1
|
Mejía-Almonte C, Busby SJW, Wade JT, van Helden J, Arkin AP, Stormo GD, Eilbeck K, Palsson BO, Galagan JE, Collado-Vides J. Redefining fundamental concepts of transcription initiation in bacteria. Nat Rev Genet 2020; 21:699-714. [PMID: 32665585 PMCID: PMC7990032 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-020-0254-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite enormous progress in understanding the fundamentals of bacterial gene regulation, our knowledge remains limited when compared with the number of bacterial genomes and regulatory systems to be discovered. Derived from a small number of initial studies, classic definitions for concepts of gene regulation have evolved as the number of characterized promoters has increased. Together with discoveries made using new technologies, this knowledge has led to revised generalizations and principles. In this Expert Recommendation, we suggest precise, updated definitions that support a logical, consistent conceptual framework of bacterial gene regulation, focusing on transcription initiation. The resulting concepts can be formalized by ontologies for computational modelling, laying the foundation for improved bioinformatics tools, knowledge-based resources and scientific communication. Thus, this work will help researchers construct better predictive models, with different formalisms, that will be useful in engineering, synthetic biology, microbiology and genetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Citlalli Mejía-Almonte
- Programa de Genómica Computacional, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelos, Cuernavaca, México
| | | | - Joseph T Wade
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Jacques van Helden
- Aix-Marseille University, INSERM UMR S 1090, Theory and Approaches of Genome Complexity (TAGC), Marseille, France
- CNRS, Institut Français de Bioinformatique, IFB-core, UMS 3601, Evry, France
| | - Adam P Arkin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Gary D Stormo
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Karen Eilbeck
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bernhard O Palsson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - James E Galagan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julio Collado-Vides
- Programa de Genómica Computacional, Centro de Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelos, Cuernavaca, México.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
The F1F0-ATP synthase (EC 3.6.1.34) is a remarkable enzyme that functions as a rotary motor. It is found in the inner membranes of Escherichia coli and is responsible for the synthesis of ATP in response to an electrochemical proton gradient. Under some conditions, the enzyme functions reversibly and uses the energy of ATP hydrolysis to generate the gradient. The ATP synthase is composed of eight different polypeptide subunits in a stoichiometry of α3β3γδεab2c10. Traditionally they were divided into two physically separable units: an F1 that catalyzes ATP hydrolysis (α3β3γδε) and a membrane-bound F0 sector that transports protons (ab2c10). In terms of rotary function, the subunits can be divided into rotor subunits (γεc10) and stator subunits (α3β3δab2). The stator subunits include six nucleotide binding sites, three catalytic and three noncatalytic, formed primarily by the β and α subunits, respectively. The stator also includes a peripheral stalk composed of δ and b subunits, and part of the proton channel in subunit a. Among the rotor subunits, the c subunits form a ring in the membrane, and interact with subunit a to form the proton channel. Subunits γ and ε bind to the c-ring subunits, and also communicate with the catalytic sites through interactions with α and β subunits. The eight subunits are expressed from a single operon, and posttranscriptional processing and translational regulation ensure that the polypeptides are made at the proper stoichiometry. Recent studies, including those of other species, have elucidated many structural and rotary properties of this enzyme.
Collapse
|
3
|
Shah NB, Duncan TM. Aerobic Growth of Escherichia coli Is Reduced, and ATP Synthesis Is Selectively Inhibited when Five C-terminal Residues Are Deleted from the ϵ Subunit of ATP Synthase. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:21032-21041. [PMID: 26160173 PMCID: PMC4543661 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.665059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
F-type ATP synthases are rotary nanomotor enzymes involved in cellular energy metabolism in eukaryotes and eubacteria. The ATP synthase from Gram-positive and -negative model bacteria can be autoinhibited by the C-terminal domain of its ϵ subunit (ϵCTD), but the importance of ϵ inhibition in vivo is unclear. Functional rotation is thought to be blocked by insertion of the latter half of the ϵCTD into the central cavity of the catalytic complex (F1). In the inhibited state of the Escherichia coli enzyme, the final segment of ϵCTD is deeply buried but has few specific interactions with other subunits. This region of the ϵCTD is variable or absent in other bacteria that exhibit strong ϵ-inhibition in vitro. Here, genetically deleting the last five residues of the ϵCTD (ϵΔ5) caused a greater defect in respiratory growth than did the complete absence of the ϵCTD. Isolated membranes with ϵΔ5 generated proton-motive force by respiration as effectively as with wild-type ϵ but showed a nearly 3-fold decrease in ATP synthesis rate. In contrast, the ϵΔ5 truncation did not change the intrinsic rate of ATP hydrolysis with membranes. Further, the ϵΔ5 subunit retained high affinity for isolated F1 but reduced the maximal inhibition of F1-ATPase by ϵ from >90% to ∼20%. The results suggest that the ϵCTD has distinct regulatory interactions with F1 when rotary catalysis operates in opposite directions for the hydrolysis or synthesis of ATP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naman B Shah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210
| | - Thomas M Duncan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
T box riboswitches in Actinobacteria: translational regulation via novel tRNA interactions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:1113-8. [PMID: 25583497 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1424175112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The T box riboswitch regulates many amino acid-related genes in Gram-positive bacteria. T box riboswitch-mediated gene regulation was shown previously to occur at the level of transcription attenuation via structural rearrangements in the 5' untranslated (leader) region of the mRNA in response to binding of a specific uncharged tRNA. In this study, a novel group of isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase gene (ileS) T box leader sequences found in organisms of the phylum Actinobacteria was investigated. The Stem I domains of these RNAs lack several highly conserved elements that are essential for interaction with the tRNA ligand in other T box RNAs. Many of these RNAs were predicted to regulate gene expression at the level of translation initiation through tRNA-dependent stabilization of a helix that sequesters a sequence complementary to the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence, thus freeing the SD sequence for ribosome binding and translation initiation. We demonstrated specific binding to the cognate tRNA(Ile) and tRNA(Ile)-dependent structural rearrangements consistent with regulation at the level of translation initiation, providing the first biochemical demonstration, to our knowledge, of translational regulation in a T box riboswitch.
Collapse
|
5
|
Bockenhauer SD, Duncan TM, Moerner WE, Börsch M. The regulatory switch of F 1-ATPase studied by single-molecule FRET in the ABEL Trap. PROCEEDINGS OF SPIE--THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR OPTICAL ENGINEERING 2014; 8950:89500H. [PMID: 25309100 DOI: 10.1117/12.2042688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
F1-ATPase is the soluble portion of the membrane-embedded enzyme FoF1-ATP synthase that catalyzes the production of adenosine triphosphate in eukaryotic and eubacterial cells. In reverse, the F1 part can also hydrolyze ATP quickly at three catalytic binding sites. Therefore, catalysis of 'non-productive' ATP hydrolysis by F1 (or FoF1) must be minimized in the cell. In bacteria, the ε subunit is thought to control and block ATP hydrolysis by mechanically inserting its C-terminus into the rotary motor region of F1. We investigate this proposed mechanism by labeling F1 specifically with two fluorophores to monitor the C-terminus of the ε subunit by Förster resonance energy transfer. Single F1 molecules are trapped in solution by an Anti-Brownian electrokinetic trap which keeps the FRET-labeled F1 in place for extended observation times of several hundreds of milliseconds, limited by photobleaching. FRET changes in single F1 and FRET histograms for different biochemical conditions are compared to evaluate the proposed regulatory mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Bockenhauer
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA ; Department of Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thomas M Duncan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - W E Moerner
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael Börsch
- Single-Molecule Microscopy Group, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Duncan TM, Düser MG, Heitkamp T, McMillan DGG, Börsch M. Regulatory conformational changes of the ε subunit in single FRET-labeled F oF 1-ATP synthase. PROCEEDINGS OF SPIE--THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR OPTICAL ENGINEERING 2014; 8948:89481J. [PMID: 25076824 DOI: 10.1117/12.2040463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Subunit ε is an intrinsic regulator of the bacterial FoF1-ATP synthase, the ubiquitous membrane-embedded enzyme that utilizes a proton motive force in most organisms to synthesize adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The C-terminal domain of ε can extend into the central cavity formed by the α and β subunits, as revealed by the recent X-ray structure of the F1 portion of the Escherichia coli enzyme. This insertion blocks the rotation of the central γ subunit and, thereby, prevents wasteful ATP hydrolysis. Here we aim to develop an experimental system that can reveal conditions under which ε inhibits the holoenzyme FoF1-ATP synthase in vitro. Labeling the C-terminal domain of ε and the γ subunit specifically with two different fluorophores for single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) allowed monitoring of the conformation of ε in the reconstituted enzyme in real time. New mutants were made for future three-color smFRET experiments to unravel the details of regulatory conformational changes in ε.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Duncan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Monika G Düser
- 3 Institute of Physics, Stuttgart University, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas Heitkamp
- Single-Molecule Microscopy Group, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Duncan G G McMillan
- Single-Molecule Microscopy Group, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Börsch
- Single-Molecule Microscopy Group, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Roy A, Hutcheon ML, Duncan TM, Cingolani G. Improved crystallization of Escherichia coli ATP synthase catalytic complex (F1) by introducing a phosphomimetic mutation in subunit ε. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2012; 68:1229-33. [PMID: 23027754 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309112036718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial ATP synthase (F(O)F(1)) of Escherichia coli has been the prominent model system for genetics, biochemical and more recently single-molecule studies on F-type ATP synthases. With 22 total polypeptide chains (total mass of ∼529 kDa), E. coli F(O)F(1) represents nature's smallest rotary motor, composed of a membrane-embedded proton transporter (F(O)) and a peripheral catalytic complex (F(1)). The ATPase activity of isolated F(1) is fully expressed by the α(3)β(3)γ 'core', whereas single δ and ε subunits are required for structural and functional coupling of E. coli F(1) to F(O). In contrast to mitochondrial F(1)-ATPases that have been determined to atomic resolution, the bacterial homologues have proven very difficult to crystallize. In this paper, we describe a biochemical strategy that led us to improve the crystallogenesis of the E. coli F(1)-ATPase catalytic core. Destabilizing the compact conformation of ε's C-terminal domain with a phosphomimetic mutation (εS65D) dramatically increased crystallization success and reproducibility, yielding crystals of E. coli F(1) that diffract to ∼3.15 Å resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankoor Roy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hartmann C, Engel A. Cloning, expression, purification, and characterization of the membrane protein UncI from Escherichia coli. Protein Expr Purif 2011; 79:187-90. [PMID: 21664273 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2011.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2011] [Revised: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Escherichia coli unc-operon encodes the genes for the subunits of the F0F1-ATP synthase and an integral membrane protein of unknown function called UncI. UncI influences the cell-growth and activity of F0F1, but its exact function is still unknown. The expression level is too low to extract milligram amounts of UncI from E. coli membranes and the existing purification protocol based on methanol/chloroform is not suitable for structural and functional studies. Here we present protocols to increase the expression level, to purify UncI in a detergent where UncI is monodisperse, and we characterize its oligomeric state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Hartmann
- Center for Cellular Imaging and Nano Analytics, Biozentrum, University of Basel, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Structure of the ATP synthase catalytic complex (F(1)) from Escherichia coli in an autoinhibited conformation. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2011; 18:701-7. [PMID: 21602818 PMCID: PMC3109198 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.2058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2010] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
ATP synthase is a membrane-bound rotary motor enzyme that is critical for cellular energy metabolism in all kingdoms of life. Despite conservation of its basic structure and function, autoinhibition by one of its rotary stalk subunits occurs in bacteria and chloroplasts but not in mitochondria. The crystal structure of the ATP synthase catalytic complex (F(1)) from Escherichia coli described here reveals the structural basis for this inhibition. The C-terminal domain of subunit ɛ adopts a heretofore unknown, highly extended conformation that inserts deeply into the central cavity of the enzyme and engages both rotor and stator subunits in extensive contacts that are incompatible with functional rotation. As a result, the three catalytic subunits are stabilized in a set of conformations and rotational positions distinct from previous F(1) structures.
Collapse
|
10
|
Tomashek JJ, Brusilow WS. Stoichiometry of energy coupling by proton-translocating ATPases: a history of variability. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2009; 32:493-500. [PMID: 15254384 DOI: 10.1023/a:1005617024904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
One of the central energy-coupling reactions in living systems is the intraconversion of ATP with a transmembrane proton gradient, carried out by proton-translocating F- and V-type ATPases/synthases. These reversible enzymes can hydrolyze ATP and pump protons, or can use the energy of a transmembrane proton gradient to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. The stoichiometry of these processes (H(+)/ATP, or coupling ratio) has been studied in many systems for many years, with no universally agreed upon solution. Recent discoveries concerning the structure of the ATPases, their assembly and the stoichiometry of their numerous subunits, particularly the proton-carrying proteolipid (subunit c) of the F(O) and V(0) sectors, have shed new light on this question and raise the possibility of variable coupling ratios modulated by variable proteolipid stoichiometries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J J Tomashek
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Krebstakies T, Aldag I, Altendorf K, Greie JC, Deckers-Hebestreit G. The Stoichiometry of Subunit c of Escherichia coli ATP Synthase Is Independent of Its Rate of Synthesis. Biochemistry 2008; 47:6907-16. [DOI: 10.1021/bi800173a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Krebstakies
- Abteilung Mikrobiologie, Fachbereich Biologie/Chemie, Universität Osnabrück, D-49069 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Ingo Aldag
- Abteilung Mikrobiologie, Fachbereich Biologie/Chemie, Universität Osnabrück, D-49069 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Karlheinz Altendorf
- Abteilung Mikrobiologie, Fachbereich Biologie/Chemie, Universität Osnabrück, D-49069 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Jörg-Christian Greie
- Abteilung Mikrobiologie, Fachbereich Biologie/Chemie, Universität Osnabrück, D-49069 Osnabrück, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Matten SR, Schneider TD, Ringquist S, Brusilow WS. Identification of an intragenic ribosome binding site that affects expression of the uncB gene of the Escherichia coli proton-translocating ATPase (unc) operon. J Bacteriol 1998; 180:3940-5. [PMID: 9683492 PMCID: PMC107379 DOI: 10.1128/jb.180.15.3940-3945.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The uncB gene codes for the a subunit of the Fo proton channel sector of the Escherichia coli F1 Fo ATPase. Control of expression of uncB appears to be exerted at some step after translational initiation. Sequence analysis by the perceptron matrices (G. D. Stormo, T. D. Schneider, L. Gold, and A. Ehrenfeucht, Nucleic Acids Res. 10:2997-3011, 1982) identified a potential ribosome binding site within the uncB reading frame preceding a five-codon reading frame which is shifted one base relative to the uncB reading frame. Elimination of this binding site by mutagenesis resulted in a four- to fivefold increase in expression of an uncB'-'lacZ fusion gene containing most of uncB. Primer extension inhibition (toeprint) analysis to measure ribosome binding demonstrated that ribosomes could form an initiation complex at this alternative start site. Two fusions of lacZ to the alternative reading frame demonstrated that this site is recognized by ribosomes in vivo. The results suggest that expression of uncB is reduced by translational frameshifting and/or a translational false start at this site within the uncB reading frame.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S R Matten
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Schramm HC, Schneppe B, Birkenhäger R, McCarthy JE. The promoter-proximal, unstable IB region of the atp mRNA of Escherichia coli: an independently degraded region that can act as a destabilizing element. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1996; 1307:162-70. [PMID: 8679701 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4781(96)00034-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Differential expression of the genes in the Escherichia coli atp (unc) operon is achieved via control of the translational initiation, translational coupling and mRNA stability of the respective genes. The atpIB region of the polycistronic mRNA is less stable than the remaining seven genes. We have investigated the functional half-lives of the atp genes in reconstructed versions of the operon. In order to be able to do this reliably, we have readdressed the interpretation of the complex functional inactivation data obtained by means of transcriptional inhibition using rifampicin. Our results indicate the usable information to be gleaned from this commonly applied technique, while identifying the potential errors in their quantitative interpretation. We estimate that the functional half-life of atpB is slightly over one-half that of atpE and the other atp genes, while atpI is at least two times less stable than atpB. The instability of the atpI mRNA was also demonstrated by its rapid fragmentation. Relocation of atpIB to a position in the promoter-distal region of the operon between atpG and atpD did not change the inactivation rate of atpB. However, it did destabilize the atpG mRNA. Examination of the physical degradation of atpI mRNA shows particularly rapid cleavage in this gene, thus explaining the destabilization effect. The atpIB segment is therefore an autonomously unstable region that can act as a destabilizing element for upstream-located genes in a polycistronic environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H C Schramm
- Department of Gene Expression, National Biotechnology Research Centre (GBF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Patel AM, Dunn SD. Degradation of Escherichia coli uncB mRNA by multiple endonucleolytic cleavages. J Bacteriol 1995; 177:3917-22. [PMID: 7608061 PMCID: PMC177118 DOI: 10.1128/jb.177.14.3917-3922.1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of segmental decay of the uncB sequence near the 5' end of the 7-kb Escherichia coli unc operon mRNA was investigated. Northern (RNA) blots of mRNA expressed from a plasmid carrying the uncBE portion of the operon revealed that the uncB message was rapidly degraded by multiple internal cleavages which resulted in the formation of at least five discrete species having a common 3' end. Turnover studies indicated that processing rapidly converted all species to the smallest. Identification of the 5' ends by primer extension analysis revealed that the cleavages were made either in the uncB coding region or in the intercistronic region between uncB and uncE, the latter being the most 3' cleavage. An rne mutant strain contained much higher levels of the uncBE message, implying that RNase E, the product of the rne gene, is essential for the normal degradation of uncB, and a number of the 5' ends were not detected in the rne mutant. The cleavage sites in chromosomally encoded unc mRNA were also identified by primer extension. These studies reveal that the segmental decay of the uncB region of unc mRNA occurs rapidly through a series of endonucleolytic cleavages. The rapid decay of uncB is expected to play a role in limiting expression of this gene relative to that of the other genes of the operon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M Patel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Stollar NE, Kim JK, Hollingsworth MJ. Ribosomes pause during the expression of the large ATP synthase gene cluster in spinach chloroplasts. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 1994; 105:1167-1177. [PMID: 7972492 PMCID: PMC159445 DOI: 10.1104/pp.105.4.1167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The large ATP synthase gene cluster from spinach (Spinacia oleracea) chloroplasts encodes five genes, the last four of which encode subunits of the ATP synthase complex. In preliminary experiments (J.K. Kim, M.J. Hollingsworth [1992] Anal Biochem 206: 183-188) it was shown that ribosomes pause during translation of these open reading frames. We have examined ribosome pausing in the four ATP synthase open reading frames of this gene cluster to determine whether it could affect the final ratio of the ATP synthase polypeptides derived from the cluster. Ribosome pauses were mapped and found to be distributed in a nonuniform manner. We have quantitated the relative extent of ribosome pausing within each open reading frame. There is a general but not absolute correlation between the extent of ribosomal pausing and the protein levels found within the ATP synthase complex. We conclude that although it is not the sole factor, ribosome pausing may be a significant posttranscriptional mechanism affecting the expression of the large ATP synthase gene cluster in spinach chloroplasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N E Stollar
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo 14260
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rhiel E, Flükiger K, Wehrli C, Erni B. The mannose transporter of Escherichia coli K12: oligomeric structure, and function of two conserved cysteines. BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY HOPPE-SEYLER 1994; 375:551-9. [PMID: 7811395 DOI: 10.1515/bchm3.1994.375.8.551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The mannose transporter of E. coli is a member of the phosphotransferase system. It consists of two membrane spanning subunits, IICMan (27.64 kDa) and IIDMan (31.02 kDa) and a peripheral subunit IIABMan (35.02 kDa). It acts by a mechanism that couples vectorial translocation to phosphorylation of the substrate. The subunit ratio determined from densitometric scans of polyacrylamide gels is close to IIABMan2 IICMan1 IIDMan2. A molecular mass of 100 +/- 20 kDa was calculated from electronmicrographs of freeze fractured proteoliposomes containing particles of the IICMan/IIDMan subcomplex with a mean diameter of 6.3 +/- 1.1 nm. This is most compatible with IICMan:IIDMan subunit compositions of 1:2 (89.7 kDa). Fusion proteins between IICMan and IIDMan were generated, with the subunits connected either by a two-residue linker or a 20 residue Ala Pro rich hinge. The fusion proteins had 5%-15% of control phosphotransferase activity. The one with the Ala Pro rich linker could be cleaved with trypsin resulting in a 7 fold increase of activity while the fusion with the two residue linker was resistant to limited trypsinolysis. Taking into account the inside-out orientation of the membrane vesicles the C-terminus of IICMan and the N-terminus of IIDMan are both predicted to be on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. Two cysteines in IICMan and IIDMan which are conserved in the homologous subunits of the fructose transporter of Bacillus subtilis and of sorbose transporter of Klebsiella pneumoniae are not necessary for phosphotransferase function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Rhiel
- Fachbereich Biologie der Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dallmann HG, Dunn SD. Translation through an uncDC mRNA secondary structure governs the level of uncC expression in Escherichia coli. J Bacteriol 1994; 176:1242-50. [PMID: 7509335 PMCID: PMC205185 DOI: 10.1128/jb.176.5.1242-1250.1994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli expresses the beta and epsilon subunits of F1F0-ATP synthase at relative levels consistent with the 3:1 (beta/epsilon) stoichiometry in the holoenzyme. The mechanism of translational control of expression of the uncC gene (epsilon subunit) relative to the immediately 5' uncD gene (beta subunit) was examined. Previous expression studies and a computer analysis suggested the presence of an RNA secondary structure including the 3' end of uncD, the uncDC intergenic region, and the uncC Shine-Dalgarno sequence (S. D. Dunn and H. G. Dallmann, J. Bacteriol. 172:2782-2784, 1990). Analysis of in vitro-transcribed RNA by cleavage with RNases T1, V1, and CL3 and by chemical modification with dimethyl sulfate and diethyl pyrocarbonate confirmed a predicted structure. Introduction of premature uncD stop codons inserted 5' of the secondary structure strongly reduced epsilon expression, whereas stop codons inserted at positions within the secondary structure showed smaller effects, indicating that translational control of epsilon synthesis involves partial coupling to beta synthesis. Possible mechanisms by which the RNA secondary structure and the unfolding of this structure by translation of uncD may govern the level of uncC expression are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H G Dallmann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lagoni OR, von Meyenburg K, Michelsen O. Limited differential mRNA inactivation in the atp (unc) operon of Escherichia coli. J Bacteriol 1993; 175:5791-7. [PMID: 7690747 PMCID: PMC206657 DOI: 10.1128/jb.175.18.5791-5797.1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Individual subunits of ATP synthase, encoded by the eight genes of the atp operon (atpA through atpH), have been found to be synthesized at a 10-fold range in molar amounts (D.L. Foster and R.H. Fillingame, J. Biol. Chem. 257:2009-2015, 1982; K. von Meyenburg, B.B. Jorgensen, J. Nielsen, F.G. Hansen, and O. Michelsen. Tokai J. Exp. Clin. Med. 7:23-31, 1982). We have determined the functional half-lives at 30 degrees C of mRNAs transcribed from these genes either during constitutive expression in a partial diploid strain or after induced expression from a plasmid. Accurate decay kinetics of the relative mRNA levels were determined by monitoring the rates of synthesis of the individual ATP synthase subunits by radioactive pulse labeling at different times after blocking transcription initiation with rifampin. The mRNA transcribed from the atp operon was found to be inactivated about twice as fast as the bulk mRNA in E. coli. Exceptions are the mRNA from the promoter-proximal atpB gene, which was inactivated about three times as fast as the bulk mRNA, and atpC mRNA, the inactivation rate of which was comparable to that of the bulk mRNA. These moderate differences in the kinetics of functional decay explain only a minor part of the differences in expression levels of the atp genes. We conclude, therefore, that the individual atp mRNAs must be translated with widely different efficiencies. The present analysis further revealed that mRNA degradation is sensitive to heat shock; i.e., after incubation at 39 degrees C for 5 min followed by a shift back to 30 degrees C, the decay rate of the bulk mRNA was decreased by 30%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O R Lagoni
- Department of Microbiology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
3'end maturation of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplast atpB mRNA is a two-step process. Mol Cell Biol 1993. [PMID: 8455609 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.13.4.2277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inverted repeat (IR) sequences are found at the 3' ends of most chloroplast protein coding regions, and we have previously shown that the 3'IR is important for accumulation of atpB mRNA in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (D. B. Stern, E.R. Radwanski, and K. L. Kindle, Plant Cell 3:285-297, 1991). In vitro studies indicate that 3' IRs are inefficient transcription termination signals in higher plants and have furthermore defined processing activities that act on the 3' ends of chloroplast transcripts, suggesting that most chloroplast mRNAs are processed at their 3' ends in vivo. To investigate the mechanism of 3' end processing in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplasts, the maturation of atpB mRNA was examined in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, a synthetic atpB mRNA precursor is rapidly cleaved at a position 10 nucleotides downstream from the mature 3' terminus. This cleavage is followed by exonucleolytic processing to generate the mature 3' end. In vivo run-on transcription experiments indicate that a maximum of 50% of atpB transcripts are transcriptionally terminated at or near the IR, while the remainder are subject to 3' end processing. Analysis of transcripts derived from chimeric atpB genes introduced into Chlamydomonas chloroplasts by biolistic transformation suggests that in vivo processing and in vitro processing occur by similar or identical mechanisms.
Collapse
|
20
|
Stern DB, Kindle KL. 3'end maturation of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplast atpB mRNA is a two-step process. Mol Cell Biol 1993; 13:2277-85. [PMID: 8455609 PMCID: PMC359548 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.13.4.2277-2285.1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Inverted repeat (IR) sequences are found at the 3' ends of most chloroplast protein coding regions, and we have previously shown that the 3'IR is important for accumulation of atpB mRNA in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (D. B. Stern, E.R. Radwanski, and K. L. Kindle, Plant Cell 3:285-297, 1991). In vitro studies indicate that 3' IRs are inefficient transcription termination signals in higher plants and have furthermore defined processing activities that act on the 3' ends of chloroplast transcripts, suggesting that most chloroplast mRNAs are processed at their 3' ends in vivo. To investigate the mechanism of 3' end processing in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplasts, the maturation of atpB mRNA was examined in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, a synthetic atpB mRNA precursor is rapidly cleaved at a position 10 nucleotides downstream from the mature 3' terminus. This cleavage is followed by exonucleolytic processing to generate the mature 3' end. In vivo run-on transcription experiments indicate that a maximum of 50% of atpB transcripts are transcriptionally terminated at or near the IR, while the remainder are subject to 3' end processing. Analysis of transcripts derived from chimeric atpB genes introduced into Chlamydomonas chloroplasts by biolistic transformation suggests that in vivo processing and in vitro processing occur by similar or identical mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D B Stern
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Pati S, DiSilvestre D, Brusilow WS. Regulation of the Escherichia coli uncH gene by mRNA secondary structure and translational coupling. Mol Microbiol 1992; 6:3559-66. [PMID: 1282193 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.1992.tb01791.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The uncH gene is one of the most poorly-expressed genes of the proton-translocating ATPase (unc) operon of Escherichia coli. We constructed in-frame lacZ fusions to uncH and used site-directed mutagenesis to decrease the stability of the putative mRNA secondary structure in the Shine and Dalgarno region for this gene. These mutations significantly increased the expression of uncH. We also used the unc-lac fusions to show that the insertion of stop codons and a frameshift mutation in uncF, the gene preceding uncH, caused a 10-fold reduction in uncH expression. Hybridization of total cellular RNA with a lacZ-specific probe indicated that transcriptional polarity could not account for the observed decrease in gene expression. These results demonstrate that uncH expression is controlled by mRNA sequences around the translational initiation region, and is translationally coupled to uncF, even in cases where the putative mRNA secondary structure is weakened or eliminated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Pati
- Department of Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
A protocol for the localization of the 5' boundaries of in vivo ribosomal pausing sites has been developed. These mapping experiments combine two basic techniques. The first is the isolation of polysomal transcripts via centrifugation of tissue extracts through a sucrose cushion in the presence of translational elongation inhibitors. The second technique involves a micrococcal nuclease protection assay first developed by Wolin and Walter for in vitro-bound ribosomes (EMBO J. 7, 3559-3569, 1988). Using this method, the 5' boundaries of in vivo ribosomal pause sites were localized on spinach chloroplast mRNAs derived from the atpA gene. This method is easily adaptable to the identification of in vivo ribosomal pause sites from any organism. It could also be adapted to the localization of in vivo binding sites for other nucleic acid binding proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J K Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo 14260
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Patel AM, Dunn SD. RNase E-dependent cleavages in the 5' and 3' regions of the Escherichia coli unc mRNA. J Bacteriol 1992; 174:3541-8. [PMID: 1534325 PMCID: PMC206039 DOI: 10.1128/jb.174.11.3541-3548.1992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The endonucleolytic processing of the unc mRNA encoding the eight subunits of the Escherichia coli F1F0-ATPase was studied. Northern (RNA) blots of mRNA expressed from a plasmid which contained the 3'-terminal portion of the operon including the uncDC sequences revealed, in addition to the expected 2-kb mRNA, a 0.5-kb RNA species which hybridized to an uncC antisense RNA probe. An uncD antisense RNA probe hybridized to only the 2-kb mRNA, implying that the upstream 1.5-kb fragment is rapidly degraded. The 5' end of the 0.5-kb fragment was determined by primer extension analysis to be 11 bases into the coding region of the uncC gene. In RNase E-deficient strains, the amount of the 0.5-kb product was strongly reduced while the levels of the precursor uncDC transcript remained high. Similar RNase E-dependent processing was found in the chromosomally encoded unc mRNA. As this RNase E-dependent cleavage directly inactivates uncC and appears to leave uncD susceptible to degradation, it seems unlikely to play a role in differential expression of the gene products but may be an important event in unc mRNA degradation. RNase E mutants also showed altered processing of the chromosomally encoded unc mRNA in the uncB region near the 5' end. The expected full-length (7-kb) transcript was recognized when RNA from the RNase E-deficient strain was subjected to Northern blot analysis with uncB- and uncC-specific probes. RNA from strains with functional RNase E lacked the 7-kb transcript but had a 6.2-kb mRNA detectable with the uncC but not the uncB probe. RNase E is therefore implicated in multiple cleavages of the unc mRNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M Patel
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ziemke P, McCarthy JE. The control of mRNA stability in Escherichia coli: manipulation of the degradation pathway of the polycistronic atp mRNA. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1992; 1130:297-306. [PMID: 1373327 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4781(92)90442-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The physical and functional stabilities of genes in the atp operon fall into two classes. The first two genes, atpI and atpB, are rapidly inactivated and degraded at the mRNA level. The remaining seven genes are more stable. In order to investigate how these stabilities are determined, DNA sequences encoding mRNA structures that influence degradative events in other systems, including RNAse III sites and REP sequences, were subcloned or synthesized and inserted into non-coding regions of the operon. The effects of insertion of an RNAse III site depended on whether cleavage left an unstable 3' end or a stabilizing stem-loop upstream of the cutting point. Generation of an unstable 3' end destabilized the neighbouring upstream atp gene, thus modifying the course and rate control of degradation. Removal of the atp transcriptional terminator attenuated expression of the last gene of the operon, atpC. This effect was reversed by substitution of an alternative stem-loop for the terminator. REP sequences inserted into intercistronic regions apparently could not influence rate-controlling steps. The reported data shed light on the factors controlling the inactivation and degradation of genes in the polycistronic atp mRNA, and are discussed in relation to the general role of degradation processes in the control of gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Ziemke
- Department of Gene Expression, GBF, Gesellschaft für Biotechnologische Forschung mbH, Braunschweig Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Alifano P, Piscitelli C, Blasi V, Rivellini F, Nappo AG, Bruni CB, Carlomagno MS. Processing of a polycistronic mRNA requires a 5' cis element and active translation. Mol Microbiol 1992; 6:787-98. [PMID: 1374148 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.1992.tb01529.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We have characterized a major processed species of mRNA in the his operon of Salmonella typhimurium. In vivo and in vitro analyses of the his transcripts from wild-type and mutant strains using S1 nuclease protection assays, measurements of RNA stability, deletion mapping, gel retardation, and in vitro translation assays demonstrate that the distal portion of the polycistronic his mRNA is processed, resulting in increased stability. The processing event requires an upstream cis-acting element and translation of the cistron immediately downstream of the 5' end of the processed species. The cistrons contained in this segment are also independently transcribed from an internal promoter which is maximally active in the absence of readthrough transcription from the primary promoter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Alifano
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare, Centro di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del Consiglio Nazionale delle Richerche, Università di Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Anthony DD, Merrick WC. Analysis of 40 S and 80 S complexes with mRNA as measured by sucrose density gradients and primer extension inhibition. J Biol Chem 1992. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)45981-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
|
27
|
McCormick KA, Cain BD. Targeted mutagenesis of the b subunit of F1F0 ATP synthase in Escherichia coli: Glu-77 through Gln-85. J Bacteriol 1991; 173:7240-8. [PMID: 1682301 PMCID: PMC209231 DOI: 10.1128/jb.173.22.7240-7248.1991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Subunit b of Escherichia coli F1F0 ATP synthase contains a large hydrophilic region thought to be involved in the interaction between F1 and F0. Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis was used to evaluate the functional importance of a segment of this region from Glu-77 through Gln-85. The mutagenesis procedure employed a phagemid DNA template and a doped oligonucleotide primer designed to generate a predetermined collection of missense mutations in the target segment. Sixty-one mutant phagemids were identified and shown to contain nucleotide substitutions encoding 37 novel missense mutations. Mutations were isolated singly or in combinations of up to four mutations per recombinant phagemid. F1F0 ATP synthase function was studied by mutant phagemid complementation of a novel E. coli strain in which the uncF (b) gene was deleted. Complementation was assessed by observing growth on solid succinate minimal medium. Many phagemid-encoded uncF (b) gene mutations in the targeted segment resulted in growth phenotypes indistinguishable from those of strains expressing the native b subunit, suggesting abundant F1F0 ATP synthase activity. In contrast, several specific mutations were associated with a loss of enzyme function. Phagemids specifying the Ala-79----Pro, Arg-82----Pro, Arg-83----Pro, or Gln-85----Pro mutation failed to complement uncF (b) gene-deficient E. coli. F1F0 ATP synthase displayed the greatest sensitivity to mutations altering a single site in the target segment, Ala-79. The evidence suggests that Ala-79 occupies a restricted position in the enzyme complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K A McCormick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0245
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Translation of the first gene of the Escherichia coli unc operon. Selection of the start codon and control of initiation efficiency. J Biol Chem 1991. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)54824-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
29
|
McCarthy JE, Gerstel B, Surin B, Wiedemann U, Ziemke P. Differential gene expression from the Escherichia coli atp operon mediated by segmental differences in mRNA stability. Mol Microbiol 1991; 5:2447-58. [PMID: 1838784 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.1991.tb02090.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The atp operon of Escherichia coli directs synthesis rates of protein subunits that are well matched to the requirements of assembly of the membrane-bound H(+)-ATPase (alpha 3 beta 3 gamma 1 delta 1 epsilon 1a1b2c10-15). Segmental differences in mRNA stability are shown to contribute to the differential control of atp gene expression. The first two genes of the operon, atpl and atpB, are rapidly inactivated at the mRNA level. The remaining seven genes are more stable. It has previously been established that the translational efficiencies of the atp genes vary greatly. Thus differential expression from this operon is achieved via post-transcriptional control exerted at two levels. Neither enhancement of translational efficiency nor insertion of repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) sequences into the atplB intercistronic region stabilized atpl. We discuss the implications of these results in terms of the pathway of mRNA degradation and of the role of mRNA stability in the control of gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J E McCarthy
- Department of Gene Expression, GBF-Gesellschaft für Biotechnologische Forschung mbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hartz D, McPheeters DS, Gold L. Influence of mRNA determinants on translation initiation in Escherichia coli. J Mol Biol 1991; 218:83-97. [PMID: 1705985 DOI: 10.1016/0022-2836(91)90875-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We have studied the classic initiation elements of mRNA sequence and structure to better understand their influence on translation initiation rates in Escherichia coli. Changes introduced in the initiation codon, the Shine and Dalgarno sequence, the spacing between those two elements, and in the secondary structures within initiation domains each change the rate of 30 S ternary complex formation. We measured these differences using extension inhibition analysis, a technique we have called "toeprinting". The rate of 30 S initiation complex formation in the absence of initiation factors agrees well with in vivo translation rates in some instances, although in others a regulatory role of initiation factors in 30 S complex formation is likely. Nucleotides 5' to the Shine and Dalgarno domain facilitate ternary complex formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Hartz
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, 80309-0347
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hartz D, Binkley J, Hollingsworth T, Gold L. Domains of initiator tRNA and initiation codon crucial for initiator tRNA selection by Escherichia coli IF3. Genes Dev 1990; 4:1790-800. [PMID: 1701151 DOI: 10.1101/gad.4.10.1790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Initiation factors are used by Escherichia coli to select the initiator tRNA over elongator tRNAs during translation initiation. IF3 appears to "inspect" the anticodon end of the tRNA, probably along with the initiation codon. The anticodon stem and loop of the initiator tRNA, together with part of the initiation codon of the mRNA, can be thought of as a unit. Changes made in the anticodon stem, the anticodon loop, or the anticodon of an initiator tRNA fragment result in a loss of selection by IF3 in an in vitro assay for translation initiation. IF3 allows the selection of an initiator tRNA anticodon stem and loop fragment on GUG and UUG codons but does not select that tRNA fragment in response to AUU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Hartz
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder 80309
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
McCarthy JE. Post-transcriptional control in the polycistronic operon environment: studies of the atp operon of Escherichia coli. Mol Microbiol 1990; 4:1233-40. [PMID: 2149159 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.1990.tb00702.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional control mechanisms assume special significance in polycistronic operons. Differential gene expression in the atp operon of Escherichia coli is primarily attributable to translational control and, to a lesser extent, to control of mRNA stability. At the same time, the polycistronic environment influences, to varying degrees, the relative importance of the different types of post-transcriptional control. The present article briefly reviews more recent results obtained through studies of the atp operon. Investigations of the pathway and kinetics of mRNA decay have yielded new information about the role of degradative mechanisms in the overall scheme of control. Moreover, translational coupling has been shown to feature as a major form of interaction between the atp genes. The relevance of these and other data is discussed in the wider context of the post-transcriptional control mechanisms generally available to E. coli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J E McCarthy
- Department of Microbiology, GBF-Gesellschaft für Biotechnologische Forschung mbH, Braunschweig, FRG
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nam K, Bläsi U, Zagotta MT, Young R. Conservation of a dual-start motif in P22 lysis gene regulation. J Bacteriol 1990; 172:204-11. [PMID: 2294085 PMCID: PMC208419 DOI: 10.1128/jb.172.1.204-211.1990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene 13 of bacteriophage P22 is functionally equivalent to lambda lysis gene S. Gene S codes for two products, the polypeptides S105 and S107, produced from translational initiation events at the third and first codon, respectively. We have shown that the two polypeptides have opposing functions in lysis: S105 is the lethal lysis effector, and S107 acts as an inhibitor of lysis (U. Bläsi, K. Nam, D. Hartz, L. Gold, and R. Young, EMBO J. 11:3501-3510, 1989). Gene 13 has a 108-codon reading frame and its product begins with a similar motif: Met-1-Lys-2-Lys-3-Met-4. Here, we present in vivo and in vitro evidence for the expression of a 13(108) and a 13(105) product and show that the lambda lysis control mechanisms is evolutionarily conserved in phage P22. In this case 13(108), like S107 in lambda, functions as the inhibitor of the lysis effector 13(105). Although the DNA sequences upstream of the S and 13 gene starts showed less homology, the same structural characteristics, i.e., stem-loop structures immediately upstream and about 10 codons downstream of the start region, were present in both reading frames. Using in vitro mutagenesis and toeprinting, we show that the upstream stem-loop structures of genes 13 and S, containing the Shine-Dalgarno sequence for initiations at Met-1, are interchangeable. Moreover, our data indicate that the stability of the secondary structures present in the translational initiation regions of genes S and 13 is set to create a particular ratio of initiation events at Met-1 and Met-3 or Met-4. The ratio of effector to inhibitor was much higher in P22 than in lambda. We propose that this reflects less transcriptional readthrough at the late terminator t(R) and suggests that the dual-start motif in genes 13 and S may be important for establishment of maintenance of the lysogenic state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Nam
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A & M University, College Station 77843
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|