A Stable Upstream Stem-loop Structure Enhances Selection of the First 5′-ORF-AUG as a Main Start Codon for Translation Initiation of Human ACAT1 mRNA

Human ACAT1 cDNA K1 was first cloned and functionally expressed in 1993. There are two adjacent in-frame AUG codons, AUG1397-1399 and AUG1415-1417, at 5′-terminus of the open reading frame (ORF,nt 1397-3049) of human ACAT1 mRNA corresponding to cDNA K1. In current work, these two adjacent in-frame AUGs at 5′-terminus of the predicted ORF (5′-ORF-AUGs) as start codons for translation initiation of human ACAT1 mRNA were characterized in detail. Codon mutations indicated that both of these two adjacent 5′-ORF-AUGs can be selected as start codons but the first 5′-ORF-AUG1397-1399 is a main start codon consistent with that of the predicted ORF of human ACAT1 mRNA. Further deletion and mutation analyses demonstrated that a stable upstream stem-loop structure enhanced the selection of the first 5′-ORF-AUG1397-1399 as a main start codon, in addition to upstream nucleotide A in the -3 position, which is a key site of Kozak sequence. In addition, result of ACAT1 enzymatic activity assay showed no obvious difference between these two ACAT1 proteins respectively initiated from the two adjacent 5′-ORF-AUGs. This work showed that astable upstream stem-loop structure could modulate the start codon selection during translation initiation of mRNAs that contain adjacent multi-5′-ORF-AUGs.     

Crystal Structure of ATP-Bound Human ABCF1 Demonstrates a Unique Conformation of ABC Proteins

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m RNA5′端不同位置的二级结构对原核生物翻译起始的影响

 一个 2 1 bp的序列插入 B50中的人 PCNA- Lac Z′融合蛋白 m RNA的 SD序列的上游 1 1 bpH ind 切点处 ,构成正、反向插入的两个重组质粒 B50 il、B50 i2 .通过计算机程序对 m RNA二级结构的模拟分析 ,B50 il的插入序列在翻译起始区 (TIR)前形成一个发夹结构 ,但不影响 TIR的二级结构 ;B50 i2的插入序列在 TIR 5′端形成一个二级结构 ;而另一克隆 D1 3与 B50因 SD前后的 6个和 7个碱基序列的不同 ;使翻译起始区 TIR的 SD到 AUG附近的二级结构不相同 .实验测定的四者的β-半乳糖苷酶活性与计算机计算的解开 m RNA TIR的二级结构所需能量ΔE进行比较 ,其结果说明 m RNA TIR前面的二级结构对翻译起始无影响 ,而位于 TIR的 5′端的二级结构对翻译起始效率是有影响的 .不过 ,它与 m RNA TIR的 SD到 AUG的附近的二级结构对翻译起始效率的影响相比 ,TIR5′端二级结构的影响比较小 .同时 ,PCNA- Lac Z和 PCNA- Lac Z′两种融合蛋白的β-半乳糖苷酶活性也进行了比较 ,酶活性有差别 ,但不同质粒酶活性的比值仍相同 .     

Coordinated Movements of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factors eIF1, eIF1A,and eIF5 Trigger Phosphate Release from eIF2 in Response to Start Codon Recognition by the Ribosomal Preinitiation Complex

Accurate recognition of the start codon in an mRNA by the eukaryotic translation preinitiation complex (PIC) is essential for proper gene expression. The process is mediated by eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) in conjunction with the 40 S ribosomal subunit and (initiator) tRNA_i. Here, we provide evidence that the C-terminal tail (CTT) of eIF1A, which we previously implicated in start codon recognition, moves closer to the N-terminal domain of eIF5 when the PIC encounters an AUG codon. Importantly, this movement is coupled to dissociation of eIF1 from the PIC, a critical event in start codon recognition, and is dependent on the scanning enhancer elements in the eIF1A CTT. The data further indicate that eIF1 dissociation must be accompanied by the movement of the eIF1A CTT toward eIF5 in order to trigger release of phosphate from eIF2, which converts the latter to its GDP-bound state. Our results also suggest that release of eIF1 from the PIC and movement of the CTT of eIF1A are triggered by the same event, most likely accommodation of tRNA_i in the P site of the 40 S subunit driven by base pairing between the start codon in the mRNA and the anticodon in tRNA_i. Finally, we show that the C-terminal domain of eIF5 is responsible for the factor''s activity in antagonizing eIF1 binding to the PIC. Together, our data provide a more complete picture of the chain of molecular events that is triggered when the scanning PIC encounters an AUG start codon in the mRNA.     

Communication between eukaryotic translation initiation factors 5 and 1A within the ribosomal pre-initiation complex plays a role in start site selection

During eukaryotic translation initiation, the 43 S ribosomal pre-initiation complex scans the mRNA in search of an AUG codon at which to begin translation. Start codon recognition halts scanning and triggers a number of events that commit the complex to beginning translation at that point on the mRNA. Previous studies in vitro and in vivo have indicated that eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) 1, 2 and 5 play key roles in these events. In addition, it was reported recently that the C-terminal domain of eIF1A is involved in maintaining the fidelity of start codon recognition. The molecular mechanisms by which these factors work together to ensure fidelity of start site selection remain poorly understood. Here, we report the quantitative characterization of energetic interactions between eIF1A, eIF5 and the AUG codon in an in vitro reconstituted yeast translation initiation system. Our results show that recognition of an AUG codon by the 43 S complex triggers an interaction between eIF5 and eIF1A, resulting in a shift in the equilibrium between two states of the pre-initiation complex. This AUG-dependent change may be a reorganization from a scanning-competent state to a scanning-incompetent state. Mutations in both eIF1A and eIF5 that increase initiation at non-AUG codons in vivo weaken the interaction between the two factors upon AUG recognition, while specifically strengthening it in response to a UUG codon. These data suggest strongly that the interaction between eIF1A and eIF5 is involved in maintaining the fidelity of start codon recognition in vivo.     

Crystal Structure of the Human Ubiquitin-activating Enzyme 5 (UBA5) Bound to ATP: MECHANISTIC INSIGHTS INTO A MINIMALISTIC E1 ENZYME*

E1 ubiquitin-activating enzymes (UBAs) are large multidomain proteins that catalyze formation of a thioester bond between the terminal carboxylate of a ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like modifier (UBL) and a conserved cysteine in an E2 protein, producing reactive ubiquityl units for subsequent ligation to substrate lysines. Two important E1 reaction intermediates have been identified: a ubiquityl-adenylate phosphoester and a ubiquityl-enzyme thioester. However, the mechanism of thioester bond formation and its subsequent transfer to an E2 enzyme remains poorly understood. We have determined the crystal structure of the human UFM1 (ubiquitin-fold modifier 1) E1-activating enzyme UBA5, bound to ATP, revealing a structure that shares similarities with both large canonical E1 enzymes and smaller ancestral E1-like enzymes. In contrast to other E1 active site cysteines, which are in a variably sized domain that is separate and flexible relative to the adenylation domain, the catalytic cysteine of UBA5 (Cys²⁵⁰) is part of the adenylation domain in an α-helical motif. The novel position of the UBA5 catalytic cysteine and conformational changes associated with ATP binding provides insight into the possible mechanisms through which the ubiquityl-enzyme thioester is formed. These studies reveal structural features that further our understanding of the UBA5 enzyme reaction mechanism and provide insight into the evolution of ubiquitin activation.     

The crystal structure of NS5A domain 1 from genotype 1a reveals new clues to the mechanism of action for dimeric HCV inhibitors

New direct acting antivirals (DAAs) such as daclatasvir (DCV; BMS‐790052), which target NS5A function with picomolar potency, are showing promise in clinical trials. The exact nature of how these compounds have an inhibitory effect on HCV is unknown; however, major resistance mutations appear in the N‐terminal region of NS5A that include the amphipathic helix and domain 1. The dimeric symmetry of these compounds suggests that they act on a dimer of NS5A, which is also consistent with the presence of dimers in crystals of NS5A domain 1 from genotype 1b. Genotype 1a HCV is less potently affected by these compounds and resistance mutations have a greater effect than in the 1b genotypes. We have obtained crystals of domain 1 of the important 1a NS5A homologue and intriguingly, our X‐ray crystal structure reveals two new dimeric forms of this domain. Furthermore, the high solvent content (75%) makes it ideal for ligand‐soaking. Daclatasvir (DCV) shows twofold symmetry suggesting NS5A dimers may be of physiological importance and serve as potential binding sites for DCV. These dimers also allow for new conformations of a NS5A expansive network which could explain its operation on the membranous web. Additionally, sulfates bound in the crystal structure may provide evidence for the previously proposed RNA binding groove, or explain regulation of NS5A domain 2 and 3 function and phosphorylation, by domain 1.     

Chromosome wide analysis of CUGBP1 binding sites identifies the tetraspanin CD9 mRNA as a target for CUGBP1-mediated down-regulation

CUGBP1 is an RNA-binding protein controlling alternative splicing, mRNA translation and stability. In this work we used a motif scoring approach to identify putative CUGBP1 binding sites for genes located on the human chromosome 12. This allowed us to identify the gene CD9 as a presumptive target for CUGBP1-mediated regulation. In a number of cancers, the tetraspanin CD9 is down-regulated, an event correlated with a bad prognostic. Using a combination of biochemical approaches and CUGBP1 knockdown, we showed that CUGBP1 directly controls CD9 expression.     

Cloning and sequence analysis of a cDNA for the α-globin mRNA of carp, Cyprinus carpio

A cDNA for α-globin mRNA of the carp, Cyprinus carpio, was cloned by the method of Okayama and Berg (Mol. Cell. Biol. 2 (1982) 161–170) and its complete nucleotide sequence was determined. The 5′ non-coding region contained 23 nucleotides. Following this region, there was an open reading frame encoded with an α-globin polypeptide consisting of 142 amino acids. The 3′ non-coding region was 88 nucleotides in length, including two copies of the hexanucleotide AATAAA and a poly(A) site of the GC dinucleotide. There were 16 discrepancies between the reported amino acid sequence of the carp α-globin chain and the amino acid sequence predicted from the DNA sequence of the clone. The possible explanations for these differences in amino acid sequence are discussed.     

5-Substituted 2-benzylidene-1-tetralone analogues as A1 and/or A2A antagonists for the potential treatment of neurological conditions

Adenosine A₁ and A_2A receptors are attracting great interest as drug targets for their role in cognitive and motor deficits, respectively. Antagonism of both these adenosine receptors may offer therapeutic benefits in complex neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The aim of this study was to explore the affinity and selectivity of 2-benzylidene-1-tetralone derivatives as adenosine A₁ and A_2A receptor antagonists. Several 5-hydroxy substituted 2-benzylidene-1-tetralone analogues with substituents on ring B were synthesized and assessed as antagonists of the adenosine A₁ and A_2A receptors via radioligand binding assays. The results indicated that hydroxy substitution in the meta and para position of phenyl ring B, displayed the highest selectivity and affinity for the adenosine A₁ receptor with K_i values in the low micromolar range. Replacement of ring B with a 2-amino-pyrimidine moiety led to compound 12 with an increase of affinity and selectivity for the adenosine A_2A receptor. These substitution patterns led to enhanced adenosine A₁ and A_2A receptor binding affinity. The para-substituted 5-hydroxy analogue 3 behaved as an adenosine A₁ receptor antagonists in a GTP shift assay performed with rat whole brain membranes expressing adenosine A₁ receptors. In conclusion, compounds 3 and 12, showed the best adenosine A₁ and A_2A receptor affinity respectively, and therefore represent novel adenosine receptor antagonists that may have potential with further structural modifications as drug candidates for neurological disorders.     

Structure of the Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus M2-1 Protein in Complex with a Short Positive-Sense Gene-End RNA

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Human UP1 as a model for understanding purine recognition in the family of proteins containing the RNA recognition motif (RRM)

Heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) is a prototype for the family of eukaryotic RNA processing proteins containing the common RNA recognition motif (RRM). The region consisting of residues 1-195 of hnRNP A1 is referred to as UP1. This region has two RRMs and has a high affinity for both single-stranded RNA and the human telomeric repeat sequence d(TTAGGG)(n). We have used UP1's novel DNA binding to investigate how RRMs bind nucleic acid bases through their highly conserved RNP consensus sequences. Nine complexes of UP1 bound to modified telomeric repeats were investigated using equilibrium fluorescence binding and X-ray crystallography. In two of the complexes, alteration of a guanine to either 2-aminopurine or nebularine resulted in an increase in K(d) from 88nM to 209nM and 316nM, respectively. The loss of these orienting interactions between UP1 and the substituted base allows it to flip between syn and anti conformations. Substitution of the same base with 7-deaza-guanine preserves the O6/N1 contacts but still increases the K(d) to 296nM and suggests that it is not simply the loss of affinity that gives rise to the base mobility, but also the stereochemistry of the specific contact to O6. Although these studies provide details of UP1 interactions to nucleic acids, three general observations about RRMs are also evident: (1) as suggested by informatic studies, main-chain to base hydrogen bonding makes up an important aspect of ligand recognition (2) steric clashes generated by modification of a hydrogen bond donor-acceptor pair to a donor-donor pair are poorly tolerated and (3) a conserved lysine position proximal to RNP-2 (K(106)-IFVGGI) orients the purine to allow stereochemical discrimination between adenine and guanine based on the 6-position. This single interaction is well-conserved in known RRM structures and appears to be a broad indicator for purine preference in the larger family of RRM proteins.     

A quantitative method for detection of spliced X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1) mRNA as a measure of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is increasingly recognized as an important mechanism in a wide range of diseases including cystic fibrosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, there is an increased need for reliable and quantitative markers for detection of ER stress in human tissues and cells. Accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum can cause ER stress, which leads to the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR signaling involves splicing of X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1) mRNA, which is frequently used as a marker for ER stress. In most studies, the splicing of the XBP1 mRNA is visualized by gel electrophoresis which is laborious and difficult to quantify. In the present study, we have developed and validated a quantitative real-time RT-PCR method to detect the spliced form of XBP1 mRNA.     

Structure of POIA1, a homologous protein to the propeptide of subtilisin: implication for protein foldability and the function as an intramolecular chaperone

Solution structure of POIA1 (Pleurotus ostreatus proteinase A inhibitor 1), which functions as an intramolecular chaperone and as an inhibitor to subtilisin, was determined. By making use of the fact that POIA1 is the only structured protein that shows homology to the propeptide of subtilisin, which is unstructured by itself, foldability of this protein was elucidated. It became clear that the evolutionarily conserved residues play two important roles, one for the maintenance of its own structure, and the other for the interaction with subtilisin. Structural softness and mutational tolerance contained in the POIA1 structure makes it an ideal material for designing a foldable protein.     

A missing piece of the puzzle: Atg11 functions as a scaffold to activate Atg1 for selective autophagy

The mechanism regulating Atg1 kinase activity for the initiation of selective macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) under nutrient-rich conditions has been a long-standing question. Canonically in yeast, nutrient starvation or rapamycin treatment repress TOR complex 1 and stimulate the Atg1 complex (including at least Atg1, Atg13, Atg17, Atg29 and Atg31), which allows the recruitment of downstream autophagy-related (Atg) components to the phagophore assembly site (PAS), culminating in phagophore formation, and, subsequently, autophagosome biogenesis. Atg1 also functions under conditions promoting selective autophagy that do not necessarily require nutrient deprivation for induction. However, there has been some debate as to whether Atg1 catalytic activity plays a more important role under conditions of nutrient starvation-induced autophagy (i.e., bulk autophagy) vs. selective autophagy (e.g., the cytoplasm-to-vacuole targeting [Cvt] pathway). A recent paper by Kamber and colleagues investigates the mechanism regulating Atg1 activity during selective autophagy.     

Mouse CAF1 can function as a processive deadenylase/3'-5'-exonuclease in vitro but in yeast the deadenylase function of CAF1 is not required for mRNA poly(A) removal

The mouse CAF1 (mCAF1) is an ortholog of the yeast (y) CAF1 protein, which is a component of the CCR4-NOT complex, the major cytoplasmic deadenylase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Although CAF1 protein belongs to the DEDDh family of RNases, CCR4 appears to be the principle deadenylase of the CCR4-NOT complex. Here, we present evidence that mCAF1 is a processive, 3'-5'-RNase with a preference for poly(A) substrates. Like CCR4, increased length of RNA substrates converted mCAF1 into a processive enzyme. In contrast to two other DEDD family members, PAN2 and PARN, mCAF1 was not activated either by PAB1 or capped RNA substrates. The rate of deadenylation in vitro by yCCR4 and mCAF1 were both strongly influenced by secondary structures present in sequences adjacent to the poly(A) tail, suggesting that the ability of both enzymes to deadenylate might be affected by the context of the mRNA 3'-untranslated region sequences. The ability of mCAF1 to complement a ycaf1 deletion in yeast, however, did not require the RNase function of mCAF1. Importantly, yCAF1 mutations, which have been shown to block its RNase activity in vitro, did not inactivate yCAF1 in vivo, and mRNAs were deadenylated in vivo at nearly the same rate as found for wild type yCAF1. These results indicate that at least in yeast the CAF1 RNase activity is not required for its in vivo function.