Evidence that binding of C5 protein to P RNA enhances ribozyme catalysis by influencing active site metal ion affinity

The discovery of a catalytic RNA within RNase P and its legacy

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.

The previously uncharacterized RnpM (YlxR) protein modulates the activity of ribonuclease P in Bacillus subtilis in vitro

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.

Structural and mechanistic basis for recognition of alternative tRNA precursor substrates by bacterial ribonuclease P

Binding of precursor tRNAs (ptRNAs) by bacterial ribonuclease P (RNase P) involves an encounter complex (ES) that isomerizes to a catalytic conformation (ES*). However, the structures of intermediates and the conformational changes that occur during binding are poorly understood. Here, we show that pairing between the 5′ leader and 3′RCCA extending the acceptor stem of ptRNA inhibits ES* formation. Cryo-electron microscopy single particle analysis reveals a dynamic enzyme that becomes ordered upon formation of ES* in which extended acceptor stem pairing is unwound. Comparisons of structures with alternative ptRNAs reveals that once unwinding is completed RNase P primarily uses stacking interactions and shape complementarity to accommodate alternative sequences at its cleavage site. Our study reveals active site interactions and conformational changes that drive molecular recognition by RNase P and lays the foundation for understanding how binding interactions are linked to helix unwinding and catalysis.

Ribonuclease P efficiently processes all tRNA precursors despite sequence variation at the site of cleavage. Here, authors use high-throughput enzymology and cryoEM to reveal conformational changes that drive recognition by bacterial RNase P.

Purification, reconstitution, and mass analysis of archaeal RNase P, a multisubunit ribonucleoprotein enzyme

The ubiquitous ribonucleoprotein (RNP) form of RNase P catalyzes the Mg²⁺-dependent cleavage of the 5' leader of precursor-transfer RNAs. The rate and fidelity of the single catalytic RNA subunit in the RNase P RNP is significantly enhanced by association with protein cofactors. While the bacterial RNP exhibits robust activity at near-physiological Mg²⁺ concentrations with a single essential protein cofactor, archaeal and eukaryotic RNase P are dependent on up to 5 and 10 protein subunits, respectively. Archaeal RNase P-whose proteins share eukaryotic homologs-is an experimentally tractable model for dissecting in a large RNP the roles of multiple proteins that aid an RNA catalyst. We describe protocols to assemble RNase P from Methanococcus maripaludis, a methanogenic archaeon. We present strategies for tag-less purification of four of the five proteins (the tag from the fifth is removed post-purification), an approach that helps reconstitute the RNase P RNP with near-native constituents. We demonstrate the value of native mass spectrometry (MS) in establishing the accurate masses (including native oligomers and modifications) of all six subunits in M. maripaludis RNase P, and the merits of mass photometry (MP) as a complement to native MS for characterizing the oligomeric state of protein complexes. We showcase the value of native MS and MP in revealing time-dependent modifications (e.g., oxidation) and aggregation of protein subunits, thereby providing insights into the decreased function of RNase P assembled with aged preparations of recombinant subunits. Our protocols and cautionary findings are applicable to studies of other cellular RNPs.

Protein cofactors and substrate influence Mg2+-dependent structural changes in the catalytic RNA of archaeal RNase P

The ribonucleoprotein (RNP) form of archaeal RNase P comprises one catalytic RNA and five protein cofactors. To catalyze Mg²⁺-dependent cleavage of the 5′ leader from pre-tRNAs, the catalytic (C) and specificity (S) domains of the RNase P RNA (RPR) cooperate to recognize different parts of the pre-tRNA. While ∼250–500 mM Mg²⁺ renders the archaeal RPR active without RNase P proteins (RPPs), addition of all RPPs lowers the Mg²⁺ requirement to ∼10–20 mM and improves the rate and fidelity of cleavage. To understand the Mg²⁺- and RPP-dependent structural changes that increase activity, we used pre-tRNA cleavage and ensemble FRET assays to characterize inter-domain interactions in Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu) RPR, either alone or with RPPs ± pre-tRNA. Following splint ligation to doubly label the RPR (Cy3-RPR_{C domain} and Cy5-RPR_{S domain}), we used native mass spectrometry to verify the final product. We found that FRET correlates closely with activity, the Pfu RPR and RNase P holoenzyme (RPR + 5 RPPs) traverse different Mg²⁺-dependent paths to converge on similar functional states, and binding of the pre-tRNA by the holoenzyme influences Mg²⁺ cooperativity. Our findings highlight how Mg²⁺ and proteins in multi-subunit RNPs together favor RNA conformations in a dynamic ensemble for functional gains.

Cryo-electron microscopy structure of an archaeal ribonuclease P holoenzyme

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is an essential ribozyme responsible for tRNA 5′ maturation. Here we report the cryo-EM structures of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii (Mja) RNase P holoenzyme alone and in complex with a tRNA substrate at resolutions of 4.6 Å and 4.3 Å, respectively. The structures reveal that the subunits of MjaRNase P are strung together to organize the holoenzyme in a dimeric conformation required for efficient catalysis. The structures also show that archaeal RNase P is a functional chimera of bacterial and eukaryal RNase Ps that possesses bacterial-like two RNA-based anchors and a eukaryal-like protein-aided stabilization mechanism. The 3′-RCCA sequence of tRNA, which is a key recognition element for bacterial RNase P, is dispensable for tRNA recognition by MjaRNase P. The overall organization of MjaRNase P, particularly within the active site, is similar to those of bacterial and eukaryal RNase Ps, suggesting a universal catalytic mechanism for all RNase Ps.

Ribonulease P is a conserved ribozyme present in all kingdoms of life that is involved in the 5′ maturation step of tRNAs. Here the authors determine the structure of an archaeal RNase P holoenzyme that reveals how archaeal RNase P recognizes its tRNA substrate and suggest a conserved catalytic mechanism amongst RNase Ps despite structural variability.

Distributive enzyme binding controlled by local RNA context results in 3' to 5' directional processing of dicistronic tRNA precursors by Escherichia coli ribonuclease P

RNA processing by ribonucleases and RNA modifying enzymes often involves sequential reactions of the same enzyme on a single precursor transcript. In Escherichia coli, processing of polycistronic tRNA precursors involves separation into individual pre-tRNAs by one of several ribonucleases followed by 5′ end maturation by ribonuclease P. A notable exception are valine and lysine tRNAs encoded by three polycistronic precursors that follow a recently discovered pathway involving initial 3′ to 5′ directional processing by RNase P. Here, we show that the dicistronic precursor containing tRNA^valV and tRNA^valW undergoes accurate and efficient 3′ to 5′ directional processing by RNase P in vitro. Kinetic analyses reveal a distributive mechanism involving dissociation of the enzyme between the two cleavage steps. Directional processing is maintained despite swapping or duplicating the two tRNAs consistent with inhibition of processing by 3′ trailer sequences. Structure-function studies identify a stem–loop in 5′ leader of tRNA^valV that inhibits RNase P cleavage and further enforces directional processing. The results demonstrate that directional processing is an intrinsic property of RNase P and show how RNA sequence and structure context can modulate reaction rates in order to direct precursors along specific pathways.

Cryo-EM Structure of the Human Ribonuclease P Holoenzyme

Ribonuclease (RNase) P is a ubiquitous ribozyme that cleaves the 5' leader from precursor tRNAs. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human nuclear RNase P alone and in complex with tRNA^Val. Human RNase P is a large ribonucleoprotein complex that contains 10 protein components and one catalytic RNA. The protein components form an interlocked clamp that stabilizes the RNA in a conformation optimal for substrate binding. Human RNase P recognizes the tRNA using a double-anchor mechanism through both protein-RNA and RNA-RNA interactions. Structural comparison of the apo and tRNA-bound human RNase P reveals that binding of tRNA induces a local conformational change in the catalytic center, transforming the ribozyme into an active state. Our results also provide an evolutionary model depicting how auxiliary RNA elements in bacterial RNase P, essential for substrate binding, and catalysis, were replaced by the much more complex and multifunctional protein components in higher organisms.

Structural insight into precursor tRNA processing by yeast ribonuclease P

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a universal ribozyme responsible for processing the 5'-leader of pre-transfer RNA (pre-tRNA). Here, we report the 3.5-angstrom cryo-electron microscopy structures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNase P alone and in complex with pre-tRNA^Phe The protein components form a hook-shaped architecture that wraps around the RNA and stabilizes RNase P into a "measuring device" with two fixed anchors that recognize the L-shaped pre-tRNA. A universally conserved uridine nucleobase and phosphate backbone in the catalytic center together with the scissile phosphate and the O3' leaving group of pre-tRNA jointly coordinate two catalytic magnesium ions. Binding of pre-tRNA induces a conformational change in the catalytic center that is required for catalysis. Moreover, simulation analysis suggests a two-metal-ion S_N2 reaction pathway of pre-tRNA cleavage. These results not only reveal the architecture of yeast RNase P but also provide a molecular basis of how the 5'-leader of pre-tRNA is processed by eukaryotic RNase P.

The Diversity of Ribonuclease P: Protein and RNA Catalysts with Analogous Biological Functions

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is an essential endonuclease responsible for catalyzing 5' end maturation in precursor transfer RNAs. Since its discovery in the 1970s, RNase P enzymes have been identified and studied throughout the three domains of life. Interestingly, RNase P is either RNA-based, with a catalytic RNA subunit, or a protein-only (PRORP) enzyme with differential evolutionary distribution. The available structural data, including the active site data, provides insight into catalysis and substrate recognition. The hydrolytic and kinetic mechanisms of the two forms of RNase P enzymes are similar, yet features unique to the RNA-based and PRORP enzymes are consistent with different evolutionary origins. The various RNase P enzymes, in addition to their primary role in tRNA 5' maturation, catalyze cleavage of a variety of alternative substrates, indicating a diversification of RNase P function in vivo. The review concludes with a discussion of recent advances and interesting research directions in the field.

Transcriptional control of an essential ribozyme in Drosophila reveals an ancient evolutionary divide in animals

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is an essential enzyme required for 5'-maturation of tRNA. While an RNA-free, protein-based form of RNase P exists in eukaryotes, the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) form is found in all domains of life. The catalytic component of the RNP is an RNA known as RNase P RNA (RPR). Eukaryotic RPR genes are typically transcribed by RNA polymerase III (pol III). Here we showed that the RPR gene in Drosophila, which is annotated in the intron of a pol II-transcribed protein-coding gene, lacks signals for transcription by pol III. Using reporter gene constructs that include the RPR-coding intron from Drosophila, we found that the intron contains all the sequences necessary for production of mature RPR but is dependent on the promoter of the recipient gene for expression. We also demonstrated that the intron-coded RPR copurifies with RNase P and is required for its activity. Analysis of RPR genes in various animal genomes revealed a striking divide in the animal kingdom that separates insects and crustaceans into a single group in which RPR genes lack signals for independent transcription and are embedded in different protein-coding genes. Our findings provide evidence for a genetic event that occurred approximately 500 million years ago in the arthropod lineage, which switched the control of the transcription of RPR from pol III to pol II.

The L7Ae protein binds to two kink-turns in the Pyrococcus furiosus RNase P RNA

The RNA-binding protein L7Ae, known for its role in translation (as part of ribosomes) and RNA modification (as part of sn/oRNPs), has also been identified as a subunit of archaeal RNase P, a ribonucleoprotein complex that employs an RNA catalyst for the Mg²⁺-dependent 5′ maturation of tRNAs. To better understand the assembly and catalysis of archaeal RNase P, we used a site-specific hydroxyl radical-mediated footprinting strategy to pinpoint the binding sites of Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu) L7Ae on its cognate RNase P RNA (RPR). L7Ae derivatives with single-Cys substitutions at residues in the predicted RNA-binding interface (K42C/C71V, R46C/C71V, V95C/C71V) were modified with an iron complex of EDTA-2-aminoethyl 2-pyridyl disulfide. Upon addition of hydrogen peroxide and ascorbate, these L7Ae-tethered nucleases were expected to cleave the RPR at nucleotides proximal to the EDTA-Fe–modified residues. Indeed, footprinting experiments with an enzyme assembled with the Pfu RPR and five protein cofactors (POP5, RPP21, RPP29, RPP30 and L7Ae–EDTA-Fe) revealed specific RNA cleavages, localizing the binding sites of L7Ae to the RPR's catalytic and specificity domains. These results support the presence of two kink-turns, the structural motifs recognized by L7Ae, in distinct functional domains of the RPR and suggest testable mechanisms by which L7Ae contributes to RNase P catalysis.

Thio effects and an unconventional metal ion rescue in the genomic hepatitis delta virus ribozyme

Metal ion and nucleobase catalysis are important for ribozyme mechanism, but the extent to which they cooperate is unclear. A crystal structure of the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) ribozyme suggested that the pro-RP oxygen at the scissile phosphate directly coordinates a catalytic Mg(2+) ion and is within hydrogen bonding distance of the amine of the general acid C75. Prior studies of the genomic HDV ribozyme, however, showed neither a thio effect nor metal ion rescue using Mn(2+). Here, we combine experiment and theory to explore phosphorothioate substitutions at the scissile phosphate. We report significant thio effects at the scissile phosphate and metal ion rescue with Cd(2+). Reaction profiles with an SP-phosphorothioate substitution are indistinguishable from those of the unmodified substrate in the presence of Mg(2+) or Cd(2+), supporting the idea that the pro-SP oxygen does not coordinate metal ions. The RP-phosphorothioate substitution, however, exhibits biphasic kinetics, with the fast-reacting phase displaying a thio effect of up to 5-fold and the slow-reacting phase displaying a thio effect of ~1000-fold. Moreover, the fast- and slow-reacting phases give metal ion rescues in Cd(2+) of up to 10- and 330-fold, respectively. The metal ion rescues are unconventional in that they arise from Cd(2+) inhibiting the oxo substrate but not the RP substrate. This metal ion rescue suggests a direct interaction of the catalytic metal ion with the pro-RP oxygen, in line with experiments with the antigenomic HDV ribozyme. Experiments without divalent ions, with a double mutant that interferes with Mg(2+) binding, or with C75 deleted suggest that the pro-RP oxygen plays at most a redundant role in positioning C75. Quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) studies indicate that the metal ion contributes to catalysis by interacting with both the pro-RP oxygen and the nucleophilic 2'-hydroxyl, supporting the experimental findings.

Structural studies of RNase P

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is one of the first ribozymes discovered and it is found in all phylogenetic groups. It is responsible for processing the 5' end of pre-tRNAs as well as other RNA molecules. RNase P is formed by an RNA molecule responsible for catalysis and one or more proteins. Structural studies of the proteins from different organisms, the bacterial RNA component, and a bacterial RNase P holoenzyme/tRNA complex provide insights into the mechanism of this universal ribozyme. Together with the existing wealth of biochemical information, these studies provide atomic-level information on the mechanism of RNase P and continue to expand our understanding of the structure and architecture of large RNA molecules and ribonucleoprotein complexes, the nature of catalysis by ribozymes, the structural basis of recognition of RNA by RNA molecules, and the evolution of enzymes from the prebiotic, RNA-based world to the modern world.

Alternative substrate kinetics of Escherichia coli ribonuclease P: determination of relative rate constants by internal competition

A single enzyme, ribonuclease P (RNase P), processes the 5' ends of tRNA precursors (ptRNA) in cells and organelles that carry out tRNA biosynthesis. This substrate population includes over 80 different competing ptRNAs in Escherichia coli. Although the reaction kinetics and molecular recognition of a few individual model substrates of bacterial RNase P have been well described, the competitive substrate kinetics of the enzyme are comparatively unexplored. To understand the factors that determine how different ptRNA substrates compete for processing by E. coli RNase P, we compared the steady state reaction kinetics of two ptRNAs that differ at sequences that are contacted by the enzyme. For both ptRNAs, substrate cleavage is fast relative to dissociation. As a consequence, V/K, the rate constant for the reaction at limiting substrate concentrations, reflects the substrate association step for both ptRNAs. Reactions containing two or more ptRNAs follow simple competitive alternative substrate kinetics in which the relative rates of processing are determined by ptRNA concentration and their V/K. The relative V/K values for eight different ptRNAs, which were selected to represent the range of structure variation at sites contacted by RNase P, were determined by internal competition in reactions in which all eight substrates were present simultaneously. The results reveal a relatively narrow range of V/K values, suggesting that rates of ptRNA processing by RNase P are tuned for uniform specificity and consequently optimal coupling to precursor biosynthesis.

The bacterial ribonuclease P holoenzyme requires specific, conserved residues for efficient catalysis and substrate positioning

RNase P is an RNA-based enzyme primarily responsible for 5′-end pre-tRNA processing. A structure of the bacterial RNase P holoenzyme in complex with tRNA^Phe revealed the structural basis for substrate recognition, identified the active site location, and showed how the protein component increases functionality. The active site includes at least two metal ions, a universal uridine (U52), and P RNA backbone moieties, but it is unclear whether an adjacent, bacterially conserved protein loop (residues 52–57) participates in catalysis. Here, mutagenesis combined with single-turnover reaction kinetics demonstrate that point mutations in this loop have either no or modest effects on catalytic efficiency. Similarly, amino acid changes in the ‘RNR’ region, which represent the most conserved region of bacterial RNase P proteins, exhibit negligible changes in catalytic efficiency. However, U52 and two bacterially conserved protein residues (F17 and R89) are essential for efficient Thermotoga maritima RNase P activity. The U52 nucleotide binds a metal ion at the active site, whereas F17 and R89 are positioned >20 Å from the cleavage site, probably making contacts with N₋₄ and N₋₅ nucleotides of the pre-tRNA 5′-leader. This suggests a synergistic coupling between transition state formation and substrate positioning via interactions with the leader.

Fidelity of tRNA 5'-maturation: a possible basis for the functional dependence of archaeal and eukaryal RNase P on multiple protein cofactors

RNase P, which catalyzes tRNA 5′-maturation, typically comprises a catalytic RNase P RNA (RPR) and a varying number of RNase P proteins (RPPs): 1 in bacteria, at least 4 in archaea and 9 in eukarya. The four archaeal RPPs have eukaryotic homologs and function as heterodimers (POP5•RPP30 and RPP21•RPP29). By studying the archaeal Methanocaldococcus jannaschii RPR's cis cleavage of precursor tRNA^Gln (pre-tRNA^Gln), which lacks certain consensus structures/sequences needed for substrate recognition, we demonstrate that RPP21•RPP29 and POP5•RPP30 can rescue the RPR's mis-cleavage tendency independently by 4-fold and together by 25-fold, suggesting that they operate by distinct mechanisms. This synergistic and preferential shift toward correct cleavage results from the ability of archaeal RPPs to selectively increase the RPR's apparent rate of correct cleavage by 11 140-fold, compared to only 480-fold for mis-cleavage. Moreover, POP5•RPP30, like the bacterial RPP, helps normalize the RPR's rates of cleavage of non-consensus and consensus pre-tRNAs. We also show that archaeal and eukaryal RNase P, compared to their bacterial relatives, exhibit higher fidelity of 5′-maturation of pre-tRNA^Gln and some of its mutant derivatives. Our results suggest that protein-rich RNase P variants might have evolved to support flexibility in substrate recognition while catalyzing efficient, high-fidelity 5′-processing.

Assembly of the complex between archaeal RNase P proteins RPP30 and Pop5

RNase P is a highly conserved ribonucleoprotein enzyme that represents a model complex for understanding macromolecular RNA-protein interactions. Archaeal RNase P consists of one RNA and up to five proteins (Pop5, RPP30, RPP21, RPP29, and RPP38/L7Ae). Four of these proteins function in pairs (Pop5-RPP30 and RPP21–RPP29). We have used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to characterize the interaction between Pop5 and RPP30 from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu). NMR backbone resonance assignments of free RPP30 (25 kDa) indicate that the protein is well structured in solution, with a secondary structure matching that observed in a closely related crystal structure. Chemical shift perturbations upon the addition of Pop5 (14 kDa) reveal its binding surface on RPP30. ITC experiments confirm a net 1 : 1 stoichiometry for this tight protein-protein interaction and exhibit complex isotherms, indicative of higher-order binding. Indeed, light scattering and size exclusion chromatography data reveal the complex to exist as a 78 kDa heterotetramer with two copies each of Pop5 and RPP30. These results will inform future efforts to elucidate the functional role of the Pop5-RPP30 complex in RNase P assembly and catalysis.

The RNR motif of B. subtilis RNase P protein interacts with both PRNA and pre-tRNA to stabilize an active conformer

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) catalyzes the metal-dependent 5' end maturation of precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs). In Bacteria, RNase P is composed of a catalytic RNA (PRNA) and a protein subunit (P protein) necessary for function in vivo. The P protein enhances pre-tRNA affinity, selectivity, and cleavage efficiency, as well as modulates the cation requirement for RNase P function. Bacterial P proteins share little sequence conservation although the protein structures are homologous. Here we combine site-directed mutagenesis, affinity measurements, and single turnover kinetics to demonstrate that two residues (R60 and R62) in the most highly conserved region of the P protein, the RNR motif (R60-R68 in Bacillus subtilis), stabilize PRNA complexes with both P protein (PRNA•P protein) and pre-tRNA (PRNA•P protein•pre-tRNA). Additionally, these data indicate that the RNR motif enhances a metal-stabilized conformational change in RNase P that accompanies substrate binding and is essential for efficient catalysis. Stabilization of this conformational change contributes to both the decreased metal requirement and the enhanced substrate recognition of the RNase P holoenzyme, illuminating the role of the most highly conserved region of P protein in the RNase P reaction pathway.

Cooperative RNP assembly: complementary rescue of structural defects by protein and RNA subunits of archaeal RNase P

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a ribonucleoprotein complex that utilizes a Mg(2+)-dependent RNA catalyst to cleave the 5' leader of precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs) and generate mature tRNAs. The bacterial RNase P protein (RPP) aids RNase P RNA (RPR) catalysis by promoting substrate binding, Mg(2+) coordination and product release. Archaeal RNase P comprises an RPR and at least four RPPs, which have eukaryal homologs and function as two binary complexes (POP5·RPP30 and RPP21·RPP29). Here, we employed a previously characterized substrate-enzyme conjugate [pre-tRNA(Tyr)-Methanocaldococcus jannaschii (Mja) RPR] to investigate the functional role of a universally conserved uridine in a bulge-helix structure in archaeal RPRs. Deletion of this bulged uridine resulted in an 80-fold decrease in the self-cleavage rate of pre-tRNA(Tyr)-MjaΔU RPR compared to the wild type, and this defect was partially ameliorated upon addition of either RPP pair. The catalytic defect in the archaeal mutant RPR mirrors that reported in a bacterial RPR and highlights a parallel in their active sites. Furthermore, an N-terminal deletion mutant of Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu) RPP29 that is defective in assembling with its binary partner RPP21, as assessed by isothermal titration calorimetry and NMR spectroscopy, is functional when reconstituted with the cognate Pfu RPR. Collectively, these results indicate that archaeal RPPs are able to compensate for structural defects in their cognate RPR and vice-versa, and provide striking examples of the cooperative subunit interactions critical for driving archaeal RNase P toward its functional conformation.

Cleavage of model substrates by archaeal RNase P: role of protein cofactors in cleavage-site selection

RNase P is a catalytic ribonucleoprotein primarily involved in tRNA biogenesis. Archaeal RNase P comprises a catalytic RNase P RNA (RPR) and at least four protein cofactors (RPPs), which function as two binary complexes (POP5•RPP30 and RPP21• RPP29). Exploiting the ability to assemble a functional Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu) RNase P in vitro, we examined the role of RPPs in influencing substrate recognition by the RPR. We first demonstrate that Pfu RPR, like its bacterial and eukaryal counterparts, cleaves model hairpin loop substrates albeit at rates 90- to 200-fold lower when compared with cleavage by bacterial RPR, highlighting the functionally comparable catalytic cores in bacterial and archaeal RPRs. By investigating cleavage-site selection exhibited by Pfu RPR (±RPPs) with various model substrates missing consensus-recognition elements, we determined substrate features whose recognition is facilitated by either POP5•RPP30 or RPP21•RPP29 (directly or indirectly via the RPR). Our results also revealed that Pfu RPR + RPP21•RPP29 displays substrate-recognition properties coinciding with those of the bacterial RPR-alone reaction rather than the Pfu RPR, and that this behaviour is attributable to structural differences in the substrate-specificity domains of bacterial and archaeal RPRs. Moreover, our data reveal a hierarchy in recognition elements that dictates cleavage-site selection by archaeal RNase P.

Of proteins and RNA: the RNase P/MRP family

Nuclear ribonuclease (RNase) P is a ubiquitous essential ribonucleoprotein complex, one of only two known RNA-based enzymes found in all three domains of life. The RNA component is the catalytic moiety of RNases P across all phylogenetic domains; it contains a well-conserved core, whereas peripheral structural elements are diverse. RNA components of eukaryotic RNases P tend to be less complex than their bacterial counterparts, a simplification that is accompanied by a dramatic reduction of their catalytic ability in the absence of protein. The size and complexity of the protein moieties increase dramatically from bacterial to archaeal to eukaryotic enzymes, apparently reflecting the delegation of some structural functions from RNA to proteins and, perhaps, in response to the increased complexity of the cellular environment in the more evolutionarily advanced organisms; the reasons for the increased dependence on proteins are not clear. We review current information on RNase P and the closely related universal eukaryotic enzyme RNase MRP, focusing on their functions and structural organization.

Ribosomal protein L7Ae is a subunit of archaeal RNase P

To the mounting evidence of nonribosomal functions for ribosomal proteins, we now add L7Ae as a subunit of archaeal RNase P, a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) that catalyzes 5'-maturation of precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs). We first demonstrate that L7Ae coelutes with partially purified Methanococcus maripaludis (Mma) RNase P activity. After establishing in vitro reconstitution of the single RNA with four previously known protein subunits (POP5, RPP21, RPP29, and RPP30), we show that addition of L7Ae to this RNase P complex increases the optimal reaction temperature and k(cat)/K(m) (by approximately 360-fold) for pre-tRNA cleavage to those observed with partially purified native Mma RNase P. We identify in the Mma RNase P RNA a putative kink-turn (K-turn), the structural motif recognized by L7Ae. The large stimulatory effect of Mma L7Ae on RNase P activity decreases to <or= 4% of wild type upon mutating either the conserved nucleotides in this K-turn or amino acids in L7Ae shown to be essential for K-turn binding. The critical, multifunctional role of archaeal L7Ae in RNPs acting in tRNA processing (RNase P), RNA modification (H/ACA, C/D snoRNPs), and translation (ribosomes), especially by employing the same RNA-recognition surface, suggests coevolution of various translation-related functions, presumably to facilitate their coordinate regulation.

A divalent cation stabilizes the active conformation of the B. subtilis RNase P x pre-tRNA complex: a role for an inner-sphere metal ion in RNase P

Metal ions interact with RNA to enhance folding, stabilize structure, and, in some cases, facilitate catalysis. Assigning functional roles to specifically bound metal ions presents a major challenge in analyzing the catalytic mechanisms of ribozymes. Bacillus subtilis ribonuclease P (RNase P), composed of a catalytically active RNA subunit (PRNA) and a small protein subunit (P protein), catalyzes the 5'-end maturation of precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs). Inner-sphere coordination of divalent metal ions to PRNA is essential for catalytic activity but not for the formation of the RNase P x pre-tRNA (enzyme-substrate, ES) complex. Previous studies have demonstrated that this ES complex undergoes an essential conformational change (to the ES* conformer) before the cleavage step. Here, we show that the ES* conformer is stabilized by a high-affinity divalent cation capable of inner-sphere coordination, such as Ca(II) or Mg(II). Additionally, a second, lower-affinity Mg(II) activates cleavage catalyzed by RNase P. Structural changes that occur upon binding Ca(II) to the ES complex were determined by time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer measurements of the distances between donor-acceptor fluorophores introduced at specific locations on the P protein and pre-tRNA 5' leader. These data demonstrate that the 5' leader of pre-tRNA moves 4 to 6 A closer to the PRNA x P protein interface during the ES-to-ES* transition and suggest that the metal-dependent conformational change reorganizes the bound substrate in the active site to form a catalytically competent ES* complex.

Protein-precursor tRNA contact leads to sequence-specific recognition of 5' leaders by bacterial ribonuclease P

Bacterial ribonuclease P (RNase P) catalyzes the cleavage of 5' leader sequences from precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs). Previously, all known substrate nucleotide specificities in this system are derived from RNA-RNA interactions with the RNase P RNA subunit. Here, we demonstrate that pre-tRNA binding affinities for Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli RNase P are enhanced by sequence-specific contacts between the fourth pre-tRNA nucleotide on the 5' side of the cleavage site (N(-4)) and the RNase P protein (P protein) subunit. B. subtilis RNase P has a higher affinity for pre-tRNA with adenosine at N(-4), and this binding preference is amplified at physiological divalent ion concentrations. Measurements of pre-tRNA-containing adenosine analogs at N(-4) indicate that specificity arises from a combination of hydrogen bonding to the N6 exocyclic amine of adenosine and steric exclusion of the N2 amine of guanosine. Mutagenesis of B. subtilis P protein indicates that F20 and Y34 contribute to selectivity at N(-4). The hydroxyl group of Y34 enhances selectivity, likely by forming a hydrogen bond with the N(-4) nucleotide. The sequence preference of E. coli RNase P is diminished, showing a weak preference for adenosine and cytosine at N(-4), consistent with the substitution of Leu for Y34 in the E. coli P protein. This is the first identification of a sequence-specific contact between P protein and pre-tRNA that contributes to molecular recognition of RNase P. Additionally, sequence analyses reveal that a greater-than-expected fraction of pre-tRNAs from both E. coli and B. subtilis contains a nucleotide at N(-4) that enhances RNase P affinity. This observation suggests that specificity at N(-4) contributes to substrate recognition in vivo. Furthermore, bioinformatic analyses suggest that sequence-specific contacts between the protein subunit and the leader sequences of pre-tRNAs may be common in bacterial RNase P and may lead to species-specific substrate recognition.

Trials, travails and triumphs: an account of RNA catalysis in RNase P

Last December marked the 20th anniversary of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Sidney Altman and Thomas Cech for their discovery of RNA catalysts in bacterial ribonuclease P (an enzyme catalyzing 5' maturation of tRNAs) and a self-splicing rRNA of Tetrahymena, respectively. Coinciding with the publication of a treatise on RNase P, this review provides a historical narrative, a brief report on our current knowledge, and a discussion of some research prospects on RNase P.

Unexpected diversity of RNase P, an ancient tRNA processing enzyme: challenges and prospects

For an enzyme functioning predominantly in a seemingly housekeeping role of 5' tRNA maturation, RNase P displays a remarkable diversity in subunit make-up across the three domains of life. Despite the protein complexity of this ribonucleoprotein enzyme increasing dramatically from bacteria to eukarya, the catalytic function rests with the RNA subunit during evolution. However, the recent demonstration of a protein-only human mitochondrial RNase P has added further intrigue to the compositional variability of this enzyme. In this review, we discuss some possible reasons underlying the structural diversity of the active sites, and use them as thematic bases for elaborating new directions to understand how functional variations might have contributed to the complex evolution of RNase P.

Use of phosphorothioates to identify sites of metal-ion binding in RNA

Single atom substitutions provide an exceptional opportunity to investigate RNA structure and function. Replacing a phosphoryl oxygen with a sulfur represents one of the most common and powerful single atom substitutions and can be used to determine the sites of metal-ion binding. Using functional assays of ribozyme catalysis, based on pre-steady-state kinetics, it is possible to extend this analysis to the transition state, capturing ligands for catalytic metal ions in this fleeting state. In conjunction with data determined from X-ray crystallography, this technique can provide a picture of the environment surrounding catalytic metal ions in both the ground state and the transition state at atomic resolution. Here, we describe the principles of such analysis, explain limitations of the method, and provide a practical example based on our results with the Tetrahymena group I ribozyme.

Binding of C5 protein to P RNA enhances the rate constant for catalysis for P RNA processing of pre-tRNAs lacking a consensus (+ 1)/C(+ 72) pair

The RNA subunit of the ribonucleoprotein enzyme ribonuclease P (RNase P (P RNA) contains the active site, but binding of Escherichia coli RNase P protein (C5) to P RNA increases the rate constant for catalysis for certain pre-tRNA substrates up to 1000-fold. Structure-swapping experiments between a substrate that is cleaved slowly by P RNA alone (pre-tRNA(f-met605)) and one that is cleaved quickly (pre-tRNA(met608)) pinpoint the characteristic C(+1)/A(+72) base pair of initiator tRNA(f-met) as the sole determinant of slow RNA-alone catalysis. Unlike other substrate modifications that slow RNA-alone catalysis, the presence of a C(+1)/A(+72) base pair reduces the rate constant for processing at both correct and miscleavage sites, indicating an indirect but nonetheless important role in catalysis. Analysis of the Mg(2)(+) dependence of apparent catalytic rate constants for pre-tRNA(met608) and a pre-tRNA(met608) (+1)C/(+72)A mutant provides evidence that C5 promotes rate enhancement primarily by compensating for the decrease in the affinity of metal ions important for catalysis engendered by the presence of the CA pair. Together, these results support and extend current models for RNase P substrate recognition in which contacts involving the conserved (+1)G/C(+72) pair of tRNA stabilize functional metal ion binding. Additionally, these observations suggest that C5 protein has evolved to compensate for tRNA variation at positions important for binding to P RNA, allowing for tRNA specialization.

Solution structure of an archaeal RNase P binary protein complex: formation of the 30-kDa complex between Pyrococcus furiosus RPP21 and RPP29 is accompanied by coupled protein folding and highlights critical features for protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) enzyme that catalyzes the Mg(2+)-dependent 5' maturation of precursor tRNAs. In all domains of life, it is a ribozyme: the RNase P RNA (RPR) component has been demonstrated to be responsible for catalysis. However, the number of RNase P protein subunits (RPPs) varies from 1 in bacteria to 9 or 10 in eukarya. The archaeal RPR is associated with at least 4 RPPs, which function in pairs (RPP21-RPP29 and RPP30-POP5). We used solution NMR spectroscopy to determine the three-dimensional structure of the protein-protein complex comprising Pyrococcus furiosus RPP21 and RPP29. We found that the protein-protein interaction is characterized by coupled folding of secondary structural elements that participate in interface formation. In addition to detailing the intermolecular contacts that stabilize this 30-kDa binary complex, the structure identifies surfaces rich in conserved basic residues likely vital for recognition of the RPR and/or precursor tRNA. Furthermore, enzymatic footprinting experiments allowed us to localize the RPP21-RPP29 complex to the specificity domain of the RPR. These findings provide valuable new insights into mechanisms of RNP assembly and serve as important steps towards a three-dimensional model of this ancient RNP enzyme.

Conformational change in the Bacillus subtilis RNase P holoenzyme--pre-tRNA complex enhances substrate affinity and limits cleavage rate

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a ribonucleoprotein complex that catalyzes the 5' maturation of precursor tRNAs. To investigate the mechanism of substrate recognition in this enzyme, we characterize the thermodynamics and kinetics of Bacillus subtilis pre-tRNA(Asp) binding to B. subtilis RNase P holoenzyme using fluorescence techniques. Time courses for fluorescein-labeled pre-tRNA binding to RNase P are biphasic in the presence of both Ca(II) and Mg(II), requiring a minimal two-step association mechanism. In the first step, the apparent bimolecular rate constant for pre-tRNA associating with RNase P has a value that is near the diffusion limit and is independent of the length of the pre-tRNA leader. Following formation of the initial enzyme-substrate complex, a unimolecular step enhances the overall affinity of pre-tRNA by eight- to 300-fold as the length of the leader sequence increases from 2 to 5 nucleotides. This increase in affinity is due to a decrease in the reverse rate constant for the conformational change that correlates with the formation of an optimal leader-protein interaction in the RNase P holoenzyme-pre-tRNA complex. Furthermore, the forward rate constant for the conformational change becomes rate limiting for cleavage under single-turnover conditions at high pH, explaining the origin of the observed apparent pK(a) in the RNase P-catalyzed cleavage reaction. These data suggest that a conformational change in the RNase P*pre-tRNA complex is coupled to the interactions between the 5' leader and P protein and aligns essential functional groups at the cleavage active site to enhance efficient cleavage of pre-tRNA.

Pre-tRNA turnover catalyzed by the yeast nuclear RNase P holoenzyme is limited by product release

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a ribonucleoprotein that catalyzes the 5' maturation of precursor transfer RNA in the presence of magnesium ions. The bacterial RNase P holoenzyme consists of one catalytically active RNA component and a single essential but catalytically inactive protein. In contrast, yeast nuclear RNase P is more complex with one RNA subunit and nine protein subunits. We have devised an affinity purification protocol to gently and rapidly purify intact yeast nuclear RNase P holoenzyme for transient kinetic studies. In pre-steady-state kinetic studies under saturating substrate concentrations, we observed an initial burst of tRNA formation followed by a slower, linear, steady-state turnover, with the burst amplitude equal to the concentration of the holoenzyme used in the reaction. These data indicate that the rate-limiting step in turnover occurs after pre-tRNA cleavage, such as mature tRNA release. Additionally, the steady-state rate constants demonstrate a large dependence on temperature that results in nonlinear Arrhenius plots, suggesting that a kinetically important conformational change occurs during catalysis. Finally, deletion of the 3' trailer in pre-tRNA has little or no effect on the steady-state kinetic rate constants. These data suggest that, despite marked differences in subunit composition, the minimal kinetic mechanism for cleavage of pre-tRNA catalyzed by yeast nuclear RNase P holoenzyme is similar to that of the bacterial RNase P holoenzyme.

Studies on Methanocaldococcus jannaschii RNase P reveal insights into the roles of RNA and protein cofactors in RNase P catalysis

Ribonuclease P (RNase P), a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex required for tRNA maturation, comprises one essential RNA (RPR) and protein subunits (RPPs) numbering one in bacteria, and at least four in archaea and nine in eukarya. While the bacterial RPR is catalytically active in vitro, only select euryarchaeal and eukaryal RPRs are weakly active despite secondary structure similarity and conservation of nucleotide identity in their putative catalytic core. Such a decreased archaeal/eukaryal RPR function might imply that their cognate RPPs provide the functional groups that make up the active site. However, substrate-binding defects might mask the ability of some of these RPRs, such as that from the archaeon Methanocaldococcus jannaschii (Mja), to catalyze precursor tRNA (ptRNA) processing. To test this hypothesis, we constructed a ptRNA-Mja RPR conjugate and found that indeed it self-cleaves efficiently (k(obs), 0.15 min(-1) at pH 5.5 and 55 degrees C). Moreover, one pair of Mja RPPs (POP5-RPP30) enhanced k(obs) for the RPR-catalyzed self-processing by approximately 100-fold while the other pair (RPP21-RPP29) had no effect; both binary RPP complexes significantly reduced the monovalent and divalent ionic requirement. Our results suggest a common RNA-mediated catalytic mechanism in all RNase P and help uncover parallels in RNase P catalysis hidden by plurality in its subunit make-up.

Functional identification of ligands for a catalytic metal ion in group I introns

Many enzymes use metal ions within their active sites to achieve enormous rate acceleration. Understanding how metal ions mediate catalysis requires elucidation of metal ion interactions with both the enzyme and the substrate(s). The three-dimensional arrangement determined by X-ray crystallography provides a powerful starting point for identifying ground state interactions, but only functional studies can establish and interrogate transition state interactions. The Tetrahymena group I ribozyme is a paradigm for the study of RNA catalysis, and previous work using atomic mutagenesis and quantitative analysis of metal ion rescue behavior identified catalytic metal ions making five contacts with the substrate atoms. Here, we have combined atomic mutagenesis with site-specific phosphorothioate substitutions in the ribozyme backbone to establish transition state ligands on the ribozyme for one of the catalytic metal ions, referred to as M A. We identified the pro-S P oxygen atoms at nucleotides C208, A304, and A306 as ground state ligands for M A, verifying interactions suggested by the Azoarcus crystal structures. We further established that these interactions are present in the chemical transition state, a conclusion that requires functional studies, such as those carried out herein. Elucidating these active site connections is a crucial step toward an in-depth understanding of how specific structural features of the group I intron lead to catalysis.

Importance of RNA-protein interactions in bacterial ribonuclease P structure and catalysis

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex that catalyzes the metal-dependent maturation of the 5' end of precursor tRNAs (pre-tRNAs) in all organisms. RNase P is comprised of a catalytic RNA (P RNA), and at least one essential protein (P protein). Although P RNA is the catalytic subunit of the enzyme and is active in the absence of P protein under high salt concentrations in vitro, the protein is still required for enzyme activity in vivo. Therefore, the function of the P protein and how it interacts with both P RNA and pre-tRNA have been the focus of much ongoing research. RNA-protein interactions in RNase P serve a number of critical roles in the RNP including stabilizing the structure, and enhancing the affinity for substrates and metal ions. This review examines the role of RNA-protein interactions in bacterial RNase P from both structural and mechanistic perspectives.