The pre-tRNA nucleotide base and 2'-hydroxyl at N(-1) contribute to fidelity in tRNA processing by RNase P

RNase P cleavage of pseudoknot substrates reveals differences in active site architecture that depend on residue N-1 in the 5' leader

We show that a small biotin-binding RNA aptamer that folds into a pseudoknot structure acts as a substrate for bacterial RNase P RNA (RPR) with and without the RNase P C5 protein. Cleavage in the single-stranded region in loop 1 was shown to depend on the presence of a RCCA-motif at the 3' end of the substrate. The nucleobase and the 2'hydroxyl at the position immediately 5' of the cleavage site contribute to both cleavage efficiency and site selection, where C at this position induces significant cleavage at an alternative site, one base upstream of the main cleavage site. The frequencies of cleavage at these two sites and Mg2+ binding change upon altering the structural topology in the vicinity of the cleavage site as well as by replacing Mg2+ with other divalent metal ions. Modelling studies of RPR in complex with the pseudoknot substrates suggest alternative structural topologies for cleavage at the main and the alternative site and a shift in positioning of Mg2+ that activates the H2O nucleophile. Together, our data are consistent with a model where the organization of the active site structure and positioning of Mg2+ is influenced by the identities of residues at and in the vicinity of the site of cleavage.

A minimal RNA substrate with dual fluorescent probes enables rapid kinetics and provides insight into bacterial RNase P active site interactions

Bacterial ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a tRNA processing endonuclease that occurs primarily as a ribonucleoprotein with a catalytic RNA subunit (P RNA). As one of the first ribozymes discovered, P RNA is a well-studied model system for understanding RNA catalysis and substrate recognition. Extensive structural and biochemical studies have revealed the structure of RNase P bound to precursor tRNA (ptRNA) and product tRNA. These studies also helped to define active site residues and propose the molecular interactions that are involved in substrate binding and catalysis. However, a detailed quantitative model of the reaction cycle that includes the structures of intermediates and the process of positioning active site metal ions for catalysis is lacking. To further this goal, we used a chemically modified minimal RNA duplex substrate (MD1) to establish a kinetic framework for measuring the functional effects of P RNA active site mutations. Substitution of U69, a critical nucleotide involved in active site Mg2+ binding, was found to reduce catalysis >500-fold as expected, but had no measurable effect on ptRNA binding kinetics. In contrast, the same U69 mutations had little effect on catalysis in Ca2+ compared to reactions containing native Mg2+ ions. CryoEM structures and SHAPE mapping suggested increased flexibility of U69 and adjacent nucleotides in Ca2+ compared to Mg2+. These results support a model in which slow catalysis in Ca2+ is due to inability to engage U69. These studies establish a set of experimental tools to analyze RNase P kinetics and mechanism and can be expanded to gain new insights into the assembly of the active RNase P-ptRNA complex.

The discovery of a catalytic RNA within RNase P and its legacy

Sidney Altman's discovery of the processing of one RNA by another RNA that acts like an enzyme was revolutionary in biology and the basis for his sharing the 1989 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Thomas Cech. These breakthrough findings support the key role of RNA in molecular evolution, where replicating RNAs (and similar chemical derivatives) either with or without peptides functioned in protocells during the early stages of life on Earth, an era referred to as the RNA world. Here, we cover the historical background highlighting the work of Altman and his colleagues and the subsequent efforts of other researchers to understand the biological function of RNase P and its catalytic RNA subunit and to employ it as a tool to downregulate gene expression. We primarily discuss bacterial RNase P-related studies but acknowledge that many groups have significantly contributed to our understanding of archaeal and eukaryotic RNase P, as reviewed in this special issue and elsewhere.

The specificity landscape of bacterial ribonuclease P

Developing quantitative models of substrate specificity for RNA processing enzymes is a key step toward understanding their biology and guiding applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. Optimally, models to predict relative rate constants for alternative substrates should integrate an understanding of structures of the enzyme bound to "fast" and "slow" substrates, large datasets of rate constants for alternative substrates, and transcriptomic data identifying in vivo processing sites. Such data are either available or emerging for bacterial ribonucleoprotein RNase P a widespread and essential tRNA 5' processing endonuclease, thus making it a valuable model system for investigating principles of biological specificity. Indeed, the well-established structure and kinetics of bacterial RNase P enabled the development of high throughput measurements of rate constants for tRNA variants and provided the necessary framework for quantitative specificity modeling. Several studies document the importance of conformational changes in the precursor tRNA substrate as well as the RNA and protein subunits of bacterial RNase P during binding, although the functional roles and dynamics are still being resolved. Recently, results from cryo-EM studies of E. coli RNase P with alternative precursor tRNAs are revealing prospective mechanistic relationships between conformational changes and substrate specificity. Yet, extensive uncharted territory remains, including leveraging these advances for drug discovery, achieving a complete accounting of RNase P substrates, and understanding how the cellular context contributes to RNA processing specificity in vivo.

Importance of residue 248 in Escherichia coli RNase P RNA mediated cleavage

tRNA genes are transcribed as precursors and RNase P generates the matured 5' end of tRNAs. It has been suggested that residue - 1 (the residue immediately 5' of the scissile bond) in the pre-tRNA interacts with the well-conserved bacterial RNase P RNA (RPR) residue A248 (Escherichia coli numbering). The way A248 interacts with residue - 1 is not clear. To gain insight into the role of A248, we analyzed cleavage as a function of A248 substitutions and N-1 nucleobase identity by using pre-tRNA and three model substrates. Our findings are consistent with a model where the structural topology of the active site varies and depends on the identity of the nucleobases at, and in proximity to, the cleavage site and their potential to interact. This leads to positioning of Mg2+ that activates the water that acts as the nucleophile resulting in efficient and correct cleavage. We propose that in addition to be involved in anchoring the substrate the role of A248 is to exclude bulk water from access to the amino acid acceptor stem, thereby preventing non-specific hydrolysis of the pre-tRNA. Finally, base stacking is discussed as a way to protect functionally important base-pairing interactions from non-specific hydrolysis, thereby ensuring high fidelity during RNA processing and the decoding of mRNA.

Structural and mechanistic basis for recognition of alternative tRNA precursor substrates by bacterial ribonuclease P

Binding of precursor tRNAs (ptRNAs) by bacterial ribonuclease P (RNase P) involves an encounter complex (ES) that isomerizes to a catalytic conformation (ES*). However, the structures of intermediates and the conformational changes that occur during binding are poorly understood. Here, we show that pairing between the 5′ leader and 3′RCCA extending the acceptor stem of ptRNA inhibits ES* formation. Cryo-electron microscopy single particle analysis reveals a dynamic enzyme that becomes ordered upon formation of ES* in which extended acceptor stem pairing is unwound. Comparisons of structures with alternative ptRNAs reveals that once unwinding is completed RNase P primarily uses stacking interactions and shape complementarity to accommodate alternative sequences at its cleavage site. Our study reveals active site interactions and conformational changes that drive molecular recognition by RNase P and lays the foundation for understanding how binding interactions are linked to helix unwinding and catalysis.

Ribonuclease P efficiently processes all tRNA precursors despite sequence variation at the site of cleavage. Here, authors use high-throughput enzymology and cryoEM to reveal conformational changes that drive recognition by bacterial RNase P.

Synthetic riboswitches for the analysis of tRNA processing by eukaryotic RNase P enzymes

Removal of the 5'-leader region is an essential step in the maturation of tRNA molecules in all domains of life. This reaction is catalyzed by various RNase P activities, ranging from ribonucleoproteins with ribozyme activity to protein-only forms. In Escherichia coli, the efficiency of RNase P-mediated cleavage can be controlled by computationally designed riboswitch elements in a ligand-dependent way, where the 5'-leader sequence of a tRNA precursor is either sequestered in a hairpin structure or presented as a single-stranded region accessible for maturation. In the presented work, the regulatory potential of such artificial constructs is tested on different forms of eukaryotic RNase P enzymes-two protein-only RNase P enzymes (PRORP1 and PRORP2) from Arabidopsis thaliana and the ribonucleoprotein of Homo sapiens The PRORP enzymes were analyzed in vitro as well as in vivo in a bacterial RNase P complementation system. We also tested in HEK293T cells whether the riboswitches remain functional with human nuclear RNase P. While the regulatory principle of the synthetic riboswitches applies for all tested RNase P enzymes, the results also show differences in the substrate requirements of the individual enzyme versions. Hence, such designed RNase P riboswitches represent a novel tool to investigate the impact of the structural composition of the 5'-leader on substrate recognition by different types of RNase P enzymes.

Ligand-dependent tRNA processing by a rationally designed RNase P riboswitch

We describe a synthetic riboswitch element that implements a regulatory principle which directly addresses an essential tRNA maturation step. Constructed using a rational in silico design approach, this riboswitch regulates RNase P-catalyzed tRNA 5′-processing by either sequestering or exposing the single-stranded 5′-leader region of the tRNA precursor in response to a ligand. A single base pair in the 5′-leader defines the regulatory potential of the riboswitch both in vitro and in vivo. Our data provide proof for prior postulates on the importance of the structure of the leader region for tRNA maturation. We demonstrate that computational predictions of ligand-dependent structural rearrangements can address individual maturation steps of stable non-coding RNAs, thus making them amenable as promising target for regulatory devices that can be used as functional building blocks in synthetic biology.

Critical domain interactions for type A RNase P RNA catalysis with and without the specificity domain

The natural trans-acting ribozyme RNase P RNA (RPR) is composed of two domains in which the catalytic (C-) domain mediates cleavage of various substrates. The C-domain alone, after removal of the second specificity (S-) domain, catalyzes this reaction as well, albeit with reduced efficiency. Here we provide experimental evidence indicating that efficient cleavage mediated by the Escherichia coli C-domain (Eco CP RPR) with and without the C5 protein likely depends on an interaction referred to as the "P6-mimic". Moreover, the P18 helix connects the C- and S-domains between its loop and the P8 helix in the S-domain (the P8/ P18-interaction). In contrast to the "P6-mimic", the presence of P18 does not contribute to the catalytic performance by the C-domain lacking the S-domain in cleavage of an all ribo model hairpin loop substrate while deletion or disruption of the P8/ P18-interaction in full-size RPR lowers the catalytic efficiency in cleavage of the same model hairpin loop substrate in keeping with previously reported data using precursor tRNAs. Consistent with that P18 is not required for cleavage mediated by the C-domain we show that the archaeal Pyrococcus furiosus RPR C-domain, which lacks the P18 helix, is catalytically active in trans without the S-domain and any protein. Our data also suggest that the S-domain has a larger impact on catalysis for E. coli RPR compared to P. furiosus RPR. Finally, we provide data indicating that the absence of the S-domain and P18, or the P8/ P18-interaction in full-length RPR influences the charge distribution near the cleavage site in the RPR-substrate complex to a small but reproducible extent.

The contribution of the C5 protein subunit of Escherichia coli ribonuclease P to specificity for precursor tRNA is modulated by proximal 5' leader sequences

Recognition of RNA by RNA processing enzymes and RNA binding proteins often involves cooperation between multiple subunits. However, the interdependent contributions of RNA and protein subunits to molecular recognition by ribonucleoproteins are relatively unexplored. RNase P is an endonuclease that removes 5' leaders from precursor tRNAs and functions in bacteria as a dimer formed by a catalytic RNA subunit (P RNA) and a protein subunit (C5 in E. coli). The P RNA subunit contacts the tRNA body and proximal 5' leader sequences [N(-1) and N(-2)] while C5 binds distal 5' leader sequences [N(-3) to N(-6)]. To determine whether the contacts formed by P RNA and C5 contribute independently to specificity or exhibit cooperativity or anti-cooperativity, we compared the relative k_cat/K_m values for all possible combinations of the six proximal 5' leader nucleotides (n = 4096) for processing by the E. coli P RNA subunit alone and by the RNase P holoenzyme. We observed that while the P RNA subunit shows specificity for 5' leader nucleotides N(-2) and N(-1), the presence of the C5 protein reduces the contribution of P RNA to specificity, but changes specificity at N(-2) and N(-3). The results reveal that the contribution of C5 protein to RNase P processing is controlled by the identity of N(-2) in the pre-tRNA 5' leader. The data also clearly show that pairing of the 5' leader with the 3' ACCA of tRNA acts as an anti-determinant for RNase P cleavage. Comparative analysis of genomically encoded E. coli tRNAs reveals that both anti-determinants are subject to negative selection in vivo.

Determination of the Specificity Landscape for Ribonuclease P Processing of Precursor tRNA 5' Leader Sequences

Maturation of tRNA depends on a single endonuclease, ribonuclease P (RNase P), to remove highly variable 5' leader sequences from precursor tRNA transcripts. Here, we use high-throughput enzymology to report multiple-turnover and single-turnover kinetics for Escherichia coli RNase P processing of all possible 5' leader sequences, including nucleotides contacting both the RNA and protein subunits of RNase P. The results reveal that the identity of N(-2) and N(-3) relative to the cleavage site at N(1) primarily control alternative substrate selection and act at the level of association not the cleavage step. As a consequence, the specificity for N(-1), which contacts the active site and contributes to catalysis, is suppressed. This study demonstrates high-throughput RNA enzymology as a means to globally determine RNA specificity landscapes and reveals the mechanism of substrate discrimination by a widespread and essential RNA-processing enzyme.

Cleavage of Model Substrates by Arabidopsis thaliana PRORP1 Reveals New Insights into Its Substrate Requirements

Two broad classes of RNase P trim the 5' leader of precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs): ribonucleoprotein (RNP)- and proteinaceous (PRORP)-variants. These two RNase P types, which use different scaffolds for catalysis, reflect independent evolutionary paths. While the catalytic RNA-based RNP form is present in all three domains of life, the PRORP family is restricted to eukaryotes. To obtain insights on substrate recognition by PRORPs, we examined the 5' processing ability of recombinant Arabidopsis thaliana PRORP1 (AtPRORP1) using a panel of pre-tRNASer variants and model hairpin-loop derivatives (pATSer type) that consist of the acceptor-T-stem stack and the T-/D-loop. Our data indicate the importance of the identity of N-1 (the residue immediately 5' to the cleavage site) and the N-1:N+73 base pair for cleavage rate and site selection of pre-tRNASer and pATSer. The nucleobase preferences that we observed mirror the frequency of occurrence in the complete suite of organellar pre-tRNAs in eight algae/plants that we analyzed. The importance of the T-/D-loop in pre-tRNASer for tight binding to AtPRORP1 is indicated by the 200-fold weaker binding of pATSer compared to pre-tRNASer, while the essentiality of the T-loop for cleavage is reflected by the near-complete loss of activity when a GAAA-tetraloop replaced the T-loop in pATSer. Substituting the 2'-OH at N-1 with 2'-H also resulted in no detectable cleavage, hinting at the possible role of this 2'-OH in coordinating Mg2+ ions critical for catalysis. Collectively, our results indicate similarities but also key differences in substrate recognition by the bacterial RNase P RNP and AtPRORP1: while both forms exploit the acceptor-T-stem stack and the elbow region in the pre-tRNA, the RNP form appears to require more recognition determinants for cleavage-site selection.

The Diversity of Ribonuclease P: Protein and RNA Catalysts with Analogous Biological Functions

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is an essential endonuclease responsible for catalyzing 5' end maturation in precursor transfer RNAs. Since its discovery in the 1970s, RNase P enzymes have been identified and studied throughout the three domains of life. Interestingly, RNase P is either RNA-based, with a catalytic RNA subunit, or a protein-only (PRORP) enzyme with differential evolutionary distribution. The available structural data, including the active site data, provides insight into catalysis and substrate recognition. The hydrolytic and kinetic mechanisms of the two forms of RNase P enzymes are similar, yet features unique to the RNA-based and PRORP enzymes are consistent with different evolutionary origins. The various RNase P enzymes, in addition to their primary role in tRNA 5' maturation, catalyze cleavage of a variety of alternative substrates, indicating a diversification of RNase P function in vivo. The review concludes with a discussion of recent advances and interesting research directions in the field.

Differential substrate recognition by isozymes of plant protein-only Ribonuclease P

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) catalyzes the cleavage of leader sequences from precursor tRNA (pre-tRNA). Typically, these enzymes are ribonucleic protein complexes that are found in all domains of life. However, a new class of RNase P has been discovered that is composed entirely of protein, termed protein-only RNase P (PRORP). To investigate the molecular determinants of PRORP substrate recognition, we measured the binding affinities and cleavage kinetics of Arabidopsis PRORP1 for varied pre-tRNA substrates. This analysis revealed that PRORP1 does not make significant contacts within the trailer or beyond N-1of the leader, indicating that this enzyme recognizes primarily the tRNA body. To determine the extent to which sequence variation within the tRNA body modulates substrate selectivity and to provide insight into the evolution and function of PRORP enzymes, we measured the reactivity of the three Arabidopsis PRORP isozymes (PRORP1-3) with four pre-tRNA substrates. A 13-fold range in catalytic efficiencies (10(4)-10(5)M(-1)s(-1)) was observed, demonstrating moderate selectivity for pre-tRNA substrates. Although PRORPs bind the different pre-tRNA species with affinities varying by as much as 100-fold, the three isozymes have similar affinities for a given pre-tRNA, suggesting similar binding modes. However, PRORP isozymes have varying degrees of cleavage fidelity, which is dependent on the pre-tRNA species and the presence of a 3'-discriminator base. This work defines molecular determinants of PRORP substrate recognition that provides insight into this new class of RNA processing enzymes.

Transition-state stabilization in Escherichia coli ribonuclease P RNA-mediated cleavage of model substrates

We have used model substrates carrying modified nucleotides at the site immediately 5' of the canonical RNase P cleavage site, the -1 position, to study Escherichia coli RNase P RNA-mediated cleavage. We show that the nucleobase at -1 is not essential but its presence and identity contribute to efficiency, fidelity of cleavage and stabilization of the transition state. When U or C is present at -1, the carbonyl oxygen at C2 on the nucleobase contributes to transition-state stabilization, and thus acts as a positive determinant. For substrates with purines at -1, an exocyclic amine at C2 on the nucleobase promotes cleavage at an alternative site and it has a negative impact on cleavage at the canonical site. We also provide new insights into the interaction between E. coli RNase P RNA and the -1 residue in the substrate. Our findings will be discussed using a model where bacterial RNase P cleavage proceeds through a conformational-assisted mechanism that positions the metal(II)-activated H2O for an in-line attack on the phosphorous atom that leads to breakage of the phosphodiester bond.

Alternative substrate kinetics of Escherichia coli ribonuclease P: determination of relative rate constants by internal competition

A single enzyme, ribonuclease P (RNase P), processes the 5' ends of tRNA precursors (ptRNA) in cells and organelles that carry out tRNA biosynthesis. This substrate population includes over 80 different competing ptRNAs in Escherichia coli. Although the reaction kinetics and molecular recognition of a few individual model substrates of bacterial RNase P have been well described, the competitive substrate kinetics of the enzyme are comparatively unexplored. To understand the factors that determine how different ptRNA substrates compete for processing by E. coli RNase P, we compared the steady state reaction kinetics of two ptRNAs that differ at sequences that are contacted by the enzyme. For both ptRNAs, substrate cleavage is fast relative to dissociation. As a consequence, V/K, the rate constant for the reaction at limiting substrate concentrations, reflects the substrate association step for both ptRNAs. Reactions containing two or more ptRNAs follow simple competitive alternative substrate kinetics in which the relative rates of processing are determined by ptRNA concentration and their V/K. The relative V/K values for eight different ptRNAs, which were selected to represent the range of structure variation at sites contacted by RNase P, were determined by internal competition in reactions in which all eight substrates were present simultaneously. The results reveal a relatively narrow range of V/K values, suggesting that rates of ptRNA processing by RNase P are tuned for uniform specificity and consequently optimal coupling to precursor biosynthesis.

The bacterial ribonuclease P holoenzyme requires specific, conserved residues for efficient catalysis and substrate positioning

RNase P is an RNA-based enzyme primarily responsible for 5′-end pre-tRNA processing. A structure of the bacterial RNase P holoenzyme in complex with tRNA^Phe revealed the structural basis for substrate recognition, identified the active site location, and showed how the protein component increases functionality. The active site includes at least two metal ions, a universal uridine (U52), and P RNA backbone moieties, but it is unclear whether an adjacent, bacterially conserved protein loop (residues 52–57) participates in catalysis. Here, mutagenesis combined with single-turnover reaction kinetics demonstrate that point mutations in this loop have either no or modest effects on catalytic efficiency. Similarly, amino acid changes in the ‘RNR’ region, which represent the most conserved region of bacterial RNase P proteins, exhibit negligible changes in catalytic efficiency. However, U52 and two bacterially conserved protein residues (F17 and R89) are essential for efficient Thermotoga maritima RNase P activity. The U52 nucleotide binds a metal ion at the active site, whereas F17 and R89 are positioned >20 Å from the cleavage site, probably making contacts with N₋₄ and N₋₅ nucleotides of the pre-tRNA 5′-leader. This suggests a synergistic coupling between transition state formation and substrate positioning via interactions with the leader.

Cleavage mediated by the catalytic domain of bacterial RNase P RNA

Like other RNA molecules, RNase P RNA (RPR) is composed of domains, and these have different functions. Here, we provide data demonstrating that the catalytic (C) domain of Escherichia coli (Eco) RPR when separated from the specificity (S) domain mediates cleavage using various model RNA hairpin loop substrates. Compared to full-length Eco RPR, the rate constant, k(obs), of cleavage for the truncated RPR (CP RPR) was reduced 30- to 13,000-fold depending on substrate. Specifically, the structural architecture of the -1/+73 played a significant role where a C(-1)/G(+73) pair had the most dramatic effect on k(obs). Substitution of A(248) (E. coli numbering), positioned near the cleavage site in the RNase P-substrate complex, with G in the CP RPR resulted in 30-fold improvement in rate. In contrast, strengthening the interaction between the RPR and the 3' end of the substrate only had a modest effect. Interestingly, although deleting the S-domain gave a reduction in the rate, it resulted in a less erroneous RPR with respect to cleavage site selection. These data support and extend our understanding of the coupling between the distal interaction between the S-domain and events at the active site. Our findings will also be discussed with respect to the structure of RPR derived from different organisms.

Fidelity of tRNA 5'-maturation: a possible basis for the functional dependence of archaeal and eukaryal RNase P on multiple protein cofactors

RNase P, which catalyzes tRNA 5′-maturation, typically comprises a catalytic RNase P RNA (RPR) and a varying number of RNase P proteins (RPPs): 1 in bacteria, at least 4 in archaea and 9 in eukarya. The four archaeal RPPs have eukaryotic homologs and function as heterodimers (POP5•RPP30 and RPP21•RPP29). By studying the archaeal Methanocaldococcus jannaschii RPR's cis cleavage of precursor tRNA^Gln (pre-tRNA^Gln), which lacks certain consensus structures/sequences needed for substrate recognition, we demonstrate that RPP21•RPP29 and POP5•RPP30 can rescue the RPR's mis-cleavage tendency independently by 4-fold and together by 25-fold, suggesting that they operate by distinct mechanisms. This synergistic and preferential shift toward correct cleavage results from the ability of archaeal RPPs to selectively increase the RPR's apparent rate of correct cleavage by 11 140-fold, compared to only 480-fold for mis-cleavage. Moreover, POP5•RPP30, like the bacterial RPP, helps normalize the RPR's rates of cleavage of non-consensus and consensus pre-tRNAs. We also show that archaeal and eukaryal RNase P, compared to their bacterial relatives, exhibit higher fidelity of 5′-maturation of pre-tRNA^Gln and some of its mutant derivatives. Our results suggest that protein-rich RNase P variants might have evolved to support flexibility in substrate recognition while catalyzing efficient, high-fidelity 5′-processing.

Of proteins and RNA: the RNase P/MRP family

Nuclear ribonuclease (RNase) P is a ubiquitous essential ribonucleoprotein complex, one of only two known RNA-based enzymes found in all three domains of life. The RNA component is the catalytic moiety of RNases P across all phylogenetic domains; it contains a well-conserved core, whereas peripheral structural elements are diverse. RNA components of eukaryotic RNases P tend to be less complex than their bacterial counterparts, a simplification that is accompanied by a dramatic reduction of their catalytic ability in the absence of protein. The size and complexity of the protein moieties increase dramatically from bacterial to archaeal to eukaryotic enzymes, apparently reflecting the delegation of some structural functions from RNA to proteins and, perhaps, in response to the increased complexity of the cellular environment in the more evolutionarily advanced organisms; the reasons for the increased dependence on proteins are not clear. We review current information on RNase P and the closely related universal eukaryotic enzyme RNase MRP, focusing on their functions and structural organization.

Investigation of catalysis by bacterial RNase P via LNA and other modifications at the scissile phosphodiester

We analyzed cleavage of precursor tRNAs with an LNA, 2'-OCH(3), 2'-H or 2'-F modification at the canonical (c(0)) site by bacterial RNase P. We infer that the major function of the 2'-substituent at nt -1 during substrate ground state binding is to accept an H-bond. Cleavage of the LNA substrate at the c(0) site by Escherichia coli RNase P RNA demonstrated that the transition state for cleavage can in principle be achieved with a locked C3' -endo ribose and without the H-bond donor function of the 2'-substituent. LNA and 2'-OCH(3) suppressed processing at the major aberrant m(-)(1) site; instead, the m(+1) (nt +1/+2) site was utilized. For the LNA variant, parallel pathways leading to cleavage at the c(0) and m(+1) sites had different pH profiles, with a higher Mg(2+) requirement for c(0) versus m(+1) cleavage. The strong catalytic defect for LNA and 2'-OCH(3) supports a model where the extra methylene (LNA) or methyl group (2'-OCH(3)) causes a steric interference with a nearby bound catalytic Mg(2+) during its recoordination on the way to the transition state for cleavage. The presence of the protein cofactor suppressed the ground state binding defects, but not the catalytic defects.

Protein-precursor tRNA contact leads to sequence-specific recognition of 5' leaders by bacterial ribonuclease P

Bacterial ribonuclease P (RNase P) catalyzes the cleavage of 5' leader sequences from precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs). Previously, all known substrate nucleotide specificities in this system are derived from RNA-RNA interactions with the RNase P RNA subunit. Here, we demonstrate that pre-tRNA binding affinities for Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli RNase P are enhanced by sequence-specific contacts between the fourth pre-tRNA nucleotide on the 5' side of the cleavage site (N(-4)) and the RNase P protein (P protein) subunit. B. subtilis RNase P has a higher affinity for pre-tRNA with adenosine at N(-4), and this binding preference is amplified at physiological divalent ion concentrations. Measurements of pre-tRNA-containing adenosine analogs at N(-4) indicate that specificity arises from a combination of hydrogen bonding to the N6 exocyclic amine of adenosine and steric exclusion of the N2 amine of guanosine. Mutagenesis of B. subtilis P protein indicates that F20 and Y34 contribute to selectivity at N(-4). The hydroxyl group of Y34 enhances selectivity, likely by forming a hydrogen bond with the N(-4) nucleotide. The sequence preference of E. coli RNase P is diminished, showing a weak preference for adenosine and cytosine at N(-4), consistent with the substitution of Leu for Y34 in the E. coli P protein. This is the first identification of a sequence-specific contact between P protein and pre-tRNA that contributes to molecular recognition of RNase P. Additionally, sequence analyses reveal that a greater-than-expected fraction of pre-tRNAs from both E. coli and B. subtilis contains a nucleotide at N(-4) that enhances RNase P affinity. This observation suggests that specificity at N(-4) contributes to substrate recognition in vivo. Furthermore, bioinformatic analyses suggest that sequence-specific contacts between the protein subunit and the leader sequences of pre-tRNAs may be common in bacterial RNase P and may lead to species-specific substrate recognition.

Trials, travails and triumphs: an account of RNA catalysis in RNase P

Last December marked the 20th anniversary of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Sidney Altman and Thomas Cech for their discovery of RNA catalysts in bacterial ribonuclease P (an enzyme catalyzing 5' maturation of tRNAs) and a self-splicing rRNA of Tetrahymena, respectively. Coinciding with the publication of a treatise on RNase P, this review provides a historical narrative, a brief report on our current knowledge, and a discussion of some research prospects on RNase P.

Unexpected diversity of RNase P, an ancient tRNA processing enzyme: challenges and prospects

For an enzyme functioning predominantly in a seemingly housekeeping role of 5' tRNA maturation, RNase P displays a remarkable diversity in subunit make-up across the three domains of life. Despite the protein complexity of this ribonucleoprotein enzyme increasing dramatically from bacteria to eukarya, the catalytic function rests with the RNA subunit during evolution. However, the recent demonstration of a protein-only human mitochondrial RNase P has added further intrigue to the compositional variability of this enzyme. In this review, we discuss some possible reasons underlying the structural diversity of the active sites, and use them as thematic bases for elaborating new directions to understand how functional variations might have contributed to the complex evolution of RNase P.

Binding of C5 protein to P RNA enhances the rate constant for catalysis for P RNA processing of pre-tRNAs lacking a consensus (+ 1)/C(+ 72) pair

The RNA subunit of the ribonucleoprotein enzyme ribonuclease P (RNase P (P RNA) contains the active site, but binding of Escherichia coli RNase P protein (C5) to P RNA increases the rate constant for catalysis for certain pre-tRNA substrates up to 1000-fold. Structure-swapping experiments between a substrate that is cleaved slowly by P RNA alone (pre-tRNA(f-met605)) and one that is cleaved quickly (pre-tRNA(met608)) pinpoint the characteristic C(+1)/A(+72) base pair of initiator tRNA(f-met) as the sole determinant of slow RNA-alone catalysis. Unlike other substrate modifications that slow RNA-alone catalysis, the presence of a C(+1)/A(+72) base pair reduces the rate constant for processing at both correct and miscleavage sites, indicating an indirect but nonetheless important role in catalysis. Analysis of the Mg(2)(+) dependence of apparent catalytic rate constants for pre-tRNA(met608) and a pre-tRNA(met608) (+1)C/(+72)A mutant provides evidence that C5 promotes rate enhancement primarily by compensating for the decrease in the affinity of metal ions important for catalysis engendered by the presence of the CA pair. Together, these results support and extend current models for RNase P substrate recognition in which contacts involving the conserved (+1)G/C(+72) pair of tRNA stabilize functional metal ion binding. Additionally, these observations suggest that C5 protein has evolved to compensate for tRNA variation at positions important for binding to P RNA, allowing for tRNA specialization.

Conformational change in the Bacillus subtilis RNase P holoenzyme--pre-tRNA complex enhances substrate affinity and limits cleavage rate

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a ribonucleoprotein complex that catalyzes the 5' maturation of precursor tRNAs. To investigate the mechanism of substrate recognition in this enzyme, we characterize the thermodynamics and kinetics of Bacillus subtilis pre-tRNA(Asp) binding to B. subtilis RNase P holoenzyme using fluorescence techniques. Time courses for fluorescein-labeled pre-tRNA binding to RNase P are biphasic in the presence of both Ca(II) and Mg(II), requiring a minimal two-step association mechanism. In the first step, the apparent bimolecular rate constant for pre-tRNA associating with RNase P has a value that is near the diffusion limit and is independent of the length of the pre-tRNA leader. Following formation of the initial enzyme-substrate complex, a unimolecular step enhances the overall affinity of pre-tRNA by eight- to 300-fold as the length of the leader sequence increases from 2 to 5 nucleotides. This increase in affinity is due to a decrease in the reverse rate constant for the conformational change that correlates with the formation of an optimal leader-protein interaction in the RNase P holoenzyme-pre-tRNA complex. Furthermore, the forward rate constant for the conformational change becomes rate limiting for cleavage under single-turnover conditions at high pH, explaining the origin of the observed apparent pK(a) in the RNase P-catalyzed cleavage reaction. These data suggest that a conformational change in the RNase P*pre-tRNA complex is coupled to the interactions between the 5' leader and P protein and aligns essential functional groups at the cleavage active site to enhance efficient cleavage of pre-tRNA.

Bacterial RNase P RNA is a drug target for aminoglycoside-arginine conjugates

The ribonuclease P (RNase P) holoenzymes are RNPs composed of RNase P RNA (PRNA) and a variable number of P protein subunits. Primary differences in structure and function between bacterial and eukaryotic RNase P and its indispensability for cell viability make the bacterial enzyme an attractive drug target. On the basis of our previous studies, aminoglycoside-arginine conjugates (AACs) bind to HIV-1 TAR and Rev responsive element (RRE) RNAs significantly more efficiently than neomycin B. Their specific inhibition of bacterial rRNA as well as the findings that the hexa-arginine neomycin derivative (NeoR6) is 500-fold more potent than neomycin B in inhibiting bacterial RNase P, led us to explore the structure-function relationships of AACs in comparison to a new set of aminoglycoside-polyarginine conjugates (APACs). We here present predicted binding modes of AACs and APACs to PRNA. We used a multistep docking approach comprising rigid docking full scans and final refinement of the obtained complexes. Our docking results suggest three possible mechanisms of RNase P inhibition by AACs and APACs: competition with the P protein and pre-tRNA on binding to P1-P4 multihelix junction and to J19/4 region (probably including displacement of Mg2+ ions from the P4 helix) of PRNA; competition with Mg2+ ions near the P15 loop; and competition with the P protein and/or pre-tRNA near the P15 helix and interfering with interactions between the P protein and pre-tRNA at this region. The APACs revealed about 10-fold lower intermolecular energy than AACs, indicating stronger interactions of APACs than AACs with PRNA.

The presence of a C-1/G+73 pair in a tRNA precursor influences processing and expression in vivo

To understand whether 5' and 3' structural elements of the region corresponding to the mature tRNA affect the expression of the tRNA, we examined several bacterial genomes for tRNA genes where the expression might be potentially affected by structural elements located outside of the mature tRNA. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, our analysis suggested that the tRNA(Trp) is transcribed together with a putative stem-loop structure followed by a uridine tract immediately downstream of the tRNA region. This structural element, resembling a Rho-independent transcription terminator, might therefore influence the expression and processing of tRNA(Trp). Moreover, the secondary structure suggested that the discriminator base in the tRNA(Trp) precursor can pair with either the C at position -1, the 3' terminal residue in the 5' leader, or the C immediately 5' of the uridine tract of the putative Rho-independent transcription terminator. Here, we present in vivo data demonstrating the importance of residue -1 and the positioning of the putative transcription terminator for the expression of correctly 5' processed P. aeruginosa tRNA(Trp) in Escherichia coli. Interestingly, we also detected a difference in the appearance of correctly 5' processed P. aeruginosa tRNA(Trp) in E. coli compared to the situation in P. aeruginosa.

The 2'-hydroxyl group of the guanosine nucleophile donates a functionally important hydrogen bond in the tetrahymena ribozyme reaction

In the first step of self-splicing, group I introns utilize an exogenous guanosine nucleophile to attack the 5'-splice site. Removal of the 2'-hydroxyl of this guanosine results in a 10 (6)-fold loss in activity, indicating that this functional group plays a critical role in catalysis. Biochemical and structural data have shown that this hydroxyl group provides a ligand for one of the catalytic metal ions at the active site. However, whether this hydroxyl group also engages in hydrogen-bonding interactions remains unclear, as attempts to elaborate its function further usually disrupt the interactions with the catalytic metal ion. To address the possibility that this 2'-hydroxyl contributes to catalysis by donating a hydrogen bond, we have used an atomic mutation cycle to probe the functional importance of the guanosine 2'-hydroxyl hydrogen atom. This analysis indicates that, beyond its role as a ligand for a catalytic metal ion, the guanosine 2'-hydroxyl group donates a hydrogen bond in both the ground state and the transition state, thereby contributing to cofactor recognition and catalysis by the intron. Our findings continue an emerging theme in group I intron catalysis: the oxygen atoms at the reaction center form multidentate interactions that function as a cooperative network. The ability to delineate such networks represents a key step in dissecting the complex relationship between RNA structure and catalysis.

Escherichia coli RNase P RNA: substrate ribose modifications at G+1, but not nucleotide -1/+73 base pairing, affect the transition state for cleavage chemistry

The temperature dependence of processing of precursor tRNA(Gly) (ptRNA(Gly)) variants carrying a single 2'-OCH(3) or locked nucleic acid (LNA) modification at G+1 by Escherichia coli endoribonuclease P RNA was studied at rate-limiting chemistry. We show, for the first time, that these ribose modifications at nucleotide +1 increase the activation energy and alter the activation parameters for the transition state of hydrolysis at the canonical (c(0)) cleavage site (between nucleotides -1 and +1). The modified substrates, particularly the one with LNA at G+1, caused an increase in the activation enthalpy Delta H(double dagger), which was partly compensated for by a simultaneous increase in the activation entropy DeltaS(double dagger). NMR imino proton spectra of model acceptor stems derived from the same ptRNA variants unveiled that a riboT or U at -1 forms two hydrogen bonds with U+73, thus extending the acceptor stem by 1 bp. The non-canonical base pair is substantially stabilized by LNA substitution at nucleotides -1 or +1. To address if the activation energy increase owing to LNA at G+1 stems from dissociation of the U(-1)-U(+73) base pair as a prerequisite for interaction of U(+73) with U294 in endoribonuclease P RNA, we tested a ptRNA(Gly) variant that is capable of forming an extra C(-1)-G(+73) Watson-Crick base pair. However, compared with a control ptRNA (C at -1, U at +73), no significant change in activation parameters was observed for this ptRNA. Thus, our results argue against the possibility that breaking of an additional base pair at the end of the acceptor stem may present an energetic barrier for reaching the transition state of the chemical step for cleavage at the canonical (c(0)) phosphodiester.

Importance of RNA-protein interactions in bacterial ribonuclease P structure and catalysis

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex that catalyzes the metal-dependent maturation of the 5' end of precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs) in all organisms. RNase P is comprised of a catalytic RNA (P RNA), and at least one essential protein (P protein). Although P RNA is the catalytic subunit of the enzyme and is active in the absence of P protein under high salt concentrations in vitro, the protein is still required for enzyme activity in vivo. Therefore, the function of the P protein and how it interacts with both P RNA and pre-tRNA have been the focus of much ongoing research. RNA-protein interactions in RNase P serve a number of critical roles in the RNP including stabilizing the structure, and enhancing the affinity for substrates and metal ions. This review examines the role of RNA-protein interactions in bacterial RNase P from both structural and mechanistic perspectives.

Linkage between substrate recognition and catalysis during cleavage of sarcin/ricin loop RNA by restrictocin

Restrictocin is a site-specific endoribonuclease that inactivates ribosomes by cleaving the sarcin/ricin loop (SRL) of 23S-28S rRNA. Here we present a kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of the SRL cleavage reaction based on monitoring the cleavage of RNA oligonucleotides (2-27-mers). Restrictocin binds to a 27-mer SRL model substrate (designated wild-type SRL) via electrostatic interactions to form a nonspecific ground state complex E:S. At pH 6.7, physical steps govern the reaction rate: the wild-type substrate reacts at a partially diffusion-limited rate, and a faster-reacting SRL, containing a 3'-sulfur atom at the scissile phosphate, reacts at a fully diffusion-limited rate (k2/K1/2 = 1.1 x 10(9) M-1 s-1). At pH 7.4, the chemical step apparently limits the SRL cleavage rate. After the nonspecific binding step, restrictocin recognizes the SRL structure, which imparts 4.3 kcal/mol transition state stabilization relative to a single-stranded RNA. The two conserved SRL modules, bulged-G motif and GAGA tetraloop, contribute at least 2.4 and 1.9 kcal/mol, respectively, to the recognition. These findings suggest a model of SRL recognition in which restrictocin contacts the GAGA tetraloop and the bulged guanosine of the bulged-G motif to progress from the nonspecific ground state complex (E:S) to the higher-energy-specific complex (E.S) en route to the chemical transition state. Comparison of restrictocin with other ribonucleases revealed that restrictocin exhibits a 10(3)-10(6)-fold smaller ribonuclease activity against single-stranded RNA than do the restrictocin homologues, non-structure-specific ribonucleases T1 and U2. Together, these findings show how structural features of the SRL substrate facilitate catalysis and provide a mechanism for distinguishing between cognate and noncognate RNA.

Evidence for Induced Fit in Bacterial RNase P RNA-mediated Cleavage

RNase P with its catalytic RNA subunit is involved in the processing of a number of RNA precursors with different structures. However, precursor tRNAs are the most abundant substrates for RNase P. Available data suggest that a tRNA is folded into its characteristic structure already at the precursor state and that RNase P recognizes this structure. The tRNA D-/T-loop domain (TSL-region) is suggested to interact with the specificity domain of RNase P RNA while residues in the catalytic domain interact with the cleavage site. Here, we have studied the consequences of a productive interaction between the TSL-region and its binding site (TBS) in the specificity domain using tRNA precursors and various hairpin-loop model substrates. The different substrates were analyzed with respect to cleavage site recognition, ground-state binding, cleavage as a function of the concentration of Mg(2+) and the rate of cleavage under conditions where chemistry is suggested to be rate limiting using wild-type Escherichia coli RNase P RNA, M1 RNA, and M1 RNA variants with structural changes in the TBS-region. On the basis of our data, we conclude that a productive TSL/TBS interaction results in a conformational change in the M1 RNA substrate complex that has an effect on catalysis. Moreover, it is likely that this conformational change comprises positioning of chemical groups (and Mg(2+)) at and in the vicinity of the cleavage site. Hence, our findings are consistent with an induced-fit mechanism in RNase P RNA-mediated cleavage.

Evidence that binding of C5 protein to P RNA enhances ribozyme catalysis by influencing active site metal ion affinity

The RNA subunit (P RNA) of the bacterial RNase P ribonucleoprotein is a ribozyme that catalyzes the Mg-dependent hydrolysis of pre-tRNA, but it requires an essential protein cofactor (P protein) in vivo that enhances substrate binding affinities and catalytic rates in a substrate dependent manner. Previous studies of Bacillus subtilis RNase P, containing a Type B RNA subunit, showed that its cognate protein subunit increases the affinity of metal ions important for catalysis, but the functional role of these ions is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the Mg2+ dependence of the catalytic step for Escherichia coli RNase P, which contains a more common Type A RNA subunit, is also modulated by its cognate protein subunit (C5), indicating that this property is fundamental to P protein. To monitor specifically the binding of active site metal ions, we analyzed quantitatively the rescue by Cd2+ of an inhibitory Rp phosphorothioate modification at the pre-tRNA cleavage site. The results show that binding of C5 protein increases the apparent affinity of the rescuing Cd2+, providing evidence that C5 protein enhances metal ion affinity in the active site, and thus is likely to contribute significantly to rate enhancement at physiological metal ion concentrations.

A view of RNase P

Major progress in the study of RNase P has resulted from crystallography of bacterial catalytic subunits and the discovery of catalytic activity in eukaryotes. Several new substrates have also been identified, primarily in bacteria but also in yeast. Our current world should be called the "RNA-protein world" rather than the "protein world".

Probing the architecture of the B. subtilis RNase P holoenzyme active site by cross-linking and affinity cleavage

Bacterial ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a ribonucleoprotein complex composed of one catalytic RNA (PRNA) and one protein subunit (P protein) that together catalyze the 5' maturation of precursor tRNA. High-resolution X-ray crystal structures of the individual P protein and PRNA components from several species have been determined, and structural models of the RNase P holoenzyme have been proposed. However, holoenzyme models have been limited by a lack of distance constraints between P protein and PRNA in the holoenzyme-substrate complex. Here, we report the results of extensive cross-linking and affinity cleavage experiments using single-cysteine P protein variants derivatized with either azidophenacyl bromide or 5-iodoacetamido-1,10-o-phenanthroline to determine distance constraints and to model the Bacillus subtilis holoenzyme-substrate complex. These data indicate that the evolutionarily conserved RNR motif of P protein is located near (<15 Angstroms) the pre-tRNA cleavage site, the base of the pre-tRNA acceptor stem and helix P4 of PRNA, the putative active site of the enzyme. In addition, the metal binding loop and N-terminal region of the P protein are proximal to the P3 stem-loop of PRNA. Studies using heterologous holoenzymes composed of covalently modified B. subtilis P protein and Escherichia coli M1 RNA indicate that P protein binds similarly to both RNAs. Together, these data indicate that P protein is positioned close to the RNase P active site and may play a role in organizing the RNase P active site.

Bacterial RNase P: a new view of an ancient enzyme

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a ubiquitous endonuclease that catalyses the maturation of the 5' end of transfer RNA (tRNA). Although it carries out a biochemically simple reaction, RNase P is a complex ribonucleoprotein particle composed of a single large RNA and at least one protein component. In bacteria and some archaea, the RNA component of RNase P can catalyse tRNA maturation in vitro in the absence of proteins. The discovery of the catalytic activity of the bacterial RNase P RNA triggered numerous mechanistic and biochemical studies of the reactions catalysed by the RNA alone and by the holoenzyme and, in recent years, structures of individual components of the RNase P holoenzyme have been determined. The goal of the present review is to summarize what is known about the bacterial RNase P, and to bring together the recent structural results with extensive earlier biochemical and phylogenetic findings.

Evidence that substrate-specific effects of C5 protein lead to uniformity in binding and catalysis by RNase P

The ribonucleoprotein enzyme RNase P processes all pre-tRNAs, yet some substrates apparently lack consensus elements for recognition. Here, we compare binding affinities and cleavage rates of Escherichia coli pre-tRNAs that exhibit the largest variation from consensus recognition sequences. These results reveal that the affinities of both consensus and nonconsensus substrates for the RNase P holoenzyme are essentially uniform. Comparative analyses of pre-tRNA and tRNA binding to the RNase P holoenzyme and P RNA alone reveal differential contributions of the protein subunit to 5' leader and tRNA affinity. Additionally, these studies reveal that uniform binding results from variations in the energetic contribution of the 5' leader, which serve to compensate for weaker tRNA interactions. Furthermore, kinetic analyses reveal uniformity in the rates of substrate cleavage that result from dramatic (> 900-fold) contributions of the protein subunit to catalysis for some nonconsensus pre-tRNAs. Together, these data suggest that an important biological function of RNase P protein is to offset differences in pre-tRNA structure such that binding and catalysis are uniform.

RNA-dependent folding and stabilization of C5 protein during assembly of the E. coli RNase P holoenzyme

The pre-tRNA processing enzyme ribonuclease P is a ribonucleoprotein. In Escherichia coli assembly of the holoenzyme involves binding of the small (119 amino acid residue) C5 protein to the much larger (377 nucleotide) P RNA subunit. The RNA subunit makes the majority of contacts to the pre-tRNA substrate and contains the active site; however, binding of C5 stabilizes P RNA folding and contributes to high affinity substrate binding. Here, we show that RNase P ribonucleoprotein assembly also influences the folding of C5 protein. Thermal melting studies demonstrate that the free protein population is a mixture of folded and unfolded conformations under conditions where it assembles quantitatively with the RNA subunit. Changes in the intrinsic fluorescence of a unique tryptophan residue located in the folded core of C5 provide further evidence for an RNA-dependent conformational change during RNase P assembly. Comparisons of the CD spectra of the free RNA and protein subunits with that of the holoenzyme provide evidence for changes in P RNA structure in the presence of C5 as indicated by previous studies. Importantly, monitoring the temperature dependence of the CD signal in regions of the holoenzyme spectra that are dominated by protein or RNA structure permitted analysis of the thermal melting of the individual subunits within the ribonucleoprotein. These analyses reveal a significantly higher Tm for C5 when bound to P RNA and show that unfolding of the protein and RNA are coupled. These data provide evidence for a general mechanism in which the favorable free energy for formation of the RNA-protein complex offsets the unfavorable free energy of structural rearrangements in the RNA and protein subunits.

Crystal structure of a bacterial ribonuclease P RNA

The x-ray crystal structure of a 417-nt ribonuclease P RNA from Bacillus stearothermophilus was solved to 3.3-A resolution. This RNA enzyme is constructed from a number of coaxially stacked helical domains joined together by local and long-range interactions. These helical domains are arranged to form a remarkably flat surface, which is implicated by a wealth of biochemical data in the binding and cleavage of the precursors of transfer RNA substrate. Previous photoaffinity crosslinking data are used to position the substrate on the crystal structure and to identify the chemically active site of the ribozyme. This site is located in a highly conserved core structure formed by intricately interlaced long-range interactions between interhelical sequences.

Complexity in orchestration of chemical groups near different cleavage sites in RNase P RNA mediated cleavage

RNase P mediated cleavage of the tRNA(His) precursor does not rely on the formation of the "+73/294 interaction" to give the correct cleavage product, i.e. cleavage at -1, while other tRNA precursors that are cleaved at the canonical site +1 do. A previous model, here referred to as the "2'OH-model", predicts that the 2'OH at the canonical cleavage site would affect cleavage at -1. Here we used model RNA hairpin substrates mimicking the structural architecture of the tRNA(His) precursor cleavage site to investigate the role of 2'OH with respect to ground state binding and rate of cleavage in the presence and absence of the +73/294 interaction. Our data emphasize the importance of the 2'OH in the immediate vicinity of the scissile bond. Moreover, introduction of 2'H at the cleavage site did not affect cleavage at an alternative cleavage site to any significant extent. Our findings are therefore inconsistent with the 2'OH model. We favor a model where the 2'OH at the cleavage site influence Mg2+ binding in its vicinity, however we do not exclude the possibility that the 2'OH at the cleavage site interacts with RNase P RNA. Studying the importance of the 2'OH at different cleavage sites also indicated a higher dependence on the 2'OH at the cleavage site in the absence of the +73/294 interaction than in its presence. Finally, we provide data suggesting that N3 of U at position -1 in the substrate is most likely not involved in an interaction with RNase P RNA.

Substrate discrimination in RNase P RNA-mediated cleavage: importance of the structural environment of the RNase P cleavage site

Like the translational elongation factor EF-Tu, RNase P interacts with a large number of substrates where RNase P with its RNA subunit generates tRNAs with matured 5' termini by cleaving tRNA precursors immediately 5' of the residue at +1, i.e. at the position that corresponds to the first residue in tRNA. Most tRNAs carry a G+1C+72 base pair at the end of the aminoacyl acceptor-stem whereas in tRNA(Gln) G+1C+72 is replaced with U+1A+72. Here, we investigated RNase P RNA-mediated cleavage as a function of having G+1C+72 versus U+1A+72 in various substrate backgrounds, two full-size tRNA precursors (pre-tRNA(Gln) and pre-tRNA(Tyr)Su3) and a model RNA hairpin substrate (pATSer). Our data showed that replacement of G+1C+72 with U+1A+72 influenced ground state binding, cleavage efficiency under multiple and single turnover conditions in a substrate-dependent manner. Interestingly, we observed differences both in ground state binding and rate of cleavage comparing two full-size tRNA precursors, pre-tRNA(Gln) and pre-tRNA(Tyr)Su3. These findings provide evidence for substrate discrimination in RNase P RNA-mediated cleavage both at the level of binding, as previously observed for EF-Tu, as well as at the catalytic step. In our experiments where we used model substrate derivatives further indicated the importance of the +1/+72 base pair in substrate discrimination by RNase P RNA. Finally, we provide evidence that the structural architecture influences Mg2+ binding, most likely in its vicinity.