Invariant amino acids essential for decoding function of polypeptide release factor eRF1

Reaching New Heights in Genetic Code Manipulation with High Throughput Screening

The chemical and physical properties of proteins are limited by the 20 canonical amino acids. Genetic code manipulation allows for the incorporation of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) that enhance or alter protein functionality. This review explores advances in the three main strategies for introducing ncAAs into biosynthesized proteins, focusing on the role of high throughput screening in these advancements. The first section discusses engineering aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) and tRNAs, emphasizing how novel selection methods improve characteristics including ncAA incorporation efficiency and selectivity. The second section examines high-throughput techniques for improving protein translation machinery, enabling accommodation of alternative genetic codes. This includes opportunities to enhance ncAA incorporation through engineering cellular components unrelated to translation. The final section highlights various discovery platforms for high-throughput screening of ncAA-containing proteins, showcasing innovative binding ligands and enzymes that are challenging to create with only canonical amino acids. These advances have led to promising drug leads and biocatalysts. Overall, the ability to discover unexpected functionalities through high-throughput methods significantly influences ncAA incorporation and its applications. Future innovations in experimental techniques, along with advancements in computational protein design and machine learning, are poised to further elevate this field.

Functional Activity of Isoform 2 of Human eRF1

Eukaryotic release factor eRF1, encoded by the ETF1 gene, recognizes stop codons and induces peptide release during translation termination. ETF1 produces several different transcripts as a result of alternative splicing, from which two eRF1 isoforms can be formed. Isoform 1 codes well-studied canonical eRF1, and isoform 2 is 33 amino acid residues shorter than isoform 1 and completely unstudied. Using a reconstituted mammalian in vitro translation system, we showed that the isoform 2 of human eRF1 is also involved in translation. We showed that eRF1iso2 can interact with the ribosomal subunits and pre-termination complex. However, its codon recognition and peptide release activities have decreased. Additionally, eRF1 isoform 2 exhibits unipotency to UGA. We found that eRF1 isoform 2 interacts with eRF3a but stimulated its GTPase activity significantly worse than the main isoform eRF1. Additionally, we studied the eRF1 isoform 2 effect on stop codon readthrough and translation in a cell-free translation system. We observed that eRF1 isoform 2 suppressed stop codon readthrough of the uORFs and decreased the efficiency of translation of long coding sequences. Based on these data, we assumed that human eRF1 isoform 2 can be involved in the regulation of translation termination. Moreover, our data support previously stated hypotheses that the GTS loop is important for the multipotency of eRF1 to all stop codons. Whereas helix α1 of the N-domain eRF1 is proposed to be involved in conformational rearrangements of eRF1 in the A-site of the ribosome that occur after GTP hydrolysis by eRF3, which ensure hydrolysis of peptidyl-tRNA at the P site of the ribosome.

mRNA context and translation factors determine decoding in alternative nuclear genetic codes

The genetic code is a set of instructions that determine how the information in our genetic material is translated into amino acids. In general, it is universal for all organisms, from viruses and bacteria to humans. However, in the last few decades, exceptions to this rule have been identified both in pro- and eukaryotes. In this review, we discuss the 16 described alternative eukaryotic nuclear genetic codes and observe theories of their appearance in evolution. We consider possible molecular mechanisms that allow codon reassignment. Most reassignments in nuclear genetic codes are observed for stop codons. Moreover, in several organisms, stop codons can simultaneously encode amino acids and serve as termination signals. In this case, the meaning of the codon is determined by the additional factors besides the triplets. A comprehensive review of various non-standard coding events in the nuclear genomes provides a new insight into the translation mechanism in eukaryotes.

The eRF1 degrader SRI-41315 acts as a molecular glue at the ribosomal decoding center

Translation termination is an essential cellular process, which is also of therapeutic interest for diseases that manifest from premature stop codons. In eukaryotes, translation termination requires eRF1, which recognizes stop codons, catalyzes the release of nascent proteins from ribosomes and facilitates ribosome recycling. The small molecule SRI-41315 triggers eRF1 degradation and enhances translational readthrough of premature stop codons. However, the mechanism of action of SRI-41315 on eRF1 and translation is not known. Here we report cryo-EM structures showing that SRI-41315 acts as a metal-dependent molecular glue between the N domain of eRF1 responsible for stop codon recognition and the ribosomal subunit interface near the decoding center. Retention of eRF1 on ribosomes by SRI-41315 leads to ribosome collisions, eRF1 ubiquitylation and a higher frequency of translation termination at near-cognate stop codons. Our findings reveal a new mechanism of release factor inhibition and additional implications for pharmacologically targeting eRF1.

Misdecoding of rare CGA codon by translation termination factors, eRF1/eRF3, suggests novel class of ribosome rescue pathway in S. cerevisiae

The CGA arginine codon is a rare codon in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Thus, full-length mature protein synthesis from reporter genes with internal CGA codon repeats are markedly reduced, and the reporters, instead, produce short-sized polypeptides via an unknown mechanism. Considering the product size and similar properties between CGA sense and UGA stop codons, we hypothesized that eukaryote polypeptide-chain release factor complex eRF1/eRF3 catalyses polypeptide release at CGA repeats. Herein, we performed a series of analyses and report that the CGA codon can be, to a certain extent, decoded as a stop codon in yeast. This also raises an intriguing possibility that translation termination factors eRF1/eRF3 rescue ribosomes stalled at CGA codons, releasing premature polypeptides, and competing with canonical tRNAICG to the CGA codon. Our results suggest an alternative ribosomal rescue pathway in eukaryotes. The present results suggest that misdecoding of low efficient codons may play a novel role in global translation regulation in S. cerevisiae.

Genetically Encoded Protein Phosphorylation in Mammalian Cells

Protein phosphorylation regulates diverse processes in eukaryotic cells. Strategies for installing site-specific phosphorylation in target proteins in eukaryotic cells, through routes that are orthogonal to enzymatic post-translational modification, would provide a powerful route for defining the consequences of particular phosphorylations. Here we show that the SepRS^v1.0/tRNA^v1.0_CUA pair (created from the Methanococcus maripaludis phosphoseryl-transfer RNA synthetase [MmSepRS]/Methanococcus janaschii [Mj]tRNA_GCA^Cys pair) is orthogonal in mammalian cells. We create a eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1α) variant, EF-1α-Sep, that enhances phosphoserine incorporation, and combine this with a mutant of eRF1, and manipulations of the cell’s phosphoserine biosynthetic pathway, to enable the genetically encoded incorporation of phosphoserine and its non-hydrolyzable phosphonate analog. Using this approach we demonstrate synthetic activation of a protein kinase in mammalian cells.

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SepRS^v1.0/tRNA^v1.0_CUA is an orthogonal pair in mammalian cells

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Phosphoserine is genetically directed into proteins in mammalian cells

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Phosphonate analog of phosphoserine is stably incorporated in mammalian cells

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Encoded phosphonate analog enables synthetic kinase activation

Atomic mutagenesis of stop codon nucleotides reveals the chemical prerequisites for release factor-mediated peptide release

Termination of protein synthesis is triggered by the recognition of a stop codon at the ribosomal A site and is mediated by class I release factors (RFs). Whereas in bacteria, RF1 and RF2 promote termination at UAA/UAG and UAA/UGA stop codons, respectively, eukaryotes only depend on one RF (eRF1) to initiate peptide release at all three stop codons. Based on several structural as well as biochemical studies, interactions between mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA have been proposed to be required for stop codon recognition. In this study, the influence of these interactions was investigated by using chemically modified stop codons. Single functional groups within stop codon nucleotides were substituted to weaken or completely eliminate specific interactions between the respective mRNA and RFs. Our findings provide detailed insight into the recognition mode of bacterial and eukaryotic RFs, thereby revealing the chemical groups of nucleotides that define the identity of stop codons and provide the means to discriminate against noncognate stop codons or UGG sense codons.

Origin of the omnipotence of eukaryotic release factor 1

Termination of protein synthesis on the ribosome requires that mRNA stop codons are recognized with high fidelity. This is achieved by specific release factor proteins that are very different in bacteria and eukaryotes. Hence, while there are two release factors with overlapping specificity in bacteria, the single omnipotent eRF1 release factor in eukaryotes is able to read all three stop codons. This is particularly remarkable as it is able to select three out of four combinations of purine bases in the last two codon positions. With recently determined 3D structures of eukaryotic termination complexes, it has become possible to explore the origin of eRF1 specificity by computer simulations. Here, we report molecular dynamics free energy calculations on these termination complexes, where relative eRF1 binding free energies to different cognate and near-cognate codons are evaluated. The simulations show a high and uniform discrimination against the near-cognate codons, that differ from the cognate ones by a single nucleotide, and reveal the structural mechanisms behind the precise decoding by eRF1.

The eukaryotic release factor eRF1 is able to recognize the three stop codons UAA, UAG and UGA with high accuracy, while discriminating against near-cognate codons. Here the authors use molecular dynamic simulation to provide insight into the molecular basis behind the remarkable codon specificity of eRF1.

Reassigning stop codons via translation termination: How a few eukaryotes broke the dogma

The genetic code determines how amino acids are encoded within mRNA. It is universal among the vast majority of organisms, although several exceptions are known. Variant genetic codes are found in ciliates, mitochondria, and numerous other organisms. All revealed genetic codes (standard and variant) have at least one codon encoding a translation stop signal. However, recently two new genetic codes with a reassignment of all three stop codons were revealed in studies examining the protozoa transcriptomes. Here, we discuss this finding and the recent studies of variant genetic codes in eukaryotes. We consider the possible molecular mechanisms allowing the use of certain codons as sense and stop signals simultaneously. The results obtained by studying these amazing organisms represent a new and exciting insight into the mechanism of stop codon decoding in eukaryotes. Also see the video abstract here.

Translational readthrough potential of natural termination codons in eucaryotes--The impact of RNA sequence

Termination of protein synthesis is not 100% efficient. A number of natural mechanisms that suppress translation termination exist. One of them is STOP codon readthrough, the process that enables the ribosome to pass through the termination codon in mRNA and continue translation to the next STOP codon in the same reading frame. The efficiency of translational readthrough depends on a variety of factors, including the identity of the termination codon, the surrounding mRNA sequence context, and the presence of stimulating compounds. Understanding the interplay between these factors provides the necessary background for the efficient application of the STOP codon suppression approach in the therapy of diseases caused by the presence of premature termination codons.

Structural characterization of eRF1 mutants indicate a complex mechanism of stop codon recognition

Eukarya translation termination requires the stop codon recognizing protein eRF1. In contrast to the multiple proteins required for translation termination in Bacteria, eRF1 retains the ability to recognize all three of the stop codons. The details of the mechanism that eRF1 uses to recognize stop codons has remained elusive. This study describes the structural effects of mutations in the eRF1 N-domain that have previously been shown to alter stop codon recognition specificity. Here, we propose a model of eRF1 binding to the pre-translation termination ribosomal complex that is based in part on our solution NMR structures of the wild-type and mutant eRF1 N-domains. Since structural perturbations induced by these mutations were spread throughout the protein structure, residual dipolar coupling (RDC) data were recorded to establish the long-range effects of the specific mutations, E55Q, Y125F, Q(122)FM(Y)F(126). RDCs were recorded on (15)N-labeled eRF1 N-domain weakly aligned in either 5% w/v n-octyl-penta (ethylene glycol)/octanol (C8E5) or the filamentous phage Pf1. These data indicate that the mutations alter the conformation and dynamics of the GTS loop that is distant from the mutation sites. We propose that the GTS loop forms a switch that is key for the multiple codon recognition capability of eRF1.

Stop codon recognition in the early-diverged protozoans Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis

Two classes of polypeptide release factors (RFs) are responsible for maintaining accuracy in translation termination; however, their detailed mechanism of action and evolutionary history of these factors remain elusive. The structure and function of RFs vary in bacteria and eukaryotes, a fact that is suggestive of evolutionary changes in the translation termination system. Giardia lamblia (Diplomonada) and Trichomonas vaginalis (Parabasalia) are considered as early-diverged eukaryotes. The class II release factor, eRF3, of Giardia (Gl-eRF3) appears to have only one domain that corresponds to EF-1α and lacks the N-terminal domain, similar to that of eRF3 of other organisms. In the present study, we show that the chimeric molecules Gl/Sc eRF1 and Tv/Sc eRF1, which are composed of the N-terminal domain of Gl-eRF1 or Tv-eRF1, fused to the core domain (M and C domain) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae eRF1 (Sc-eRF1), resulting in loss of the RF properties of the N-terminal domain. This suggests that the conformation of eRF1 for stop codon recognition in Giardia and Trichomonas varies from the eRF1s of other eukaryotes, including ciliates and yeast. Further studies using intra-N-terminal chimeras of eRF1 indicated that the combination of the GTS loop and NIKS motif from Gl-eRF1 and the Y-C-F motif from Sc-eRF1within the N terminal domain of hybrid eRF1 could restore UGA, but not UAG and UGA recognition. In contrast, the combination of the GTS loop and the NIKS motif of Sc-eRF1 and the Y-C-F motif of Gl-eRF1 could restore UAG and UAA recognition, but not UGA recognition. Thus, these results confirm the findings of previous studies that three motifs in eRF1 are necessary for discrimination of the three bases of stop codons. The NIKS motif is responsible for recognition of the first two bases of UAA and UAG, and the Y-C-F motif identifies the second base of UGA by Gl-eRF1. Amino acid residue substitutions in Gl/Sc-eRF1 by corresponding residues of Sc-eRF1 could change and even restore RF activity, further suggesting different conformation of eRF1 are used for stop codon recognition in Giardia and in Saccharomyces.

Structural basis for stop codon recognition in eukaryotes

Termination of protein synthesis occurs when a translating ribosome encounters one of three universally conserved stop codons: UAA, UAG or UGA. Release factors recognize stop codons in the ribosomal A-site to mediate release of the nascent chain and recycling of the ribosome. Bacteria decode stop codons using two separate release factors with differing specificities for the second and third bases. By contrast, eukaryotes rely on an evolutionarily unrelated omnipotent release factor (eRF1) to recognize all three stop codons. The molecular basis of eRF1 discrimination for stop codons over sense codons is not known. Here we present cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures at 3.5-3.8 Å resolution of mammalian ribosomal complexes containing eRF1 interacting with each of the three stop codons in the A-site. Binding of eRF1 flips nucleotide A1825 of 18S ribosomal RNA so that it stacks on the second and third stop codon bases. This configuration pulls the fourth position base into the A-site, where it is stabilized by stacking against G626 of 18S rRNA. Thus, eRF1 exploits two rRNA nucleotides also used during transfer RNA selection to drive messenger RNA compaction. In this compacted mRNA conformation, stop codons are favoured by a hydrogen-bonding network formed between rRNA and essential eRF1 residues that constrains the identity of the bases. These results provide a molecular framework for eukaryotic stop codon recognition and have implications for future studies on the mechanisms of canonical and premature translation termination.

Genetic analysis of L123 of the tRNA-mimicking eukaryote release factor eRF1, an amino acid residue critical for discrimination of stop codons

In eukaryotes, the tRNA-mimicking polypeptide-chain release factor, eRF1, decodes stop codons on the ribosome in a complex with eRF3; this complex exhibits striking structural similarity to the tRNA–eEF1A–GTP complex. Although amino acid residues or motifs of eRF1 that are critical for stop codon discrimination have been identified, the details of the molecular mechanisms involved in the function of the ribosomal decoding site remain obscure. Here, we report analyses of the position-123 amino acid of eRF1 (L123 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae eRF1), a residue that is phylogenetically conserved among species with canonical and variant genetic codes. In vivo readthrough efficiency analysis and genetic growth complementation analysis of the residue-123 systematic mutants suggested that this amino acid functions in stop codon discrimination in a manner coupled with eRF3 binding, and distinctive from previously reported adjacent residues. Furthermore, aminoglycoside antibiotic sensitivity analysis and ribosomal docking modeling of eRF1 in a quasi-A/T state suggested a functional interaction between the side chain of L123 and ribosomal residues critical for codon recognition in the decoding site, as a molecular explanation for coupling with eRF3. Our results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying stop codon discrimination by a tRNA-mimicking protein on the ribosome.

New insights into stop codon recognition by eRF1

In eukaryotes, translation termination is performed by eRF1, which recognizes stop codons via its N-terminal domain. Many previous studies based on point mutagenesis, cross-linking experiments or eRF1 chimeras have investigated the mechanism by which the stop signal is decoded by eRF1. Conserved motifs, such as GTS and YxCxxxF, were found to be important for termination efficiency, but the recognition mechanism remains unclear. We characterized a region of the eRF1 N-terminal domain, the P1 pocket, that we had previously shown to be involved in termination efficiency. We performed alanine scanning mutagenesis of this region, and we quantified in vivo readthrough efficiency for each alanine mutant. We identified two residues, arginine 65 and lysine 109, as critical for recognition of the three stop codons. We also demonstrated a role for the serine 33 and serine 70 residues in UGA decoding in vivo. NMR analysis of the alanine mutants revealed that the correct conformation of this region was controlled by the YxCxxxF motif. By combining our genetic data with a structural analysis of eRF1 mutants, we were able to formulate a new model in which the stop codon interacts with eRF1 through the P1 pocket.

Efficient multisite unnatural amino acid incorporation in mammalian cells via optimized pyrrolysyl tRNA synthetase/tRNA expression and engineered eRF1

The efficient, site-specific introduction of unnatural amino acids into proteins in mammalian cells is an outstanding challenge in realizing the potential of genetic code expansion approaches. Addressing this challenge will allow the synthesis of modified recombinant proteins and augment emerging strategies that introduce new chemical functionalities into proteins to control and image their function with high spatial and temporal precision in cells. The efficiency of unnatural amino acid incorporation in response to the amber stop codon (UAG) in mammalian cells is commonly considered to be low. Here we demonstrate that tRNA levels can be limiting for unnatural amino acid incorporation efficiency, and we develop an optimized pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNACUA expression system, with optimized tRNA expression for mammalian cells. In addition, we engineer eRF1, that normally terminates translation on all three stop codons, to provide a substantial increase in unnatural amino acid incorporation in response to the UAG codon without increasing readthrough of other stop codons. By combining the optimized pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNACUA expression system and an engineered eRF1, we increase the yield of protein bearing unnatural amino acids at a single site 17- to 20-fold. Using the optimized system, we produce proteins containing unnatural amino acids with comparable yields to a protein produced from a gene that does not contain a UAG stop codon. Moreover, the optimized system increases the yield of protein, incorporating an unnatural amino acid at three sites, from unmeasurably low levels up to 43% of a no amber stop control. Our approach may enable the efficient production of site-specifically modified therapeutic proteins, and the quantitative replacement of targeted cellular proteins with versions bearing unnatural amino acids that allow imaging or synthetic regulation of protein function.

Identification of amino acids responsible for stop codon recognition for polypeptide chain release factor

One factor involved in eukaryotic translation termination is class 1 release factor in eukaryotes (eRF1), which functions to decode stop codons. Variant code species, such as ciliates, frequently exhibit altered stop codon recognition. Studies revealed that some class-specific residues in the eRF1 N-terminal domain are responsible for stop codon reassignment in ciliates. Here, we investigated the effects on stop codon recognition of chimeric eRF1s containing the N-terminal domain of Euplotes octocarinatus and Blepharisma japonicum eRF1 fused to Saccharomyces cerevisiae M and C domains using dual luciferase read-through assays. Mutation of class-specific residues in different eRF1 classes was also studied to identify key residues and motifs involved in stop codon decoding. As expected, our results demonstrate that 3 pockets within the eRF1 N-terminal domain were involved in decoding stop codon nucleotides. However, allocation of residues to each pocket was revalued. Our data suggest that hydrophobic and class-specific surface residues participate in different functions: modulation of pocket conformation and interaction with stop codon nucleotides, respectively. Residues conserved across all eRF1s determine the relative orientation of the 3 pockets according to stop codon nucleotides. However, quantitative analysis of variant ciliate and yeast eRF1 point mutants did not reveal any correlation between evolutionary conservation of class-specific residues and termination-related functional specificity and was limited in elucidating a detailed mechanism for ciliate stop codon reassignment. Thus, based on isolation of suppressor tRNAs from Euplotes and Tetrahymena, we propose that stop codon reassignment in ciliates may be controlled by cooperation between eRF1 and suppressor tRNAs.

Two-step model of stop codon recognition by eukaryotic release factor eRF1

Release factor eRF1 plays a key role in the termination of protein synthesis in eukaryotes. The eRF1 consists of three domains (N, M and C) that perform unique roles in termination. Previous studies of eRF1 point mutants and standard/variant code eRF1 chimeras unequivocally demonstrated a direct involvement of the highly conserved N-domain motifs (NIKS, YxCxxxF and GTx) in stop codon recognition. In the current study, we extend this work by investigating the role of the 41 invariant and conserved N-domain residues in stop codon decoding by human eRF1. Using a combination of the conservative and non-conservative amino acid substitutions, we measured the functional activity of >80 mutant eRF1s in an in vitro reconstituted eukaryotic translation system and selected 15 amino acid residues essential for recognition of different stop codon nucleotides. Furthermore, toe-print analyses provide evidence of a conformational rearrangement of ribosomal complexes that occurs during binding of eRF1 to messenger RNA and reflects stop codon decoding activity of eRF1. Based on our experimental data and molecular modelling of the N-domain at the ribosomal A site, we propose a two-step model of stop codon decoding in the eukaryotic ribosome.

Translation in giant viruses: a unique mixture of bacterial and eukaryotic termination schemes

Mimivirus and Megavirus are the best characterized representatives of an expanding new family of giant viruses infecting Acanthamoeba. Their most distinctive features, megabase-sized genomes carried in particles of size comparable to that of small bacteria, fill the gap between the viral and cellular worlds. These giant viruses are also uniquely equipped with genes coding for central components of the translation apparatus. The presence of those genes, thought to be hallmarks of cellular organisms, revived fundamental interrogations on the evolutionary origin of these viruses and the link they might have with the emergence of eukaryotes. In this work, we focused on the Mimivirus-encoded translation termination factor gene, the detailed primary structure of which was elucidated using computational and experimental approaches. We demonstrated that the translation of this protein proceeds through two internal stop codons via two distinct recoding events: a frameshift and a readthrough, the combined occurrence of which is unique to these viruses. Unexpectedly, the viral gene carries an autoregulatory mechanism exclusively encountered in bacterial termination factors, though the viral sequence is related to the eukaryotic/archaeal class-I release factors. This finding is a hint that the virally-encoded translation functions may not be strictly redundant with the one provided by the host. Lastly, the perplexing occurrence of a bacterial-like regulatory mechanism in a eukaryotic/archaeal homologous gene is yet another oddity brought about by the study of giant viruses.

Giant viruses, such as Mimivirus and Megavirus, have huge near-micron-sized particles and possess more genes than several cellular organisms. Furthermore their genomes encode functions not supposed to be in a virus, such as components of the protein translation apparatus. Since Lwoff in 1957, viruses are defined as ultimate obligate intracellular parasites from their need to hijack the peptide synthesis machinery of their host to replicate. We looked at the Mimivirus and Megavirus proteins that recognize the stop codons, the translation termination factors. We found that these genes contain two internal stop codons, meaning that their translation bypasses two distinct stop codons to produce a functional translation termination factor. These types of autoregulatory mechanisms are found in bacterial termination factors, although it involves only a single internal stop codon and not two, and are absent from their eukaryotic and archaeal homologs. Despite these bacterial-like features, giant viruses' termination factors have sequences that do not resemble bacterial genes but are clearly related to the eukaryotic and archaeal termination factors. Thus, giant viruses' termination factors surprisingly combine elements from eukaryotes/archaea and bacteria.

Structural basis for translation termination by archaeal RF1 and GTP-bound EF1α complex

When a stop codon appears at the ribosomal A site, the class I and II release factors (RFs) terminate translation. In eukaryotes and archaea, the class I and II RFs form a heterodimeric complex, and complete the overall translation termination process in a GTP-dependent manner. However, the structural mechanism of the translation termination by the class I and II RF complex remains unresolved. In archaea, archaeal elongation factor 1 alpha (aEF1α), a carrier GTPase for tRNA, acts as a class II RF by forming a heterodimeric complex with archaeal RF1 (aRF1). We report the crystal structure of the aRF1·aEF1α complex, the first active class I and II RF complex. This structure remarkably resembles the tRNA·EF–Tu complex, suggesting that aRF1 is efficiently delivered to the ribosomal A site, by mimicking tRNA. It provides insights into the mechanism that couples GTP hydrolysis by the class II RF to stop codon recognition and peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis by the class I RF. We discuss the different mechanisms by which aEF1α recognizes aRF1 and aPelota, another aRF1-related protein and molecular evolution of the three functions of aEF1α.

Termination and post-termination events in eukaryotic translation

Translation termination in eukaryotes occurs in response to a stop codon in the ribosomal A-site and requires two release factors (RFs), eRF1 and eRF3, which bind to the A-site as an eRF1/eRF3/GTP complex with eRF1 responsible for codon recognition. After GTP hydrolysis by eRF3, eRF1 triggers hydrolysis of the polypeptidyl-tRNA, releasing the completed protein product. This leaves an 80S ribosome still bound to the mRNA, with deacylated tRNA in its P-site and at least eRF1 in its A-site, which needs to be disassembled and released from the mRNA to allow further rounds of translation. The first step in recycling is dissociation of the 60S ribosomal subunit, leaving a 40S/deacylated tRNA complex bound to the mRNA. This is mediated by ABCE1, which is a somewhat unusual member of the ATP-binding cassette family of proteins with no membrane-spanning domain but two essential iron-sulfur clusters. Two distinct pathways have been identified for subsequent ejection of the deacylated tRNA followed by dissociation of the 40S subunit from the mRNA, one executed by a subset of the canonical initiation factors (which therefore starts the process of preparing the 40S subunit for the next round of translation) and the other by Ligatin or homologous proteins. However, although this is the normal sequence of events, there are exceptions where the termination reaction is followed by reinitiation on the same mRNA (usually) at a site downstream of the stop codon. The overwhelming majority of such reinitiation events occur when the 5'-proximal open reading frame (ORF) is short and can result in significant regulation of translation of the protein-coding ORF, but there are also rare examples, mainly bicistronic viral RNAs, of reinitiation after a long ORF. Here, we review our current understanding of the mechanisms of termination, ribosome recycling, and reinitiation after translation of short and long ORFs.

The elongation, termination, and recycling phases of translation in eukaryotes

This work summarizes our current understanding of the elongation and termination/recycling phases of eukaryotic protein synthesis. We focus here on recent advances in the field. In addition to an overview of translation elongation, we discuss unique aspects of eukaryotic translation elongation including eEF1 recycling, eEF2 modification, and eEF3 and eIF5A function. Likewise, we highlight the function of the eukaryotic release factors eRF1 and eRF3 in translation termination, and the functions of ABCE1/Rli1, the Dom34:Hbs1 complex, and Ligatin (eIF2D) in ribosome recycling. Finally, we present some of the key questions in translation elongation, termination, and recycling that remain to be answered.

Identification of eRF1 residues that play critical and complementary roles in stop codon recognition

The initiation and elongation stages of translation are directed by codon-anticodon interactions. In contrast, a release factor protein mediates stop codon recognition prior to polypeptide chain release. Previous studies have identified specific regions of eukaryotic release factor one (eRF1) that are important for decoding each stop codon. The cavity model for eukaryotic stop codon recognition suggests that three binding pockets/cavities located on the surface of eRF1's domain one are key elements in stop codon recognition. Thus, the model predicts that amino acid changes in or near these cavities should influence termination in a stop codon-dependent manner. Previous studies have suggested that the TASNIKS and YCF motifs within eRF1 domain one play important roles in stop codon recognition. These motifs are highly conserved in standard code organisms that use UAA, UAG, and UGA as stop codons, but are more divergent in variant code organisms that have reassigned a subset of stop codons to sense codons. In the current study, we separately introduced TASNIKS and YCF motifs from six variant code organisms into eRF1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to determine their effect on stop codon recognition in vivo. We also examined the consequences of additional changes at residues located between the TASNIKS and YCF motifs. Overall, our results indicate that changes near cavities two and three frequently mediated significant effects on stop codon selectivity. In particular, changes in the YCF motif, rather than the TASNIKS motif, correlated most consistently with variant code stop codon selectivity.

On the Diversification of the Translation Apparatus across Eukaryotes

Diversity is one of the most remarkable features of living organisms. Current assessments of eukaryote biodiversity reaches 1.5 million species, but the true figure could be several times that number. Diversity is ingrained in all stages and echelons of life, namely, the occupancy of ecological niches, behavioral patterns, body plans and organismal complexity, as well as metabolic needs and genetics. In this review, we will discuss that diversity also exists in a key biochemical process, translation, across eukaryotes. Translation is a fundamental process for all forms of life, and the basic components and mechanisms of translation in eukaryotes have been largely established upon the study of traditional, so-called model organisms. By using modern genome-wide, high-throughput technologies, recent studies of many nonmodel eukaryotes have unveiled a surprising diversity in the configuration of the translation apparatus across eukaryotes, showing that this apparatus is far from being evolutionarily static. For some of the components of this machinery, functional differences between different species have also been found. The recent research reviewed in this article highlights the molecular and functional diversification the translational machinery has undergone during eukaryotic evolution. A better understanding of all aspects of organismal diversity is key to a more profound knowledge of life.

Structure and dynamics in solution of the stop codon decoding N-terminal domain of the human polypeptide chain release factor eRF1

The high-resolution NMR structure of the N-domain of human eRF1, responsible for stop codon recognition, has been determined in solution. The overall fold of the protein is the same as that found in the crystal structure. However, the structures of several loops, including those participating in stop codon decoding, are different. Analysis of the NMR relaxation data reveals that most of the regions with the highest structural discrepancy between the solution and solid states undergo internal motions on the ps-ns and ms time scales. The NMR data show that the N-domain of human eRF1 exists in two conformational states. The distribution of the residues having the largest chemical shift differences between the two forms indicates that helices α2 and α3, with the NIKS loop between them, can switch their orientation relative to the β-core of the protein. Such structural plasticity may be essential for stop codon recognition by human eRF1.

Selectivity of stop codon recognition in translation termination is modulated by multiple conformations of GTS loop in eRF1

Translation termination in eukaryotes is catalyzed by two release factors eRF1 and eRF3 in a cooperative manner. The precise mechanism of stop codon discrimination by eRF1 remains obscure, hindering drug development targeting aberrations at translation termination. By solving the solution structures of the wild-type N-domain of human eRF1 exhibited omnipotent specificity, i.e. recognition of all three stop codons, and its unipotent mutant with UGA-only specificity, we found the conserved GTS loop adopting alternate conformations. We propose that structural variability in the GTS loop may underline the switching between omnipotency and unipotency of eRF1, implying the direct access of the GTS loop to the stop codon. To explore such feasibility, we positioned N-domain in a pre-termination ribosomal complex using the binding interface between N-domain and model RNA oligonucleotides mimicking Helix 44 of 18S rRNA. NMR analysis revealed that those duplex RNA containing 2-nt internal loops interact specifically with helix α1 of N-domain, and displace C-domain from a non-covalent complex of N-domain and C-domain, suggesting domain rearrangement in eRF1 that accompanies N-domain accommodation into the ribosomal A site.

Termination of protein synthesis in mammalian mitochondria

All mechanisms of protein synthesis can be considered in four stages: initiation, elongation, termination, and ribosome recycling. Remarkable progress has been made in understanding how these processes are mediated in the cytosol of many species; however, details of organellar protein synthesis remain sketchy. This is an important omission, as defects in human mitochondrial translation are known to cause disease and may contribute to the aging process itself. In this minireview, we focus on the recent advances that have been made in understanding how one of these processes, translation termination, occurs in the human mitochondrion.

Adenine and guanine recognition of stop codon is mediated by different N domain conformations of translation termination factor eRF1

Positioning of release factor eRF1 toward adenines and the ribose-phosphate backbone of the UAAA stop signal in the ribosomal decoding site was studied using messenger RNA (mRNA) analogs containing stop signal UAA/UAAA and a photoactivatable cross-linker at definite locations. The human eRF1 peptides cross-linked to these analogs were identified. Cross-linkers on the adenines at the 2nd, 3rd or 4th position modified eRF1 near the conserved YxCxxxF loop (positions 125–131 in the N domain), but cross-linker at the 4th position mainly modified the tripeptide 26-AAR-28. This tripeptide cross-linked also with derivatized 3′-phosphate of UAA, while the same cross-linker at the 3′-phosphate of UAAA modified both the 26–28 and 67–73 fragments. A comparison of the results with those obtained earlier with mRNA analogs bearing a similar cross-linker at the guanines indicates that positioning of eRF1 toward adenines and guanines of stop signals in the 80S termination complex is different. Molecular modeling of eRF1 in the 80S termination complex showed that eRF1 fragments neighboring guanines and adenines of stop signals are compatible with different N domain conformations of eRF1. These conformations vary by positioning of stop signal purines toward the universally conserved dipeptide 31-GT-32, which neighbors guanines but is oriented more distantly from adenines.

Three distinct peptides from the N domain of translation termination factor eRF1 surround stop codon in the ribosome

To study positioning of the polypeptide release factor eRF1 toward a stop signal in the ribosomal decoding site, we applied photoactivatable mRNA analogs, derivatives of oligoribonucleotides. The human eRF1 peptides cross-linked to these short mRNAs were identified. Cross-linkers on the guanines at the second, third, and fourth stop signal positions modified fragment 31-33, and to lesser extent amino acids within region 121-131 (the "YxCxxxF loop") in the N domain. Hence, both regions are involved in the recognition of the purines. A cross-linker at the first uridine of the stop codon modifies Val66 near the NIKS loop (positions 61-64), and this region is important for recognition of the first uridine of stop codons. Since the N domain distinct regions of eRF1 are involved in a stop-codon decoding, the eRF1 decoding site is discontinuous and is not of "protein anticodon" type. By molecular modeling, the eRF1 molecule can be fitted to the A site proximal to the P-site-bound tRNA and to a stop codon in mRNA via a large conformational change to one of its three domains. In the simulated eRF1 conformation, the YxCxxxF motif and positions 31-33 are very close to a stop codon, which becomes also proximal to several parts of the C domain. Thus, in the A-site-bound state, the eRF1 conformation significantly differs from those in crystals and solution. The model suggested for eRF1 conformation in the ribosomal A site and cross-linking data are compatible.

A single amino acid change of translation termination factor eRF1 switches between bipotent and omnipotent stop-codon specificity

In eukaryotes a single class-1 translation termination factor eRF1 decodes the three stop codons: UAA, UAG and UGA. Some ciliates, like Euplotes, have a variant code, and here eRF1s exhibit UAR-only specificity, whereas UGA is reassigned as a sense codon. Since eukaryote eRF1 stop-codon recognition is associated with its N-terminal domain, structural features should exist in the N domain of ciliate eRF1s that restrict their stop-codon specificity. Using an in vitro reconstituted eukaryotic translation system we demonstrate here that a chimeric eRF1 composed of the N domain of Euplotes aediculatus eRF1 fused to the MC domains of human eRF1 exhibits UAR-only specificity. Functional analysis of eRF1 chimeras constructed by swapping Euplotes N domain sequences with the cognate regions from human eRF1 as well as site-directed mutagenesis of human eRF1 highlighted the crucial role of the alanine residue in position 70 of E. aediculatus eRF1 in restricting UGA decoding. Switching the UAR-only specificity of E. aediculatus eRF1 to omnipotent mode is due to a single point mutation. Furthermore, we examined the influence of eRF3 on the ability of chimeric and mutant eRF1s to induce peptide release in response to different stop codons.

Decoding accuracy in eRF1 mutants and its correlation with pleiotropic quantitative traits in yeast

Translation termination in eukaryotes typically requires the decoding of one of three stop codons UAA, UAG or UGA by the eukaryotic release factor eRF1. The molecular mechanisms that allow eRF1 to decode either A or G in the second nucleotide, but to exclude UGG as a stop codon, are currently not well understood. Several models of stop codon recognition have been developed on the basis of evidence from mutagenesis studies, as well as studies on the evolutionary sequence conservation of eRF1. We show here that point mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae eRF1 display significant variability in their stop codon read-through phenotypes depending on the background genotype of the strain used, and that evolutionary conservation of amino acids in eRF1 is only a poor indicator of the functional importance of individual residues in translation termination. We further show that many phenotypes associated with eRF1 mutants are quantitatively unlinked with translation termination defects, suggesting that the evolutionary history of eRF1 was shaped by a complex set of molecular functions in addition to translation termination. We reassess current models of stop-codon recognition by eRF1 in the light of these new data.

NMR solution structure and function of the C-terminal domain of eukaryotic class 1 polypeptide chain release factor

Termination of translation in eukaryotes is triggered by two polypeptide chain release factors, eukaryotic class 1 polypeptide chain release factor (eRF1) and eukaryotic class 2 polypeptide chain release factor 3. eRF1 is a three-domain protein that interacts with eukaryotic class 2 polypeptide chain release factor 3 via its C-terminal domain (C-domain). The high-resolution NMR structure of the human C-domain (residues 277–437) has been determined in solution. The overall fold and the structure of the β-strand core of the protein in solution are similar to those found in the crystal structure. The structure of the minidomain (residues 329–372), which was ill-defined in the crystal structure, has been determined in solution. The protein backbone dynamics, studied using ¹⁵N-relaxation experiments, showed that the C-terminal tail 414–437 and the minidomain are the most flexible parts of the human C-domain. The minidomain exists in solution in two conformational states, slowly interconverting on the NMR timescale. Superposition of this NMR solution structure of the human C-domain onto the available crystal structure of full-length human eRF1 shows that the minidomain is close to the stop codon-recognizing N-terminal domain. Mutations in the tip of the minidomain were found to affect the stop codon specificity of the factor. The results provide new insights into the possible role of the C-domain in the process of translation termination.

NMR solution structure and function of the C-terminal domain of eukaryotic class 1 polypeptide chain release factor

Termination of translation in eukaryotes is triggered by two polypeptide chain release factors, eukaryotic class 1 polypeptide chain release factor (eRF1) and eukaryotic class 2 polypeptide chain release factor 3. eRF1 is a three-domain protein that interacts with eukaryotic class 2 polypeptide chain release factor 3 via its C-terminal domain (C-domain). The high-resolution NMR structure of the human C-domain (residues 277-437) has been determined in solution. The overall fold and the structure of the beta-strand core of the protein in solution are similar to those found in the crystal structure. The structure of the minidomain (residues 329-372), which was ill-defined in the crystal structure, has been determined in solution. The protein backbone dynamics, studied using (15)N-relaxation experiments, showed that the C-terminal tail 414-437 and the minidomain are the most flexible parts of the human C-domain. The minidomain exists in solution in two conformational states, slowly interconverting on the NMR timescale. Superposition of this NMR solution structure of the human C-domain onto the available crystal structure of full-length human eRF1 shows that the minidomain is close to the stop codon-recognizing N-terminal domain. Mutations in the tip of the minidomain were found to affect the stop codon specificity of the factor. The results provide new insights into the possible role of the C-domain in the process of translation termination.

The molecular basis of translational control

Our current understanding of eukaryotic protein synthesis has emerged from many years of biochemical, genetic and biophysical approaches. Significant insight into the molecular details of the mechanism has been obtained, although there are clearly many aspects of the process that remain to be resolved. Importantly, our understanding of the mechanism has identified a number of key stages in the pathway that contribute to the regulation of general and gene-specific translation. Not surprisingly, translational control is now widely accepted to play a role in aspects of cell stress, growth, development, synaptic function, aging, and disease. This chapter reviews the mechanism of eukaryotic protein synthesis and its relevance to translational control.

Translation termination in pyrrolysine-utilizing archaea

Although some data link archaeal and eukaryotic translation, the overall mechanism of protein synthesis in archaea remains largely obscure. Both archaeal (aRF1) and eukaryotic (eRF1) single release factors recognize all three stop codons. The archaeal genus Methanosarcinaceae contains two aRF1 homologs, and also uses the UAG stop to encode the 22nd amino acid, pyrrolysine. Here we provide an analysis of the last stage of archaeal translation in pyrrolysine-utilizing species. We demonstrated that only one of two Methanosarcina barkeri aRF1 homologs possesses activity and recognizes all three stop codons. The second aRF1 homolog may have another unknown function. The mechanism of pyrrolysine incorporation in the Methanosarcinaceae is discussed.

Connection between stop codon reassignment and frequent use of shifty stop frameshifting

Ciliated protozoa of the genus Euplotes have undergone genetic code reassignment, redefining the termination codon UGA to encode cysteine. In addition, Euplotes spp. genes very frequently employ shifty stop frameshifting. Both of these phenomena involve noncanonical events at a termination codon, suggesting they might have a common cause. We recently demonstrated that Euplotes octocarinatus peptide release factor eRF1 ignores UGA termination codons while continuing to recognize UAA and UAG. Here we show that both the Tetrahymena thermophila and E. octocarinatus eRF1 factors allow efficient frameshifting at all three termination codons, suggesting that UGA redefinition also impaired UAA/UAG recognition. Mutations of the Euplotes factor restoring a phylogenetically conserved motif in eRF1 (TASNIKS) reduced programmed frameshifting at all three termination codons. Mutation of another conserved residue, Cys124, strongly reduces frameshifting at UGA while actually increasing frameshifting at UAA/UAG. We will discuss these results in light of recent biochemical characterization of these mutations.

Structural insights into eRF3 and stop codon recognition by eRF1

Eukaryotic translation termination is mediated by two interacting release factors, eRF1 and eRF3, which act cooperatively to ensure efficient stop codon recognition and fast polypeptide release. The crystal structures of human and Schizosaccharomyces pombe full-length eRF1 in complex with eRF3 lacking the GTPase domain revealed details of the interaction between these two factors and marked conformational changes in eRF1 that occur upon binding to eRF3, leading eRF1 to resemble a tRNA molecule. Small-angle X-ray scattering analysis of the eRF1/eRF3/GTP complex suggested that eRF1's M domain contacts eRF3's GTPase domain. Consistently, mutation of Arg192, which is predicted to come in close contact with the switch regions of eRF3, revealed its important role for eRF1's stimulatory effect on eRF3's GTPase activity. An ATP molecule used as a crystallization additive was bound in eRF1's putative decoding area. Mutational analysis of the ATP-binding site shed light on the mechanism of stop codon recognition by eRF1.

Molecular dissection of translation termination mechanism identifies two new critical regions in eRF1

Translation termination in eukaryotes is completed by two interacting factors eRF1 and eRF3. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, these proteins are encoded by the genes SUP45 and SUP35, respectively. The eRF1 protein interacts directly with the stop codon at the ribosomal A-site, whereas eRF3—a GTPase protein—probably acts as a proofreading factor, coupling stop codon recognition to polypeptide chain release. We performed random PCR mutagenesis of SUP45 and screened the library for mutations resulting in increased eRF1 activity. These mutations led to the identification of two new pockets in domain 1 (P1 and P2) involved in the regulation of eRF1 activity. Furthermore, we identified novel mutations located in domains 2 and 3, which confer stop codon specificity to eRF1. Our findings are consistent with the model of a closed-active conformation of eRF1 and shed light on two new functional regions of the protein.

Evolution of nonstop, no-go and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and their termination factor-derived components

Background

Members of the eukaryote/archaea specific eRF1 and eRF3 protein families have central roles in translation termination. They are also central to various mRNA surveillance mechanisms, together with the eRF1 paralogue Dom34p and the eRF3 paralogues Hbs1p and Ski7p. We have examined the evolution of eRF1 and eRF3 families using sequence similarity searching, multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Extensive BLAST searches confirm that Hbs1p and eRF3 are limited to eukaryotes, while Dom34p and eRF1 (a/eRF1) are universal in eukaryotes and archaea. Ski7p appears to be restricted to a subset of Saccharomyces species. Alignments show that Dom34p does not possess the characteristic class-1 RF minidomains GGQ, NIKS and YXCXXXF, in line with recent crystallographic analysis of Dom34p. Phylogenetic trees of the protein families allow us to reconstruct the evolution of mRNA surveillance mechanisms mediated by these proteins in eukaryotes and archaea.

Conclusion

We propose that the last common ancestor of eukaryotes and archaea possessed Dom34p-mediated no-go decay (NGD). This ancestral Dom34p may or may not have required a trGTPase, mostly like a/eEF1A, for its delivery to the ribosome. At an early stage in eukaryotic evolution, eEF1A was duplicated, giving rise to eRF3, which was recruited for translation termination, interacting with eRF1. eRF3 evolved nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) activity either before or after it was again duplicated, giving rise to Hbs1p, which we propose was recruited to assist eDom34p in eukaryotic NGD. Finally, a third duplication within ascomycete yeast gave rise to Ski7p, which may have become specialised for a subset of existing Hbs1p functions in non-stop decay (NSD). We suggest Ski7p-mediated NSD may be a specialised mechanism for counteracting the effects of increased stop codon read-through caused by prion-domain [PSI+] mediated eRF3 precipitation.

Role of the individual domains of translation termination factor eRF1 in GTP binding to eRF3

Eukaryotic translational termination is triggered by polypeptide release factors eRF1, eRF3, and one of the three stop codons at the ribosomal A-site. Isothermal titration calorimetry shows that (i) the separated MC, M, and C domains of human eRF1 bind to eRF3; (ii) GTP binding to eRF3 requires complex formation with either the MC or M + C domains; (iii) the M domain interacts with the N and C domains; (iv) the MC domain and Mg2+ induce GTPase activity of eRF3 in the ribosome. We suggest that GDP binding site of eRF3 acquires an ability to bind gamma-phosphate of GTP if altered by cooperative action of the M and C domains of eRF1. Thus, the stop-codon decoding is associated with the N domain of eRF1 while the GTPase activity of eRF3 is controlled by the MC domain of eRF1 demonstrating a substantial structural uncoupling of these two activities though functionally they are interrelated.

Eukaryotic class 1 translation termination factor eRF1--the NMR structure and dynamics of the middle domain involved in triggering ribosome-dependent peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis

The eukaryotic class 1 polypeptide chain release factor is a three-domain protein involved in the termination of translation, the final stage of polypeptide biosynthesis. In attempts to understand the roles of the middle domain of the eukaryotic class 1 polypeptide chain release factor in the transduction of the termination signal from the small to the large ribosomal subunit and in peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis, its high-resolution NMR structure has been obtained. The overall fold and the structure of the beta-strand core of the protein in solution are similar to those found in the crystal. However, the orientation of the functionally critical GGQ loop and neighboring alpha-helices has genuine and noticeable differences in solution and in the crystal. Backbone amide protons of most of the residues in the GGQ loop undergo fast exchange with water. However, in the AGQ mutant, where functional activity is abolished, a significant reduction in the exchange rate of the amide protons has been observed without a noticeable change in the loop conformation, providing evidence for the GGQ loop interaction with water molecule(s) that may serve as a substrate for the hydrolytic cleavage of the peptidyl-tRNA in the ribosome. The protein backbone dynamics, studied using 15N relaxation experiments, showed that the GGQ loop is the most flexible part of the middle domain. The conformational flexibility of the GGQ and 215-223 loops, which are situated at opposite ends of the longest alpha-helix, could be a determinant of the functional activity of the eukaryotic class 1 polypeptide chain release factor, with that helix acting as the trigger to transmit the signals from one loop to the other.

Different modes of stop codon restriction by the Stylonychia and Paramecium eRF1 translation termination factors

In universal-code eukaryotes, a single-translation termination factor, eukaryote class-1 polypeptide release factor (eRF1), decodes the three stop codons: UAA, UAG, and UGA. In some ciliates, like Stylonychia and Paramecium, eRF1s exhibit UGA-only decoding specificity, whereas UAG and UAA are reassigned as sense codons. Because variant-code ciliates may have evolved from universal-code ancestor(s), structural features should exist in ciliate eRF1s that restrict their stop codon recognition. In omnipotent eRF1s, stop codon recognition is associated with the N-terminal domain of the protein. Using both in vitro and in vivo assays, we show here that chimeric molecules composed of the N-terminal domain of Stylonychia eRF1 fused to the core domain (MC domain) of human eRF1 retained specificity toward UGA; this unambiguously associates eRF1 stop codon specificity to the nature of its N-terminal domain. Functional analysis of eRF1 chimeras constructed by swapping ciliate N-terminal domain sequences with the matching ones from the human protein highlighted the crucial role of the tripeptide QFM in restricting Stylonychia eRF1 specificity toward UGA. Using the site-directed mutagenesis, we show that Paramecium eRF1 specificity toward UGA resides within the NIKS (amino acids 61-64) and YxCxxxF (amino acids 124-131) motifs. Thus, we establish that eRF1 from two different ciliates relies on different molecular mechanisms to achieve specificity toward the UGA stop codon. This finding suggests that eRF1 restriction of specificity to only UGA might have been an early event occurring in independent instances in ciliate evolutionary history, possibly facilitating the reassignment of UAG and UAA to sense codons.