1
|
Kirsebom LA, Liu F, McClain WH. The discovery of a catalytic RNA within RNase P and its legacy. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107318. [PMID: 38677513 PMCID: PMC11143913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Sidney Altman's discovery of the processing of one RNA by another RNA that acts like an enzyme was revolutionary in biology and the basis for his sharing the 1989 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Thomas Cech. These breakthrough findings support the key role of RNA in molecular evolution, where replicating RNAs (and similar chemical derivatives) either with or without peptides functioned in protocells during the early stages of life on Earth, an era referred to as the RNA world. Here, we cover the historical background highlighting the work of Altman and his colleagues and the subsequent efforts of other researchers to understand the biological function of RNase P and its catalytic RNA subunit and to employ it as a tool to downregulate gene expression. We primarily discuss bacterial RNase P-related studies but acknowledge that many groups have significantly contributed to our understanding of archaeal and eukaryotic RNase P, as reviewed in this special issue and elsewhere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leif A Kirsebom
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Fenyong Liu
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA.
| | - William H McClain
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wicke D, Neumann P, Gößringer M, Chernev A, Davydov S, Poehlein A, Daniel R, Urlaub H, Hartmann R, Ficner R, Stülke J. The previously uncharacterized RnpM (YlxR) protein modulates the activity of ribonuclease P in Bacillus subtilis in vitro. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1404-1419. [PMID: 38050972 PMCID: PMC10853771 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though Bacillus subtilis is one of the most studied organisms, no function has been identified for about 20% of its proteins. Among these unknown proteins are several RNA- and ribosome-binding proteins suggesting that they exert functions in cellular information processing. In this work, we have investigated the RNA-binding protein YlxR. This protein is widely conserved in bacteria and strongly constitutively expressed in B. subtilis suggesting an important function. We have identified the RNA subunit of the essential RNase P as the binding partner of YlxR. The main activity of RNase P is the processing of 5' ends of pre-tRNAs. In vitro processing assays demonstrated that the presence of YlxR results in reduced RNase P activity. Chemical cross-linking studies followed by in silico docking analysis and experiments with site-directed mutant proteins suggest that YlxR binds to the region of the RNase P RNA that is important for binding and cleavage of the pre-tRNA substrate. We conclude that the YlxR protein is a novel interaction partner of the RNA subunit of RNase P that serves to finetune RNase P activity to ensure appropriate amounts of mature tRNAs for translation. We rename the YlxR protein RnpM for RNase P modulator.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Wicke
- Department of General Microbiology, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Piotr Neumann
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Gößringer
- Institute for the Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Aleksandar Chernev
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Swetlana Davydov
- Institute for the Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anja Poehlein
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology & Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rolf Daniel
- Department of Genomic and Applied Microbiology & Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, GZMB, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells” (MBExC), Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany
| | - Roland K Hartmann
- Institute for the Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Ficner
- Department of Molecular Structural Biology, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Stülke
- Department of General Microbiology, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Braun P, Nguyen MDT, Walter MC, Grass G. Ultrasensitive Detection of Bacillus anthracis by Real-Time PCR Targeting a Polymorphism in Multi-Copy 16S rRNA Genes and Their Transcripts. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12224. [PMID: 34830105 PMCID: PMC8618755 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The anthrax pathogen Bacillus anthracis poses a significant threat to human health. Identification of B. anthracis is challenging because of the bacterium's close genetic relationship to other Bacillus cereus group species. Thus, molecular detection is founded on species-specific PCR targeting single-copy genes. Here, we validated a previously recognized multi-copy target, a species-specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) present in 2-5 copies in every B. anthracis genome analyzed. For this, a hydrolysis probe-based real-time PCR assay was developed and rigorously tested. The assay was specific as only B. anthracis DNA yielded positive results, was linear over 9 log10 units, and was sensitive with a limit of detection (LoD) of 2.9 copies/reaction. Though not exhibiting a lower LoD than established single-copy PCR targets (dhp61 or PL3), the higher copy number of the B. anthracis-specific 16S rRNA gene alleles afforded ≤2 unit lower threshold (Ct) values. To push the detection limit even further, the assay was adapted for reverse transcription PCR on 16S rRNA transcripts. This RT-PCR assay was also linear over 9 log10 units and was sensitive with an LoD of 6.3 copies/reaction. In a dilution series of experiments, the 16S RT-PCR assay achieved a thousand-fold higher sensitivity than the DNA-targeting assays. For molecular diagnostics, we recommend a real-time RT-PCR assay variant in which both DNA and RNA serve as templates (thus, no requirement for DNase treatment). This can at least provide results equaling the DNA-based implementation if no RNA is present but is superior even at the lowest residual rRNA concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gregor Grass
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.B.); (M.D.-T.N.); (M.C.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zeng D, Abzhanova A, Brown BP, Reiter NJ. Dissecting Monomer-Dimer Equilibrium of an RNase P Protein Provides Insight Into the Synergistic Flexibility of 5' Leader Pre-tRNA Recognition. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:730274. [PMID: 34540901 PMCID: PMC8447495 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.730274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a universal RNA-protein endonuclease that catalyzes 5' precursor-tRNA (ptRNA) processing. The RNase P RNA plays the catalytic role in ptRNA processing; however, the RNase P protein is required for catalysis in vivo and interacts with the 5' leader sequence. A single P RNA and a P protein form the functional RNase P holoenzyme yet dimeric forms of bacterial RNase P can interact with non-tRNA substrates and influence bacterial cell growth. Oligomeric forms of the P protein can also occur in vitro and occlude the 5' leader ptRNA binding interface, presenting a challenge in accurately defining the substrate recognition properties. To overcome this, concentration and temperature dependent NMR studies were performed on a thermostable RNase P protein from Thermatoga maritima. NMR relaxation (R1, R2), heteronuclear NOE, and diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) experiments were analyzed, identifying a monomeric species through the determination of the diffusion coefficients (D) and rotational correlation times (τc). Experimental diffusion coefficients and τc values for the predominant monomer (2.17 ± 0.36 * 10-10 m2/s, τ c = 5.3 ns) or dimer (1.87 ± 0.40* 10-10 m2/s, τ c = 9.7 ns) protein assemblies at 45°C correlate well with calculated diffusion coefficients derived from the crystallographic P protein structure (PDB 1NZ0). The identification of a monomeric P protein conformer from relaxation data and chemical shift information enabled us to gain novel insight into the structure of the P protein, highlighting a lack of structural convergence of the N-terminus (residues 1-14) in solution. We propose that the N-terminus of the bacterial P protein is partially disordered and adopts a stable conformation in the presence of RNA. In addition, we have determined the location of the 5' leader RNA in solution and measured the affinity of the 5' leader RNA-P protein interaction. We show that the monomer P protein interacts with RNA at the 5' leader binding cleft that was previously identified using X-ray crystallography. Data support a model where N-terminal protein flexibility is stabilized by holoenzyme formation and helps to accommodate the 5' leader region of ptRNA. Taken together, local structural changes of the P protein and the 5' leader RNA provide a means to obtain optimal substrate alignment and activation of the RNase P holoenzyme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danyun Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ainur Abzhanova
- Department of Chemistry, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Benjamin P Brown
- Chemical and Physical Biology Program, Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.,Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Nicholas J Reiter
- Department of Chemistry, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Saebelfeld M, Das SG, Brink J, Hagenbeek A, Krug J, de Visser JAGM. Antibiotic Breakdown by Susceptible Bacteria Enhances the Establishment of β-Lactam Resistant Mutants. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:698970. [PMID: 34489889 PMCID: PMC8417073 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.698970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For a better understanding of the evolution of antibiotic resistance, it is imperative to study the factors that determine the initial establishment of mutant resistance alleles. In addition to the antibiotic concentration, the establishment of resistance alleles may be affected by interactions with the surrounding susceptible cells from which they derive, for instance via the release of nutrients or removal of the antibiotic. Here, we investigate the effects of social interactions with surrounding susceptible cells on the establishment of Escherichia coli mutants with increasing β-lactamase activity (i.e., the capacity to hydrolyze β-lactam antibiotics) from single cells under the exposure of the antibiotic cefotaxime (CTX) on agar plates. We find that relatively susceptible cells, expressing a β-lactamase with very low antibiotic-hydrolyzing activity, increase the probability of mutant cells to survive and outgrow into colonies due to the active breakdown of the antibiotic. However, the rate of breakdown by the susceptible strain is much higher than expected based on its low enzymatic activity. A detailed theoretical model suggests that this observation may be explained by cell filamentation causing delayed lysis. While susceptible cells may hamper the spread of higher-resistant β-lactamase mutants at relatively high frequencies, our findings show that they promote their initial establishment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manja Saebelfeld
- Institute for Biological Physics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of the Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Suman G. Das
- Institute for Biological Physics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jorn Brink
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of the Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Arno Hagenbeek
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of the Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Joachim Krug
- Institute for Biological Physics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - J. Arjan G. M. de Visser
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of the Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bechhofer DH, Deutscher MP. Bacterial ribonucleases and their roles in RNA metabolism. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 54:242-300. [PMID: 31464530 PMCID: PMC6776250 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2019.1651816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ribonucleases (RNases) are mediators in most reactions of RNA metabolism. In recent years, there has been a surge of new information about RNases and the roles they play in cell physiology. In this review, a detailed description of bacterial RNases is presented, focusing primarily on those from Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, the model Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms, from which most of our current knowledge has been derived. Information from other organisms is also included, where relevant. In an extensive catalog of the known bacterial RNases, their structure, mechanism of action, physiological roles, genetics, and possible regulation are described. The RNase complement of E. coli and B. subtilis is compared, emphasizing the similarities, but especially the differences, between the two. Included are figures showing the three major RNA metabolic pathways in E. coli and B. subtilis and highlighting specific steps in each of the pathways catalyzed by the different RNases. This compilation of the currently available knowledge about bacterial RNases will be a useful tool for workers in the RNA field and for others interested in learning about this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David H. Bechhofer
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Murray P. Deutscher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gerlitz M, Knopp M, Kapust N, Xavier JC, Martin WF. Elusive data underlying debate at the prokaryote-eukaryote divide. Biol Direct 2018; 13:21. [PMID: 31196150 PMCID: PMC6888934 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-018-0221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The origin of eukaryotic cells was an important transition in evolution. The factors underlying the origin and evolutionary success of the eukaryote lineage are still discussed. One camp argues that mitochondria were essential for eukaryote origin because of the unique configuration of internalized bioenergetic membranes that they conferred to the common ancestor of all known eukaryotic lineages. A recent paper by Lynch and Marinov concluded that mitochondria were energetically irrelevant to eukaryote origin, a conclusion based on analyses of previously published numbers of various molecules and ribosomes per cell and cell volumes as a presumed proxy for the role of mitochondria in evolution. Their numbers were purportedly extracted from the literature. Results We have examined the numbers upon which the recent study was based. We report that for a sample of 80 numbers that were purportedly extracted from the literature and that underlie key inferences of the recent study, more than 50% of the values do not exist in the cited papers to which the numbers are attributed. The published result cannot be independently reproduced. Other numbers that the recent study reports differ inexplicably from those in the literature to which they are ascribed. We list the discrepancies between the recently published numbers and the purported literature sources of those numbers in a head to head manner so that the discrepancies are readily evident, although the source of error underlying the discrepancies remains obscure. Conclusion The data purportedly supporting the view that mitochondria had no impact upon eukaryotic evolution data exhibits notable irregularities. The paper in question evokes the impression that the published numbers are of up to seven significant digit accuracy, when in fact more than half the numbers are nowhere to be found in the literature to which they are attributed. Though the reasons for the discrepancies are unknown, it is important to air these issues, lest the prominent paper in question become a point source of a snowballing error through the literature or become interpreted as a form of evidence that mitochondria were irrelevant to eukaryote evolution. Reviewers This article was reviewed by Eric Bapteste, Jianzhi Zhang and Martin Lercher.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Gerlitz
- Institute for Molecular Evolution, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Knopp
- Institute for Molecular Evolution, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nils Kapust
- Institute for Molecular Evolution, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joana C Xavier
- Institute for Molecular Evolution, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - William F Martin
- Institute for Molecular Evolution, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
RNase P is an essential tRNA-processing enzyme in all domains of life. We identified an unknown type of protein-only RNase P in the hyperthermophilic bacterium Aquifex aeolicus: Without an RNA subunit and the smallest of its kind, the 23-kDa polypeptide comprises a metallonuclease domain only. The protein has RNase P activity in vitro and rescued the growth of Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with inactivations of their more complex and larger endogenous ribonucleoprotein RNase P. Homologs of Aquifex RNase P (HARP) were identified in many Archaea and some Bacteria, of which all Archaea and most Bacteria also encode an RNA-based RNase P; activity of both RNase P forms from the same bacterium or archaeon could be verified in two selected cases. Bioinformatic analyses suggest that A. aeolicus and related Aquificaceae likely acquired HARP by horizontal gene transfer from an archaeon.
Collapse
|
9
|
Lynch M, Marinov GK. Membranes, energetics, and evolution across the prokaryote-eukaryote divide. eLife 2017; 6:20437. [PMID: 28300533 PMCID: PMC5354521 DOI: 10.7554/elife.20437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of the eukaryotic cell marked a profound moment in Earth’s history, with most of the visible biota coming to rely on intracellular membrane-bound organelles. It has been suggested that this evolutionary transition was critically dependent on the movement of ATP synthesis from the cell surface to mitochondrial membranes and the resultant boost to the energetic capacity of eukaryotic cells. However, contrary to this hypothesis, numerous lines of evidence suggest that eukaryotes are no more bioenergetically efficient than prokaryotes. Thus, although the origin of the mitochondrion was a key event in evolutionary history, there is no reason to think membrane bioenergetics played a direct, causal role in the transition from prokaryotes to eukaryotes and the subsequent explosive diversification of cellular and organismal complexity. Over time, life on Earth has evolved into three large groups: archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. The most familiar forms of life – such as fungi, plants and animals – all belong to the eukaryotes. Bacteria and archaea are simpler, single-celled organisms and are collectively referred to as prokaryotes. The hallmark feature that distinguishes eukaryotes from prokaryotes is that eukaryotic cells contain compartments called organelles that are surrounded by membranes. Each organelle supports different activities in the cell. Mitochondria, for example, are organelles that provide eukaryotes with most of their energy by producing energy-rich molecules called ATP. Prokaryotes lack mitochondria and instead produce their ATP on their cell surface membrane. Some researchers have suggested that mitochondria might actually be one of the reasons that eukaryotic cells are typically larger than prokaryotes and more varied in their shape and structure. The thinking is that producing ATP on dedicated membranes inside the cell, rather than on the cell surface, boosted the amount of energy available to eukaryotic cells and allowed them to diversify more. However, other researchers are not convinced by this view. Moreover, some recent evidence suggested that eukaryotes are no more efficient in producing energy than prokaryotes. Lynch and Marinov have now used computational and comparative analysis to compare the energy efficiency of different organisms including prokaryotes and eukaryotes grown under defined conditions. To do the comparison, the results were scaled based on cell volume and the total surface area deployed in energy production. From their findings, Lynch and Marinov concluded that mitochondria did not enhance how much energy eukaryotes could produce per unit of cell volume in any substantial way. Although the origin of mitochondria was certainly a key event in evolutionary history, it is unlikely to have been responsible for the diversity and complexity of today’s life forms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lynch
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
| | - Georgi K Marinov
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Contreras LM, Huang T, Piazza CL, Smith D, Qu G, Gelderman G, Potratz JP, Russell R, Belfort M. Group II intron-ribosome association protects intron RNA from degradation. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2013; 19:1497-1509. [PMID: 24046482 PMCID: PMC3851717 DOI: 10.1261/rna.039073.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The influence of the cellular environment on the structures and properties of catalytic RNAs is not well understood, despite great interest in ribozyme function. Here we report on ribosome association of group II introns, which are ribozymes that are important because of their putative ancestry to spliceosomal introns and retrotransposons, their retromobility via an RNA intermediate, and their application as gene delivery agents. We show that group II intron RNA, in complex with the intron-encoded protein from the native Lactoccocus lactis host, associates strongly with ribosomes in vivo. Ribosomes have little effect on intron ribozyme activities; rather, the association with host ribosomes protects the intron RNA against degradation by RNase E, an enzyme previously shown to be a silencer of retromobility in Escherichia coli. The ribosome interacts strongly with the intron, exerting protective effects in vivo and in vitro, as demonstrated by genetic and biochemical experiments. These results are consistent with the ribosome influencing the integrity of catalytic RNAs in bacteria in the face of degradative nucleases that regulate intron mobility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia M. Contreras
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-2100, USA
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201-2002, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-2100, USA
| | - Tao Huang
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201-2002, USA
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, University Hospital, Brooklyn, New York 11203, USA
| | - Carol Lyn Piazza
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201-2002, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, RNA Institute, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York 12222, USA
| | - Dorie Smith
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201-2002, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, RNA Institute, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York 12222, USA
| | - Guosheng Qu
- Department of Biological Sciences, RNA Institute, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York 12222, USA
| | - Grant Gelderman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-2100, USA
| | - Jeffrey P. Potratz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-2100, USA
| | - Rick Russell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-2100, USA
| | - Marlene Belfort
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201-2002, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, RNA Institute, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York 12222, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Choi SY, Cho B. Secondary Structure Analysis of an RNA Interacting with Guanine-rich Sequence. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2012. [DOI: 10.5012/bkcs.2012.33.12.4265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
12
|
|
13
|
Cho BR. Secondary Structure Analysis of a G-rich Sequence Recognizing RNA Aptamer with Structure Specific Enzymes. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2011. [DOI: 10.5012/bkcs.2011.32.6.2137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
14
|
|
15
|
Hartmann RK, Gössringer M, Späth B, Fischer S, Marchfelder A. The making of tRNAs and more - RNase P and tRNase Z. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2009; 85:319-68. [PMID: 19215776 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6603(08)00808-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Transfer-RNA (tRNA) molecules are essential players in protein biosynthesis. They are transcribed as precursors, which have to be extensively processed at both ends to become functional adaptors in protein synthesis. Two endonucleases that directly interact with the tRNA moiety, RNase P and tRNase Z, remove extraneous nucleotides on the molecule's 5'- and 3'-side, respectively. The ribonucleoprotein enzyme RNase P was identified almost 40 years ago and is considered a vestige from the "RNA world". Here, we present the state of affairs on prokaryotic RNase P, with a focus on recent findings on its role in RNA metabolism. tRNase Z was only identified 6 years ago, and we do not yet have a comprehensive understanding of its function. The current knowledge on prokaryotic tRNase Z in tRNA 3'-processing is reviewed here. A second, tRNase Z-independent pathway of tRNA 3'-end maturation involving 3'-exonucleases will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roland K Hartmann
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35037 Marburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Suwa S, Nagai Y, Fujimoto A, Kikuchi Y, Tanaka T. Analysis on substrate specificity of Escherichia coli ribonuclease P using shape variants of pre-tRNA: proposal of subsites model for substrate shape recognition. J Biochem 2008; 145:151-60. [PMID: 19008262 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvn150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We prepared a series of shape variants of a pre-tRNA and examined substrate shape recognition by bacterial RNase P ribozyme and holoenzyme. Cleavage site analysis revealed two new subsites for accepting the T-arm and the bottom half of pre-tRNA in the substrate-binding site of the enzyme. These two subsites take part in cleavage site selection of substrate by the enzyme: the cleavage site is not always selected according to the relative position of the 3'-CCA sequence of the substrate. Kinetic studies indicated that the substrate shape is recognized mainly in the transition state of the reaction, and neither the shape nor position of either the T-arm or the bottom half of the substrate affected the Michaelis complex formation. These results strongly suggest that the 5' and 3' termini of a substrate are trapped by the enzyme first, then the position and the shape of the T-arm and the bottom half are examined by the cognate subsites. From these facts, we propose a new substrate recognition model that can explain many experimental facts that have been seen as enigmatic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Suwa
- Division of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Department of Ecological Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
|
18
|
Marszalkowski M, Willkomm DK, Hartmann RK. 5'-end maturation of tRNA in aquifex aeolicus. Biol Chem 2008; 389:395-403. [PMID: 18208351 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2008.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
5'-End maturation of tRNA primary transcripts is thought to be ubiquitously catalyzed by ribonuclease P (RNase P), a ribonucleoprotein enzyme in the vast majority of organisms and organelles. In the hyperthermophilic bacterium Aquifex aeolicus, neither a gene for the RNA nor the protein component of bacterial RNase P has been identified in its sequenced genome. Here, we demonstrate the presence of an RNase P-like activity in cell lysates of A. aeolicus. Detection of activity was sensitive to the buffer conditions during cell lysis and partial purification, explaining why we failed to observe activity in the buffer system applied previously. RNase P-like activity of A. aeolicus depends on the presence of Mg2+ or Mn2+, persists at high temperatures, which inactivate RNase P enzymes from mesophilic bacteria, and is remarkably resistant to micrococcal nuclease treatment. While cellular RNA fractions from other Aquificales (A. pyrophilus, Hydrogenobacter thermophilus and Thermocrinis ruber) could be stimulated by bacterial RNase P proteins to catalyze tRNA 5'-end maturation, no such stimulation was observed with RNA from A. aeolicus. In conclusion, our results point to the possibility that RNase P-like activity in A. aeolicus is devoid of an RNA subunit or may include an RNA subunit with untypical features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Marszalkowski
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35037 Marburg, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
|
20
|
N'soukpoé-Kossi CN, Ragi C, Tajmir-Riahi HA. RNase A – tRNA binding alters protein conformation. Biochem Cell Biol 2007; 85:311-8. [PMID: 17612625 DOI: 10.1139/o07-050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNase A) catalyzes the cleavage of P-O5′ bonds in RNA on the 3′ side of pyrimidine to form cyclic 2′,5′-phosphates. Even though extensive structural information is available on RNase A complexes with mononucleotides and oligonucleotides, the interaction of RNase A with tRNA has not been fully investigated. We report the complexation of tRNA with RNase A in aqueous solution under physiological conditions, using a constant RNA concentration and various amounts of RNase A. Fourier transform infrared, UV-visible, and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods were used to determine the RNase binding mode, binding constant, sequence preference, and biopolymer secondary structural changes in the RNase–tRNA complexes. Spectroscopic results showed 2 major binding sites for RNase A on tRNA, with an overall binding constant of K = 4.0 × 105(mol/L)–1. The 2 binding sites were located at the G-C base pairs and the backbone PO2group. Protein–RNA interaction alters RNase secondary structure, with a major reduction in α helix and β sheets and an increase in the turn and random coil structures, while tRNA remains in the A conformation upon protein interaction. No tRNA digestion was observed upon RNase A complexation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C N N'soukpoé-Kossi
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, Université du Québec at Trois-Rivières, C.P. 500 Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 5H7, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gössringer M, Kretschmer-Kazemi Far R, Hartmann RK. Analysis of RNase P protein (rnpA) expression in Bacillus subtilis utilizing strains with suppressible rnpA expression. J Bacteriol 2006; 188:6816-23. [PMID: 16980484 PMCID: PMC1595511 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00756-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial RNase P is composed of an RNA subunit and a single protein subunit (encoded by the rnpB and rnpA genes, respectively). We constructed Bacillus subtilis mutant strains that conditionally express the RNase P protein under control of the xylose promoter (P(xyl)). In one strain (d7), rnpA expression was efficiently repressed in the absence of the inducer xylose, leading to cell growth arrest. Growth could be restored by a second functional rnpA allele. This is the first RNase P protein knockdown strain, providing the first direct proof that the rnpA gene is essential in B. subtilis and, by inference, in other bacteria. We further show (i) that, in the wild-type context, rnpA expression is attenuated by transcriptional polarity and (ii) that translation of rnpA mRNA in B. subtilis can be initiated at two alternative start codons. His-tagged RNase P protein variants are functional in vivo and permit purification of in vivo-assembled holoenzymes by affinity chromatography. Simultaneous expression of plasmid-encoded RNase P RNA and His-tagged protein increased RNase P holoenzyme yields. Massive overproduction of RNase P protein in strain d7 is compatible with cell viability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Gössringer
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35037 Marburg, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Welting TJM, Kikkert BJ, van Venrooij WJ, Pruijn GJM. Differential association of protein subunits with the human RNase MRP and RNase P complexes. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2006; 12:1373-82. [PMID: 16723659 PMCID: PMC1484433 DOI: 10.1261/rna.2293906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
RNase MRP is a eukaryotic endoribonuclease involved in nucleolar and mitochondrial RNA processing events. RNase MRP is a ribonucleoprotein particle, which is structurally related to RNase P, an endoribonuclease involved in pre-tRNA processing. Most of the protein components of RNase MRP have been reported to be associated with RNase P as well. In this study we determined the association of these protein subunits with the human RNase MRP and RNase P particles by glycerol gradient sedimentation and coimmunoprecipitation. In agreement with previous studies, RNase MRP sedimented at 12S and 60-80S. In contrast, only a single major peak was observed for RNase P at 12S. The analysis of individual protein subunits revealed that hPop4 (also known as Rpp29), Rpp21, Rpp20, and Rpp25 only sedimented in 12S fractions, whereas hPop1, Rpp40, Rpp38, and Rpp30 were also found in 60-80S fractions. In agreement with their cosedimentation with RNase P RNA in the 12S peak, coimmunoprecipitation with VSV-epitope-tagged protein subunits revealed that hPop4, Rpp21, and in addition Rpp14 preferentially associate with RNase P. These data show that hPop4, Rpp21, and Rpp14 may not be associated with RNase MRP. Furthermore, Rpp20 and Rpp25 appear to be associated with only a subset of RNase MRP particles, in contrast to hPop1, Rpp40, Rpp38, and Rpp30 (and possibly also hPop5), which are probably associated with all RNase MRP complexes. Our data are consistent with a transient association of Rpp20 and Rpp25 with RNase MRP, which may be inversely correlated to its involvement in pre-rRNA processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim J M Welting
- Department of Biochemistry, Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
|
24
|
Wegscheid B, Condon C, Hartmann RK. Type A and B RNase P RNAs are interchangeable in vivo despite substantial biophysical differences. EMBO Rep 2006; 7:411-7. [PMID: 16470227 PMCID: PMC1456918 DOI: 10.1038/sj.embor.7400641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2005] [Revised: 01/02/2006] [Accepted: 01/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We show that structural type A and B bacterial ribonuclease P (RNase P) RNAs can fully replace each other in vivo despite the many reported differences in their biogenesis, biochemical/biophysical properties and enzyme function in vitro. Our findings suggest that many of the reported idiosyncrasies of type A and B enzymes either do not reflect the in vivo situation or are not crucial for RNase P function in vivo, at least under standard growth conditions. The discrimination of mature tRNA by RNase P, so far thought to prevent product inhibition of the enzyme in the presence of a large cellular excess of mature tRNA relative to the precursor form, is apparently not crucial for RNase P function in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Wegscheid
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Ciarán Condon
- CNRS UPR 9073, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Roland K Hartmann
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35037 Marburg, Germany
- Tel: +49 6421 2825827; Fax: +49 6421 2825854; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|