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The role of ribosomal ribonucleic acid in the structure and function of mammalian brain ribosomes.

In order to resolve the functional role of intact rRNA in polypeptide chain elongation mouse brain ribosomes were treated with dilute pancreatic or T(1) RNAase (ribonuclease). After RNAase treatment, several physical-chemical properties as well as the functional activity of the ribosomes were measured. RNAase treatment resulted in the extensive hydrolysis of both 18S and 28S rRNA; however, the sedimentation properties of mono-ribosomes were unaltered and more than 90% of the relatively low-molecular-weight RNA fragments remained associated with ribosome particles. Analysis of the ability of RNAase-treated ribosomes to participate in cell-free protein synthesis showed that ribosomes with less than 2% intact rRNA retained more than 85% of their activity in polyphenylalanine incorporation. Proof that the incorporation of phenylalanine by ribosomes with hydrolysed rRNA actually represented active translocation was obtained by the effective inhibition of incorporation by diphtheria toxin. In addition, the oligopeptide products of protein synthesis could be identified by BD (benzoylated diethylaminoethyl)-cellulose column chromatography. Analysis of the size distribution of oligopeptides synthesized by normal and RNAase-treated ribosomes showed no significant differences which indicated that there was no change in the proportion of ribosomes engaged in protein synthesis. Thus strong RNA-protein and protein-protein interactions must serve to maintain the functional integrity of ribosomes even when the rRNA is extensively degraded. The ability of the enzyme-treated ribosomes to efficiently incorporate amino acids clearly demonstrated that ;intact' rRNA is not required for protein-synthetic activity.

Animals↗

A plasmocytoma ribosome-associated protein kinase which phosphorylates a specific protein of the ribosomal KCl wash.

One ribosomal protein kinase activity and 3 soluble protein kinase activities have been identified in plasma cell tumors by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. We have shown phosphorylation in vivo and in vitro of a protein fraction from the ribosomal KCl wash which we have termed 'PPx fraction'. Phosphorylation of this protein fraction has been obtained in vitro with the ribosome-associated protein kinase. We have determined for the ribosomal protein kinase the following characteristics. 1. It is an Mg2+-dependent enzyme that transfers the gamma-phosphate from ATP into phosphoseryl and phosphothreonyl residues of the substrate. 2. It has a wide substrate specificity. Like the soluble protein kinases it catalyses the phosphorylation of several proteins like histone, phosvitin, casein and ribosomal proteins but it differs from the main soluble kinases (I, II) by the fact that it catalyses specifically the phosphorylation at least of one of the ribosomal KCl wash proteins. On dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gels this protein has a molecular weight of approximately 90000 and it is released from ribosomes under conditions commonly employed for extraction of initiation factors. 3. The ribosome-associated protein kinase is not stimulated by the addition of cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate. 4. KCl has no effect, NaCl has a weak effect on the phosphorylation, Mn2+ and Ca2+ are inhibitors. 5. ADP has been found to be a competitive inhibitor. 6. The maximum velocity of the ribosomal protein-kinase-catalysed reaction is 0.65 nmol of 32P incorporated in the KCl wash protein per min and per mg protein. 7. The apparent Km for the ribosomal KCl wash protein as substrate is 0.71 mg/ml and the Km for ATP is 94 muM. 8. The molecular weight of the ribosomal protein kinase, estimated by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide-dodecylsulfate gels, is 60000 and corresponds probably to a catalytic subunit.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Coordinate control of syntheses of ribosomal ribonucleic acid and ribosomal proteins during nutritional shift-up in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We investigated the regulation of ribosome synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae growing at different rates and in response to a growth stimulus. The ribosome content and the rates of synthesis of ribosomal ribonucleic acid and of ribosomal proteins were compared in cultures growing in minimal medium with either glucose or ethanol as a carbon source. The results demonstrated that ribosome content is proportional to growth rate. Moreover, these steady-state concentrations are regulated at the level of synthesis of ribosomal precursor ribonucleic acid and of ribosomal proteins. When cultures growing on ethanol were enriched with glucose, the rate of ribosomal ribonucleic acid synthesis, measured by pulsing cells with [methyl-3H]methionine, increased by 40% within 5 min, doubled within 15 min, and reached a steady state characteristic of the new growth medium by 30 min. Labeling with [3H]leucine reveal a coordinate increase in the rate of synthesis of 30 or more ribosomal proteins as compared with that of total cellular proteins. Their synthesis was stimulated approximately 2.5-fold within 15 min and nearly 4-fold within 60 min. The data suggest that S. cerevisiae responds to a growth stimulus by preferential stimulation of the synthesis of ribosomal ribonucleic acid and ribosomal proteins.

Cell Division↗

Ribosome-associated estradiol-binding components in the uterus and their relationship to the translational capacity of uterine ribosomes.

Estradiol transiently increases the rate of peptide elongation on uterine ribosomes from ovariectomized mature rats during the first 2 h after hormone injection, suggesting the existence of direct or indirect estradiol receptor interaction with ribosomes. Characterization of estradiol-binding components on isolated uterine ribosomes, microsomes, and cytosol under identical assay conditions indicated that microsomes and cytosol contain estradiol-binding components with similar affinities for estradiol (Kd = 0.5 nM) and sucrose gradient sedimentation characteristics (3.8S and 5.2S for preparations incubated at 0 and 30 C for 1 h, respectively). Those on ribosomes exhibited a higher affinity for estradiol (Kd = 0.14 nM) and had heterogeneous and more dense sedimentation characteristics (5.5-6.0S). The ribosome-associated estradiol binder was clearly different from transformed cytosol and nuclear estradiol receptors based on sedimentation characteristics under identical conditions. Like cytosol and nuclear receptors, microsomal and ribosomal estradiol binding underwent exchange reactions in vitro at 30 C, but not at 0 C. All in vitro bound, but not all in vivo bound, [3H] estradiol could be exchanged from microsomes or ribosomes by estradiol. [3H]Estradiol could be exchanged from ribosomes by a variety of estrogens, but not by progestins, glucocorticoids, or androgens. The amount of estradiol-binding activity on ribosomes decreased after estradiol administration in vivo and was inversely correlated with the rate of peptide elongation by the ribosomes in a cell-free protein synthesis system. These results suggest that accumulation of an estradiol-binding protein, perhaps a nascent estradiol receptor, on ribosomes in the absence of in vivo estradiol may directly or indirectly inhibit the peptide elongation reaction.

Animals↗

The effect of ribosome-inactivating proteins on the ribosome from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus.

Protein synthesis in the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus (Ss) was inhibited by polynucleotide:adenosine glycosylase activity of some type 1 ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIP). The target of RIP was S. solfataricus rRNA that was depurinated thus producing inactive ribosomes. The amount of RIP required to half-inactivated Ss-ribosomes was comparable to that needed for eubacterial ribosomes, but two orders of magnitude higher than that required for mammalian ribosomes. In addition, RIP treated Ss-ribosomes were also less efficient in stimulating the ribosome dependent GTPase activity of the S. solfataricus elongation factor 2 (SsEF-2) thus suggesting that the inhibition of protein synthesis was probably due to the lack of the interaction between depurinated Ss-ribosomes and SsEF-2. Since SsEF-2 protects Ss-ribosomes against RIP activity it can be hypothesised that also on Ss-ribosomes the sites of interaction for the translocation factor 2 and the RIP are topographically close.

Archaeal Proteins↗

Factorless ribosome assembly on the internal ribosome entry site of cricket paralysis virus.

The cricket paralysis virus (CrPV), a member of the CrPV-like virus family, contains a single positive-stranded RNA genome that encodes two non-overlapping open reading frames separated by a short intergenic region (IGR). The CrPV IGR contains an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) that directs the expression of structural proteins. Unlike previously described IRESs, the IGR IRES initiates translation by recruiting 80S ribosomes in the absence of initiator Met-tRNA(i) or any canonical initiation factors, from a GCU alanine codon located in the A-site of the ribosome. Here, we have shown that a variety of mutations, designed to disrupt individually three pseudoknot (PK) structures and alter highly conserved nucleotides among the CrPV-like viruses, inhibit IGR IRES-mediated translation. By separating the steps of translational initiation into ribosomal recruitment, ribosomal positioning and ribosomal translocation, we found that the mutated IRES elements could be grouped into two classes. One class, represented by mutations in PKII and PKIII, bound 40S subunits with significantly reduced affinity, suggesting that PKIII and PKII are involved in the initial recruitment of the ribosome. A second class of mutations, exemplified by alterations in PKI, did not affect 40S binding but altered the positioning of the ribosome on the IRES, indicating that PKI is involved in the correct positioning of IRES-associated ribosomes. These results suggest that the IGR IRES has distinct pseudoknot-like structures that make multiple contacts with the ribosome resulting in initiation factor-independent recruitment and correct positioning of the ribosome on the mRNA.

Animals↗

Interaction of rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes with bacteriophage f1 mRNA and of Escherichia coli ribosomes with rabbit globin mRNA.

We have compared the behavior of a prokaryotic mRNA in a eukaryotic ribosome binding system and of a eukaryotic mRNA in a prokaryotic ribosome binding system. Using (32)P- and (125)I-labeled bacteriophage f1 mRNA, we have shown that rabbit reticulocyte 80S ribosomes can protect specific sequences from pancreatic RNase digestion, including those sequences protected by Escherichia coli ribosomes. We have also found that E. coli ribosomes fail to protect any region of (125)I-labeled globin mRNA. Iodination of the mRNA appeared to have little or no effect on the specificity of binding or protection by the ribosomes of either system.The eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems differ markedly in the ability of the small ribosomal subunits to protect mRNA from nuclease digestion. The regions of phage f1 mRNA protected by E. coli 30S subunits are virtually identical to those protected by the 70S ribosomes. By contrast, rabbit reticulocyte 40S subunits protect substantially larger fragments of mRNA from nuclease digestion than do the 80S ribosomes. These 40S-protected fragments are specific in the case of globin mRNA and overlap the shorter region protected by the 80S ribosomes. However, the 40S-protected fragments of phage f1 mRNA were found to be extremely heterogeneous, reflecting perhaps an important difference between the initial interactions made by these two mRNAs with the ribosomes.

Animals↗

The plastid ribosomal proteins. Identification of all the proteins in the 50 S subunit of an organelle ribosome (chloroplast).

We have completed identification of all the ribosomal proteins (RPs) in spinach plastid (chloroplast) ribosomal 50 S subunit via a proteomic approach using two-dimensional electrophoresis, electroblotting/protein sequencing, high performance liquid chromatography purification, polymerase chain reaction-based screening of cDNA library/nucleotide sequencing, and mass spectrometry (reversed-phase HPLC coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry). Spinach plastid 50 S subunit comprises 33 proteins, of which 31 are orthologues of Escherichia coli RPs and two are plastid-specific RPs (PSRP-5 and PSRP-6) having no homologues in other types of ribosomes. Orthologues of E. coli L25 and L30 are absent in spinach plastid ribosome. 25 of the plastid 50 S RPs are encoded in the nuclear genome and synthesized on cytosolic ribosomes, whereas eight of the plastid RPs are encoded in the plastid organelle genome and synthesized on plastid ribosomes. Sites for transit peptide cleavages in the cytosolic RP precursors and formyl Met processing in the plastid-synthesized RPs were established. Post-translational modifications were observed in several mature plastid RPs, including multiple forms of L10, L18, L31, and PSRP-5 and N-terminal/internal modifications in L2, L11 and L16. Comparison of the RPs in gradient-purified 70 S ribosome with those in the 30 and 50 S subunits revealed an additional protein, in approximately stoichiometric amount, specific to the 70 S ribosome. It was identified to be plastid ribosome recycling factor. Combining with our recent study of the proteins in plastid 30 S subunit (Yamaguchi, K., von Knoblauch, K., and Subramanian, A. R. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 28455-28465), we show that spinach plastid ribosome comprises 59 proteins (33 in 50 S subunit and 25 in 30 S subunit and ribosome recycling factor in 70 S), of which 53 are E. coli orthologues and 6 are plastid-specific proteins (PSRP-1 to PSRP-6). We propose the hypothesis that PSRPs were evolved to perform functions unique to plastid translation and its regulation, including protein targeting/translocation to thylakoid membrane via plastid 50 S subunit.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Replacement of the L11 binding region within E.coli 23S ribosomal RNA with its homologue from yeast: in vivo and in vitro analysis of hybrid ribosomes altered in the GTPase centre.

Replacement of the protein L11 binding domain within Escherichia coli 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) by the equivalent region from yeast 26S rRNA appeared to have no effect on the growth rate of E.coli cells harbouring a plasmid carrying the mutated rrnB operon. The hybrid rRNA was correctly processed and assembled into ribosomes, which accumulated normally in polyribosomes. Of the total ribosomal population, < 25% contained wild-type, chromosomally encoded rRNA; the remainder were mutant. The hybrid ribosomes supported GTP hydrolysis dependent upon E.coli elongation factor G, although at a somewhat reduced rate compared with wild-type particles, and were sensitive to the antibiotic, thiostrepton, a potent inhibitor of ribosomal GTPase activity that binds to 23S rRNA within the L11 binding domain. That thiostrepton could indeed bind to the mutant ribosomes, although at a reduced level relative to that seen with wild-type ribosomes, was confirmed in a non-equilibrium assay. The rationale for the ability of the hybrid ribosomes to bind the antibiotic, given that yeast ribosomes do not, was provided when yeast rRNA was shown by equilibrium dialysis to bind thiostrepton only 10-fold less tightly than did E.coli rRNA. The extreme conservation of secondary, but not primary, structure in this region between E.coli and yeast rRNAs allows the hybrid ribosomes to function competently in protein synthesis and also preserves the interaction with thiostrepton.

Base Sequence↗

Mutations in the leader region of ribosomal RNA operons cause structurally defective 30 S ribosomes as revealed by in vivo structural probing.

The biogenesis of functional ribosomes is regulated in a very complex manner, involving different proteins and RNA molecules. RNAs are not only essential components of both ribosomal subunits but also transiently interacting factors during particle formation. In eukaryotes snoRNAs act as molecular chaperones to assist maturation, modification and assembly. In a very similar way highly conserved leader sequences of bacterial rRNA operons are involved in the correct formation of 30 S ribosomal subunits. Certain mutations in the rRNA leader region cause severe growth defects due to malfunction of ribosomes which are assembled from such transcription units. To understand how the leader sequences act to facilitate the formation of the correct 30 S subunits we performed in vivo chemical probing to assess structural differences between ribosomes assembled either from rRNA transcribed from wild-type operons or from operons which contain mutations in the rRNA leader region. Cells transformed with plasmids containing the respective rRNA operons were reacted with dimethylsulphate (DMS). Ribosomes were isolated by sucrose gradient centrifugation and modified nucleotides within the 16 S rRNA were identified by primer extension reaction. Structural differences between ribosomes from wild-type and mutant rRNA operons occur in several clusters within the 16 S rRNA secondary structure. The most prominent differences are located in the central domain including the universally conserved pseudoknot structure which connects the 5', the central and the 3' domain of 16 S rRNA. Two other clusters with structural differences fall in the 5' domain where the leader had been shown to interact with mature 16 S rRNA and within the ribosomal protein S4 binding site. The other differences in structure are located in sites which are also known as sites for the action of several antibiotics. The data explain the functional defects of ribosomes from rRNA operons with leader mutations and help to understand the altered biogenesis pathway from mutations in an rRNA leader region to the formation of functionally defective ribosomes.

Base Sequence↗

Increased expression of ribosomal genes during inhibition of ribosome assembly in Escherichia coli.

We have examined a prediction made from the ribosome feedback regulation model of ribosomal RNA and transfer RNA synthesis in Escherichia coli. This model proposes that non-translating "free" ribosomes act directly or indirectly as negative feedback inhibitors to regulate the transcription of rRNA and tRNA operons. One prediction of this model is that preferential inhibition of the assembly of ribosomes (without inhibiting macromolecular synthesis) should lead to a deficiency of free ribosomes which should, in turn, cause a stimulation of rRNA (and tRNA) synthesis. We have examined this prediction in vivo by causing the preferential inhibition of synthesis of certain ribosomal proteins by an overproduction of the translational repressor ribosomal protein S4. In agreement with our model, we have observed a preferential stimulation of ribosomal protein messenger RNA and rRNA synthesis under these conditions. These results suggest that ribosomes in the cellular pool, rather than incomplete ribosomal particles or free rRNA, are monitored by cells to regulate the rate of rRNA synthesis, and give further support to this proposed model.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Photoinduced cross-linkage, in situ, of Escherichia coli 30S ribosomal proteins to 16S rRNA: identification of cross-linked proteins and relationships between reactivity and ribosome structure.

The kinetics of photoinduced cross-linkage of Escherichia coli 30S ribosomal proteins to the 16S-rRNA molecule in the intact Escherichia coli 30S ribosomal subunit was studied in this report. All of the 30S ribosomal proteins become cross-linked to the 16S rRNA before changes in the sedimentation characteristics of the 30S ribosomal subunit can be detected. The proteins exhibit different reactivities in the cross-linkage reaction. One group of proteins-S3, S7-S9, S11, S12, and S15-S19-is cross-linked to the 16S rRNA by single-hit kinetics, or by photoprocesses of nonunity but low multiplicities. A second group of proteins--S1, S2, S4-S6, S10, S13, S14, and S21--is cross-linked to the 16S rRNA by photoprocesses of a complex nature. A comparison of these data with other properties of the individual 30S ribosomal proteins related to ribosome structure indicated that most of the 30S ribosomal proteins cross-linked to the 16S rRNA by photoprocesses of low multiplicities had been classified rRNA-binding proteins by nonphotochemical methods, and most of the proteins cross-linked to the 16S rRNA by photoprocesses of large multiplicities had been classified as nonbinding proteins. There were certain exceptions to these correlations. Proteins S4 and S20, both RNA-binding proteins, become cross-linked to the 16S rRNA by photoprocessses of large multiplicities, and proteins S3, S11, S12, and S18, none of which have been classified RNA-binding proteins, exhibited low multiplicities in the cross-linkage reaction. All of these exceptions could be explained in terms of limitations inherent in the photochemical methods used in this study and in other types of methods that have been used to study RNA-protein interactions in the 30S ribosomal subunit. The data presented here also suggest that labile RNA-protein cross-links are present in the uv-irradiated 30S ribosomal subunits, and that neither peptide-bond cleavage nor photoinduced modification of the charged side-chain groups in the ribosomal proteins accompanied the cross-linkage reaction. However, some photoinduced RNA-chain breakage might have occurred.

Binding Sites↗

Deletion of C-terminal residues of Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L10 causes the loss of binding of one L7/L12 dimer: ribosomes with one L7/L12 dimer are active.

Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L10 binds the two L7/L12 dimers and thereby anchors them to the large ribosomal subunit. C-Terminal deletion variants (Delta10, Delta20, and Delta33 amino acids) of ribosomal protein L10 were constructed in order to define the binding sites for the two L7/L12 dimers and then to make and test ribosomal particles that contain only one of the two dimers. None of the deletions interfered with binding of L10 variants to ribosomal core particles. Deletion of 20 or 33 amino acids led to the inability of the proteins to bind both dimers of protein L7/L12. The L10 variant with deletion of 10 amino acids bound one L7/L12 dimer in solution and when reconstituted into ribosomes promoted the binding of only one L7/L12 dimer to the ribosome. The ribosomes that contained a single L7/L12 dimer were homogeneous by gel electrophoresis where they had a mobility between wild-type 50S subunits and cores completely lacking L7/L12. The single-dimer ribosomal particles supported elongation factor G dependent GTP hydrolysis and protein synthesis in vitro with the same activity as that of two-dimer particles. The results suggest that amino acids 145-154 in protein L10 determine the binding site ("internal-site") for one L7/L12 dimer (the one reported here), and residues 155-164 ("C-terminal-site") are involved in the interaction with the second L7/L12 dimer. Homogeneous ribosomal particles containing a single L7/L12 dimer in each of the distinct sites present an ideal system for studying the location, conformation, dynamics, and function of each of the dimers individually.

Escherichia coli↗

Decreased activity of Blastocladiella emersonii zoospore ribosomes: correlation with developmental changes in ribosome-associated proteins.

Ribosomal proteins isolated from dormant zoospores were compared to the ribosomal proteins found in the active growth phase by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Zoospore ribosomes were found to contain a set of five proteins, designated Z1 to Z5, which were not present in growth phase ribosomes. The Z1-Z5 proteins were not removed by high-salt washes using either 1 M KCl or 1 M NH4 Cl. The Z1 protein is found associated with zoospore 60 S subunits while Z2-Z5 are bound to 40 S subunits. Zoospore monoribosomes and polyribosomes contain comparable levels of each of the five proteins. Approximately 60 min. after sporulation is induced, the Z1-Z5 proteins begin to accumulate on the ribosomes with the highest levels of these proteins found associated with ribosomes at the zoospore stage. During germination, the proteins gradually disappear and are not detectable on the ribosomes after 4 hr of germination. The presence of the Z1-Z5 proteins correlates with a decrease in in vitro protein synthetic activity of the fungal ribosomes. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that the proteins regulate translation by completely blocking protein synthesis on a subset of ribosomes while the remainder of the ribosomes function at normal rates.

Blastocladiella↗

Functional compatibility of elongation factors between mammalian mitochondrial and bacterial ribosomes: characterization of GTPase activity and translation elongation by hybrid ribosomes bearing heterologous L7/12 proteins.

The mammalian mitochondrial (mt) ribosome (mitoribosome) is a bacterial-type ribosome but has a highly protein-rich composition. Almost half of the rRNA contained in the bacterial ribosome is replaced with proteins in the mitoribosome. Escherichia coli elongation factor G (EF-G Ec) has no translocase activity on the mitoribosome but EF-G mt is functional on the E.coli ribosome. To investigate the functional equivalency of the mt and E.coli ribosomes, we prepared hybrid mt and E.coli ribosomes. The hybrid mitoribosome containing E.coli L7/12 (L7/12 Ec) instead of L7/12 mt clearly activated the GTPase of EF-G Ec and efficiently promoted its translocase activity in an in vitro translation system. Thus, the mitoribosome is functionally equivalent to the E.coli ribosome despite their distinct compositions. The mt EF-Tu-dependent translation activity of the E.coli ribosome was also clearly enhanced by replacing the C-terminal domain (CTD) of L7/12 Ec with the mt counterpart (the hybrid E.coli ribosome). This strongly indicates that the CTD of L7/12 is responsible for EF-Tu function. These results demonstrate that functional compatibility between elongation factors and the L7/12 protein in the ribosome governs its translational specificity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure of the ribosome-associated 5.8 S ribosomal RNA.

The structure of the 5.8 S ribosomal RNA in rat liver ribosomes was probed by comparing dimethyl sulfate-reactive sites in whole ribosomes, 60 S subunits, the 5.8 S-28 S rRNA complex and the free 5.8 S rRNA under conditions of salt and temperature that permit protein synthesis in vitro. Differences in reactive sites between the free and both the 28 S rRNA and 60 S subunit-associated 5.8 S rRNA show that significant conformational changes occur when the molecule interacts with its cognate 28 S rRNA and as the complex is further integrated into the ribosomal structure. These results indicate that, as previously suggested by phylogenetic comparisons of the secondary structure, only the "G + C-rich" stem may remain unaltered and a universal structure is probably present only in the whole ribosome or 60 S subunit. Further comparisons with the ribosome-associated molecule indicate that while the 5.8 S rRNA may be partly localized in the ribosomal interface, four cytidylic acid residues, C56, C100, C127 and C128, remain reactive even in whole ribosomes. In contrast, the cytidylic acid residues in the 5 S rRNA are not accessible in either the 60 S subunit or the intact ribosome. The nature of the structural rearrangements and potential sites of interaction with the 28 S rRNA and ribosomal proteins are discussed.

Animals↗

Efficient reconstitution of functional Escherichia coli 30S ribosomal subunits from a complete set of recombinant small subunit ribosomal proteins.

Previous studies have shown that the 30S ribosomal subunit of Escherichia coli can be reconstituted in vitro from individually purified ribosomal proteins and 16S ribosomal RNA, which were isolated from natural 30S subunits. We have developed a 30S subunit reconstitution system that uses only recombinant ribosomal protein components. The genes encoding E. coli ribosomal proteins S2-S21 were cloned, and all twenty of the individual proteins were overexpressed and purified. Reconstitution, following standard procedures, using the complete set of recombinant proteins and purified 16S ribosomal RNA is highly inefficient. Efficient reconstitution of 30S subunits using these components requires sequential addition of proteins, following either the 30S subunit assembly map (Mizushima & Nomura, 1970, Nature 226:1214-1218; Held et al., 1974, J Biol Chem 249:3103-3111) or following the order of protein assembly predicted from in vitro assembly kinetics (Powers et al., 1993, J MoI Biol 232:362-374). In the first procedure, the proteins were divided into three groups, Group I (S4, S7, S8, S15, S17, and S20), Group II (S5, S6, S9, Sll, S12, S13, S16, S18, and S19), and Group III (S2, S3, S10, S14, and S21), which were sequentially added to 16S rRNA with a 20 min incubation at 42 degrees C following the addition of each group. In the second procedure, the proteins were divided into Group I (S4, S6, S11, S15, S16, S17, S18, and S20), Group II (S7, S8, S9, S13, and S19), Group II' (S5 and S12) and Group III (S2, S3, S10, S14, and S21). Similarly efficient reconstitution is observed whether the proteins are grouped according to the assembly map or according to the results of in vitro 30S subunit assembly kinetics. Although reconstitution of 30S subunits using the recombinant proteins is slightly less efficient than reconstitution using a mixture of total proteins isolated from 30S subunits, it is much more efficient than reconstitution using proteins that were individually isolated from ribosomes. Particles reconstituted from the recombinant proteins sediment at 30S in sucrose gradients, bind tRNA in a template-dependent manner, and associate with 50S subunits to form 70S ribosomes that are active in poly(U)-directed polyphenylalanine synthesis. Both the protein composition and the dimethyl sulfate modification pattern of 16S ribosomal RNA are similar for 30S subunits reconstituted with either recombinant proteins or proteins isolated as a mixture from ribosomal subunits as well as for natural 30S subunits.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Sites of ribosomal RNAs involved in the subunit association of tight and loose couple ribosomes.

It was demonstrated previously by kethoxal treatment studies that tight (TC) and loose (LC) couple ribosomes use different sites of the 16 S and 23 S RNAs for subunit association (Burma, D. P., Srivastava, A. K., Srivastava, S., and Dash, D. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 10517-10525). To localize these sites, a number of oligodeoxynucleotides complementary to the suspected sites of the 16 S and 23 S RNAs were synthesized, and their binding to ribosomes and effects on subunit association were studied. Some of the probes inhibit the association of both TC and LC ribosomes, some inhibit the association of TC but not LC ribosomes, and some inhibit the association of LC but not TC ribosomes. It appears that both TC and LC ribosomes use one common site of association, bases 818-823 of the 16 S and 2308-2313 of the 23 S RNA. The second site, 788-793 of the 16 S RNA and 2753-2758 of the 23 S RNA for TC ribosomes, and 783-791 of the 16 S RNA and 2295-2303 of the 23 S RNA for LC ribosomes, is not shared. This suggests a spatial movement of the ribosomal subunits with respect to one another and lends further support to the model of translocation based on the interconversion of TC and LC ribosomes.

Base Sequence↗