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Structure of 18 S ribosomal RNA in native 40 S ribosomal subunits.

We have analyzed the structure of 18 S rRNA in native 40 S subunits using chemical modification followed by primer extension. The native subunits were modified using the single-stranded specific reagents dimethyl sulfate and 1-cyclohexyl-3-(2-morpholinoethyl)carbodiimide metho-p-toluenesulfonate. The modification pattern of the 18 S rRNA was compared to that obtained from derived 40 S subunits prepared by dissociation of unprogrammed 80 S ribosomes. Eighteen nucleotides showed different accessibility to the chemical probes in derived and native subunits. Half of these nucleotides were found in the central domain of the rRNA between the 1060 loop and the central pseudoknot. The remaining nucleotides were located in two clusters in the 5'- and 3'-domains of the 18 S rRNA. Derived 40 S subunits are free from non-ribosomal proteins. In contrast, native subunits are intermediates in protein synthesis initiation and contain stoichiometric amounts of initiation factor 3 (Sundkvist, I. C., and Staehelin, T. (1975) J. Mol. Biol. 99, 401-418). The possible role of this factor in altering the structure of 18 S rRNA in the native 40 S subunits is discussed.

Autoradiography↗

Processing of eukaryotic ribosomal RNA.

In summary, it can be argued that the understanding of eukaryotic rRNA processing is no less important than the understanding of mRNA maturation, since the capacity of a cell to carry out protein synthesis is controlled, in part, by the abundance of ribosomes. Processing of pre-rRNA is highly regulated, involving many cellular components acting either alone or as part of a complex. Some of these components are directly involved in the modification and cleavage of the precursor rRNA, while others direct the packaging of the rRNA into ribosome subunits. As is the case for pre-mRNA processing, snoRNPs are clearly involved in eukaryotic rRNA processing, and have been proposed to assemble with other proteins into at least one complex called a "processosome" (17), which carries out the ordered processing of the pre-rRNA and its assembly into ribosomes. The formation of a processing complex clearly makes possible the regulation required to coordinate the abundance of ribosomes with the physiological and developmental changes of a cell. It may be that eukaryotic rRNA processing is even more complex than pre-mRNA maturation, since pre-rRNA undergoes extensive nucleotide modification and is assembled into a complex structure called the ribosome. Undoubtedly, features of the eukaryotic rRNA-processing pathway have been conserved evolutionarily, and the genetic approach available in yeast research (6) should provide considerable knowledge that will be useful for other investigators working with higher eukaryotic systems. Interestingly, it was originally hoped that the extensive work and understanding of bacterial ribosome formation would provide a useful paradigm for the process in eukaryotes. However, although general features of ribosome structure and function are highly conserved between bacterial and eukaryotic systems, the basic strategy in ribosome biogenesis seems to be, for the most part, distinctly different. Thus, the detailed molecular mechanisms for rRNA processing in each kingdom will have to be independently deciphered in order to elucidate the features and regulation of this important process for cell survival.

Animals↗

Identities and phylogenetic comparisons of posttranscriptional modifications in 16 S ribosomal RNA from Haloferax volcanii.

Small subunit (16 S) rRNA from the archaeon Haloferax volcanii, for which sites of modification were previously reported, was examined using mass spectrometry. A census of all modified residues was taken by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry analysis of a total nucleoside digest of the rRNA. Following rRNA hydrolysis by RNase T(1), accurate molecular mass values of oligonucleotide products were measured using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry and compared with values predicted from the corresponding gene sequence. Three modified nucleosides, distributed over four conserved sites in the decoding region of the molecule, were characterized: 3-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl)uridine-966, N(6)-methyladenosine-1501, and N(6),N(6)-dimethyladenosine-1518 and -1519 (all Escherichia coli numbering). Nucleoside 3-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl)uridine, previously unknown in rRNA, occurs at a highly conserved site of modification in all three evolutionary domains but for which no structural assignment in archaea has been previously reported. Nucleoside N(6)-methyladenosine, not previously placed in archaeal rRNAs, frequently occurs at the analogous location in eukaryotic small subunit rRNA but not in bacteria. H. volcanii small subunit rRNA appears to reflect the phenotypically low modification level in the Crenarchaeota kingdom and is the only cytoplasmic small subunit rRNA shown to lack pseudouridine.

Animals↗

Essential mechanisms in the catalysis of peptide bond formation on the ribosome.

Peptide bond formation is the main catalytic function of the ribosome. The mechanism of catalysis is presumed to be highly conserved in all organisms. We tested the conservation by comparing mechanistic features of the peptidyl transfer reaction on ribosomes from Escherichia coli and the Gram-positive bacterium Mycobacterium smegmatis. In both cases, the major contribution to catalysis was the lowering of the activation entropy. The rate of peptide bond formation was pH independent with the natural substrate, amino-acyl-tRNA, but was slowed down 200-fold with decreasing pH when puromycin was used as a substrate analog. Mutation of the conserved base A2451 of 23 S rRNA to U did not abolish the pH dependence of the reaction with puromycin in M. smegmatis, suggesting that A2451 did not confer the pH dependence. However, the A2451U mutation alters the structure of the peptidyl transferase center and changes the pattern of pH-dependent rearrangements, as probed by chemical modification of 23 S rRNA. A2451 seems to function as a pivot point in ordering the structure of the peptidyl transferase center rather than taking part in chemical catalysis.

Alleles↗

The central part of the 5.8 S rRNA is differently arranged in programmed and free human ribosomes.

A sequence-specific modification of the human 5.8 S rRNA in isolated 60 S subunits, non-programmed 80 S ribosomes and ribosomes complexed with mRNA and tRNAs was studied with the use of a derivative of the nonaribonucleotide UCUGUGUUU bearing a perfluorophenylazide group on the C-5 atom of the 5'-terminal uridine. Part of the oligonucleotide moiety of the derivative was complementary to the 5.8 S rRNA sequence ACACA in positions 82-86 flanked by two guanines at the 5'-terminus. The target for the cross-linking was identified as nucleotide G89 on the 5.8 S RNA. In addition, several ribosomal proteins were modified by the oligonucleotide derivative bound to the 5.8 S rRNA and proteins L6 and L8 were among them. Application of these results to known cryo-electron microscopy images of eukaryotic 60 S subunits made it possible to suggest that the central part of the 5.8 S rRNA containing the sequence 82-86 and proteins L6 and L8 are located at the base of the L1 stalk of the 60 S subunit. The efficacy of cross-linking in non-programmed 80 S ribosomes was much lower than in isolated 60 S subunits and in programmed 80 S ribosomes. We suggest that the difference in the accessibilities of the central part of the 5.8 S rRNA in the programmed and non-programmed 80 S ribosomes is caused by a conformational switch that seems to be required to dissociate the 80 S ribosomes into the subunits after termination of translation to allow initiation of translation of a new template.

Base Sequence↗

A RAC protein-binding site in the internal transcribed spacer 2 of Pre-rRNA transcripts from Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

The interdependence of steps in the processing of the eukaryotic preribosomal rRNA transcripts indicate that rRNA processing, at least in part, acts as a quality control mechanism to help ensure that only functional rRNA is incorporated into mature ribosomes. In search of structural components that underlie this interdependence, we have isolated a large protein complex or RAC that contains an independent binding site for all four of the transcribed spacers in the nascent pre-rRNA. In this study the RAC-binding site in the internal transcribed spacer 2 sequence of Schizosaccharomyces pombe rRNA transcripts was identified, and the influence of this site on rRNA maturation was assessed. Modification exclusion analyses indicate that the protein complex interacts with a helical domain previously shown to contain features common to both the internal transcribed spacer 1 and the 3'-external transcribed spacer. Mutagenic analyses in vitro confirm an interaction with this sequence, and parallel analyses in vivo indicated a critical role in both the maturation of the rRNA components of the large subunit as well as the 18 S rRNA component of the small subunit. Hybridization analyses also indicated greatly elevated levels of unprocessed nascent RNA. These effects are contrasted with mutations in other regions of the secondary structure that resulted in some reduction of plasmid-derived mature rRNA but no elevated levels of the precursor molecules. The significance with respect to rRNA maturation and the interdependences in rRNA processing are discussed.

Base Sequence↗

[Specific chemical modification of ribosomes in the vicinity of their mRNA-binding center].

4-N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino-benzaldehyde acetal derivatives (RCL-derivatives) of octauridylic and nanauridylic acids were used to localize the structures organizing mRNA-binding site of ribosomes. These derivatives, like free oligonucleotides, stimulate binding of 14C-phenylalanyl-tRNA to ribosomes. They effectively alkylate ribosomes within the specific complex. The extent of 30S subunit alkylations is much greater than that of 50S subunit, alkylation being completely inhibited by preincubation with polyridylic acid, suggesting that the chemical alteration occurs near mRNA-binding site. Both rRNA and proteins undergo modification in 30S subunit (75% and 25% of the total 30S subunit modification, respectively).

Binding Sites↗

[Affinity modification of Escherichia coli ribosomes in the region of the mRNA-binding center by a heptauridylate analog bearing a chemically active group at the 3' end].

4-(N-2-chloroethyl-N-methylamino)-benzaldehyde acetyl derivative (RCL-derivative) of hepatauridylic acid was used to localize the structure organizing the mRNA-binding site of ribosomes. This derivative; like a free oligonucleotide, stimulates the binding of [14C]phenylalanyl-tRNA to ribosomes and effectively alkylates ribosomes, mainly the 30S subunit within the specific complex. The alkylation being completely inhibited by preincubation with polyuridylic acid, suggests that the chemical alteration occurs near the mRNA-binding site. Both rRNA and proteins undergo modification in the 30S subunit (15 and 85% of the total 30S subunit, respectively). The radioactive marked was found in fractions of proteins S18, S9 and S1.

Affinity Labels↗

Mechanism of action of streptogramins and macrolides.

Protein synthesis is catalysed by ribosomes and cytoplasmic factors. Bacterial ribosomes (70S) are made up of 2 subunits (50S and 30S) containing ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and ribosomal proteins: the 30S binds messenger RNA and begins the ribosomal cycle (initiation), whereas 50S binds transfer RNA (tRNA) derivatives and controls elongation. The key reaction, peptide bond formation, is promoted by the catalytic centre of 50S (the peptidyl transferase centre), and the growing peptide chain (peptidyl-tRNA) attached at the donor P site undergoes peptide linkage with an aminoacyl-tRNA at the acceptor A site. This reaction is inhibited by several antibiotics, the best known being chloramphenicol, and the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLS) group. These inhibitors have a reversible action, except for streptogramins that are composed of A and B components, which are bacteriostatic alone, but bactericidal when combined. The peptidyl transferase centre has been identified at the 50S surface, and the binding sites of inhibitors have been mapped within this domain: some of these sites overlap (e.g. those of macrolides, and type B streptogramins, which compete for binding to ribosomes). Chloramphenicol blocks the catalytic portion, and A streptogramins the substrate sites of the peptidyl transferase centre. Macrolides and type B streptogramins interfere with the formation of long polypeptides and cause a premature detachment of incomplete peptide chains. The synergism between types A and B streptogramins is due to induction by type A streptogramins of an increased ribosome affinity for type B streptogramins. Microbial resistance to antibiotics mainly involves inactivation of inhibitors and modification of targets (mutations of ribosomal proteins or rRNA genes). Alterations of rRNA bases can induce resistance to a single inhibitor or to a group of antibiotics (e.g. MLSB). The impact of resistance in chemotherapy is less important for streptogramins than for other inhibitors, because the synergistic effect of A and B streptogramins also applies to strains resistant to the MLSB group. It is proposed that mutations and modifications of rRNA bases induce conformational ribosomal changes that prevent antibiotics binding to the target. Conformational changes are also triggered by type A streptogramins: they are responsible for their synergism with type B streptogramins.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

The archaeal sRNA binding protein L7Ae has a 3D structure very similar to that of its eukaryal counterpart while having a broader RNA-binding specificity.

The ribosomal L7Ae protein of archaea has the peculiarity to be a component of the C/D and H/ACA snRNPs, that guide rRNA post-transcriptional modifications. Its yeast (Snu13p) and human (15.5kDa protein) homologs are only found in C/D snoRNPs and the (U4/U6, U5) spliceosomal tri-snRNP. By using a large variety of RNAs, we compared the RNA-binding specificities of the recombinant Pyrococcus abyssi L7Ae and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Snu13 proteins. Unlike Snu13p, protein L7Ae binds terminal loops closed by two A:G and G:A pairs and canonical K-turn structures with similar efficiencies, provided that the terminal loop contains at least 5nt. In contrast to Snu13p, binding of protein L7Ae to canonical K-turn structures is not dependent on the identity of the residue at position 2 in the bulge. The peculiar KT-15 motif of P. abyssi 23S rRNA, that is recognized by L7Ae, does not associate with Snu13p. To get more information on the P. abyssi L7Ae protein, we solved its X-ray structure at 1.9A resolution. In spite of their sequence divergence, the free P. abyssi and bound H. marismortui proteins were found to have highly similar structures. Only a limited number of side-chain conformational changes occur at the protein-RNA interface upon RNA binding. In particular, one ion pair that is formed by residues Glu43 and Lys46 in the free protein is disrupted in the ribosomal 50S subunit, so that, residue Glu43 can interact with the RNA residue G264. The Glu43-Lys46 ion pair of protein L7Ae belongs to a complex network of ion pairs that may participate to protein thermostability.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Rrp8p is a yeast nucleolar protein functionally linked to Gar1p and involved in pre-rRNA cleavage at site A2.

Chemical modifications and processing of the 18S, 5.8S, and 25S ribosomal RNAs from the 35S pre-ribosomal RNA depend on an important set of small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein particles (snoRNPs). Genetic depletion of yeast Gar1p, an essential common component of H/ACA snoRNPs, leads to inhibition of uridine isomerizations to pseudo-uridines on the 35S pre-rRNA and of the early pre-rRNA cleavages at sites A1 and A2, resulting in a loss of mature 18S rRNA synthesis. To identify Gar1p functional partners, we screened for mutations that are synthetically lethal with a gar1 mutant allele encoding a Gar1p mutant protein lacking its two glycine/arginine-rich (GAR) domains. We identified a previously uncharacterized Saccharomyces cerevisiae open reading frame, YDR083W (now designated RRP8), that encodes a highly conserved protein containing motifs found in methyltransferases. Rrp8p localizes to the nucleolus. A yeast strain lacking this protein is viable at 30 degrees C but displays strong growth impairment at lower temperatures. In this strain, cleavage of the pre-rRNA at site A2 is strongly affected whereas cleavages at sites A0 and A1 are only slightly inhibited or delayed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Analysis of the structure of Tetrahymena nuclear RNAs in vivo: telomerase RNA, the self-splicing rRNA intron, and U2 snRNA.

Dimethyl sulfate modification of RNA in living Tetrahymena thermophila allowed assessment of RNA secondary structure and protein association. The self-splicing rRNA intron had the same methylation pattern in vivo as in vitro, indicating that the structures are equivalent and suggesting that this RNA is not stably associated with protein in the nucleolus. Methylation was consistent with the current secondary structure model. Much of telomerase RNA was protected from methylation in vivo, but the A's and C's in the template region were very reactive. Thus, most telomerase is not base paired to telomeres in vivo. Protein-free telomerase RNA adopts a structure different from that in vivo, especially in the template and pseudoknot regions. The U2 snRNA showed methylation protection at the Sm protein-binding sequence and the mRNA branch site recognition sequence. For both telomerase RNA and U2 snRNA, the in vivo methylation pattern corresponded much better to the structure determined by comparative sequence analysis than did the in vitro methylation pattern. Thus, as expected, comparative analysis gives the structure of the RNA in vivo.

Animals↗

The spoU gene of Escherichia coli, the fourth gene of the spoT operon, is essential for tRNA (Gm18) 2'-O-methyltransferase activity.

We have evidence that the open reading frame previously denoted spoU is necessary for tRNA (Gm18) 2'-O-methyltransferase activity. The spoU gene is located in the gmk-rpoZ-spoT-spoU-recG operon at 82 minutes on the Escherichia coli chromosome. The deduced amino acid sequence of spoU shows strong similarities to previously characterized 2'-O-methyltransferases. Comparison of the nucleoside modification pattern of hydrolyzed tRNA, 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA from wild-type and spoU null mutants showed that the modified nucleoside 2'-O-methylguanosine (Gm), present in a subset of E. coli tRNAs at residue 18, is completely absent in the spoU mutant, suggesting that spoU encodes tRNA (Gm18) 2'-O-methyltransferase. Nucleoside modification of 16S and 23S rRNA was unaffected in the spoU mutant. Insertions in the downstream recG gene did not affect RNA modification. Absence of Gm18 in tRNA does not influence growth rate under the tested conditions and does not interfere with activity of the SupF amber suppressor, a suppressor tRNA that normally has the Gm18 modification. We suggest that the spoU gene be renamed trmH (tRNA methylation).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Protein masking of a ribosomal RNA epitope is an early event in afferent deprivation-induced neuronal death.

Cell death in the developing nervous system is regulated by both afferent synaptic activity and target-derived neurotrophic factors. Loss of afferent innervation via unilateral cochlea removal results in the death of 20-40% of neurons in the neonatal chick cochlear nucleus, nucleus magnocellularis (NM). The process of NM neuronal death involves structural and functional alterations in ribosomes, including decreased protein synthesis, loss of immunoreactivity for a monoclonal anti-ribosomal RNA (rRNA) antibody, Y10B, and eventual ribosome degradation. In the present report we confirm that the Y10B antibody binds specifically to ribosomes in chick NM neurons by electron microscopy. We then performed experiments designed to determine whether loss of rRNA immunoreactivity observed in NM neurons following cochlea removal involves induction of a protein-rRNA interaction. Brain stem tissue from animals subjected to unilateral cochlea removal was treated with protease prior to immunolabeling. Protease treatment restored rRNA immunoreactivity after 3 h of afferent deprivation, confirming that afferent deprivation induces protein-rRNA interactions which mask the Y10B epitope. Immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that the Y10B antibody recognizes a specific rRNA sequence without posttranscriptional modification.

Afferent Pathways↗

Characterization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nop17p, a novel Nop58p-interacting protein that is involved in Pre-rRNA processing.

In eukaryotes, pre-rRNA processing depends on cis-acting elements and on a large number of non-ribosomal trans-acting factors, including endonucleases and exonucleases, RNA helicases, rRNA modifying enzymes and components of snoRNPs. The exosome is a conserved eukaryotic protein complex containing multiple 3'-5' exonucleases, which has been implicated in pre-rRNA, snoRNA and snRNA processing, as well as in mRNA degradation. In order to identify new proteins involved in rRNA processing, we have screened a yeast two-hybrid cDNA library, to isolate proteins interacting with the exosome subunit Rrp43p. In this screen, a novel nucleolar protein, Nop17p, was identified which also interacts with the box C/D snoRNP protein Nop58p. The NOP17 gene is not essential for cell viability but its deletion causes a temperature-sensitive phenotype. Pre-rRNA processing analyses revealed that rRNA formation is affected in the Deltanop17 strain subjected to the non-permissive temperature, although it is not blocked completely. In addition, primer extension analyses of RNA isolated from Nop17p-depleted cells subjected to the non-permissive temperature indicates that the pre-rRNA is undergoing different modification or degradation processes in these cells as compared to the parental strain. Nop17p was recently described in the same complex as Nop58p and, interestingly, its depletion leads to mislocalization of Nop1p, Nop56p, Nop58p and Snu13p, which are the core proteins of the box C/D ribonucleoprotein (snoRNP), indicating that Nop17p function is required either for nucleolar retention or for the proper assembly of the box C/D snoRNP.

Exoribonucleases↗

The mechanism by which long-term exposure to TDCIPP promotes cognitive impairment in 3 ×Tg-AD mice: Insights from multi-omics studies.

Tri(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) is a commonly used organophosphate ester that has the potential to adversely affect human health. Although previous studies have closely associated TDCIPP with cognitive impairment, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To elucidate the neurotoxic effects of TDCIPP and its mechanistic contribution to cognitive impairment in 3 ×Tg-AD mice, a multi-omics approach incorporating proteomics, untargeted metabolomics, and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing was employed to evaluate the impact of TDCIPP exposure on neurobehavioral function. TDCIPP exposure promoted cognitive impairment in 3 ×Tg-AD mice. Proteomic analyses revealed that this promotion is associated with disturbances in the hippocampal mitochondrial autophagy pathway. Furthermore, TDCIPP may interfere with the PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy pathway at the functional level, without altering PINK1 protein abundance. Untargeted metabolomic analysis of urine samples demonstrated that TDCIPP exposure altered the metabolic profile of 3 ×Tg-AD mice, with 58 metabolites upregulated and 11 downregulated. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed substantial modifications in gut microbiome composition following exposure to TDCIPP. Notably, significant correlations were identified between the perturbed bacterial genera and the differential metabolites. In conclusion, exposure to TDCIPP promotes cognitive impairment in 3 ×Tg-AD mice, which is associated with the interference with the PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy pathway, as well as alterations in the urinary metabolome and gut microbiota. These findings suggest the potential to mitigate such cognitive impairment by targeting the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Animals↗

Acetylation of ribosomal protein S5 affected by defects in the central pseudoknot in 16S ribosomal RNA?

We have analyzed the ribosomal protein profile of Escherichia coli 30S subunits with the mutation C18A in the central pseudoknot of their 16S ribosomal RNA. This mutation was shown to inhibit translational activity in vivo and to affect ribosome stability in vitro. The majority of the mutant 30S particles were present as free subunits in which a reproducible decrease in amount of proteins S1, S2, S18 and S21 was observed. The protein gels also showed the appearance of a satellite band next to S5. This band reacted with anti-S5 antibodies and had a slightly increased positive charge. The simplest interpretation of these findings, also considering published data, is that the satellite band is S5 with a non-acetylated N-terminal alanine. Underacetylation of S5 due to mutations in the 16S rRNA implies that the modification is performed on the ribosome.

Acetylation↗

RNA-protein interactions in the human RNase MRP ribonucleoprotein complex.

The eukaryotic nucleolus contains a large number of small RNA molecules that, in the form of small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein complexes (snoRNPs), are involved in the processing and modification of pre-rRNA. One of the snoRNPs that has been shown to possess enzymatic activity is the RNase MRP. RNase MRP is an endoribonuclease involved in the formation of the 5' end of 5.8S rRNA. In this study the association of the hPop1 protein with the RNase MRP complex was investigated. The hPop1 protein seems not to be directly bound to the RNA component, but requires nt 1-86 and 116-176 of the MRP RNA to associate with the RNase MRP complex via protein-protein interactions. UV crosslinking followed by ribonuclease treatment and immunoprecipitation with anti-Th/To antibodies revealed three human proteins of about 20, 25, and 40 kDa that can associate with the RNase MRP complex. The 20- and 25-kDa proteins appear to bind to stem-loop I of the MRP RNA whereas the 40-kDa protein requires the central part of the MRP RNA (nt 86-176) for association with the RNase MRP complex. In addition, we show that the human RNase P proteins Rpp30 and Rpp38 are also associated with the RNase MRP complex. Expression of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus- (VSV) tagged versions of these proteins in HeLa cells followed by anti-VSV immunoprecipitation resulted in coprecipitation of both RNase P and RNase MRP complexes. Furthermore, UV crosslinking followed by anti-Th/To and anti-Rpp38 immunoprecipitation revealed that the 40-kDa protein we detected in UV crosslinking is probably identical to Rpp38.

Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins↗