Elongation factor 4 (EF4/LepA) accelerates protein synthesis at increased Mg2+ concentrations

Analysis of stress response in multiple bacterial pathogens using a network biology approach

Stress response in bacterial pathogens promotes adaptation, virulence and antibiotic resistance. In this study, a network approach is applied to identify the common central mediators of stress response in five emerging opportunistic pathogens; Enterococcus faecium Aus0004, Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus USA300, Klebsiella pneumoniae MGH 78,578, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. A Protein-protein interaction network (PPIN) was constructed for each stressor using Cytoscape3.7.1 from the differentially expressed genes obtained from Gene expression omnibus datasets. A merged PPIN was constructed for each bacterium. Hub-bottlenecks in each network were the central stress response proteins and common pathways enriched in stress response were identified using KOBAS3.0. 31 hub-bottlenecks were common to each individual stress response, merged networks in all five pathogens and an independent cross stress (CS) response dataset of Escherichia coli. The 31 central nodes are in the RpoS mediated general stress regulon and also regulated by other stress response systems. Analysis of the 20 common metabolic pathways modulating stress response in all five bacteria showed that carbon metabolism pathway had the highest crosstalk with other pathways like amino acid biosynthesis and purine metabolism pathways. The central proteins identified can serve as targets for novel wide-spectrum antibiotics to overcome multidrug resistance.

Immunogenic peptides putatively from intratumor microbes: Opportunities for colorectal cancer treatment

Recent evidence has confirmed the presence of intratumor microbes, yet their impact on the immunopeptidome remains largely unexplored. Here we introduced an integrated strategy to identify the immunopeptidome originated from intratumor microbes. Analyzing 10 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, we identified 154 putative microbe-derived human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-I ligands. Predominantly bacterial in origin, these peptides were notably abundant in Fusobacterium nucleatum, the most prevalent bacterium differentiating between normal and tumor tissues. We discovered 20 peptides originating from F. nucleatum, thirteen of which, including two peptides shared across multiple patients, were tumor specific. Validation experiments confirmed that the putative microbe-derived peptide could activate CD8+ T cell responses. Our findings indicate that HLA-I molecules are capable of presenting intratumor microbe-derived peptides in CRC, potentially contributing to CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity and suggesting potential strategies for cancer immunotherapy.

The Long Road to a Synthetic Self-Replicating Central Dogma

The construction of a biochemical system capable of self-replication is a key objective in bottom-up synthetic biology. Throughout the past two decades, a rapid progression in the design of in vitro cell-free systems has provided valuable insight into the requirements for the development of a minimal system capable of self-replication. The main limitations of current systems can be attributed to their macromolecular composition and how the individual macromolecules use the small molecules necessary to drive RNA and protein synthesis. In this Perspective, we discuss the recent steps that have been taken to generate a minimal cell-free system capable of regenerating its own macromolecular components and maintaining the homeostatic balance between macromolecular biogenesis and consumption of primary building blocks. By following the flow of biological information through the central dogma, we compare the current versions of these systems to date and propose potential alterations aimed at designing a model system for self-replicative synthetic cells.

Differential impacts of salinity on antibiotic resistance genes during cattle manure stockpiling are linked to mobility potentials revealed by metagenomic sequencing

Livestock manure is an important source of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and its salinity level can change during stockpiling. To understand how the salinity changes affect the fate of ARGs, cattle manure was adjusted of salinity and stockpiled in laboratory microcosms at low (0.3% salt), moderate (3.0%) and high salinity levels (10.0%) for 44 days. Amongst the five ARGs (tetO, bla_TEM, sul1, tetM, and ermB) and the first-class integrase (intI1) monitored by qPCR, the relative abundance of tetO and bla_TEM exhibited no clear trend in response to salinity levels, while that of sul1, tetM, ermB and intI1 showed clear downward trends over time at the lower salinity levels (0.3% and 3%) but not at the high salinity level (10%). Metagenomic contig construction of cattle manure samples revealed that sul1, tetM and ermB genes were more likely to associate with mobile genetic elements (MGEs) than tetO and bla_TEM, suggesting that their slower decay at higher salinity levels was either caused by horizontal gene transfer or co-selection of ARGs and osmotic stress resistant determinants. Further analysis of metagenomic contigs showed that osmotic stress resistance can also be located on MGEs or in conjunction with ARGs.

Bridging ribosomal synthesis to cell growth through the lens of kinetics

Understanding prokaryotic cell growth requires a multiscale modeling framework from the kinetics perspective. The detailed kinetics pathway of ribosomes exhibits features beyond the scope of the classical Hopfield kinetics model. The complexity of the molecular responses to various nutrient conditions poses additional challenge to elucidate the cell growth. Herein, a kinetics framework is developed to bridge ribosomal synthesis to cell growth. For the ribosomal synthesis kinetics, the competitive binding between cognate and near-cognate tRNAs for ribosomes can be modulated by Mg2+. This results in distinct patterns of the speed - accuracy relation comprising "trade-off" and "competition" regimes. Furthermore, the cell growth rate is optimized by varying the characteristics of ribosomal synthesis through cellular responses to different nutrient conditions. In this scenario, cellular responses to nutrient conditions manifest by two quadratic scaling relations: one for nutrient flux versus cell mass, the other for ribosomal number versus growth rate. Both are in quantitative agreement with experimental measurements.

Novel rRNA transcriptional activity of NhaR revealed by its growth recovery for the bipA-deleted Escherichia coli at low temperature

The BipA protein is a universally conserved GTPase in bacterial species and is structurally similar to translational GTPases. Despite its wide distribution, BipA is dispensable for growth under optimal growth conditions but is required under stress conditions. In particular, bipA-deleted cells (ESC19) have been shown to display a variety of phenotypic changes in ribosome assembly, capsule production, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis, biofilm formation, and motility at low temperature, suggesting its global regulatory roles in cold adaptation. Here, through genomic library screening, we found a suppressor clone containing nhaR, which encodes a Na⁺-responsive LysR-type transcriptional regulator and whose gene product partially restored the growth of strain ESC19 at 20°C. The suppressed cells showed slightly reduced capsule production and improved biofilm-forming ability at 20°C, whereas the defects in the LPS core and swimming motility were not restored but aggravated by overexpression of nhaR. Notably, the overexpression partially alleviated the defects in 50S ribosomal subunit assembly and rRNA processing of ESC19 cells by enhancing the overall transcription of rRNA. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed the association of NhaR with the promoter of seven rrn operons, suggesting that NhaR directly regulates rRNA transcription in ESC19 at 20°C. The suppressive effects of NhaR on ribosomes, capsules, and LPS were dependent on its DNA-binding activity, implying that NhaR might be a transcriptional factor involved in regulating these genes at 20°C. Furthermore, we found that BipA may be involved in adaptation to salt stress, designating BipA as a global stress-responsive regulator, as the deletion of bipA led to growth defects at 37°C and high Na⁺ concentrations without ribosomal defects.

Microbial Proteins in Stomach Biopsies Associated with Gastritis, Ulcer, and Gastric Cancer

(1) Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Helicobacter pylori infection is a major risk factor, but other microbial species may also be involved. In the context of an earlier proteomics study of serum and biopsies of patients with gastroduodenal diseases, we explored here a simplified microbiome in these biopsies (H. pylori, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides fragilis) on the protein level. (2) Methods: A cohort of 75 patients was divided into groups with respect to the findings of the normal gastric mucosa (NGM) and gastroduodenal disorders such as gastritis, ulcer, and gastric cancer (GC). The H. pylori infection status was determined. The protein expression analysis of the biopsy samples was carried out using high-definition mass spectrometry of the tryptic digest (label-free data-independent quantification and statistical analysis). (3) Results: The total of 304 bacterial protein matches were detected based on two or more peptide hits. Significantly regulated microbial proteins like virulence factor type IV secretion system protein CagE from H. pylori were found with more abundance in gastritis than in GC or NGM. This finding could reflect the increased microbial involvement in mucosa inflammation in line with current hypotheses. Abundant proteins across species were heat shock proteins and elongation factors. (4) Conclusions: Next to the bulk of human proteins, a number of species-specific bacterial proteins were detected in stomach biopsies of patients with gastroduodenal diseases, some of which, like those expressed by the cag pathogenicity island, may provide gateways to disease prevention without antibacterial intervention in order to reduce antibiotic resistance.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Nucleotide Variants Associated with Resistance to Nine Antimicrobials in Mycoplasma bovis

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) studies of Mycoplasma bovis have generally focused on specific loci versus using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach. A GWAS approach, using two different models, was applied to 194 Mycoplasma bovis genomes. Both a fixed effects linear model (FEM) and a linear mixed model (LMM) identified associations between nucleotide variants (NVs) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) phenotypes. The AMR phenotypes represented fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, phenicols, and macrolides. Both models identified known and novel NVs associated (Bonferroni adjusted p < 0.05) with AMR. Fluoroquinolone resistance was associated with multiple NVs, including previously identified mutations in gyrA and parC. NVs in the 30S ribosomal protein 16S were associated with tetracycline resistance, whereas NVs in 5S rRNA, 23S rRNA, and 50S ribosomal proteins were associated with phenicol and macrolide resistance. For all antimicrobial classes, resistance was associated with NVs in genes coding for ABC transporters and other membrane proteins, tRNA-ligases, peptidases, and transposases, suggesting a NV-based multifactorial model of AMR in M. bovis. This study was the largest collection of North American M. bovis isolates used with a GWAS for the sole purpose of identifying novel and non-antimicrobial-target NVs associated with AMR.

How to save a bacterial ribosome in times of stress

Biogenesis of ribosomes is one of the most cost- and resource-intensive processes in all living cells. In bacteria, ribosome biogenesis is rate-limiting for growth and must be tightly coordinated to yield maximum fitness of the cells. Since bacteria are continuously facing environmental changes and stress conditions, they have developed sophisticated systems to sense and regulate their nutritional status. Amino acid starvation leads to the synthesis and accumulation of the nucleotide-based second messengers ppGpp and pppGpp [(p)ppGpp], which in turn function as central players of a pleiotropic metabolic adaptation mechanism named the stringent response. Here, we review our current knowledge on the multiple roles of (p)ppGpp in the stress-related modulation of the prokaryotic protein biosynthesis machinery with the ribosome as its core constituent. The alarmones ppGpp/pppGpp act as competitors of their GDP/GTP counterparts, to affect a multitude of ribosome-associated P-loop GTPases involved in the translation cycle, ribosome biogenesis and hibernation. A similar mode of inhibition has been found for the GTPases of the proteins involved in the SRP-dependent membrane-targeting machinery present in the periphery of the ribosome. In this sense, during stringent conditions, binding of (p)ppGpp restricts the membrane insertion and secretion of proteins. Altogether, we highlight the enormously resource-intensive stages of ribosome biogenesis as a critical regulatory hub of the stringent response that ultimately tunes the protein synthesis capacity and consequently the survival of the cell.

Bacterial Ribosome Rescue Systems

To maintain proteostasis, the cell employs multiple ribosome rescue systems to relieve the stalled ribosome on problematic mRNA. One example of problematic mRNA is non-stop mRNA that lacks an in-frame stop codon produced by endonucleolytic cleavage or transcription error. In Escherichia coli, there are at least three ribosome rescue systems that deal with the ribosome stalled on non-stop mRNA. According to one estimation, 2-4% of translation is the target of ribosome rescue systems even under normal growth conditions. In the present review, we discuss the recent findings of ribosome rescue systems in bacteria.

Functions and Regulation of Translation Elongation Factors

Translation elongation is a key step of protein synthesis, during which the nascent polypeptide chain extends by one amino acid residue during one elongation cycle. More and more data revealed that the elongation is a key regulatory node for translational control in health and disease. During elongation, elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu, eEF1A in eukaryotes) is used to deliver aminoacyl-tRNA (aa-tRNA) to the A-site of the ribosome, and elongation factor G (EF-G, EF2 in eukaryotes and archaea) is used to facilitate the translocation of the tRNA₂-mRNA complex on the ribosome. Other elongation factors, such as EF-Ts/eEF1B, EF-P/eIF5A, EF4, eEF3, SelB/EFsec, TetO/Tet(M), RelA and BipA, have been found to affect the overall rate of elongation. Here, we made a systematic review on the canonical and non-canonical functions and regulation of these elongation factors. In particular, we discussed the close link between translational factors and human diseases, and clarified how post-translational modifications control the activity of translational factors in tumors.

Genome and Methylome analysis of a phylogenetic novel Campylobacter coli cluster with C. jejuni introgression

The intriguing recent discovery of Campylobacter coli strains, especially of clade 1, that (i) possess mosaic C. coli/C. jejuni alleles, (ii) demonstrate mixed multilocus sequence types (MLSTs) and (iii) have undergone genome-wide introgression has led to the speculation that these two species may be involved in an accelerated rate of horizontal gene transfer that is progressively leading to the merging of both species in a process coined ‘despeciation’. In an MLST-based neighbour-joining tree of a number of C. coli and C. jejuni isolates of different clades, three prominent Campylobacter isolates formed a seemingly separate cluster besides the previously described C. coli and C. jejuni clades. In the light of the suspected, ongoing genetic introgression between the C. coli and C. jejuni species, this cluster of Campylobacter isolates is proposed to present one of the hybrid clonal complexes in the despeciation process of the genus. Specific DNA methylation as well as restriction modification systems are known to be involved in selective uptake of external DNA and their role in such genetic introgression remains to be further investigated. In this study, the phylogeny and DNA methylation of these putative C. coli/C. jejuni hybrid strains were explored, their genomic mosaic structure caused by C. jejuni introgression was demonstrated and basic phenotypic assays were used to characterize these isolates. The genomes of the three hybrid Campylobacter strains were sequenced using PacBio SMRT sequencing, followed by methylome analysis by Restriction-Modification Finder and genome analysis by Parsnp, Smash++ and blast. Additionally, the strains were phenotypically characterized with respect to growth behaviour, motility, eukaryotic cell invasion and adhesion, autoagglutination, biofilm formation, and water survival ability. Our analyses show that the three hybrid Campylobacter strains are clade 1 C. coli strains, which have acquired between 8.1 and 9.1 % of their genome from C. jejuni. The C. jejuni genomic segments acquired are distributed over the entire genome and do not form a coherent cluster. Most of the genes originating from C. jejuni are involved in chemotaxis and motility, membrane transport, cell signalling, or the resistance to toxic compounds such as bile acids. Interspecies gene transfer from C. jejuni has contributed 8.1–9.1% to the genome of three C. coli isolates and initiated the despeciation between C. jejuni and C. coli. Based on their functional annotation, the genes originating from C. jejuni enable the adaptation of the three strains to an intra-intestinal habitat. The transfer of a fused type II restriction-modification system that recognizes the CAYNNNNNCTC/GAGNNNNNRTG motif seems to be the key for the recombination of the C. jejuni genetic material with C. coli genomes.

Ribosome-Associated Quality Control in Bacteria

Translation of the genetic information into proteins, performed by the ribosome, is a key cellular process in all organisms. Translation usually proceeds smoothly, but, unfortunately, undesirable events can lead to stalling of translating ribosomes. To rescue these faulty arrested ribosomes, bacterial cells possess three well-characterized quality control systems, tmRNA, ArfA, and ArfB. Recently, an additional ribosome rescue mechanism has been discovered in Bacillus subtilis. In contrast to the "canonical" systems targeting the 70S bacterial ribosome, this latter mechanism operates by first splitting the ribosome into the small (30S) and large (50S) subunits to then clearing the resultant jammed large subunit from the incomplete nascent polypeptide. Here, I will discuss the recent microbiological, biochemical, and structural data regarding functioning of this novel rescue system.

Two P or Not Two P: Understanding Regulation by the Bacterial Second Messengers (p)ppGpp

Under stressful growth conditions and nutrient starvation, bacteria adapt by synthesizing signaling molecules that profoundly reprogram cellular physiology. At the onset of this process, called the stringent response, members of the RelA/SpoT homolog (RSH) protein superfamily are activated by specific stress stimuli to produce several hyperphosphorylated forms of guanine nucleotides, commonly referred to as (p)ppGpp. Some bifunctional RSH enzymes also harbor domains that allow for degradation of (p)ppGpp by hydrolysis. (p)ppGpp synthesis or hydrolysis may further be executed by single-domain alarmone synthetases or hydrolases, respectively. The downstream effects of (p)ppGpp rely mainly on direct interaction with specific intracellular effectors, which are widely used throughout most cellular processes. The growing number of identified (p)ppGpp targets allows us to deduce both common features of and differences between gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. In this review, we give an overview of (p)ppGpp metabolism with a focus on the functional and structural aspects of the enzymes involved and discuss recent findings on alarmone-regulated cellular effectors. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Translational GTPase BipA Is Involved in the Maturation of a Large Subunit of Bacterial Ribosome at Suboptimal Temperature

BPI-inducible protein A (BipA), a highly conserved paralog of the well-known translational GTPases LepA and EF-G, has been implicated in bacterial motility, cold shock, stress response, biofilm formation, and virulence. BipA binds to the aminoacyl-(A) site of the bacterial ribosome and establishes contacts with the functionally important regions of both subunits, implying a specific role relevant to the ribosome, such as functioning in ribosome biogenesis and/or conditional protein translation. When cultured at suboptimal temperatures, the Escherichia coli bipA genomic deletion strain (ΔbipA) exhibits defects in growth, swimming motility, and ribosome assembly, which can be complemented by a plasmid-borne bipA supplementation or suppressed by the genomic rluC deletion. Based on the growth curve, soft agar swimming assay, and sucrose gradient sedimentation analysis, mutation of the catalytic residue His78 rendered plasmid-borne bipA unable to complement its deletion phenotypes. Interestingly, truncation of the C-terminal loop of BipA exacerbates the aforementioned phenotypes, demonstrating the involvement of BipA in ribosome assembly or its function. Furthermore, tandem mass tag-mass spectrometry analysis of the ΔbipA strain proteome revealed upregulations of a number of proteins (e.g., DeaD, RNase R, CspA, RpoS, and ObgE) implicated in ribosome biogenesis and RNA metabolism, and these proteins were restored to wild-type levels by plasmid-borne bipA supplementation or the genomic rluC deletion, implying BipA involvement in RNA metabolism and ribosome biogenesis. We have also determined that BipA interacts with ribosome 50S precursor (pre-50S), suggesting its role in 50S maturation and ribosome biogenesis. Taken together, BipA demonstrates the characteristics of a bona fide 50S assembly factor in ribosome biogenesis.

Diverse relationships between metal ions and the ribosome

The ribosome requires metal ions for structural stability and translational activity. These metal ions are important for stabilizing the secondary structure of ribosomal RNA, binding of ribosomal proteins to the ribosome, and for interaction of ribosomal subunits. In this review, various relationships between ribosomes and metal ions, especially Mg2+ and Zn2+, are presented. Mg2+ regulates gene expression by modulating the translational stability and synthesis of ribosomes, which in turn contribute to the cellular homeostasis of Mg2+. In addition, Mg2+ can partly complement the function of ribosomal proteins. Conversely, a reduction in the cellular concentration of Zn2+ induces replacement of ribosomal proteins, which mobilizes free-Zn2+ in the cell and represses translation activity. Evolutional relationships between these metal ions and the ribosome are also discussed.

Mitochondrial translation factor EF4 regulates oxidative phosphorylation complexes and the production of ROS

Mitochondrial translation system executes the biosynthesis of mitochondrial DNA encoded polypeptides that are the core subunits of oxidative phosphorylation complexes. Recently, we reported that elongation factor 4 (EF4) is a key quality control factor in bacterial and mitochondrial translation regulating tRNA translocation and modulating cellular responses via a direct cross-talk with cytoplasmic translation machinery. Here, we made a brief review on mtEF4-regulated mitochondrial translation, respiratory chain biogenesis and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We will discuss the influence of mtEF4 on the electron transport chain, especially at respiratory chain complex IV, which could result in cytochrome c peroxidase formation, electron leakage from electron transport chain and ROS increase.

Translation Elongation Factor 4 (LepA) Contributes to Tetracycline Susceptibility by Stalling Elongating Ribosomes

Even though elongation factor 4 (EF4) is the third most conserved protein in bacteria, its physiological functions remain largely unknown and its proposed molecular mechanisms are conflicting among previous studies. In the present study, we show that the growth of an Escherichia coli strain is more susceptible to tetracycline than its EF4 knockout strain. Consistent with previous studies, our results suggested that EF4 affects ribosome biogenesis when tetracycline is present. Through ribosome profiling analysis, we discovered that EF4 causes 1-nucleotide shifting of ribosomal footprints on mRNA when cells have been exposed to tetracycline. In addition, when tetracycline is present, EF4 inhibits the elongation of protein synthesis, which leads to the accumulation of ribosomes in the early segment of mRNA. Altogether, when cells are exposed to tetracycline, EF4 alters both ribosome biogenesis and the elongation phase of protein synthesis.

How Messenger RNA and Nascent Chain Sequences Regulate Translation Elongation

Translation elongation is a highly coordinated, multistep, multifactor process that ensures accurate and efficient addition of amino acids to a growing nascent-peptide chain encoded in the sequence of translated messenger RNA (mRNA). Although translation elongation is heavily regulated by external factors, there is clear evidence that mRNA and nascent-peptide sequences control elongation dynamics, determining both the sequence and structure of synthesized proteins. Advances in methods have driven experiments that revealed the basic mechanisms of elongation as well as the mechanisms of regulation by mRNA and nascent-peptide sequences. In this review, we highlight how mRNA and nascent-peptide elements manipulate the translation machinery to alter the dynamics and pathway of elongation.

Human Elongation Factor 4 Regulates Cancer Bioenergetics by Acting as a Mitochondrial Translation Switch

Mitochondria regulate cellular bioenergetics and redox states and influence multiple signaling pathways required for tumorigenesis. In this study, we determined that the mitochondrial translation elongation factor 4 (EF4) is a critical component of tumor progression. EF4 was ubiquitous in human tissues with localization to the mitochondria (mtEF4) and performed quality control on respiratory chain biogenesis. Knockout of mtEF4 induced respiratory chain complex defects and apoptosis, while its overexpression stimulated cancer development. In multiple cancers, expression of mtEF4 was increased in patient tumor tissues. These findings reveal that mtEF4 expression may promote tumorigenesis via an imbalance in the regulation of mitochondrial activities and subsequent variation of cellular redox. Thus, dysregulated mitochondrial translation may play a vital role in the etiology and development of diverse human cancers.Significance: Dysregulated mitochondrial translation drives tumor development and progression. Cancer Res; 78(11); 2813-24. ©2018 AACR.

Roles of elusive translational GTPases come to light and inform on the process of ribosome biogenesis in bacteria

Protein synthesis relies on several translational GTPases (trGTPases), related proteins that couple the hydrolysis of GTP to specific molecular events on the ribosome. Most bacterial trGTPases, including IF2, EF-Tu, EF-G and RF3, play well-known roles in translation. The cellular functions of LepA (also termed EF4) and BipA (also termed TypA), conversely, have remained enigmatic. Recent studies provide compelling in vivo evidence that LepA and BipA function in biogenesis of the 30S and 50S subunit respectively. These findings have important implications for ribosome biogenesis in bacteria. Because the GTPase activity of each of these proteins depends on interactions with both ribosomal subunits, some portion of 30S and 50S assembly must occur in the context of the 70S ribosome. In this review, we introduce the trGTPases of bacteria, describe the new functional data on LepA and BipA, and discuss the how these findings shape our current view of ribosome biogenesis in bacteria.

Three tRNAs on the ribosome slow translation elongation

During protein synthesis, the ribosome simultaneously binds up to three different transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules. Among the three tRNA binding sites, the regulatory role of the exit (E) site, where deacylated tRNA spontaneously dissociates from the translational complex, has remained elusive. Here we use two donor-quencher pairs to observe and correlate both the conformation of ribosomes and tRNAs as well as tRNA occupancy. Our results reveal a partially rotated state of the ribosome wherein all three tRNA sites are occupied during translation elongation. The appearance and lifetime of this state depend on the E-site tRNA dissociation kinetics, which may vary among tRNA species and depends on temperature and ionic strength. The 3-tRNA partially rotated state is not a proper substrate for elongation factor G (EF-G), thus inhibiting translocation until the E-site tRNA dissociates. Our result presents two parallel kinetic pathways during translation elongation, underscoring the ability of E-site codons to modulate the dynamics of protein synthesis.

Taking a Step Back from Back-Translocation: an Integrative View of LepA/EF4's Cellular Function

Protein synthesis, the translation of mRNA into a polypeptide facilitated by the ribosome, is assisted by a variety of protein factors, some of which are GTPases. In addition to four highly conserved and well-understood GTPases with known function, there are also a number of noncanonical GTPases that are implicated in translation but whose functions are not fully understood. LepA/EF4 is one of these noncanonical GTPases. It is highly conserved and present in bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts, but its functional role in the cell remains unknown. LepA's sequence and domain arrangement are very similar to those of other translational GTPases, but it contains a unique C-terminal domain (CTD) that is likely essential to its specific function in the cell. Three main hypotheses about the function of LepA have been brought forward to date: (i) LepA is a back-translocase, (ii) LepA relieves ribosome stalling or facilitates sequestration, and (iii) LepA is involved in ribosome biogenesis. This review examines the structural and biochemical information available on bacterial LepA and discusses it on the background of the available in vivo information from higher organisms in order to broaden the view regarding LepA's functional role in the cell and how the structure of its unique CTD might be involved in facilitating this role.

Dissecting limiting factors of the Protein synthesis Using Recombinant Elements (PURE) system

Reconstituted cell-free protein synthesis systems such as the Protein synthesis Using Recombinant Elements (PURE) system give high-throughput and controlled access to in vitro protein synthesis. Here we show that compared with the commercial S30 crude extract based RTS 100 E. coli HY system, the PURE system has less mRNA degradation and produces up to ∼6-fold full-length proteins. However the majority of polypeptides PURE produces are partially translated or inactive since the signal from firefly luciferase (Fluc) translated in PURE is only ∼2/3rd of that measured using the RTS 100 E. coli HY S30 system. Both of the 2 batch systems suffer from low ribosome recycling efficiency when translating proteins from 82 kD to 224 kD. A systematic fed-batch analysis of PURE shows replenishment of 6 small molecule substrates individually or in combination before energy depletion increased Fluc protein yield by ∼1.5 to ∼2-fold, while creatine phosphate and magnesium have synergistic effects when added to the PURE system. Additionally, while adding EF-P to PURE reduced full-length protein translated, it increased the fraction of functional protein and reduced partially translated protein probably by slowing down the translation process. Finally, ArfA, rather than YaeJ or PrfH, helped reduce ribosome stalling when translating Fluc and improved system productivity in a template-dependent fashion.

Mechanism of H2S Oxidation by the Dissimilatory Perchlorate-Reducing Microorganism Azospira suillum PS

The genetic and biochemical basis of perchlorate-dependent H₂S oxidation (PSOX) was investigated in the dissimilatory perchlorate-reducing microorganism (DPRM) Azospira suillum PS (PS). Previously, it was shown that all known DPRMs innately oxidize H₂S, producing elemental sulfur (S^o). Although the process involving PSOX is thermodynamically favorable (ΔG°' = -206 kJ ⋅ mol^-1 H₂S), the underlying biochemical and genetic mechanisms are currently unknown. Interestingly, H₂S is preferentially utilized over physiological electron donors such as lactate or acetate although no growth benefit is obtained from the metabolism. Here, we determined that PSOX is due to a combination of enzymatic and abiotic interactions involving reactive intermediates of perchlorate respiration. Using various approaches, including barcode analysis by sequencing (Bar-seq), transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), and proteomics, along with targeted mutagenesis and biochemical characterization, we identified all facets of PSOX in PS. In support of our proposed model, deletion of identified upregulated PS genes traditionally known to be involved in sulfur redox cycling (e.g., Sox, sulfide:quinone reductase [SQR]) showed no defect in PSOX activity. Proteomic analysis revealed differential abundances of a variety of stress response metal efflux pumps and divalent heavy-metal transporter proteins, suggesting a general toxicity response. Furthermore, in vitro biochemical studies demonstrated direct PSOX mediated by purified perchlorate reductase (PcrAB) in the absence of other electron transfer proteins. The results of these studies support a model in which H₂S oxidation is mediated by electron transport chain short-circuiting in the periplasmic space where the PcrAB directly oxidizes H₂S to S^o The biogenically formed reactive intermediates (ClO₂^- and O₂) subsequently react with additional H₂S, producing polysulfide and S^o as end products.IMPORTANCE Inorganic sulfur compounds are widespread in nature, and microorganisms are central to their transformation, thereby playing a key role in the global sulfur cycle. Sulfur oxidation is mediated by a broad phylogenetic diversity of microorganisms, including anoxygenic phototrophs and either aerobic or anaerobic chemotrophs coupled to oxygen or nitrate respiration, respectively. Recently, perchlorate-respiring microorganisms were demonstrated to be innately capable of sulfur oxidation regardless of their phylogenetic affiliation. As recognition of the prevalence of these organisms intensifies, their role in global geochemical cycles is being queried. This is further highlighted by the recently recognized environmental pervasiveness of perchlorate not only across Earth but also throughout our solar system. The inferred importance of this metabolism not only is that it is a novel and previously unrecognized component of the global sulfur redox cycle but also is because of the recently demonstrated applicability of perchlorate respiration in the control of biogenic sulfide production in engineered environments such as oil reservoirs and wastewater treatment facilities, where excess H₂S represents a significant environmental, process, and health risk, with associated costs approximating $90 billion annually.

Conserved GTPase LepA (Elongation Factor 4) functions in biogenesis of the 30S subunit of the 70S ribosome

The physiological role of LepA, a paralog of EF-G found in all bacteria, has been a mystery for decades. Here, we show that LepA functions in ribosome biogenesis. In cells lacking LepA, immature 30S particles accumulate. Four proteins are specifically underrepresented in these particles-S3, S10, S14, and S21-all of which bind late in the assembly process and contribute to the folding of the 3' domain of 16S rRNA. Processing of 16S rRNA is also delayed in the mutant strain, as indicated by increased levels of precursor 17S rRNA in assembly intermediates. Mutation ΔlepA confers a synthetic growth phenotype in absence of RsgA, another GTPase, well known to act in 30S subunit assembly. Analysis of the ΔrsgA strain reveals accumulation of intermediates that resemble those seen in the absence of LepA. These data suggest that RsgA and LepA play partially redundant roles to ensure efficient 30S assembly.

Mg2+ regulates transcription of mgtA in Salmonella Typhimurium via translation of proline codons during synthesis of the MgtL peptide

In Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Mg²⁺ limitation induces transcription of the mgtA Mg²⁺ transport gene, but the mechanism involved is unclear. The 5' leader of the mgtA mRNA contains a 17-codon, proline-rich ORF, mgtL, whose translation regulates the transcription of mgtA [Park S-Y et al. (2010) Cell 142:737-748]. Rapid translation of mgtL promotes formation of a secondary structure in the mgtA mRNA that permits termination of transcription by the Rho protein upstream of mgtA, whereas slow or incomplete translation of mgtL generates a different structure that blocks termination. We identified the following mutations that conferred high-level transcription of mgtA at high [Mg²⁺]: (i) a base-pair change that introduced an additional proline codon into mgtL, generating three consecutive proline codons; (ii) lesions in rpmA and rpmE, which encode ribosomal proteins L27 and L31, respectively; (iii) deletion of efp, which encodes elongation factor EF-P that assists the translation of proline codons; and (iv) a heat-sensitive mutation in trmD, whose product catalyzes the m¹G37 methylation of tRNA^Pro Furthermore, substitution of three of the four proline codons in mgtL rendered mgtA uninducible. We hypothesize that the proline codons present an impediment to the translation of mgtL, which can be alleviated by high [Mg²⁺] exerted on component(s) of the translation machinery, such as EF-P, TrmD, or a ribosomal factor. Inadequate [Mg²⁺] precludes this alleviation, making mgtL translation inefficient and thereby permitting mgtA transcription. These findings are a significant step toward defining the target of Mg²⁺ in the regulation of mgtA transcription.

Mitochondrial translation factors reflect coordination between organelles and cytoplasmic translation via mTOR signaling: Implication in disease

Mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelle possessing their own translation machinery to biosynthesize mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded polypeptides, which are the core subunits of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes. Mitochondrial translation elongation factor 4 (mtEF4) is a key quality control factor in mitochondrial translation (mt-translation) that regulates mitochondrial tRNA translocation and modulates cellular responses by influencing cytoplasmic translation (ct-translation). In addition to mtEF4, mt-translational activators, mitochondrial microRNAs (mitomiRs), and MITRAC have been reported recently as crucial mt-translation regulators. Here, we focus on the novel ways how these factors regulate mt-translation, discuss the main cellular response of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling upon mt-translation defects, and summarize the related human diseases.

West syndrome caused by homozygous variant in the evolutionary conserved gene encoding the mitochondrial elongation factor GUF1

West syndrome (WS), defined by the triad of infantile spasms, pathognomonic hypsarrhythmia and developmental regression, is a rare epileptic disease affecting about 1:3500 live births. To get better insights on the genetic of this pathology, we exome-sequenced the members of a consanguineous family affected with isolated WS. We identified a homozygous variant (c.1825G>T/p.(Ala609Ser)) in the GUF1 gene in the three affected siblings. GUF1 encodes a protein essential in conditions that counteract faithful protein synthesis: it is able to remobilize stuck ribosomes and transiently inhibit the elongation process to optimize protein synthesis. The variant identified in the WS family changes an alanine residue conserved in all eukaryotic organisms and positioned within the tRNA-binding moiety of this nuclear genome-encoded mitochondrial translational elongation factor. Yeast complementation assays show that the activity of GUF1(A609S) is modified in suboptimal environments. We suggest a new link between improper assembly of respiratory chain complexes and WS.

The molecular choreography of protein synthesis: translational control, regulation, and pathways

Translation of proteins by the ribosome regulates gene expression, with recent results underscoring the importance of translational control. Misregulation of translation underlies many diseases, including cancer and many genetic diseases. Decades of biochemical and structural studies have delineated many of the mechanistic details in prokaryotic translation, and sketched the outlines of eukaryotic translation. However, translation may not proceed linearly through a single mechanistic pathway, but likely involves multiple pathways and branchpoints. The stochastic nature of biological processes would allow different pathways to occur during translation that are biased by the interaction of the ribosome with other translation factors, with many of the steps kinetically controlled. These multiple pathways and branchpoints are potential regulatory nexus, allowing gene expression to be tuned at the translational level. As research focus shifts toward eukaryotic translation, certain themes will be echoed from studies on prokaryotic translation. This review provides a general overview of the dynamic data related to prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation, in particular recent findings with single-molecule methods, complemented by biochemical, kinetic, and structural findings. We will underscore the importance of viewing the process through the viewpoints of regulation, translational control, and heterogeneous pathways.

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

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

Isolation and Analysis of Salt Response of Lactobacillusplantarum FS5-5 from Dajiang

From 15 samples of dajiang collected in northeast of China, three salt resistant lactic acid bacteria were isolated and identified as Lactobacillusplantarum through physiological studies and 16S rDNA sequence alignment. L. plantarum FS5-5 showed better growth in an environment with 12 % (w/v) NaCl than the other two strains. The expression of proteins extracted from L.plantarum FS5-5 cultured in de Man, Rogosa, and Sharp (MRS) containing 0, 3, 6 and 9 % (w/v) NaCl was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results showed that 42 kinds of proteins were identified, which could be divided into three groups: 27 kinds of proteins related to protein synthesis and degradation, six kinds of proteins related to carbohydrate metabolism and energy metabolism, nine proteins related to nucleic acid metabolism. Overexpression of these proteins imply that a series of changes have occurred in the process of protein synthesis and degradation, carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism and nucleic acid metabolism after L.plantarum FS5-5 exposed to salt stress. All these proteins may have effects on the salt-tolerant characteristics of the L.plantarum FS5-5.

Structure of the GTP Form of Elongation Factor 4 (EF4) Bound to the Ribosome

Elongation factor 4 (EF4) is a member of the family of ribosome-dependent translational GTPase factors, along with elongation factor G and BPI-inducible protein A. Although EF4 is highly conserved in bacterial, mitochondrial, and chloroplast genomes, its exact biological function remains controversial. Here we present the cryo-EM reconstitution of the GTP form of EF4 bound to the ribosome with P and E site tRNAs at 3.8-Å resolution. Interestingly, our structure reveals an unrotated ribosome rather than a clockwise-rotated ribosome, as observed in the presence of EF4-GDP and P site tRNA. In addition, we also observed a counterclockwise-rotated form of the above complex at 5.7-Å resolution. Taken together, our results shed light on the interactions formed between EF4, the ribosome, and the P site tRNA and illuminate the GTPase activation mechanism at previously unresolved detail.

Elongation factor 4 remodels the A-site tRNA on the ribosome

During translation, a plethora of protein factors bind to the ribosome and regulate protein synthesis. Many of those factors are guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), proteins that catalyze the hydrolysis of guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP) to promote conformational changes. Despite numerous studies, the function of elongation factor 4 (EF-4/LepA), a highly conserved translational GTPase, has remained elusive. Here, we present the crystal structure at 2.6-Å resolution of the Thermus thermophilus 70S ribosome bound to EF-4 with a nonhydrolyzable GTP analog and A-, P-, and E-site tRNAs. The structure reveals the interactions of EF-4 with the A-site tRNA, including contacts between the C-terminal domain (CTD) of EF-4 and the acceptor helical stem of the tRNA. Remarkably, EF-4 induces a distortion of the A-site tRNA, allowing it to interact simultaneously with EF-4 and the decoding center of the ribosome. The structure provides insights into the tRNA-remodeling function of EF-4 on the ribosome and suggests that the displacement of the CCA-end of the A-site tRNA away from the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) is functionally significant.

EF4 disengages the peptidyl-tRNA CCA end and facilitates back-translocation on the 70S ribosome

EF4 catalyzes tRNA back-translocation through an unknown mechanism. We report cryo-EM structures of Escherichia coli EF4 in post- and pretranslocational ribosomes (Post- and Pre-EF4) at 3.7- and 3.2-Å resolution, respectively. In Post-EF4, peptidyl-tRNA occupies the peptidyl (P) site, but the interaction between its CCA end and the P loop is disrupted. In Pre-EF4, the peptidyl-tRNA assumes a unique position near the aminoacyl (A) site, denoted the A site/EF4 bound (A/4) site, with a large displacement at its acceptor arm. Mutagenesis analyses suggest that a specific region in the EF4 C-terminal domain (CTD) interferes with base-pairing between the peptidyl-tRNA 3'-CCA and the P loop, whereas the EF4 CTD enhances peptidyl-tRNA interaction at the A/4 site. Therefore, EF4 induces back-translocation by disengaging the tRNA's CCA end from the peptidyl transferase center of the translating ribosome.

Comparative Analysis of Xenorhabdus koppenhoeferi Gene Expression during Symbiotic Persistence in the Host Nematode

Species of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria form mutualistic associations with Steinernema and Heterorhabditis nematodes, respectively and serve as model systems for studying microbe-animal symbioses. Here, we profiled gene expression of Xenorhabdus koppenhoeferi during their symbiotic persistence in the newly formed infective juveniles of the host nematode Steinernema scarabaei through the selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS). The obtained gene expression profile was then compared with other nematode-bacteria partnerships represented by Steinernema carpocapsae-Xenorhabdus nematophila and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora-Photorhabdus temperata. A total of 29 distinct genes were identified to be up-regulated and 53 were down-regulated in X. koppenhoeferi while in S. scarabaei infective juveniles. Of the identified genes, 8 of the up-regulated and 14 of the down-regulated genes were similarly expressed in X. nematophila during persistence in its host nematode S. carpocapsae. However, only one from each of these up- and down-regulated genes was common to the mutualistic partnership between the bacterium P. temperata and the nematode H. bacteriophora. Interactive network analysis of the shared genes between X. koppenhoeferi and X. nematophila demonstrated that the up-regulated genes were mainly involved in bacterial survival and the down-regulated genes were more related to bacterial virulence and active growth. Disruption of two selected genes pta (coding phosphotransacetylase) and acnB (coding aconitate hydratase) in X. nematophila with shared expression signature with X. koppenhoeferi confirmed that these genes are important for bacterial persistence in the nematode host. The results of our comparative analyses show that the two Xenorhabdus species share a little more than a quarter of the transcriptional mechanisms during persistence in their nematode hosts but these features are quite different from those used by P. temperata bacteria in their nematode host H. bacteriophora.

Development of a rapid recombinase polymerase amplification assay for the detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae in whole blood

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of microbial disease in humans. The introduction of multivalent vaccines has coincided with a dramatic decrease in the number of pneumococcal-related deaths. In spite of this, at a global level, pneumococcal infection remains an important cause of death among children under 5 years of age and in adults 65 years of age or older. In order to properly manage patients and control the spread of infection, a rapid and highly sensitive diagnostic method is needed for routine implementation, especially in resource-limited regions where pneumococcal disease is most prevalent.

Methods

Using the gene encoding leader peptidase A as a molecular diagnostics target, a real-time RPA assay was designed and optimised for the detection of S. pneumoniae in whole blood. The performance of the assay was compared to real-time PCR in terms of its analytical limit of detection and specificity. The inhibitory effect of human genomic DNA on amplification was investigated. The potential clinical utility of the assay was investigated using a small number of clinical samples.

Results

The RPA assay has a limit of detection equivalent to PCR (4.0 and 5.1 genome equivalents per reaction, respectively) and was capable of detecting the equivalent of <1 colony forming unit of S. pneumoniae when spiked into human whole blood. The RPA assay was 100 % inclusive (38/38 laboratory reference strains and 19/19 invasive clinical isolates) and 100 % exclusive; differentiating strains of S. pneumoniae species from other viridans group streptococci, including S. pseudopneumoniae. When applied to the analysis of a small number (n = 11) of clinical samples (blood culture positive for S. pneumoniae), the RPA assay was demonstrated to be both rapid and sensitive.

Conclusions

The RPA assay developed in this work is shown to be as sensitive and as specific as PCR. In terms of reaction kinetics, the RPA assay is shown to exceed those of the PCR, with the RPA running to completion in 20 minutes and capable generating a positive signal in as little as 6 minutes. This work represents a potentially suitable assay for application in point-of-care settings.

Structure of BipA in GTP form bound to the ratcheted ribosome

BPI-inducible protein A (BipA) is a member of the family of ribosome-dependent translational GTPase (trGTPase) factors along with elongation factors G and 4 (EF-G and EF4). Despite being highly conserved in bacteria and playing a critical role in coordinating cellular responses to environmental changes, its structures (isolated and ribosome bound) remain elusive. Here, we present the crystal structures of apo form and GTP analog, GDP, and guanosine-3',5'-bisdiphosphate (ppGpp)-bound BipA. In addition to having a distinctive domain arrangement, the C-terminal domain of BipA has a unique fold. Furthermore, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of BipA bound to the ribosome in its active GTP form and elucidate the unique structural attributes of BipA interactions with the ribosome and A-site tRNA in the light of its possible function in regulating translation.

Outwitting EF-Tu and the ribosome: translation with d-amino acids

Key components of the translational apparatus, i.e. ribosomes, elongation factor EF-Tu and most aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, are stereoselective and prevent incorporation of d-amino acids (d-aa) into polypeptides. The rare appearance of d-aa in natural polypeptides arises from post-translational modifications or non-ribosomal synthesis. We introduce an in vitro translation system that enables single incorporation of 17 out of 18 tested d-aa into a polypeptide; incorporation of two or three successive d-aa was also observed in several cases. The system consists of wild-type components and d-aa are introduced via artificially charged, unmodified tRNA^Gly that was selected according to the rules of ‘thermodynamic compensation’. The results reveal an unexpected plasticity of the ribosomal peptidyltransferase center and thus shed new light on the mechanism of chiral discrimination during translation. Furthermore, ribosomal incorporation of d-aa into polypeptides may greatly expand the armamentarium of in vitro translation towards the identification of peptides and proteins with new properties and functions.

La synthèse des protéines par le ribosome

La synthèse des protéines, également appelée traduction, est assurée dans chaque cellule par des machines moléculaires très sophistiquées : les ribosomes. Compte tenu de l’immense quantité de données biologiques à traiter, il arrive régulièrement que ces machines se bloquent et mettent en péril la survie de la cellule. Chez les bactéries, le principal processus de sauvetage des ribosomes bloqués est la trans-traduction. Il est assuré par un acide ribonucléique (ARN) hybride, l’ARN transfert-messager (ARNtm), associé à une petite protéine basique, SmpB (small protein B). Plusieurs autres systèmes de contrôle qualité ont récemment été mis en évidence, révélant un réseau de maintien de la survie cellulaire très sophistiqué. Cette machinerie du contrôle qualité de la synthèse protéique est une cible très prometteuse pour le développement de futurs antibiotiques.

Identification of two structural elements important for ribosome-dependent GTPase activity of elongation factor 4 (EF4/LepA)

The bacterial translational GTPase EF4/LepA is structurally similar to the canonical elongation factor EF-G. While sharing core structural features with other translational GTPases, the function of EF4 remains unknown. Recent structural data locates the unique C-terminal domain (CTD) of EF4 in proximity to the ribosomal peptidyl transferase center (PTC). To investigate the functional role of EF4's CTD we have constructed three C-terminal truncation variants. These variants are fully functional with respect to binding mant-GTP and mant-GDP as determined by rapid kinetics, as well as their intrinsic multiple turnover GTPase activity. Furthermore, they are able to form stable complexes with the 70S ribosome and 50S/30S ribosomal subunits. However, successive removal of the C-terminus impairs ribosome-dependent multiple turnover GTPase activity of EF4, which for the full-length protein is very similar to EF-G. Our findings suggest that the last 44 C-terminal amino acids of EF4 form a sub-domain within the C-terminal domain that is important for GTP-dependent function on the ribosome. Additionally, we show that efficient nucleotide hydrolysis by EF4 on the ribosome depends on a conserved histidine (His 81), similar to EF-G and EF-Tu.

Ribosomal elongation factor 4 promotes cell death associated with lethal stress

Ribosomal elongation factor 4 (EF4) is highly conserved among bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. However, the EF4-encoding gene, lepA, is nonessential and its deficiency shows no growth or fitness defect. In purified systems, EF4 back-translocates stalled, posttranslational ribosomes for efficient protein synthesis; consequently, EF4 has a protective role during moderate stress. We were surprised to find that EF4 also has a detrimental role during severe stress: deletion of lepA increased Escherichia coli survival following treatment with several antimicrobials. EF4 contributed to stress-mediated lethality through reactive oxygen species (ROS) because (i) the protective effect of a ΔlepA mutation against lethal antimicrobials was eliminated by anaerobic growth or by agents that block hydroxyl radical accumulation and (ii) the ΔlepA mutation decreased ROS levels stimulated by antimicrobial stress. Epistasis experiments showed that EF4 functions in the same genetic pathway as the MazF toxin, a stress response factor implicated in ROS-mediated cell death. The detrimental action of EF4 required transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA, which tags truncated proteins for degradation and is known to be inhibited by EF4) and the ClpP protease. Inhibition of a protective, tmRNA/ClpP-mediated degradative activity would allow truncated proteins to indirectly perturb the respiratory chain and thereby provide a potential link between EF4 and ROS. The connection among EF4, MazF, tmRNA, and ROS expands a pathway leading from harsh stress to bacterial self-destruction. The destructive aspect of EF4 plus the protective properties described previously make EF4 a bifunctional factor in a stress response that promotes survival or death, depending on the severity of stress.

Translation elongation factor 4 (EF4) is one of the most conserved proteins in nature, but it is dispensable. Lack of strong phenotypes for its genetic knockout has made EF4 an enigma. Recent biochemical work has demonstrated that mild stress may stall ribosomes and that EF4 can reposition stalled ribosomes to resume proper translation. Thus, EF4 protects cells from moderate stress. Here we report that EF4 is paradoxically harmful during severe stress, such as that caused by antimicrobial treatment. EF4 acts in a pathway that leads to excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby participating in a bacterial self-destruction that occurs when cells cannot effectively repair stress-mediated damage. Thus, EF4 has two opposing functions—at low-to-moderate levels of stress, the protein is protective by allowing stress-paused translation to resume; at high-levels of stress, EF4 helps bacteria self-destruct. These data support the existence of a bacterial live-or-die response to stress.

The conserved GTPase LepA contributes mainly to translation initiation in Escherichia coli

LepA is a paralog of EF-G found in all bacteria. Deletion of lepA confers no obvious growth defect in Escherichia coli, and the physiological role of LepA remains unknown. Here, we identify nine strains (ΔdksA, ΔmolR1, ΔrsgA, ΔtatB, ΔtonB, ΔtolR, ΔubiF, ΔubiG or ΔubiH) in which ΔlepA confers a synthetic growth phenotype. These strains are compromised for gene regulation, ribosome assembly, transport and/or respiration, indicating that LepA contributes to these functions in some way. We also use ribosome profiling to deduce the effects of LepA on translation. We find that loss of LepA alters the average ribosome density (ARD) for hundreds of mRNA coding regions in the cell, substantially reducing ARD in many cases. By contrast, only subtle and codon-specific changes in ribosome distribution along mRNA are seen. These data suggest that LepA contributes mainly to the initiation phase of translation. Consistent with this interpretation, the effect of LepA on ARD is related to the sequence of the Shine–Dalgarno region. Global perturbation of gene expression in the ΔlepA mutant likely explains most of its phenotypes.

The bacterial translation stress response

Throughout their life, bacteria need to sense and respond to environmental stress. Thus, such stress responses can require dramatic cellular reprogramming, both at the transcriptional as well as the translational level. This review focuses on the protein factors that interact with the bacterial translational apparatus to respond to and cope with different types of environmental stress. For example, the stringent factor RelA interacts with the ribosome to generate ppGpp under nutrient deprivation, whereas a variety of factors have been identified that bind to the ribosome under unfavorable growth conditions to shut-down (RelE, pY, RMF, HPF and EttA) or re-program (MazF, EF4 and BipA) translation. Additional factors have been identified that rescue ribosomes stalled due to stress-induced mRNA truncation (tmRNA, ArfA, ArfB), translation of unfavorable protein sequences (EF-P), heat shock-induced subunit dissociation (Hsp15), or antibiotic inhibition (TetM, FusB). Understanding the mechanism of how the bacterial cell responds to stress will not only provide fundamental insight into translation regulation, but will also be an important step to identifying new targets for the development of novel antimicrobial agents.

Crystal structure of elongation factor 4 bound to a clockwise ratcheted ribosome

Elongation factor 4 (EF4/LepA) is a highly conserved guanosine triphosphatase translation factor. It was shown to promote back-translocation of tRNAs on posttranslocational ribosome complexes and to compete with elongation factor G for interaction with pretranslocational ribosomes, inhibiting the elongation phase of protein synthesis. Here, we report a crystal structure of EF4-guanosine diphosphate bound to the Thermus thermophilus ribosome with a P-site tRNA at 2.9 angstroms resolution. The C-terminal domain of EF4 reaches into the peptidyl transferase center and interacts with the acceptor stem of the peptidyl-tRNA in the P site. The ribosome is in an unusual state of ratcheting with the 30S subunit rotated clockwise relative to the 50S subunit, resulting in a remodeled decoding center. The structure is consistent with EF4 functioning either as a back-translocase or a ribosome sequester.