The 16S rRNA binding site of Thermus thermophilus ribosomal protein S15: comparison with Escherichia coli S15, minimum site and structure.

Binding of Escherichia coli and Thermus thermophilus ribosomal proteins S15 to a 16S ribosomal RNA fragment from T. thermophilus (nt 559-753) has been investigated in detail by extensive deletion analysis, filter-binding assays, gel mobility shift, structure probing, footprinting with chemical, enzymatic, and hydroxyl radical probes. Both S15 proteins recognize two distinct sites. The first one maps in the bottom of helix 638-655/717-734 (H22) and in the three-way junction between helix 560-570/737-747 (H20), helix 571-600/606-634 (H21), and H22. The second is located in a conserved purine-rich region in the center of H22. The first site provides a higher contribution to the free energy of binding than the second one, and both are required for efficient binding. A short RNA fragment of 56 nt containing these elements binds S15 with high affinity. The structure of the rRNA is constrained by the three-way junction and requires both magnesium and S15 to be stabilized. A 3D model, derived by computer modeling with the use of experimental data, suggests that the bound form adopts a Y-shaped conformation, with a quasi-coaxial stacking of H22 on H20, and H21 forming an acute angle with H22. In this model, S15 binds to the shallow groove of the RNA on the exterior side of the Y-shaped structure, making contact with the two sites, which are separated by one helix turn.     

Role of conserved nucleotides in building the 16S rRNA binding site of E. coli ribosomal protein S8.

Ribosomal protein S8 specifically recognizes a helical and irregular region of 16S rRNA that is highly evolutionary constrained. Despite its restricted size, the precise conformation of this region remains a question of debate. Here, we used chemical probing to analyze the structural consequences of mutations in this RNA region. These data, combined with computer modelling and previously published data on protein binding were used to investigate the conformation of the RNA binding site. The experimental data confirm the model in which adenines A595, A640 and A642 bulge out in the deep groove. In addition to the already proposed non canonical U598-U641 interaction, the structure is stabilized by stacking interactions (between A595 and A640) and an array of hydrogen bonds involving bases and the sugar phosphate backbone. Mutations that alter the ability to form these interdependent interactions result in a local destabilization or reorganization. The specificity of recognition by protein S8 is provided by the irregular and distorted backbone and the two bulged adenines 640 and 642 in the deep groove. The third adenine (A595) is not a direct recognition site but must adopt a bulged position. The U598-U641 pair should not be directly in contact with the protein.     

Role of conserved nucleotides in building the 16 S rRNA binding site for ribosomal protein S15

Ribosomal protein S15 recognizes a highly conserved target on 16 S rRNA, which consists of two distinct binding regions. Here, we used extensive site-directed mutagenesis on a Escherichia coli 16 S rRNA fragment containing the S15 binding site, to investigate the role of conserved nucleotides in protein recognition and to evaluate the relative contribution of the two sites. The effect of mutations on S15 recognition was studied by measuring the relative binding affinity, RNA probing and footprinting. The crystallographic structure of the Thermus thermophilus complex allowed molecular modelling of the E. coli complex and facilitated interpretation of biochemical data. Binding is essentially driven by site 1, which includes a three-way junction constrained by a conserved base triple and cross-strand stacking. Recognition is based mainly on shape complementarity, and the role of conserved nucleotides is to maintain a unique backbone geometry. The wild-type base triple is absolutely required for protein interaction, while changes in the conserved surrounding nucleotides are partially tolerated. Site 2, which provides functional groups in a conserved G-U/G-C motif, contributes only modestly to the stability of the interaction. Binding to this motif is dependent on binding at site 1 and is allowed only if the two sites are in the correct relative orientation. Non-conserved bulged nucleotides as well as a conserved purine interior loop, although not directly involved in recognition, are used to provide an appropriate flexibility between the two sites. In addition, correct binding at the two sites triggers conformational adjustments in the purine interior loop and in a distal region, which are known to be involved for subsequent binding of proteins S6 and S18. Thus, the role of site 1 is to anchor S15 to the rRNA, while binding at site 2 is aimed to induce a cascade of events required for subunit assembly.     

Dissection of the 16S rRNA binding site for ribosomal protein S4

The ribosomal protein S4 from Escherichia coli is essential for initiation of assembly of 30S ribosomal subunits. We have undertaken the identification of specific features required in the 16S rRNA for S4 recognition by synthesizing mutants bearing deletions within a 460 nucleotide region which contains the minimum S4 binding site. We made a set of large nested deletions in a subdomain of the molecule, as well as individual deletions of nine hairpins, and used a nitrocellulose filter binding assay to calculate association constants. Some small hairpins can be eliminated with only minor effects on S4 recognition, while three hairpins scattered throughout the domain (76-90, 376-389 and 456-476) are essential for specific interaction. The loop sequence of hairpin 456-476 is important for S4 binding, and may be directly recognized by the protein. Some of the essential features are in phylogenetically variable regions; consistent with this, Mycoplasma capricolum rRNA is only weakly recognized by S4, and no specific binding to Xenopus laevis rRNA can be detected.     

Site-directed mutagenesis of the binding site for ribosomal protein S8 within 16S ribosomal RNA from Escherichia coli.

Twelve specific alterations have been introduced into the binding site for ribosomal protein S8 in Escherichia coli 16S rRNA. Appropriate rDNA segments were first cloned into bacteriophage M13 vectors and subjected to bisulfite and oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis in vitro. Subsequently, the mutagenized sequences were placed within the rrnB operon of plasmid pNO1301 and the mutant plasmids were used to transform E. coli recipients. The growth rates of cells containing the mutant plasmids were determined and compared with that of cells containing the wild-type plasmid. Only those mutations which occurred at highly conserved positions, or were expected to disrupt the secondary structure of the binding site, increased the doubling time appreciably. The most striking changes in growth rate resulted from mutations that altered a small internal loop within the S8 binding site. This structure is phylogenetically conserved in prokaryotic 16S rRNAs and may play a direct role in S8-16S rRNA recognition and interaction.     

The structure of the RNA binding site of ribosomal proteins S8 and S15.

Proteins S8 and S15 from the 30 S ribosomal subunit of Escherichia coli were bound to 16 S RNA and digested with ribonuclease A. A ribonucleoprotein complex was isolated which contained the two proteins and three noncontiguous RNA subfragments totaling 93 nucleotides, that could be unambiguously located in the 16 S RNA sequence. We present a secondary structural model for the RNA moiety of the binding site complex, in which the two smaller fragments are extensively base-paired, respectively, to the two halves of the large fragment, to form two disconnected duplexes. Each of the two duplexes is interrupted by a small internal loop. This model is supported by (i) minimum energy considerations, (ii) sites of cleavage by ribonuclease A, and (iii) modification by the single strand-specific reagent kethoxal. The effect of protein binding on the topography of the complex is reflected in the kethoxal reactivity of the RNA moiety. In the absence of the proteins, 5 guanines are modified; 4 of these, at positions 663, 732, 733, and 741, are strongly protected from kethoxal when protein S15 is bound.     

Specific recognition of rpsO mRNA and 16S rRNA by Escherichia coli ribosomal protein S15 relies on both mimicry and site differentiation

The ribosomal protein S15 binds to 16S rRNA, during ribosome assembly, and to its own mRNA (rpsO mRNA), affecting autocontrol of its expression. In both cases, the RNA binding site is bipartite with a common subsite consisting of a G*U/G-C motif. The second subsite is located in a three-way junction in 16S rRNA and in the distal part of a stem forming a pseudoknot in Escherichia coli rpsO mRNA. To determine the extent of mimicry between these two RNA targets, we determined which amino acids interact with rpsO mRNA. A plasmid carrying rpsO (the S15 gene) was mutagenized and introduced into a strain lacking S15 and harbouring an rpsO-lacZ translational fusion. Analysis of deregulated mutants shows that each subsite of rpsO mRNA is recognized by a set of amino acids known to interact with 16S rRNA. In addition to the G*U/G-C motif, which is recognized by the same amino acids in both targets, the other subsite interacts with amino acids also involved in contacts with helix H22 of 16S rRNA, in the region adjacent to the three-way junction. However, specific S15-rpsO mRNA interactions can also be found, probably with A(-46) in loop L1 of the pseudoknot, demonstrating that mimicry between the two targets is limited.     

A ribosomal ambiguity mutation in the 530 loop of E. coli 16S rRNA.

A series of base substitution and deletion mutations were constructed in the highly conserved 530 stem and loop region of E. coli 16S rRNA involved in binding of tRNA to the ribosomal A site. Base substitution and deletion of G517 produced significant effects on cell growth rate and translational fidelity, permitting readthrough of UGA, UAG and UAA stop codons as well as stimulating +1 and -1 frameshifting in vivo. By contrast, mutations at position 534 had little or no effect on growth rate or translational fidelity. The results demonstrate the importance of G517 in maintaining translational fidelity but do not support a base pairing interaction between G517 and U534.     

The 30S ribosomal P site: a function of 16S rRNA

The 30S ribosomal P site serves several functions in translation. It must specifically bind initiator tRNA during formation of the 30S initiation complex; bind the anticodon stem-loop of peptidyl-tRNA during the elongation phase; and help to maintain the translational reading frame when the A site is unoccupied. Early experiments provided evidence that 16S rRNA was an important component of the 30S P site. Footprinting and crosslinking studies later implicated specific nucleotides in interactions with tRNA. The crystal structures of the 30S subunit and 70S ribosome-tRNA complexes confirmed the interactions between 16S rRNA and tRNA, but also revealed contacts between tRNA and the C-terminal tails of proteins S9 and S13. Deletion of these tails now shows that the 16S rRNA contacts alone are sufficient to support protein synthesis in living cells.     

rig encodes ribosomal protein S15. The primary structure of mammalian ribosomal protein S15

rig, a gene originally isolated from a rat insulinoma cDNA library, codes for a basic 145 amino acid protein [( 1986) Diabetes 35, 1178-1180]. Here we show that the immunoreactivity to a monoclonal antibody against the deduced rig protein and the translation product of rig mRNA comigrated with ribosomal protein S15. The amino acid sequence of ribosomal protein S15 purified from rat liver coincided with that deduced from the nucleotide sequence of rig mRNA, but there were indications that the initiator methionine was removed and the succeeding alanyl residue was monoacetylated. From these results, we conclude that the product of rig is ribosomal protein S15.     

The structure of the archaebacterial ribosomal protein S7 and its possible interaction with 16S rRNA.

Ribosomal protein S7 is one of the ubiquitous components of the small subunit of the ribosome. It is a 16S rRNA-binding protein positioned close to the exit of the tRNA, and it plays a role in initiating assembly of the head of the 30S subunit. Previous structural analyses of eubacterial S7 have shown that it has a stable alpha-helix core and a flexible beta-arm. Unlike these eubacterial proteins, archaebacterial or eukaryotic S7 has an N-terminal extension of approximately 60 residues. The crystal structure of S7 from archaebacterium Pyrococcus horikoshii (PhoS7) has been determined at 2.1 A resolution. The final model of PhoS7 consists of six major alpha-helices, a short 3(10)-helix and two beta-stands. The major part (residues 18-45) of the N-terminal extension of PhoS7 reinforces the alpha-helical core by well-extended hydrophobic interactions, while the other part (residues 46-63) is not visible in the crystal and is possibly fixed only by interacting with 16S rRNA. These differences in the N-terminal extension as well as in the insertion (between alpha1 and alpha2) of the archaebacterial S7 structure from eubacterial S7 are such that they do not necessitate a major change in the structure of the currently available eubacterial 16S rRNA. Some of the inserted chains might pass through gaps formed by helices of the 16S rRNA.     

The 3'' terminus of 16S rRNA: secondary structure and interaction with ribosomal protein S1.

We report studies of the secondary structure and S1 ribosomal protein binding properties of the colicin fragment, containing 49 residues from the 3' terminus of E. coli 16S rRNA. Temperature jump relaxation kinetic measurements reveal two helices in the structure. One of these, melting at 81 degrees C in 5 mM Mg2+, is associated with the 9-base pair hairpin helix predicted by the nucleotide sequence. The other melting transition, at 21 degrees C in 5 mM Mg2+, is assigned to a 4-base pair helix which constrains the pyrimidine tract of the colicin fragment into a bulge loop. S1 protein forms a strong 1:1 complex with the colicin fragment, with an association constant of 5 x 10(6) M-1 in 5 mM Mg2+. More protein molecules are bound, but with weaker affinity, when the S1 concentration is increased. S1 binding causes melting of the colicin fragment secondary structure, as inferred from the observed absorbance increase. The S1 binding site on the colicin fragment has been localized in the region of the bulge loop, since the melting transition corresponding to the 4-base pair helix is lost in the complex. We discuss current models for the role of S1 protein in polypeptide chain initiation in light of these and previous results.     

Mapping the ribosomal protein S7 regulatory binding site on mRNA of the E. coli streptomycin operon

In this work it is shown by deletion analysis that an intercistronic region (ICR) approximately 80 nucleotides in length is necessary for interaction with recombinant E. coli S7 protein (r6hEcoS7). A model is proposed for the interaction of S7 with two ICR sites-region of hairpin bifurcations and Shine-Dalgarno sequence of cistron S7. A de novo RNA binding site for heterologous S7 protein of Thermus thermophilus (r6hTthS7) was constructed by selection of a combinatorial RNA library based on E. coli ICR: it has only a single supposed protein recognition site in the region of bifurcation. The SERW technique was used for selection of two intercistronic RNA libraries in which five nucleotides of a double-stranded region, adjacent to the bifurcation, had the randomized sequence. One library contained an authentic AG (?82/?20) pair, while in the other this pair was replaced by AU. A serwamer capable of specific binding to r6hTthS7 was selected; it appeared to be the RNA68 mutant with eight nucleotide mutations. The serwamer binds to r6hTthS7 with the same affinity as homologous authentic ICR of str mRNA binds to r6hEcoS7; apparent dissociation constants are 89 ± 43 and 50 ± 24 nM, respectively.     

Role of N-terminal helix in interaction of ribosomal protein S15 with 16S rRNA

The position and conformation of the N-terminal helix of free ribosomal protein S15 was earlier found to be modified under various conditions. This variability was supposed to provide the recognition by the protein of its specific site on 16S rRNA. To test this hypothesis, we substituted some amino acid residues in this helix and assessed effects of these substitutions on the affinity of the protein for 16S rRNA. The crystal structure of the complex of one of these mutants (Thr3Cys S15) with the 16S rRNA fragment was determined, and a computer model of the complex containing another mutant (Gln8Met S15) was designed. The available and new information was analyzed in detail, and the N-terminal helix was concluded to play no significant role in the specific binding of the S15 protein to its target on 16S rRNA.     

The binding site for ribosomal protein L2 within 23S ribosomal RNA of Escherichia coli.

Ribosomal protein L2 from Escherichia coli binds to and protects from nuclease digestion a substantial portion of 'domain IV' of 23S rRNA. In particular, oligonucleotides derived from the sequence 1757-1935 were isolated and shown to rebind specifically to protein L2 in vitro. Other L2-protected oligonucleotides, also derived from domain IV (i.e. from residues 1955-2010) did not rebind to protein L2 in vitro nor did others derived from domain I. Given that protein L2 is widely believed to be located in the peptidyl transferase centre of the 50S ribosomal subunit, these data suggest that domain IV of 23S rRNA is also present in that active site of the ribosomal enzyme.