Correcting pervasive errors in RNA crystallography through enumerative structure prediction

The Giardia lamblia ribosome structure reveals divergence in several biological pathways and the mode of emetine function

Giardia lamblia is a deeply branching protist and a human pathogen. Its unusual biology presents the opportunity to explore conserved and fundamental molecular mechanisms. We determined the structure of the G. lamblia 80S ribosome bound to tRNA, mRNA, and the antibiotic emetine by cryo-electron microscopy, to an overall resolution of 2.49 Å. The structure reveals rapidly evolving protein and nucleotide regions, differences in the peptide exit tunnel, and likely altered ribosome quality control pathways. Examination of translation initiation factor binding sites suggests these interactions are conserved despite a divergent initiation mechanism. Highlighting the potential of G. lamblia to resolve conserved biological principles; our structure reveals the interactions of the translation inhibitor emetine with the ribosome and mRNA, thus providing insight into the mechanism of action for this widely used antibiotic. Our work defines key questions in G. lamblia and motivates future experiments to explore the diversity of eukaryotic gene regulation.

Tertiary folds of the SL5 RNA from the 5' proximal region of SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses

Coronavirus genomes sequester their start codons within stem-loop 5 (SL5), a structured, 5' genomic RNA element. In most alpha- and betacoronaviruses, the secondary structure of SL5 is predicted to contain a four-way junction of helical stems, some of which are capped with UUYYGU hexaloops. Here, using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and computational modeling with biochemically determined secondary structures, we present three-dimensional structures of SL5 from six coronaviruses. The SL5 domain of betacoronavirus severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), resolved at 4.7 Å resolution, exhibits a T-shaped structure, with its UUYYGU hexaloops at opposing ends of a coaxial stack, the T's "arms." Further analysis of SL5 domains from SARS-CoV-1 and MERS (7.1 and 6.4 to 6.9 Å resolution, respectively) indicate that the junction geometry and inter-hexaloop distances are conserved features across these human-infecting betacoronaviruses. The MERS SL5 domain displays an additional tertiary interaction, which is also observed in the non-human-infecting betacoronavirus BtCoV-HKU5 (5.9 to 8.0 Å resolution). SL5s from human-infecting alphacoronaviruses, HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63 (6.5 and 8.4 to 9.0 Å resolution, respectively), exhibit the same coaxial stacks, including the UUYYGU-capped arms, but with a phylogenetically distinct crossing angle, an X-shape. As such, all SL5 domains studied herein fold into stable tertiary structures with cross-genus similarities and notable differences, with implications for potential protein-binding modes and therapeutic targets.

2.7 Å cryo-EM structure of human telomerase H/ACA ribonucleoprotein

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) enzyme that extends telomeric repeats at eukaryotic chromosome ends to counterbalance telomere loss caused by incomplete genome replication. Human telomerase is comprised of two distinct functional lobes tethered by telomerase RNA (hTR): a catalytic core, responsible for DNA extension; and a Hinge and ACA (H/ACA) box RNP, responsible for telomerase biogenesis. H/ACA RNPs also have a general role in pseudouridylation of spliceosomal and ribosomal RNAs, which is critical for the biogenesis of the spliceosome and ribosome. Much of our structural understanding of eukaryotic H/ACA RNPs comes from structures of the human telomerase H/ACA RNP. Here we report a 2.7 Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of the telomerase H/ACA RNP. The significant improvement in resolution over previous 3.3 Å to 8.2 Å structures allows us to uncover new molecular interactions within the H/ACA RNP. Many disease mutations are mapped to these interaction sites. The structure also reveals unprecedented insights into a region critical for pseudouridylation in canonical H/ACA RNPs. Together, our work advances understanding of telomerase-related disease mutations and the mechanism of pseudouridylation by eukaryotic H/ACA RNPs.

CASP15 cryo-EM protein and RNA targets: Refinement and analysis using experimental maps

CASP assessments primarily rely on comparing predicted coordinates with experimental reference structures. However, experimental structures by their nature are only models themselves-their construction involves a certain degree of subjectivity in interpreting density maps and translating them to atomic coordinates. Here, we directly utilized density maps to evaluate the predictions by employing a method for ranking the quality of protein chain predictions based on their fit into the experimental density. The fit-based ranking was found to correlate well with the CASP assessment scores. Overall, the evaluation against the density map indicated that the models are of high accuracy, and occasionally even better than the reference structure in some regions of the model. Local assessment of predicted side chains in a 1.52 Å resolution map showed that side-chains are sometimes poorly positioned. Additionally, the top 118 predictions associated with 9 protein target reference structures were selected for automated refinement, in addition to the top 40 predictions for 11 RNA targets. For both proteins and RNA, the refinement of CASP15 predictions resulted in structures that are close to the reference target structure. This refinement was successful despite large conformational changes often being required, showing that predictions from CASP-assessed methods could serve as a good starting point for building atomic models in cryo-EM maps for both proteins and RNA. Loop modeling continued to pose a challenge for predictors, and together with the lack of consensus amongst models in these regions suggests that modeling, in combination with model-fit to the density, holds the potential for identifying more flexible regions within the structure.

Tertiary folds of the SL5 RNA from the 5' proximal region of SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses

Coronavirus genomes sequester their start codons within stem-loop 5 (SL5), a structured, 5' genomic RNA element. In most alpha- and betacoronaviruses, the secondary structure of SL5 is predicted to contain a four-way junction of helical stems, some of which are capped with UUYYGU hexaloops. Here, using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and computational modeling with biochemically-determined secondary structures, we present three-dimensional structures of SL5 from six coronaviruses. The SL5 domain of betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, resolved at 4.7 Å resolution, exhibits a T-shaped structure, with its UUYYGU hexaloops at opposing ends of a coaxial stack, the T's "arms." Further analysis of SL5 domains from SARS-CoV-1 and MERS (7.1 and 6.4-6.9 Å resolution, respectively) indicate that the junction geometry and inter-hexaloop distances are conserved features across the studied human-infecting betacoronaviruses. The MERS SL5 domain displays an additional tertiary interaction, which is also observed in the non-human-infecting betacoronavirus BtCoV-HKU5 (5.9-8.0 Å resolution). SL5s from human-infecting alphacoronaviruses, HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63 (6.5 and 8.4-9.0 Å resolution, respectively), exhibit the same coaxial stacks, including the UUYYGU-capped arms, but with a phylogenetically distinct crossing angle, an X-shape. As such, all SL5 domains studied herein fold into stable tertiary structures with cross-genus similarities, with implications for potential protein-binding modes and therapeutic targets.

Structural basis for a degenerate tRNA identity code and the evolution of bimodal specificity in human mitochondrial tRNA recognition

Animal mitochondrial gene expression relies on specific interactions between nuclear-encoded aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and mitochondria-encoded tRNAs. Their evolution involves an antagonistic interplay between strong mutation pressure on mtRNAs and selection pressure to maintain their essential function. To understand the molecular consequences of this interplay, we analyze the human mitochondrial serylation system, in which one synthetase charges two highly divergent mtRNASer isoacceptors. We present the cryo-EM structure of human mSerRS in complex with mtRNASer(UGA), and perform a structural and functional comparison with the mSerRS-mtRNASer(GCU) complex. We find that despite their common function, mtRNASer(UGA) and mtRNASer(GCU) show no constrain to converge on shared structural or sequence identity motifs for recognition by mSerRS. Instead, mSerRS evolved a bimodal readout mechanism, whereby a single protein surface recognizes degenerate identity features specific to each mtRNASer. Our results show how the mutational erosion of mtRNAs drove a remarkable innovation of intermolecular specificity rules, with multiple evolutionary pathways leading to functionally equivalent outcomes.

CASP15 cryoEM protein and RNA targets: refinement and analysis using experimental maps

CASP assessments primarily rely on comparing predicted coordinates with experimental reference structures. However, errors in the reference structures can potentially reduce the accuracy of the assessment. This issue is particularly prominent in cryoEM-determined structures, and therefore, in the assessment of CASP15 cryoEM targets, we directly utilized density maps to evaluate the predictions. A method for ranking the quality of protein chain predictions based on rigid fitting to experimental density was found to correlate well with the CASP assessment scores. Overall, the evaluation against the density map indicated that the models are of high accuracy although local assessment of predicted side chains in a 1.52 Å resolution map showed that side-chains are sometimes poorly positioned. The top 136 predictions associated with 9 protein target reference structures were selected for refinement, in addition to the top 40 predictions for 11 RNA targets. To this end, we have developed an automated hierarchical refinement pipeline in cryoEM maps. For both proteins and RNA, the refinement of CASP15 predictions resulted in structures that are close to the reference target structure, including some regions with better fit to the density. This refinement was successful despite large conformational changes and secondary structure element movements often being required, suggesting that predictions from CASP-assessed methods could serve as a good starting point for building atomic models in cryoEM maps for both proteins and RNA. Loop modeling continued to pose a challenge for predictors with even short loops failing to be accurately modeled or refined at times. The lack of consensus amongst models suggests that modeling holds the potential for identifying more flexible regions within the structure.

Principles of human pre-60S biogenesis

During the early stages of human large ribosomal subunit (60S) biogenesis, an ensemble of assembly factors establishes and fine-tunes the essential RNA functional centers of pre-60S particles by an unknown mechanism. Here, we report a series of cryo-electron microscopy structures of human nucleolar and nuclear pre-60S assembly intermediates at resolutions of 2.5 to 3.2 angstroms. These structures show how protein interaction hubs tether assembly factor complexes to nucleolar particles and how guanosine triphosphatases and adenosine triphosphatase couple irreversible nucleotide hydrolysis steps to the installation of functional centers. Nuclear stages highlight how a conserved RNA-processing complex, the rixosome, couples large-scale RNA conformational changes with pre-ribosomal RNA processing by the RNA degradation machinery. Our ensemble of human pre-60S particles provides a rich foundation with which to elucidate the molecular principles of ribosome formation.

Structure of the actively translating plant 80S ribosome at 2.2 Å resolution

In plant cells, translation occurs in three compartments: the cytosol, the plastids and the mitochondria. While the structures of the (prokaryotic-type) ribosomes in plastids and mitochondria are well characterized, high-resolution structures of the eukaryotic 80S ribosomes in the cytosol have been lacking. Here the structure of translating tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) 80S ribosomes was solved by cryo-electron microscopy with a global resolution of 2.2 Å. The ribosome structure includes two tRNAs, decoded mRNA and the nascent peptide chain, thus providing insights into the molecular underpinnings of the cytosolic translation process in plants. The map displays conserved and plant-specific rRNA modifications and the positions of numerous ionic cofactors, and it uncovers the role of monovalent ions in the decoding centre. The model of the plant 80S ribosome enables broad phylogenetic comparisons that reveal commonalities and differences in the ribosomes of plants and those of other eukaryotes, thus putting our knowledge about eukaryotic translation on a firmer footing.

Principles of human pre-60 S biogenesis

During early stages of human large ribosomal subunit (60 S ) biogenesis, an ensemble of assembly factors establishes and fine-tunes the essential RNA functional centers of pre-60 S particles by an unknown mechanism. Here, we report a series of cryo-electron microscopy structures of human nucleolar and nuclear pre-60 S assembly intermediates at resolutions of 2.5-3.2 Ã…. These structures show how protein interaction hubs tether assembly factor complexes to nucleolar particles and how GTPases and ATPases couple irreversible nucleotide hydrolysis steps to the installation of functional centers. Nuclear stages highlight how a conserved RNA processing complex, the rixosome, couples large-scale RNA conformational changes to pre-rRNA processing by the RNA degradation machinery. Our ensemble of human pre-60 S particles provides a rich foundation to elucidate the molecular principles of ribosome formation.

One-Sentence Summary

High-resolution cryo-EM structures of human pre-60S particles reveal new principles of eukaryotic ribosome assembly.

Discovery of natural-product-derived sequanamycins as potent oral anti-tuberculosis agents

The emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis has created an urgent need for new anti-tubercular agents. Here, we report the discovery of a series of macrolides called sequanamycins with outstanding in vitro and in vivo activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Sequanamycins are bacterial ribosome inhibitors that interact with the ribosome in a similar manner to classic macrolides like erythromycin and clarithromycin, but with binding characteristics that allow them to overcome the inherent macrolide resistance of Mtb. Structures of the ribosome with bound inhibitors were used to optimize sequanamycin to produce the advanced lead compound SEQ-9. SEQ-9 was efficacious in mouse models of acute and chronic TB as a single agent, and it demonstrated bactericidal activity in a murine TB infection model in combination with other TB drugs. These results support further investigation of this series as TB clinical candidates, with the potential for use in new regimens against drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB.

The structural basis for HIV-1 Vif antagonism of human APOBEC3G

The APOBEC3 (A3) proteins are host antiviral cellular proteins that hypermutate the viral genome of diverse viral families. In retroviruses, this process requires A3 packaging into viral particles1-4. The lentiviruses encode a protein, Vif, that antagonizes A3 family members by targeting them for degradation. Diversification of A3 allows host escape from Vif whereas adaptations in Vif enable cross-species transmission of primate lentiviruses. How this 'molecular arms race' plays out at the structural level is unknown. Here, we report the cryogenic electron microscopy structure of human APOBEC3G (A3G) bound to HIV-1 Vif, and the hijacked cellular proteins that promote ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. A small surface explains the molecular arms race, including a cross-species transmission event that led to the birth of HIV-1. Unexpectedly, we find that RNA is a molecular glue for the Vif-A3G interaction, enabling Vif to repress A3G by ubiquitin-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Our results suggest a model in which Vif antagonizes A3G by intercepting it in its most dangerous form for the virus-when bound to RNA and on the pathway to packaging-to prevent viral restriction. By engaging essential surfaces required for restriction, Vif exploits a vulnerability in A3G, suggesting a general mechanism by which RNA binding helps to position key residues necessary for viral antagonism of a host antiviral gene.

Cryo-EM captures early ribosome assembly in action

Ribosome biogenesis is a fundamental multi-step cellular process in all domains of life that involves the production, processing, folding, and modification of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and ribosomal proteins. To obtain insights into the still unexplored early assembly phase of the bacterial 50S subunit, we exploited a minimal in vitro reconstitution system using purified ribosomal components and scalable reaction conditions. Time-limited assembly assays combined with cryo-EM analysis visualizes the structurally complex assembly pathway starting with a particle consisting of ordered density for only ~500 nucleotides of 23S rRNA domain I and three ribosomal proteins. In addition, our structural analysis reveals that early 50S assembly occurs in a domain-wise fashion, while late 50S assembly proceeds incrementally. Furthermore, we find that both ribosomal proteins and folded rRNA helices, occupying surface exposed regions on pre-50S particles, induce, or stabilize rRNA folds within adjacent regions, thereby creating cooperativity.

Structural basis of sequence-specific RNA recognition by the antiviral factor APOBEC3G

An essential step in restricting HIV infectivity by the antiviral factor APOBEC3G is its incorporation into progeny virions via binding to HIV RNA. However, the mechanism of APOBEC3G capturing viral RNA is unknown. Here, we report crystal structures of a primate APOBEC3G bound to different types of RNAs, revealing that APOBEC3G specifically recognizes unpaired 5'-AA-3' dinucleotides, and to a lesser extent, 5'-GA-3' dinucleotides. APOBEC3G binds to the common 3'A in the AA/GA motifs using an aromatic/hydrophobic pocket in the non-catalytic domain. It binds to the 5'A or 5'G in the AA/GA motifs using an aromatic/hydrophobic groove conformed between the non-catalytic and catalytic domains. APOBEC3G RNA binding property is distinct from that of the HIV nucleocapsid protein recognizing unpaired guanosines. Our findings suggest that the sequence-specific RNA recognition is critical for APOBEC3G virion packaging and restricting HIV infectivity.

Structural basis for shape-selective recognition and aminoacylation of a D-armless human mitochondrial tRNA

Human mitochondrial gene expression relies on the specific recognition and aminoacylation of mitochondrial tRNAs (mtRNAs) by nuclear-encoded mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (mt-aaRSs). Despite their essential role in cellular energy homeostasis, strong mutation pressure and genetic drift have led to an unparalleled sequence erosion of animal mtRNAs. The structural and functional consequences of this erosion are not understood. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of the human mitochondrial seryl-tRNA synthetase (mSerRS) in complex with mtRNASer(GCU). These structures reveal a unique mechanism of substrate recognition and aminoacylation. The mtRNASer(GCU) is highly degenerated, having lost the entire D-arm, tertiary core, and stable L-shaped fold that define canonical tRNAs. Instead, mtRNASer(GCU) evolved unique structural innovations, including a radically altered T-arm topology that serves as critical identity determinant in an unusual shape-selective readout mechanism by mSerRS. Our results provide a molecular framework to understand the principles of mito-nuclear co-evolution and specialized mechanisms of tRNA recognition in mammalian mitochondrial gene expression.

Key aspects of the past 30 years of protein design

Proteins are the workhorse of life. They are the building infrastructure of living systems; they are the most efficient molecular machines known, and their enzymatic activity is still unmatched in versatility by any artificial system. Perhaps proteins' most remarkable feature is their modularity. The large amount of information required to specify each protein's function is analogically encoded with an alphabet of just ∼20 letters. The protein folding problem is how to encode all such information in a sequence of 20 letters. In this review, we go through the last 30 years of research to summarize the state of the art and highlight some applications related to fundamental problems of protein evolution.

tRNA Fusion to Streamline RNA Structure Determination: Case Studies in Probing Aminoacyl-tRNA Sensing Mechanisms by the T-Box Riboswitch

RNAs are prone to misfolding and are often more challenging to crystallize and phase than proteins. Here, we demonstrate that tRNA fusion can streamline the crystallization and structure determination of target RNA molecules. This strategy was applied to the T-box riboswitch system to capture a dynamic interaction between the tRNA 3′-UCCA tail and the T-box antiterminator, which senses aminoacylation. We fused the T-box antiterminator domain to the tRNA anticodon arm to capture the intended interaction through crystal packing. This approach drastically improved the probability of crystallization and successful phasing. Multiple structure snapshots captured the antiterminator loop in an open conformation with some resemblance to that observed in the recent co-crystal structures of the full-length T box riboswitch–tRNA complex, which contrasts the resting, closed conformation antiterminator observed in an earlier NMR study. The anticipated tRNA acceptor–antiterminator interaction was captured in a low-resolution crystal structure. These structures combined with our previous success using prohead RNA–tRNA fusions demonstrates tRNA fusion is a powerful method in RNA structure determination.

Rational engineering enables co-crystallization and structural determination of the HIV-1 matrix-tRNA complex

Host tRNAs specifically interact with the matrix domain (MA) of HIV-1 major structural polyprotein, Gag, to control its membrane localization and virion assembly. In this protocol, we describe the purification and engineering of HIV-1 MA and tRNA, and the co-crystallization and structure determination of the complex using X-ray crystallography. Rational engineering of the tRNA surface created tRNA-tRNA packing contacts that drove the formation of diffraction-quality co-crystals. This protocol can be adapted to solve other ribonucleoprotein complex structures containing structured RNAs. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Bou-Nader et al. (2021).

Interplay between an ATP-binding cassette F protein and the ribosome from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

EttA, energy-dependent translational throttle A, is a ribosomal factor that gates ribosome entry into the translation elongation cycle. A detailed understanding of its mechanism of action is limited due to the lack of high-resolution structures along its ATPase cycle. Here we present the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of EttA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), referred to as MtbEttA, in complex with the Mtb 70S ribosome initiation complex (70SIC) at the pre-hydrolysis (ADPNP) and transition (ADP-VO4) states, and the crystal structure of MtbEttA alone in the post-hydrolysis (ADP) state. We observe that MtbEttA binds the E-site of the Mtb 70SIC, remodeling the P-site tRNA and the ribosomal intersubunit bridge B7a during the ribosomal ratcheting. In return, the rotation of the 30S causes conformational changes in MtbEttA, forcing the two nucleotide-binding sites (NBSs) to alternate to engage each ADPNP in the pre-hydrolysis states, followed by complete engagements of both ADP-VO4 molecules in the ATP-hydrolysis transition states. In the post-hydrolysis state, the conserved ATP-hydrolysis motifs of MtbEttA dissociate from both ADP molecules, leaving two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) in an open conformation. These structures reveal a dynamic interplay between MtbEttA and the Mtb ribosome, providing insights into the mechanism of translational regulation by EttA-like proteins.

Structural basis for Dicer-like function of an engineered RNase III variant and insights into the reaction trajectory of two-Mg2+-ion catalysis

The RNase III family of dsRNA-specific endonucleases is exemplified by prokaryotic RNase III and eukaryotic Rnt1p, Drosha, and Dicer. Structures of Aquifex aeolicus RNase III (AaRNase III) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rnt1p (ScRnt1p) show that both enzymes recognize substrates in a sequence-specific manner and propel RNA hydrolysis by two-Mg²⁺-ion catalysis. Previously, we created an Escherichia coli RNase III variant (EcEEQ) by eliminating the sequence specificity via protein engineering and called it bacterial Dicer for the fact that it produces heterogeneous small interfering RNA cocktails. Here, we present a 1.8-Å crystal structure of a postcleavage complex of EcEEQ, representing a reaction state immediately after the cleavage of scissile bond. The structure not only establishes the structure-and-function relationship of EcEEQ, but also reveals the functional role of a third Mg²⁺ ion that is involved in RNA hydrolysis by bacterial RNase III. In contrast, the cleavage site assembly of ScRnt1p does not contain a third Mg²⁺ ion. Instead, it involves two more amino acid side chains conserved among eukaryotic RNase IIIs. We conclude that the EcEEQ structure (this work) represents the cleavage assembly of prokaryotic RNase IIIs and the ScRnt1p structure (PDB: 4OOG), also determined at the postcleavage state, represents the cleavage assembly of eukaryotic RNase IIIs. Together, these two structures provide insights into the reaction trajectory of two-Mg²⁺-ion catalysis by prokaryotic and eukaryotic RNase III enzymes.

Stabilization of Ribosomal RNA of the Small Subunit by Spermidine in Staphylococcus aureus

Cryo-electron microscopy is now used as a method of choice in structural biology for studying protein synthesis, a process mediated by the ribosome machinery. In order to achieve high-resolution structures using this approach, one needs to obtain homogeneous and stable samples, which requires optimization of ribosome purification in a species-dependent manner. This is especially critical for the bacterial small ribosomal subunit that tends to be unstable in the absence of ligands. Here, we report a protocol for purification of stable 30 S from the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and its cryo-EM structures: in presence of spermidine at a resolution ranging between 3.4 and 3.6 Å and in its absence at 5.3 Å. Using biochemical characterization and cryo-EM, we demonstrate the importance of spermidine for stabilization of the 30 S via preserving favorable conformation of the helix 44.

A structured RNA motif locks Argonaute2:miR-122 onto the 5' end of the HCV genome

microRNAs (miRNAs) form regulatory networks in metazoans. Viruses engage miRNA networks in numerous ways, with Flaviviridae members exploiting direct interactions of their RNA genomes with host miRNAs. For hepatitis C virus (HCV), binding of liver-abundant miR-122 stabilizes the viral RNA and regulates viral translation. Here, we investigate the structural basis for these activities, taking into consideration that miRNAs function in complex with Argonaute (Ago) proteins. The crystal structure of the Ago2:miR-122:HCV complex reveals a structured RNA motif that traps Ago2 on the viral RNA, masking its 5’ end from enzymatic attack. The trapped Ago2 can recruit host factor PCBP2, implicated in viral translation, while binding of a second Ago2:miR-122 competes with PCBP2, creating a potential molecular switch for translational control. Combined results reveal a viral RNA structure that modulates Ago2:miR-122 dynamics and repurposes host proteins to generate a functional analog of the mRNA cap-binding complex.

The RNA genome of the Hepatitis C Virus binds to the liver-specific miR122. Here the authors report the crystal structure of the Ago2:miR122:HCV complex showing that the viral RNA’s structural element traps the Ago2:miR-122 complex on the 5’ end of the viral genome to protect it from degradation.

A viral RNA hijacks host machinery using dynamic conformational changes of a tRNA-like structure

Viruses require multifunctional structured RNAs to hijack their host’s biochemistry, but their mechanisms can be obscured by the difficulty of solving conformationally dynamic RNA structures. Using cryo–electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we visualized the structure of the mysterious viral transfer RNA (tRNA)–like structure (TLS) from the brome mosaic virus, which affects replication, translation, and genome encapsidation. Structures in isolation and those bound to tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) show that this ~55-kilodalton purported tRNA mimic undergoes large conformational rearrangements to bind TyrRS in a form that differs substantially from that of tRNA. Our study reveals how viral RNAs can use a combination of static and dynamic RNA structures to bind host machinery through highly noncanonical interactions, and we highlight the utility of cryo-EM for visualizing small, conformationally dynamic structured RNAs.

Refinement of RNA Structures Using Amber Force Fields

Atomic models for nucleic acids derived from X-ray diffraction data at low resolution provide much useful information, but the observed scattering intensities can be fit with models that can differ in structural detail. Tradtional geometric restraints favor models that have bond length and angle terms derived from small molecule crystal structures. Here we explore replacing these restraints with energy gradients derived from force fields, including recently developed integral equation models to account for the effects of water molecules and ions that are not part of the explicit model. We compare conventional and force-field based refinements for 22 RNA crystals, ranging in resolution from 1.1 to 3.6 Å. As expected, it can be important to account for solvent screening of charge–charge interactions, especially in the crowded environment of a nucleic acid crystal. The newly refined models can show improvements in torsion angles and hydrogen-bonding interactions, and can significantly reduce unfavorable atomic clashes, while maintaining or improving agreement with observed scattering intensities.

HIV-1 matrix-tRNA complex structure reveals basis for host control of Gag localization

The HIV-1 virion structural polyprotein, Gag, is directed to particle assembly sites at the plasma membrane by its N-terminal matrix (MA) domain. MA also binds to host tRNAs. To understand the molecular basis of MA-tRNA interaction and its potential function, we present a co-crystal structure of HIV-1 MA-tRNALys3 complex. The structure reveals a specialized group of MA basic and aromatic residues preconfigured to recognize the distinctive structure of the tRNA elbow. Mutational, cross-linking, fluorescence, and NMR analyses show that the crystallographically defined interface drives MA-tRNA binding in solution and living cells. The structure indicates that MA is unlikely to bind tRNA and membrane simultaneously. Accordingly, single-amino-acid substitutions that abolish MA-tRNA binding caused striking redistribution of Gag to the plasma membrane and reduced HIV-1 replication. Thus, HIV-1 exploits host tRNAs to occlude a membrane localization signal and control the subcellular distribution of its major structural protein.

Structural model of the M7G46 Methyltransferase TrmB in complex with tRNA

TrmB belongs to the class I S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methyltransferases (MTases) and introduces a methyl group to guanine at position 7 (m⁷G) in tRNA. In tRNAs m⁷G is most frequently found at position 46 in the variable loop and forms a tertiary base pair with C13 and U22, introducing a positive charge at G46. The TrmB/Trm8 enzyme family is structurally diverse, as TrmB proteins exist in a monomeric, homodimeric, and heterodimeric form. So far, the exact enzymatic mechanism, as well as the tRNA-TrmB crystal structure is not known. Here we present the first crystal structures of B. subtilis TrmB in complex with SAM and SAH. The crystal structures of TrmB apo and in complex with SAM and SAH have been determined by X-ray crystallography to 1.9 Å (apo), 2.5 Å (SAM), and 3.1 Å (SAH). The obtained crystal structures revealed Tyr193 to be important during SAM binding and MTase activity. Applying fluorescence polarization, the dissociation constant K_d of TrmB and tRNA^Phe was determined to be 0.12 µM ± 0.002 µM. Luminescence-based methyltransferase activity assays revealed cooperative effects during TrmB catalysis with half-of-the-site reactivity at physiological SAM concentrations. Structural data retrieved from small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), mass-spectrometry of cross-linked complexes, and molecular docking experiments led to the determination of the TrmB-tRNA^Phe complex structure.

MD simulations reveal the basis for dynamic assembly of Hfq-RNA complexes

The conserved protein Hfq is a key factor in the RNA-mediated control of gene expression in most known bacteria. The transient intermediates Hfq forms with RNA support intricate and robust regulatory networks. In Pseudomonas, Hfq recognizes repeats of adenine–purine–any nucleotide (ARN) in target mRNAs via its distal binding side, and together with the catabolite repression control (Crc) protein, assembles into a translation–repression complex. Earlier experiments yielded static, ensemble-averaged structures of the complex, but details of its interface dynamics and assembly pathway remained elusive. Using explicit solvent atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we modeled the extensive dynamics of the Hfq–RNA interface and found implications for the assembly of the complex. We predict that syn/anti flips of the adenine nucleotides in each ARN repeat contribute to a dynamic recognition mechanism between the Hfq distal side and mRNA targets. We identify a previously unknown binding pocket that can accept any nucleotide and propose that it may serve as a ‘status quo’ staging point, providing nonspecific binding affinity, until Crc engages the Hfq–RNA binary complex. The dynamical components of the Hfq–RNA recognition can speed up screening of the pool of the surrounding RNAs, participate in rapid accommodation of the RNA on the protein surface, and facilitate competition among different RNAs. The register of Crc in the ternary assembly could be defined by the recognition of a guanine-specific base–phosphate interaction between the first and last ARN repeats of the bound RNA. This dynamic substrate recognition provides structural rationale for the stepwise assembly of multicomponent ribonucleoprotein complexes nucleated by Hfq–RNA binding.

An RNA-centric historical narrative around the Protein Data Bank

Some of the amazing contributions brought to the scientific community by the Protein Data Bank (PDB) are described. The focus is on nucleic acid structures with a bias toward RNA. The evolution and key roles in science of the PDB and other structural databases for nucleic acids illustrate how small initial ideas can become huge and indispensable resources with the unflinching willingness of scientists to cooperate globally. The progress in the understanding of the molecular interactions driving RNA architectures followed the rapid increase in RNA structures in the PDB. That increase was consecutive to improvements in chemical synthesis and purification of RNA molecules, as well as in biophysical methods for structure determination and computer technology. The RNA modeling efforts from the early beginnings are also described together with their links to the state of structural knowledge and technological development. Structures of RNA and of its assemblies are physical objects, which, together with genomic data, allow us to integrate present-day biological functions and the historical evolution in all living species on earth.

Structure of a bacterial OapB protein with its OLE RNA target gives insights into the architecture of the OLE ribonucleoprotein complex

Bacterial noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play key roles in many biological processes including gene regulation, RNA processing and modification, and protein synthesis and translocation. OLE RNAs, found in many Gram-positive species, are one of the largest highly structured ncRNA classes whose biochemical functions remain unknown. In Bacillus halodurans, OLE RNAs interact with at least two proteins, OapA and OapB, which are required to assemble a functional OLE ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex contributing to cellular responses to certain environmental stresses. We established X-ray structural models that reveal the sequence elements and tertiary structural features of OLE RNA that are critical for its specific recognition by OapB, which will aid future exploration of the biological and biochemical functions of the unusual OLE RNP complex.

The OLE (ornate, large, and extremophilic) RNA class is one of the most complex and well-conserved bacterial noncoding RNAs known to exist. This RNA is known to be important for bacterial responses to stress caused by short-chain alcohols, cold, and elevated Mg²⁺ concentrations. These biological functions have been shown to require the formation of a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex including at least two protein partners: OLE-associated protein A (OapA) and OLE-associated protein B (OapB). OapB directly binds OLE RNA with high-affinity and specificity and is believed to assist in assembling the functional OLE RNP complex. To provide the atomic details of OapB–OLE RNA interaction and to potentially reveal previously uncharacterized protein–RNA interfaces, we determined the structure of OapB from Bacillus halodurans alone and in complex with an OLE RNA fragment at resolutions of 1.0 Å and 2.0 Å, respectively. The structure of OapB exhibits a K-shaped overall architecture wherein its conserved KOW motif and additional unique structural elements of OapB form a bipartite RNA-binding surface that docks to the P13 hairpin and P12.2 helix of OLE RNA. These high-resolution structures elucidate the molecular contacts used by OapB to form a stable RNP complex and explain the high conservation of sequences and structural features at the OapB–OLE RNA-binding interface. These findings provide insight into the role of OapB in the assembly and biological function of OLE RNP complex and can guide the exploration of additional possible OLE RNA-binding interactions present in OapB.

Structural basis of early translocation events on the ribosome

Peptide-chain elongation during protein synthesis entails sequential aminoacyl-tRNA selection and translocation reactions that proceed rapidly (2-20 per second) and with a low error rate (around 10^-3 to 10^-5 at each step) over thousands of cycles¹. The cadence and fidelity of ribosome transit through mRNA templates in discrete codon increments is a paradigm for movement in biological systems that must hold for diverse mRNA and tRNA substrates across domains of life. Here we use single-molecule fluorescence methods to guide the capture of structures of early translocation events on the bacterial ribosome. Our findings reveal that the bacterial GTPase elongation factor G specifically engages spontaneously achieved ribosome conformations while in an active, GTP-bound conformation to unlock and initiate peptidyl-tRNA translocation. These findings suggest that processes intrinsic to the pre-translocation ribosome complex can regulate the rate of protein synthesis, and that energy expenditure is used later in the translocation mechanism than previously proposed.

Protein Synthesis in the Developing Neocortex at Near-Atomic Resolution Reveals Ebp1-Mediated Neuronal Proteostasis at the 60S Tunnel Exit

Protein synthesis must be finely tuned in the developing nervous system as the final essential step of gene expression. This study investigates the architecture of ribosomes from the neocortex during neurogenesis, revealing Ebp1 as a high-occupancy 60S peptide tunnel exit (TE) factor during protein synthesis at near-atomic resolution by cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM). Ribosome profiling demonstrated Ebp1-60S binding is highest during start codon initiation and N-terminal peptide elongation, regulating ribosome occupancy of these codons. Membrane-targeting domains emerging from the 60S tunnel, which recruit SRP/Sec61 to the shared binding site, displace Ebp1. Ebp1 is particularly abundant in the early-born neural stem cell (NSC) lineage and regulates neuronal morphology. Ebp1 especially impacts the synthesis of membrane-targeted cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), measured by pulsed stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (pSILAC)/bioorthogonal noncanonical amino acid tagging (BONCAT) mass spectrometry (MS). Therefore, Ebp1 is a central component of protein synthesis, and the ribosome TE is a focal point of gene expression control in the molecular specification of neuronal morphology during development.

The Halastavi árva Virus Intergenic Region IRES Promotes Translation by the Simplest Possible Initiation Mechanism

Dicistrovirus intergenic region internal ribosomal entry sites (IGR IRESs) do not require initiator tRNA, an AUG codon, or initiation factors and jumpstart translation from the middle of the elongation cycle via formation of IRES/80S complexes resembling the pre-translocation state. eEF2 then translocates the [codon-anticodon]-mimicking pseudoknot I (PKI) from ribosomal A sites to P sites, bringing the first sense codon into the decoding center. Halastavi árva virus (HalV) contains an IGR that is related to previously described IGR IRESs but lacks domain 2, which enables these IRESs to bind to individual 40S ribosomal subunits. By using in vitro reconstitution and cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM), we now report that the HalV IGR IRES functions by the simplest initiation mechanism that involves binding to 80S ribosomes such that PKI is placed in the P site, so that the A site contains the first codon that is directly accessible for decoding without prior eEF2-mediated translocation of PKI.

Structural Differences in Translation Initiation between Pathogenic Trypanosomatids and Their Mammalian Hosts

Canonical mRNA translation in eukaryotes begins with the formation of the 43S pre-initiation complex (PIC). Its assembly requires binding of initiator Met-tRNA_i^Met and several eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) to the small ribosomal subunit (40S). Compared to their mammalian hosts, trypanosomatids present significant structural differences in their 40S, suggesting substantial variability in translation initiation. Here, we determine the structure of the 43S PIC from Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite causing Chagas disease. Our structure shows numerous specific features, such as the variant eIF3 structure and its unique interactions with the large rRNA expansion segments (ESs) 9^S, 7^S, and 6^S, and the association of a kinetoplastid-specific DDX60-like helicase. It also reveals the 40S-binding site of the eIF5 C-terminal domain and structures of key terminal tails of several conserved eIFs underlying their activities within the PIC. Our results are corroborated by glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assays in both human and T. cruzi and mass spectrometry data.

•

Structure of the 43S pre-initiation complex from Trypanosoma cruzi is solved at 3.33 Å

•

The kinetoplastids’ eIF3 core is a septamer that binds mainly the unique, extended ES7^s

•

A kinetoplastid-specific DDX60-like helicase binds to the 43S PIC entry pore

•

The 40S positions of eIF5-CTD and key tails of several eIFs are determined

Hierarchical natural move Monte Carlo refines flexible RNA structures into cryo-EM densities

Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) play essential roles in living cells. Many of them fold into defined three-dimensional (3D) structures to perform functions. Recent advances in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) have enabled structure determinations of RNA to atomic resolutions. However, most RNA molecules are structurally flexible, limiting the resolution of their structures solved by cryo-EM. In modeling these molecules, several computational methods are limited by the requirement of massive computational resources and/or the low efficiency in exploring large-scale structural variations. Here we use hierarchical natural move Monte Carlo (HNMMC), which takes advantage of collective motions for groups of nucleic acid residues, to refine RNA structures into their cryo-EM maps, preserving atomic details in the models. After validating the method on a simulated density map of tRNA, we applied it to objectively obtain the model of the folding intermediate for the specificity domain of ribonuclease P from Bacillus subtilis and refine a flexible ribosomal RNA (rRNA) expansion segment from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) ribosome in different conformational states. Finally, we used HNMMC to model atomic details and flexibility for two distinct conformations of the complete genomic RNA (gRNA) inside MS2, a single-stranded RNA virus, revealing multiple pathways for its capsid assembly.

Structural basis for mRNA recognition by human RBM38

RNA-binding protein RBM38 was reported to bind the mRNA of several p53-related genes through its RRM domain and to up-regulate or down-regulate protein translation by increasing mRNA stability or recruitment of other effector proteins. The recognition mechanism, however, for RNA-binding of RBM38 remains unclear. Here, we report the crystal structure of the RRM domain of human RBM38 in complex with a single-stranded RNA. Our structural and biological results revealed that RBM38 recognizes G(U/C/A)GUG sequence single-stranded RNA in a sequence-specific and structure-specific manner. Two phenylalanine stacked with bases of RNA were crucial for RNA binding, and a series of hydrogen bonds between the base atoms of RNA and main-chain or side-chain atoms of RBM38 determine the sequence-specific recognition. Our results revealed the RNA-recognition mechanism of human RBM38 and provided structural information for understanding the RNA-binding property of RBM38.

Macromolecular modeling and design in Rosetta: recent methods and frameworks

The Rosetta software for macromolecular modeling, docking and design is extensively used in laboratories worldwide. During two decades of development by a community of laboratories at more than 60 institutions, Rosetta has been continuously refactored and extended. Its advantages are its performance and interoperability between broad modeling capabilities. Here we review tools developed in the last 5 years, including over 80 methods. We discuss improvements to the score function, user interfaces and usability. Rosetta is available at http://www.rosettacommons.org.

Cyclic Automated Model Building (CAB) Applied to Nucleic Acids

Obtaining high-quality models for nucleic acid structures by automated model building programs (AMB) is still a challenge. The main reasons are the rather low resolution of the diffraction data and the large number of rotatable bonds in the main chains. The application of the most popular and documented AMB programs (e.g., PHENIX.AUTOBUILD, NAUTILUS and ARP/wARP) may provide a good assessment of the state of the art. Quite recently, a cyclic automated model building (CAB) package was described; it is a new AMB approach that makes the use of BUCCANEER for protein model building cyclic without modifying its basic algorithms. The applications showed that CAB improves the efficiency of BUCCANEER. The success suggested an extension of CAB to nucleic acids—in particular, to check if cyclically including NAUTILUS in CAB may improve its effectiveness. To accomplish this task, CAB algorithms designed for protein model building were modified to adapt them to the nucleic acid crystallochemistry. CAB was tested using 29 nucleic acids (DNA and RNA fragments). The phase estimates obtained via molecular replacement (MR) techniques were automatically submitted to phase refinement and then used as input for CAB. The experimental results from CAB were compared with those obtained by NAUTILUS, ARP/wARP and PHENIX.AUTOBUILD.

High-affinity recognition of specific tRNAs by an mRNA anticodon-binding groove

T-box riboswitches are modular bacterial noncoding RNAs that sense and regulate amino acid availability through direct interactions with tRNAs. Between the 5' anticodon-binding stem I domain and the 3' amino acid sensing domains of most T-boxes lies the stem II domain of unknown structure and function. Here, we report a 2.8-Å cocrystal structure of the Nocardia farcinica ileS T-box in complex with its cognate tRNA^Ile. The structure reveals a perpendicularly arranged ultrashort stem I containing a K-turn and an elongated stem II bearing an S-turn. Both stems rest against a compact pseudoknot, dock via an extended ribose zipper and jointly create a binding groove specific to the anticodon of its cognate tRNA. Contrary to proposed distal contacts to the tRNA elbow region, stem II locally reinforces the codon-anticodon interactions between stem I and tRNA, achieving low-nanomolar affinity. This study illustrates how mRNA junctions can create specific binding sites for interacting RNAs of prescribed sequence and structure.

Structural basis of amino acid surveillance by higher-order tRNA-mRNA interactions

Amino acid availability in Gram-positive bacteria is monitored by T-box riboswitches. T-boxes directly bind tRNAs, assess their aminoacylation state, and regulate the transcription or translation of downstream genes to maintain nutritional homeostasis. Here, we report cocrystal and cryo-EM structures of Geobacillus kaustophilus and Bacillus subtilis T-box-tRNA complexes, detailing their multivalent, exquisitely selective interactions. The T-box forms a U-shaped molecular vise that clamps the tRNA, captures its 3' end using an elaborate 'discriminator' structure, and interrogates its aminoacylation state using a steric filter fashioned from a wobble base pair. In the absence of aminoacylation, T-boxes clutch tRNAs and form a continuously stacked central spine, permitting transcriptional readthrough or translation initiation. A modeled aminoacyl disrupts tRNA-T-box stacking, severing the central spine and blocking gene expression. Our data establish a universal mechanism of amino acid sensing on tRNAs and gene regulation by T-box riboswitches and exemplify how higher-order RNA-RNA interactions achieve multivalency and specificity.

Macromolecular structure determination using X-rays, neutrons and electrons: recent developments in Phenix

Diffraction (X-ray, neutron and electron) and electron cryo-microscopy are powerful methods to determine three-dimensional macromolecular structures, which are required to understand biological processes and to develop new therapeutics against diseases. The overall structure-solution workflow is similar for these techniques, but nuances exist because the properties of the reduced experimental data are different. Software tools for structure determination should therefore be tailored for each method. Phenix is a comprehensive software package for macromolecular structure determination that handles data from any of these techniques. Tasks performed with Phenix include data-quality assessment, map improvement, model building, the validation/rebuilding/refinement cycle and deposition. Each tool caters to the type of experimental data. The design of Phenix emphasizes the automation of procedures, where possible, to minimize repetitive and time-consuming manual tasks, while default parameters are chosen to encourage best practice. A graphical user interface provides access to many command-line features of Phenix and streamlines the transition between programs, project tracking and re-running of previous tasks.

A unified mechanism for intron and exon definition and back-splicing

The molecular mechanisms of exon definition and back-splicing are fundamental unanswered questions in pre-mRNA splicing. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of the yeast spliceosomal E complex assembled on introns, providing a view of the earliest event in the splicing cycle that commits pre-mRNAs to splicing. The E complex architecture suggests that the same spliceosome can assemble across an exon, and that it either remodels to span an intron for canonical linear splicing (typically on short exons) or catalyses back-splicing to generate circular RNA (on long exons). The model is supported by our experiments, which show that an E complex assembled on the middle exon of yeast EFM5 or HMRA1 can be chased into circular RNA when the exon is sufficiently long. This simple model unifies intron definition, exon definition, and back-splicing through the same spliceosome in all eukaryotes and should inspire experiments in many other systems to understand the mechanism and regulation of these processes.

The structure of an elongation factor G-ribosome complex captured in the absence of inhibitors

During translation’s elongation cycle, elongation factor G (EF-G) promotes messenger and transfer RNA translocation through the ribosome. Until now, the structures reported for EF-G–ribosome complexes have been obtained by trapping EF-G in the ribosome. These results were based on use of non-hydrolyzable guanosine 5′-triphosphate (GTP) analogs, specific inhibitors or a mutated EF-G form. Here, we present the first cryo-electron microscopy structure of EF-G bound to ribosome in the absence of an inhibitor. The structure reveals a natural conformation of EF-G·GDP in the ribosome, with a previously unseen conformation of its third domain. These data show how EF-G must affect translocation, and suggest the molecular mechanism by which fusidic acid antibiotic prevents the release of EF-G after GTP hydrolysis.

Crystal structure of an adenovirus virus-associated RNA

Adenovirus Virus-Associated (VA) RNAs are the first discovered viral noncoding RNAs. By mimicking double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), the exceptionally abundant, multifunctional VA RNAs sabotage host machineries that sense, transport, process, or edit dsRNAs. How VA-I suppresses PKR activation despite its strong dsRNA character, and inhibits the crucial antiviral kinase to promote viral translation, remains largely unknown. Here, we report a 2.7 Å crystal structure of VA-I RNA. The acutely bent VA-I features an unusually structured apical loop, a wobble-enriched, coaxially stacked apical and tetra-stems necessary and sufficient for PKR inhibition, and a central domain pseudoknot that resembles codon-anticodon interactions and prevents PKR activation by VA-I. These global and local structural features collectively define VA-I as an archetypal PKR inhibitor made of RNA. The study provides molecular insights into how viruses circumnavigate cellular rules of self vs non-self RNAs to not only escape, but further compromise host innate immunity.

Using Rosetta for RNA homology modeling

The three-dimensional structures of RNA molecules provide rich and often critical information for understanding their functions, including how they recognize small molecule and protein partners. Computational modeling of RNA 3D structure is becoming increasingly accurate, particularly with the availability of growing numbers of template structures already solved experimentally and the development of sequence alignment and 3D modeling tools to take advantage of this database. For several recent "RNA puzzle" blind modeling challenges, we have successfully identified useful template structures and achieved accurate structure predictions through homology modeling tools developed in the Rosetta software suite. We describe our semi-automated methodology here and walk through two illustrative examples: an adenine riboswitch aptamer, modeled from a template guanine riboswitch structure, and a SAM I/IV riboswitch aptamer, modeled from a template SAM I riboswitch structure.

Binding between G Quadruplexes at the Homodimer Interface of the Corn RNA Aptamer Strongly Activates Thioflavin T Fluorescence

Thioflavin T (ThT) is widely used for the detection of amyloids. Many unrelated DNAs and RNAs that contain G-quadruplex motifs also bind ThT and strongly activate its fluorescence. To elucidate the structural basis of ThT binding to G quadruplexes and its fluorescence turn-on, we determined its co-crystal structure with the homodimeric RNA Corn, which contains two G quadruplexes. We found that two ThT molecules bind in the dimer interface, constrained by a G quartet from each protomer into a maximally fluorescent planar conformation. The unliganded Corn homodimer crystal structure reveals a collapsed fluorophore-binding site. In solution, Corn must fluctuate between this and an open, binding-competent conformation. A co-crystal structure with another benzothiazole derivate, thiazole orange (TO), also shows binding at the Corn homodimer interface. As the bound ThT and TO make no interactions with the RNA backbone, their Corn co-crystal structures likely explain their fluorescence activation upon sequence-independent DNA and RNA G-quadruplex binding.

Structural assembly of the tailed bacteriophage ϕ29

The mature virion of the tailed bacteriophage ϕ29 is an ~33 MDa complex that contains more than 450 subunits of seven structural proteins assembling into a prolate head and a short non-contractile tail. Here, we report the near-atomic structures of the ϕ29 pre-genome packaging head (prohead), the mature virion and the genome-emptied virion. Structural comparisons suggest local rotation or oscillation of the head-tail connector upon DNA packaging and release. Termination of the DNA packaging occurs through pressure-dependent correlative positional and conformational changes in the connector. The funnel-shaped tail lower collar attaches the expanded narrow end of the connector and has a 180-Å long, 24-strand β barrel narrow stem tube that undergoes conformational changes upon genome release. The appendages form an interlocked assembly attaching the tail around the collar. The membrane active long loops at the distal end of the tail knob exit during the late stage of infection and form the cone-shaped tip of a largely hydrophobic helix barrel, prepared for membrane penetration.

Mature particles of bacteriophage ϕ29 consist of a 33-MDa complex formed by over 450 subunits, assembled into a head and a short tail. Here, Xu et al. report the near-atomic structures of the ϕ29 prohead, the mature virion and the genome-emptied virion, providing insights into DNA packaging and release.

Conformational Stability Adaptation of a Double-Stranded RNA-Binding Domain to Transfer RNA Ligand

The double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD) is a broadly distributed domain among RNA-maturing enzymes. Although this domain recognizes dsRNA's structures via a conserved canonical structure adopting an α₁-β₁β₂β₃-α₂ topology, several dsRBDs can accommodate discrete structural extensions expanding further their functional repertoire. How these structural elements engage cooperative communications with the canonical structure and how they contribute to the dsRBD's overall folding are poorly understood. Here, we addressed these issues using the dsRBD of human dihydrouridine synthase-2 (hDus2) (hDus2-dsRBD) as a model. This dsRBD harbors N- and C-terminal extensions, the former being directly involved in the recognition of tRNA substrate of hDus2. These extensions engage residues that form a long-range hydrophobic network (LHN) outside the RNA-binding interface. We show by coarse-grain Brownian dynamics that the Nt-extension and its residues F359 and Y364 rigidify the major folding nucleus of the canonical structure via an indirect effect. hDus2-dsRBD unfolds following a two-state cooperative model, whereas both F359A and Y364A mutants, designed to destabilize this LHN, unfold irreversibly. Structural and computational analyses show that these mutants are unstable due to an increase in the dynamics of the two extensions favoring solvent exposure of α2-helix and weakening the main folding nucleus rigidity. This LHN appears essential for maintaining a thermodynamic stability of the overall system and eventually a functional conformation for tRNA recognition. Altogether, our findings suggest that functional adaptability of extended dsRBDs is promoted by a cooperative hydrophobic coupling between the extensions acting as effectors and the folding nucleus of the canonical structure.

Heavy-atom labeling of RNA by PLOR for de novo crystallographic phasing

Due to the paucity of known RNA structures, experimental phasing is crucial for obtaining three-dimensional structures of RNAs by X-ray crystallography. Covalent attachment of heavy atoms to RNAs is one of the most useful strategies to facilitate phase determination. However, this approach is limited by the inefficiency or inability to synthesize large RNAs (>60 nucleotides) site-specifically labeled with heavy atoms using traditional methods. Here, we applied our recently reported method, PLOR (position-selective labeling of RNA) to incorporate 5-iodouridine at specific positions in the adenine riboswitch RNA aptamer domain, which was then used for crystallization and subsequent de novo SAD phasing. PLOR is a powerful tool to improve the efficiency of obtaining RNA structures de novo by X-ray crystallography.

tRNA Translocation by the Eukaryotic 80S Ribosome and the Impact of GTP Hydrolysis

Translocation moves the tRNA2⋅mRNA module directionally through the ribosome during the elongation phase of protein synthesis. Although translocation is known to entail large conformational changes within both the ribosome and tRNA substrates, the orchestrated events that ensure the speed and fidelity of this critical aspect of the protein synthesis mechanism have not been fully elucidated. Here, we present three high-resolution structures of intermediates of translocation on the mammalian ribosome where, in contrast to bacteria, ribosomal complexes containing the translocase eEF2 and the complete tRNA2⋅mRNA module are trapped by the non-hydrolyzable GTP analog GMPPNP. Consistent with the observed structures, single-molecule imaging revealed that GTP hydrolysis principally facilitates rate-limiting, final steps of translocation, which are required for factor dissociation and which are differentially regulated in bacterial and mammalian systems by the rates of deacyl-tRNA dissociation from the E site.

Structural basis for the second step of group II intron splicing

The group II intron and the spliceosome share a common active site architecture and are thought to be evolutionarily related. Here we report the 3.7 Å crystal structure of a eukaryotic group II intron in the lariat-3' exon form, immediately preceding the second step of splicing, analogous to the spliceosomal P complex. This structure reveals the location of the intact 3' splice site within the catalytic core of the group II intron. The 3'-OH of the 5' exon is positioned in close proximity to the 3' splice site for nucleophilic attack and exon ligation. The active site undergoes conformational rearrangements with the catalytic triplex having different configurations before and after the second step of splicing. We describe a complete model for the second step of group II intron splicing that incorporates a dynamic catalytic triplex being responsible for creating the binding pocket for 3' splice site capture.