembly defective particles and are selected against in the 70S and polysome fractions showing modification interference. Eighteen positions of 23S rRNA were identified where isomerization of uridines interferes with ribosome assembly. Most of the interference sites are located in the conserved core of the large subunit, in the domain 0 of 23S rRNA, around the peptide exit tunnel. A plausible reason for pseudouridine-dependent inhibition of ribosome assembly is stabilization of rRNA structure, which leads to the folding traps of rRNA and to the retardation of the ribosome assembly.

Bypassing rRNA methylation by RsmA/Dim1during ribosome maturation in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Nanoarchaeum equitans

In all free-living organisms a late-stage checkpoint in the biogenesis of the small ribosomal subunit involves rRNA modification by an RsmA/Dim1 methyltransferase. The hyperthermophilic archaeon Nanoarchaeum equitans, whose existence is confined to the surface of a second archaeon, Ignicoccus hospitalis, lacks an RsmA/Dim1 homolog. We demonstrate here that the I. hospitalis host possesses the homolog Igni_1059, which dimethylates the N6-positions of two invariant adenosines within helix 45 of 16S rRNA in a manner identical to other RsmA/Dim1 enzymes. However, Igni_1059 is not transferred from I. hospitalis to N. equitans across their fused cell membrane structures and the corresponding nucleotides in N. equitans 16S rRNA remain unmethylated. An alternative mechanism for ribosomal subunit maturation in N. equitans is suggested by sRNA interactions that span the redundant RsmA/Dim1 site to introduce 2΄-O-ribose methylations within helices 44 and 45 of the rRNA.

Similarity and diversity of translational GTPase factors EF-G, EF4, and BipA: From structure to function

EF-G, EF4, and BipA are members of the translation factor family of GTPases with a common ribosome binding mode and GTPase activation mechanism. However, topological variations of shared as well as unique domains ensure different roles played by these proteins during translation. Recent X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy studies have revealed the structural basis for the involvement of EF-G domain IV in securing the movement of tRNAs and mRNA during translocation as well as revealing how the unique C-terminal domains of EF4 and BipA interact with the ribosome and tRNAs contributing to the regulation of translation under certain conditions. EF-G, EF-4, and BipA are intriguing examples of structural variations on a common theme that results in diverse behavior and function. Structural studies of translational GTPase factors have been greatly facilitated by the use of antibiotics, which have revealed their mechanism of action.

The toxin GraT inhibits ribosome biogenesis

Most bacteria encode numerous chromosomal toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems that are proposed to contribute to stress tolerance, as they are able to shift the cells to a dormant state. Toxins act on a variety of targets with the majority attacking the translational apparatus. Intriguingly, the toxicity mechanisms of even closely related toxins may differ essentially. Here, we report on a new type of TA toxin that inhibits ribosome biogenesis. GraT of the GraTA system has previously been described in Pseudomonas putida as an unusually moderate toxin at optimal growth temperatures. However, GraT causes a severe growth defect at lower temperatures. Here, we demonstrate that GraT causes the accumulation of free ribosomal subunits. Mapping the rRNA 5' ends reveals incomplete processing of the free subunits and quantification of modified nucleosides shows an underrepresentation of late subunit assembly specific modifications. This indicates that GraT inhibits ribosome subunit assembly. Interestingly, GraT effects can be alleviated by modification of the chaperone DnaK, a known facilitator of late stages in ribosome biogenesis. We show that GraT directly interacts with DnaK and suggest two possible models for the role of this interaction in GraT toxicity.

Single methylation of 23S rRNA triggers late steps of 50S ribosomal subunit assembly

Ribosome biogenesis requires multiple assembly factors. In Escherichia coli, deletion of RlmE, the methyltransferase responsible for the 2'-O-methyluridine modification at position 2552 (Um2552) in helix 92 of the 23S rRNA, results in slow growth and accumulation of the 45S particle. We demonstrate that the 45S particle that accumulates in ΔrlmE is a genuine precursor that can be assembled into the 50S subunit. Indeed, 50S formation from the 45S precursor could be promoted by RlmE-mediated Um2552 formation in vitro. Ribosomal protein L36 (encoded by rpmJ) was completely absent from the 45S precursor in ΔrlmE, and we observed a strong genetic interaction between rlmE and rpmJ. Structural probing of 23S rRNA and high-salt stripping of 45S components revealed that RlmE-mediated methylation promotes interdomain interactions via the association between helices 92 and 71, stabilized by the single 2'-O-methylation of Um2552, in concert with the incorporation of L36, triggering late steps of 50S subunit assembly.

Implications of macromolecular crowding and reducing conditions for in vitro ribosome construction

In vitro construction of Escherichia coli ribosomes could elucidate a deeper understanding of these complex molecular machines and make possible the production of synthetic variants with new functions. Toward this goal, we recently developed an integrated synthesis, assembly and translation (iSAT) system that allows for co-activation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription and ribosome assembly, mRNA transcription and protein translation without intact cells. Here, we discovered that macromolecular crowding and reducing agents increase overall iSAT protein synthesis; the combination of 6% w/v Ficoll 400 and 2 mM DTBA yielded approximately a five-fold increase in overall iSAT protein synthesis activity. By utilizing a fluorescent RNA aptamer, fluorescent reporter proteins and ribosome sedimentation analysis, we showed that crowding agents increase iSAT yields by enhancing translation while reducing agents increase rRNA transcription and ribosome assembly. Finally, we showed that iSAT ribosomes possess ∼70% of the protein synthesis activity of in vivo-assembled E. coli ribosomes. This work improves iSAT protein synthesis through the addition of crowding and reducing agents, provides a thorough understanding of the effect of these additives within the iSAT system and demonstrates how iSAT allows for manipulation and analysis of ribosome biogenesis in the context of an in vitro transcription-translation system.

Fluorescence-based monitoring of ribosome assembly landscapes

BACKGROUND

Ribosomes and functional complexes of them have been analyzed at the atomic level. Far less is known about the dynamic assembly and degradation events that define the half-life of ribosomes and guarantee their quality control.

RESULTS

We developed a system that allows visualization of intact ribosomal subunits and assembly intermediates (i.e. assembly landscapes) by convenient fluorescence-based analysis. To this end, we labeled the early assembly ribosomal proteins L1 and S15 with the fluorescent proteins mAzami green and mCherry, respectively, using chromosomal gene insertion. The reporter strain harbors fluorescently labeled ribosomal subunits that operate wild type-like, as shown by biochemical and growth assays. Using genetic and chemical perturbations by depleting genes encoding the ribosomal proteins L3 and S17, respectively, or using ribosome-targeting antibiotics, we provoked ribosomal subunit assembly defects. These defects were readily identified by fluorometric analysis after sucrose density centrifugation in unprecedented resolution.

CONCLUSION

This strategy is useful to monitor and characterize subunit specific assembly defects caused by ribosome-targeting drugs that are currently used and to characterize new molecules that affect ribosome assembly and thereby constitute new classes of antibacterial agents.

NSUN4 is a dual function mitochondrial protein required for both methylation of 12S rRNA and coordination of mitoribosomal assembly

Biogenesis of mammalian mitochondrial ribosomes requires a concerted maturation of both the small (SSU) and large subunit (LSU). We demonstrate here that the m⁵C methyltransferase NSUN4, which forms a complex with MTERF4, is essential in mitochondrial ribosomal biogenesis as mitochondrial translation is abolished in conditional Nsun4 mouse knockouts. Deep sequencing of bisulfite-treated RNA shows that NSUN4 methylates cytosine 911 in 12S rRNA (m5C911) of the SSU. Surprisingly, NSUN4 does not need MTERF4 to generate this modification. Instead, the NSUN4/MTERF4 complex is required to assemble the SSU and LSU to form a monosome. NSUN4 is thus a dual function protein, which on the one hand is needed for 12S rRNA methylation and, on the other hand interacts with MTERF4 to facilitate monosome assembly. The presented data suggest that NSUN4 has a key role in controlling a final step in ribosome biogenesis to ensure that only the mature SSU and LSU are assembled.

Mitochondria perform a number of essential functions in the cell, including synthesis of ATP via the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. Normal mitochondrial function requires coordinated expression of two genomes: mitochondria's own genome (mtDNA), which encodes 13 respiratory chain subunits with essential structural and functional roles for the OXPHOS system, and the nuclear genome encoding the remaining ∼80 subunits. The mtDNA-encoded polypeptides are synthesized on mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) located in the mitochondrial matrix. Biogenesis, maintenance and regulation of the complex mitochondrial translation apparatus are poorly understood despite its fundamental importance for cellular energy homeostasis. Here, we show that inactivation of the Nsun4 gene, encoding a mitochondrial m⁵C-methyltransferase, causes embryonic lethality, whereas tissue-specific disruption of Nsun4 in the heart causes cardiomyopathy with mitochondrial dysfunction. By performing sequencing of bisulfite-treated RNA we report that NSUN4 methylates C911 in 12S rRNA of the small ribosomal subunit. Surprisingly, NSUN4 can on its own perform this rRNA modification, whereas interaction with its partner protein MTERF4 is required for assembly of functional ribosomes. NSUN4 thus has dual roles in ribosome maturation and performs an important final quality control step to ensure that only mature mitoribosomal subunits are assembled into functional ribosomes.

Quantitative analysis of rRNA modifications using stable isotope labeling and mass spectrometry

Post-transcriptional RNA modifications that are introduced during the multistep ribosome biogenesis process are essential for protein synthesis. The current lack of a comprehensive method for a fast quantitative analysis of rRNA modifications significantly limits our understanding of how individual modification steps are coordinated during biogenesis inside the cell. Here, an LC-MS approach has been developed and successfully applied for quantitative monitoring of 29 out of 36 modified residues in the 16S and 23S rRNA from Escherichia coli. An isotope labeling strategy is described for efficient identification of ribose and base methylations, and a novel metabolic labeling approach is presented to allow identification of MS-silent pseudouridine modifications. The method was used to measure relative abundances of modified residues in incomplete ribosomal subunits compared to a mature ¹⁵N-labeled rRNA standard, and a number of modifications in both 16S and 23S rRNA were present in substoichiometric amounts in the preribosomal particles. The RNA modification levels correlate well with previously obtained profiles for the ribosomal proteins, suggesting that RNA is modified in a schedule comparable to the association of the ribosomal proteins. Importantly, this study establishes an efficient workflow for a global monitoring of ribosomal modifications that will contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms of RNA modifications and their impact on intracellular processes in the future.

Functional implications of ribosomal RNA methylation in response to environmental stress

The study of post-transcriptional RNA modifications has long been focused on the roles these chemical modifications play in maintaining ribosomal function. The field of ribosomal RNA modification has reached a milestone in recent years with the confirmation of the final unknown ribosomal RNA methyltransferase in Escherichia coli in 2012. Furthermore, the last 10 years have brought numerous discoveries in non-coding RNAs and the roles that post-transcriptional modification play in their functions. These observations indicate the need for a revitalization of this field of research to understand the role modifications play in maintaining cellular health in a dynamic environment. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies, the time is ripe for leaps and bounds forward. This review discusses ribosomal RNA methyltransferases and their role in responding to external stress in Escherichia coli, with a specific focus on knockout studies and on analysis of transcriptome data with respect to rRNA methyltransferases.

Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the 23S rRNA methyltransferase RlmJ from Escherichia coli

Methyltransferase RlmJ uses the cofactor S-adenosylmethionine to methylate the exocyclic nitrogen N6 of nucleotide A2030 in 23S rRNA during ribosome assembly in Escherichia coli. RlmJ with a C-terminal hexahistidine tag was overexpressed in E. coli and purified as a monomer using Ni(2+)-affinity and size-exclusion chromatography. The recombinant RlmJ was crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method and a full data set was collected to 1.85 Å resolution from a single apo crystal. The crystals belonged to space group P2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 46.9, b = 77.8, c = 82.5 Å, β = 104°. Data analysis suggested two molecules per asymmetric unit and a Matthews coefficient of 2.20 Å(3) Da(-1).

Evaluating the reproducibility of quantifying modified nucleosides from ribonucleic acids by LC-UV-MS

Post-transcriptional chemical covalent modification of adenosine, guanosine, uridine and cytidine occurs frequently in all types of ribonucleic acids (RNAs). In ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) these modifications make important contributions to RNA structure and stability and to the accuracy and efficiency of protein translation. The functional dynamics, synergistic nature and regulatory roles of these posttranscriptional nucleoside modifications within the cell are not well characterized. These modifications are present at very low levels and isolation of individual nucleosides for analysis requires a complex multi-step approach. The focus of this study is to characterize the reproducibility of a liquid chromatography method used to isolate and quantitatively characterize modified nucleosides in tRNA and rRNA when nucleoside detection is performed using ultraviolet and mass spectrometric detection (UV and MS, respectively). Despite the analytical challenges of sample isolation and dynamic range, quantitative profiling of modified nucleosides obtained from bacterial tRNAs and rRNAs is feasible at relative standard deviations of 5% RSD or less.

Structural and functional insights into the molecular mechanism of rRNA m6A methyltransferase RlmJ

RlmJ catalyzes the m⁶A2030 methylation of 23S rRNA during ribosome biogenesis in Escherichia coli. Here, we present crystal structures of RlmJ in apo form, in complex with the cofactor S-adenosyl-methionine and in complex with S-adenosyl-homocysteine plus the substrate analogue adenosine monophosphate (AMP). RlmJ displays a variant of the Rossmann-like methyltransferase (MTase) fold with an inserted helical subdomain. Binding of cofactor and substrate induces a large shift of the N-terminal motif X tail to make it cover the cofactor binding site and trigger active-site changes in motifs IV and VIII. Adenosine monophosphate binds in a partly accommodated state with the target N6 atom 7 Å away from the sulphur of AdoHcy. The active site of RlmJ with motif IV sequence ₁₆₄DPPY₁₆₇ is more similar to DNA m⁶A MTases than to RNA m⁶₂A MTases, and structural comparison suggests that RlmJ binds its substrate base similarly to DNA MTases T4Dam and M.TaqI. RlmJ methylates in vitro transcribed 23S rRNA, as well as a minimal substrate corresponding to helix 72, demonstrating independence of previous modifications and tertiary interactions in the RNA substrate. RlmJ displays specificity for adenosine, and mutagenesis experiments demonstrate the critical roles of residues Y4, H6, K18 and D164 in methyl transfer.

The last rRNA methyltransferase of E. coli revealed: the yhiR gene encodes adenine-N6 methyltransferase specific for modification of A2030 of 23S ribosomal RNA

The ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of Escherichia coli contains 24 methylated residues. A set of 22 methyltransferases responsible for modification of 23 residues has been described previously. Herein we report the identification of the yhiR gene as encoding the enzyme that modifies the 23S rRNA nucleotide A2030, the last methylated rRNA nucleotide whose modification enzyme was not known. YhiR prefers protein-free 23S rRNA to ribonucleoprotein particles containing only part of the 50S subunit proteins and does not methylate the assembled 50S subunit. We suggest renaming the yhiR gene to rlmJ according to the rRNA methyltransferase nomenclature. The phenotype of yhiR knockout gene is very mild under various growth conditions and at the stationary phase, except for a small growth advantage at anaerobic conditions. Only minor changes in the total E. coli proteome could be observed in a cell devoid of the 23S rRNA nucleotide A2030 methylation.

Crystal structure of RlmM, the 2'O-ribose methyltransferase for C2498 of Escherichia coli 23S rRNA

RlmM (YgdE) catalyzes the S-adenosyl methionine (AdoMet)-dependent 2'O methylation of C2498 in 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of Escherichia coli. Previous experiments have shown that RlmM is active on 23S rRNA from an RlmM knockout strain but not on mature 50S subunits from the same strain. Here, we demonstrate RlmM methyltransferase (MTase) activity on in vitro transcribed 23S rRNA and its domain V. We have solved crystal structures of E. coli RlmM at 1.9 Å resolution and of an RlmM-AdoMet complex at 2.6 Å resolution. RlmM consists of an N-terminal THUMP domain and a C-terminal catalytic Rossmann-like fold MTase domain in a novel arrangement. The catalytic domain of RlmM is closely related to YiiB, TlyA and fibrillarins, with the second K of the catalytic tetrad KDKE shifted by two residues at the C-terminal end of a beta strand compared with most 2'O MTases. The AdoMet-binding site is open and shallow, suggesting that RNA substrate binding may be required to form a conformation needed for catalysis. A continuous surface of conserved positive charge indicates that RlmM uses one side of the two domains and the inter-domain linker to recognize its RNA substrate.

Different sensitivity of H69 modification enzymes RluD and RlmH to mutations in Escherichia coli 23S rRNA

Nucleoside modifications are introduced into the ribosomal RNA during the assembly of the ribosome. The number and the localization of the modified nucleosides in rRNAs are known for several organisms. In bacteria, rRNA modified nucleosides are synthesized by a set of specific enzymes, the majority of which have been identified in Escherichia coli. Each rRNA modification enzyme recognizes its substrate nucleoside(s) at a specific stage of ribosome assembly. Not much is known about the specificity determinants involved in the substrate recognition of the modification enzymes. In order to shed light on the substrate specificity of RluD and RlmH, the enzymes responsible for the introduction of modifications into the stem-loop 69 (H69), we monitored the formation of H69 pseudouridines (Ψ) and methylated pseudouridine (m3Ψ) in vitro on ribosomes with alterations in 23S rRNA. While the synthesis of Ψs in H69 by RluD is relatively insensitive to the point mutations at neighboring positions, methylation of one of the Ψs by RlmH exhibited a much stronger sensitivity. Apparently, in spite of synthesizing modifications in the same region or even at the same position of rRNA, the two enzymes employ different substrate recognition mechanisms.

YhiQ is RsmJ, the methyltransferase responsible for methylation of G1516 in 16S rRNA of E. coli

Ten methyltransferases and one pseudouridine synthase are required for complete modification of the small ribosomal subunit in Escherichia coli. Nine methyltransferases, as well as the pseudouridine synthase, are already known. Here, we identify RsmJ, the last unknown methyltransferase required for methylation of m(2)G1516 in 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), as the protein encoded by yhiQ. Reverse transcription primer extension analysis reveals that rRNA extracted from a yhiQ deletion strain is not methylated at G1516. Moreover, methylation is restored upon gene complementation. Also, purified recombinant YhiQ specifically methylates 30S subunits extracted from the deletion strain. The absence of the yhiQ gene leads to a cold-sensitive phenotype. Based on these data, we propose that the yhiQ gene be renamed rsmJ.

Antibiotic-induced ribosomal assembly defects result from changes in the synthesis of ribosomal proteins

Inhibitors of protein synthesis cause defects in the assembly of ribosomal subunits. In response to treatment with the antibiotics erythromycin or chloramphenicol, precursors of both large and small ribosomal subunits accumulate. We have used a pulse-labelling approach to demonstrate that the accumulating subribosomal particles maturate into functional 70S ribosomes. The protein content of the precursor particles is heterogeneous and does not correspond with known assembly intermediates. Mass spectrometry indicates that production of ribosomal proteins in the presence of the antibiotics correlates with the amounts of the individual ribosomal proteins within the precursor particles. Thus, treatment of cells with chloramphenicol or erythromycin leads to an unbalanced synthesis of ribosomal proteins, providing the explanation for formation of assembly-defective particles. The operons for ribosomal proteins show a characteristic pattern of antibiotic inhibition where synthesis of the first proteins is inhibited weakly but gradually increases for the subsequent proteins in the operon. This phenomenon most likely reflects translational coupling and allows us to identify other putative coupled non-ribosomal operons in the Escherichia coli chromosome.

Late steps of ribosome assembly in E. coli are sensitive to a severe heat stress but are assisted by the HSP70 chaperone machine

The late stages of 30S and 50S ribosomal subunits biogenesis have been studied in a wild-type (wt) strain of Escherichia coli (MC4100) subjected to a severe heat stress (45–46°C). The 32S and 45S ribosomal particles (precursors to 50S subunits) and 21S ribosomal particles (precursors to 30S subunits) accumulate under these conditions. They are authentic precursors, not degraded or dead-end particles. The 21S particles are shown, by way of a modified 3′5′ RACE procedure, to contain 16S rRNA unprocessed, or processed at its 5′ end, and not at the 3′ end. This implies that maturation of 16S rRNA is ordered and starts at its 5′-terminus, and that the 3′-terminus is trimmed at a later step. This observation is not limited to heat stress conditions, but it also can be verified in bacteria growing at a normal temperature (30°C), supporting the idea that this is the general pathway. Assembly defects at very high temperature are partially compensated by plasmid-driven overexpression of the DnaK/DnaJ chaperones. The ribosome assembly pattern in wt bacteria under a severe heat stress is therefore reminiscent of that observed at lower temperatures in E. coli mutants lacking the chaperones DnaK or DnaJ.

Specificity and kinetics of 23S rRNA modification enzymes RlmH and RluD

Along the ribosome assembly pathway, various ribosomal RNA processing and modification reactions take place. Stem-loop 69 in the large subunit of Escherichia coli ribosomes plays a substantial role in ribosome functioning. It contains three highly conserved pseudouridines synthesized by pseudouridine synthase RluD. One of the pseudouridines is further methylated by RlmH. In this paper we show that RlmH has unique substrate specificity among rRNA modification enzymes. It preferentially methylates pseudouridine and less efficiently uridine. Furthermore, RlmH is the only known modification enzyme that is specific to 70S ribosomes. Kinetic parameters determined for RlmH are the following: The apparent K(M) for substrate 70S ribosomes is 0.51 ± 0.06 μM, and for cofactor S-adenosyl-L-methionine 27 ± 3 μM; the k(cat) values are 4.95 ± 1.10 min⁻¹ and 6.4 ± 1.3 min⁻¹, respectively. Knowledge of the substrate specificity and the kinetic parameters of RlmH made it possible to determine the kinetic parameters for RluD as well. The K(M) value for substrate 50S subunits is 0.98 ± 0.18 μM and the k(cat) value is 1.97 ± 0.46 min⁻¹. RluD is the first rRNA pseudouridine synthase to be kinetically characterized. The determined rates of RluD- and RlmH-directed modifications of 23S rRNA are compatible with the rate of 50S assembly in vivo. The fact that RlmH requires 30S subunits demonstrates the dependence of 50S subunit maturation on the simultaneous presence of 30S subunits.