1
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Camara MB, Lange B, Yesselman JD, Eichhorn CD. Visualizing a two-state conformational ensemble in stem-loop 3 of the transcriptional regulator 7SK RNA. bioRxiv 2023:2023.08.09.552709. [PMID: 37609139 PMCID: PMC10441402 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.09.552709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Structural plasticity is integral to RNA function; however, there are currently few methods to quantitatively resolve RNAs that have multiple structural states. NMR spectroscopy is a powerful approach for resolving conformational ensembles but is size-limited. Chemical probing is well-suited for large RNAs but provides limited structural and no kinetics information. Here, we integrate the two approaches to visualize a two-state conformational ensemble for the central stem-loop 3 (SL3) of 7SK RNA, a critical element for 7SK RNA function in transcription regulation. We find that the SL3 distal end exchanges between two equally populated yet structurally distinct states in both isolated SL3 constructs and full-length 7SK RNA. We rationally designed constructs that lock SL3 into a single state and demonstrate that both chemical probing and NMR data fit to a linear combination of the two states. Comparison of vertebrate 7SK RNA sequences shows conservation of both states, suggesting functional importance. These results provide new insights into 7SK RNA structural dynamics and demonstrate the utility of integrating chemical probing with NMR spectroscopy to gain quantitative insights into RNA conformational ensembles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momodou B. Camara
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska, 639 North 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Bret Lange
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska, 639 North 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Joseph D. Yesselman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska, 639 North 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
- Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication
| | - Catherine D. Eichhorn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska, 639 North 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
- Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication
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2
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Wang Y, He Y, Wang Y, Yang Y, Singh M, Eichhorn CD, Cheng X, Jiang YX, Zhou ZH, Feigon J. Structure of LARP7 Protein p65-telomerase RNA Complex in Telomerase Revealed by Cryo-EM and NMR. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168044. [PMID: 37330293 PMCID: PMC10988774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
La-related protein 7 (LARP7) are a family of RNA chaperones that protect the 3'-end of RNA and are components of specific ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNP). In Tetrahymena thermophila telomerase, LARP7 protein p65 together with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomerase RNA (TER) form the core RNP. p65 has four known domains-N-terminal domain (NTD), La motif (LaM), RNA recognition motif 1 (RRM1), and C-terminal xRRM2. To date, only the xRRM2 and LaM and their interactions with TER have been structurally characterized. Conformational dynamics leading to low resolution in cryo-EM density maps have limited our understanding of how full-length p65 specifically recognizes and remodels TER for telomerase assembly. Here, we combined focused classification of Tetrahymena telomerase cryo-EM maps with NMR spectroscopy to determine the structure of p65-TER. Three previously unknown helices are identified, one in the otherwise intrinsically disordered NTD that binds the La module, one that extends RRM1, and another preceding xRRM2, that stabilize p65-TER interactions. The extended La module (αN, LaM and RRM1) interacts with the four 3' terminal U nucleotides, while LaM and αN additionally interact with TER pseudoknot, and LaM with stem 1 and 5' end. Our results reveal the extensive p65-TER interactions that promote TER 3'-end protection, TER folding, and core RNP assembly and stabilization. The structure of full-length p65 with TER also sheds light on the biological roles of genuine La and LARP7 proteins as RNA chaperones and core RNP components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiang Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
| | - Yao He
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yanjiao Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
| | - Mahavir Singh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
| | - Catherine D Eichhorn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
| | - Xinyi Cheng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
| | - Yi Xiao Jiang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
| | - Z Hong Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Juli Feigon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA.
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3
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Miller AL, Li S, Eichhorn CD, Zheng Y, Du L. Identification and Biosynthetic Study of the Siderophore Lysochelin in the Biocontrol Agent Lysobacter enzymogenes. J Agric Food Chem 2023; 71:7418-7426. [PMID: 37158236 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c01250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Lysobacter is a genus of bacteria emerging as new biocontrol agents in agriculture. Although iron acquisition is essential for the bacteria, no siderophore has been identified from any Lysobacter. Here, we report the identification of the first siderophore, N1,N8-bis(2,3-dihydroxybenzoyl)spermidine (lysochelin), and its biosynthetic gene cluster from Lysobacter enzymogenes. Intriguingly, the deletion of the spermidine biosynthetic gene encoding arginine decarboxylase or SAM decarboxylase eliminated lysochelin and the antifungals, HSAF and its analogues, which are key to the disease control activity and to the survival of Lysobacter under oxidative stresses caused by excess iron. The production of lysochelin and the antifungals is greatly affected by iron concentration. Together, the results revealed a previously unrecognized system, in which L. enzymogenes produces a group of small molecules, lysochelin, spermidine, and HSAF and its analogues, that are affected by iron concentration and critical to the growth and survival of the biocontrol agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Lynn Miller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0304, United States
| | - Shanren Li
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, Fujian, China
| | - Catherine D Eichhorn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0304, United States
| | - Yongbiao Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, Fujian, China
| | - Liangcheng Du
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0304, United States
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4
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Camara MB, Sobeh AM, Eichhorn CD. Progress in 7SK ribonucleoprotein structural biology. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1154622. [PMID: 37051324 PMCID: PMC10083321 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1154622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The 7SK ribonucleoprotein (RNP) is a dynamic and multifunctional regulator of RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription in metazoa. Comprised of the non-coding 7SK RNA, core proteins, and numerous accessory proteins, the most well-known 7SK RNP function is the sequestration and inactivation of the positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb). More recently, 7SK RNP has been shown to regulate RNAPII transcription through P-TEFb-independent pathways. Due to its fundamental role in cellular function, dysregulation has been linked with human diseases including cancers, heart disease, developmental disorders, and viral infection. Significant advances in 7SK RNP structural biology have improved our understanding of 7SK RNP assembly and function. Here, we review progress in understanding the structural basis of 7SK RNA folding, biogenesis, and RNP assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momodou B. Camara
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Amr M. Sobeh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Catherine D. Eichhorn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States
- Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication, Lincoln, NE, United States
- *Correspondence: Catherine D. Eichhorn,
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5
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Yang Y, Liu S, Egloff S, Eichhorn CD, Hadjian T, Zhen J, Kiss T, Zhou H, Feigon J. Structural basis of RNA conformational switching in the transcriptional regulator 7SK RNP. Biophys J 2023; 122:443a. [PMID: 36784276 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.11.2391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yang
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shiheng Liu
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Catherine D Eichhorn
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Tanya Hadjian
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James Zhen
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tamás Kiss
- University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Hong Zhou
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Juli Feigon
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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6
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Sobeh AM, Eichhorn CD. C-terminal determinants for RNA binding motif 7 protein stability and RNA recognition. Biophys Chem 2023; 292:106928. [PMID: 36427363 PMCID: PMC9768861 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The 7SK ribonucleoprotein (RNP) is a critical regulator of eukaryotic transcription. Recently, RNA binding motif 7 (RBM7) containing an RNA recognition motif (RRM) was reported to associate with 7SK RNA and core 7SK RNP protein components in response to DNA damage. However, little is known about the mode of RBM7-7SK RNA recognition. Here, we found that RRM constructs containing extended C-termini have increased solubility compared to a minimal RRM construct, although these constructs aggregate in a temperature and concentration-dependent manner. Using solution NMR dynamics experiments, we identified additional structural features observed previously in crystal but not in solution structures. To identify potential RBM7-7SK RNA binding sites, we analyzed deposited data from in cellulo crosslinking experiments and found that RBM7 primarily crosslinks to the distal region of 7SK stem-loop 3 (SL3). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and NMR chemical shift perturbation experiments showed weak binding to 7SK SL3 constructs in vitro. Together, these results provide new insights into RBM7 RRM folding and recognition of 7SK RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr M Sobeh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska, 639 North 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Catherine D Eichhorn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska, 639 North 12th St, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA.
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7
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Yang Y, Liu S, Egloff S, Eichhorn CD, Hadjian T, Zhen J, Kiss T, Zhou ZH, Feigon J. Structural basis of RNA conformational switching in the transcriptional regulator 7SK RNP. Mol Cell 2022; 82:1724-1736.e7. [PMID: 35320752 PMCID: PMC9081187 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
7SK non-coding RNA (7SK) negatively regulates RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) elongation by inhibiting positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), and its ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) is hijacked by HIV-1 for viral transcription and replication. Methylphosphate capping enzyme (MePCE) and La-related protein 7 (Larp7) constitutively associate with 7SK to form a core RNP, while P-TEFb and other proteins dynamically assemble to form different complexes. Here, we present the cryo-EM structures of 7SK core RNP formed with two 7SK conformations, circular and linear, and uncover a common RNA-dependent MePCE-Larp7 complex. Together with NMR, biochemical, and cellular data, these structures reveal the mechanism of MePCE catalytic inactivation in the core RNP, unexpected interactions between Larp7 and RNA that facilitate a role as an RNP chaperone, and that MePCE-7SK-Larp7 core RNP serves as a scaffold for switching between different 7SK conformations essential for RNP assembly and regulation of P-TEFb sequestration and release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Shiheng Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sylvain Egloff
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Catherine D Eichhorn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tanya Hadjian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - James Zhen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tamás Kiss
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31062 Toulouse, France; Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726, Hungary
| | - Z Hong Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Juli Feigon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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8
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Basu R, Eichhorn CD, Cheng R, Peterson RD, Feigon J. Structure of S. pombe telomerase protein Pof8 C-terminal domain is an xRRM conserved among LARP7 proteins. RNA Biol 2020; 18:1181-1192. [PMID: 33131423 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1836891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
La-related proteins 7 (LARP7) are a class of RNA chaperones that bind the 3' ends of RNA and are constitutively associated with their specific target RNAs. In metazoa, Larp7 binds to the long non-coding 7SK RNA as a core component of the 7SK RNP, a major regulator of eukaryotic transcription. In the ciliate Tetrahymena the LARP7 protein p65 is a component of telomerase, an essential ribonucleoprotein complex that maintains the telomeric DNA at eukaryotic chromosome ends. p65 is important for the ordered assembly of telomerase RNA (TER) with telomerase reverse transcriptase. Unexpectedly, Schizosaccharomyces pombe Pof8 was recently identified as a LARP7 protein and a core component of fission yeast telomerase essential for biogenesis. LARP7 proteins have a conserved N-terminal La motif and RRM1 (La module) and C-terminal RRM2 with specific RNA substrate recognition attributed to RRM2, first structurally characterized in p65 as an atypical RRM named xRRM. Here we present the X-ray crystal structure and NMR studies of S. pombe Pof8 RRM2. Sequence and structure comparison of Pof8 RRM2 to p65 and human Larp7 xRRMs reveals conserved features for RNA binding with the main variability in the length of the non-canonical helix α3. This study shows that Pof8 has conserved xRRM features, providing insight into TER recognition and the defining characteristics of the xRRM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritwika Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Catherine D Eichhorn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Cheng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert D Peterson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Juli Feigon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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9
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Yang Y, Eichhorn CD, Wang Y, Cascio D, Feigon J. Structural Basis of 7SK RNA 5′-Gamma-Phosphate Methylation and Retention by MePCE. Biophys J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.11.580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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10
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Eichhorn CD, Yang Y, Repeta L, Feigon J. Structural basis for recognition of human 7SK long noncoding RNA by the La-related protein Larp7. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E6457-E6466. [PMID: 29946027 PMCID: PMC6048529 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1806276115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The La and the La-related protein (LARP) superfamily is a diverse class of RNA binding proteins involved in RNA processing, folding, and function. Larp7 binds to the abundant long noncoding 7SK RNA and is required for 7SK ribonucleoprotein (RNP) assembly and function. The 7SK RNP sequesters a pool of the positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) in an inactive state; on release, P-TEFb phosphorylates RNA Polymerase II to stimulate transcription elongation. Despite its essential role in transcription, limited structural information is available for the 7SK RNP, particularly for protein-RNA interactions. Larp7 contains an N-terminal La module that binds UUU-3'OH and a C-terminal atypical RNA recognition motif (xRRM) required for specific binding to 7SK and P-TEFb assembly. Deletion of the xRRM is linked to gastric cancer in humans. We report the 2.2-Å X-ray crystal structure of the human La-related protein group 7 (hLarp7) xRRM bound to the 7SK stem-loop 4, revealing a unique binding interface. Contributions of observed interactions to binding affinity were investigated by mutagenesis and isothermal titration calorimetry. NMR 13C spin relaxation data and comparison of free xRRM, RNA, and xRRM-RNA structures show that the xRRM is preordered to bind a flexible loop 4. Combining structures of the hLarp7 La module and the xRRM-7SK complex presented here, we propose a structural model for Larp7 binding to the 7SK 3' end and mechanism for 7SK RNP assembly. This work provides insight into how this domain contributes to 7SK recognition and assembly of the core 7SK RNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine D Eichhorn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569
| | - Lucas Repeta
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569
| | - Juli Feigon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569
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11
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Eichhorn CD, Chug R, Feigon J. hLARP7 C-terminal domain contains an xRRM that binds the 3' hairpin of 7SK RNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:9977-9989. [PMID: 27679474 PMCID: PMC5175362 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) sequesters and inactivates the positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), an essential eukaryotic mRNA transcription factor. The human La-related protein group 7 (hLARP7) is a constitutive component of the 7SK snRNP and localizes to the 3' terminus of the 7SK long noncoding RNA. hLARP7, and in particular its C-terminal domain (CTD), is essential for 7SK RNA stability and assembly with P-TEFb. The hLARP7 N-terminal La module binds and protects the 3' end from degradation, but the structural and functional role of its CTD is unclear. We report the solution NMR structure of the hLARP7 CTD and show that this domain contains an xRRM, a class of atypical RRM first identified in the Tetrahymena thermophila telomerase LARP7 protein p65. The xRRM binds the 3' end of 7SK RNA at the top of stem-loop 4 (SL4) and interacts with both unpaired and base-paired nucleotides. This study confirms that the xRRM is general to the LARP7 family of proteins and defines the binding site for hLARP7 on the 7SK RNA, providing insight into function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine D Eichhorn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, P.O. Box 951569, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
| | - Rahul Chug
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, P.O. Box 951569, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
| | - Juli Feigon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, P.O. Box 951569, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
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12
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Abstract
Many regulatory RNAs contain long single strands (ssRNA) that adjoin secondary structural elements. Here, we use NMR spectroscopy to study the dynamic properties of a 12-nucleotide (nt) ssRNA tail derived from the prequeuosine riboswitch linked to the 3' end of a 48-nt hairpin. Analysis of chemical shifts, NOE connectivity, (13)C spin relaxation, and residual dipolar coupling data suggests that the first two residues (A25 and U26) in the ssRNA tail stack onto the adjacent helix and assume an ordered conformation. The following U26-A27 step marks the beginning of an A6-tract and forms an acute pivot point for substantial motions within the tail, which increase toward the terminal end. Despite substantial internal motions, the ssRNA tail adopts, on average, an A-form helical conformation that is coaxial with the helix. Our results reveal a surprising degree of structural and dynamic complexity at the ssRNA-helix junction, which involves a fine balance between order and disorder that may facilitate efficient pseudoknot formation on ligand recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine D. Eichhorn
- Chemical Biology Doctoral Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Hashim M. Al-Hashimi
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Corresponding authorE-mail
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13
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Eichhorn CD, Kang M, Feigon J. Structure and function of preQ 1 riboswitches. Biochim Biophys Acta 2014; 1839:939-950. [PMID: 24798077 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PreQ1 riboswitches help regulate the biosynthesis and transport of preQ1 (7-aminomethyl-7-deazaguanine), a precursor of the hypermodified guanine nucleotide queuosine (Q), in a number of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria. Queuosine is almost universally found at the wobble position of the anticodon in asparaginyl, tyrosyl, histidyl and aspartyl tRNAs, where it contributes to translational fidelity. Two classes of preQ1 riboswitches have been identified (preQ1-I and preQ1-II), and structures of examples from both classes have been determined. Both classes form H-type pseudoknots upon preQ1 binding, each of which has distinct unusual features and modes of preQ1 recognition. These features include an unusually long loop 2 in preQ1-I pseudoknots and an embedded hairpin in loop 3 in preQ1-II pseudoknots. PreQ1-I riboswitches are also notable for their unusually small aptamer domain, which has been extensively investigated by NMR, X-ray crystallography, FRET, and other biophysical methods. Here we review the discovery, structural biology, ligand specificity, cation interactions, folding, dynamics, and applications to biotechnology of preQ1 riboswitches. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Riboswitches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine D Eichhorn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mijeong Kang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Juli Feigon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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14
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Suddala KC, Rinaldi AJ, Feng J, Mustoe AM, Eichhorn CD, Liberman JA, Wedekind JE, Al-Hashimi HM, Brooks CL, Walter NG. Single transcriptional and translational preQ1 riboswitches adopt similar pre-folded ensembles that follow distinct folding pathways into the same ligand-bound structure. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:10462-75. [PMID: 24003028 PMCID: PMC3905878 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Riboswitches are structural elements in the 5′ untranslated regions of many bacterial messenger RNAs that regulate gene expression in response to changing metabolite concentrations by inhibition of either transcription or translation initiation. The preQ1 (7-aminomethyl-7-deazaguanine) riboswitch family comprises some of the smallest metabolite sensing RNAs found in nature. Once ligand-bound, the transcriptional Bacillus subtilis and translational Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis preQ1 riboswitch aptamers are structurally similar RNA pseudoknots; yet, prior structural studies have characterized their ligand-free conformations as largely unfolded and folded, respectively. In contrast, through single molecule observation, we now show that, at near-physiological Mg2+ concentration and pH, both ligand-free aptamers adopt similar pre-folded state ensembles that differ in their ligand-mediated folding. Structure-based Gō-model simulations of the two aptamers suggest that the ligand binds late (Bacillus subtilis) and early (Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis) relative to pseudoknot folding, leading to the proposal that the principal distinction between the two riboswitches lies in their relative tendencies to fold via mechanisms of conformational selection and induced fit, respectively. These mechanistic insights are put to the test by rationally designing a single nucleotide swap distal from the ligand binding pocket that we find to predictably control the aptamers′ pre-folded states and their ligand binding affinities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna C Suddala
- Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA, Single Molecule Analysis Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA, Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA, Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA and Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
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Bothe JR, Nikolova EN, Eichhorn CD, Chugh J, Hansen AL, Al-Hashimi HM. Characterizing RNA dynamics at atomic resolution using solution-state NMR spectroscopy. Nat Methods 2011; 8:919-31. [PMID: 22036746 PMCID: PMC3320163 DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.1735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Many recently discovered noncoding RNAs do not fold into a single native conformation but sample many different conformations along their free-energy landscape to carry out their biological function. Here we review solution-state NMR techniques that measure the structural, kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of RNA motions spanning picosecond to second timescales at atomic resolution, allowing unprecedented insights into the RNA dynamic structure landscape. From these studies a basic description of the RNA dynamic structure landscape is emerging, bringing new insights into how RNA structures change to carry out their function as well as applications in RNA-targeted drug discovery and RNA bioengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameson R. Bothe
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Evgenia N. Nikolova
- Chemical Biology Doctoral Program, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Catherine D. Eichhorn
- Chemical Biology Doctoral Program, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jeetender Chugh
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Alexandar L. Hansen
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hashim M. Al-Hashimi
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biophysics, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Eichhorn CD, Feng J, Suddala KC, Walter NG, Brooks CL, Al-Hashimi HM. Unraveling the structural complexity in a single-stranded RNA tail: implications for efficient ligand binding in the prequeuosine riboswitch. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 40:1345-55. [PMID: 22009676 PMCID: PMC3273816 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs) are ubiquitous RNA elements that serve diverse functional roles. Much of our understanding of ssRNA conformational behavior is limited to structures in which ssRNA directly engages in tertiary interactions or is recognized by proteins. Little is known about the structural and dynamic behavior of free ssRNAs at atomic resolution. Here, we report the collaborative application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulations to characterize the 12 nt ssRNA tail derived from the prequeuosine riboswitch. NMR carbon spin relaxation data and residual dipolar coupling measurements reveal a flexible yet stacked core adopting an A-form-like conformation, with the level of order decreasing toward the terminal ends. An A-to-C mutation within the polyadenine tract alters the observed dynamics consistent with the introduction of a dynamic kink. Pre-ordering of the tail may increase the efficacy of ligand binding above that achieved by a random-coil ssRNA. The REMD simulations recapitulate important trends in the NMR data, but suggest more internal motions than inferred from the NMR analysis. Our study unmasks a previously unappreciated level of complexity in ssRNA, which we believe will also serve as an excellent model system for testing and developing computational force fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine D Eichhorn
- Chemical Biology Doctoral Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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