Assembly of the central domain of the 30S ribosomal subunit: roles for the primary binding ribosomal proteins S15 and S8

Assembly of the 30S ribosomal subunit occurs in a highly ordered and sequential manner. The ordered addition of ribosomal proteins to the growing ribonucleoprotein particle is initiated by the association of primary binding proteins. These proteins bind specifically and independently to 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Two primary binding proteins, S8 and S15, interact exclusively with the central domain of 16S rRNA. Binding of S15 to the central domain results in a conformational change in the RNA and is followed by the ordered assembly of the S6/S18 dimer, S11 and finally S21 to form the platform of the 30S subunit. In contrast, S8 is not part of this major platform assembly branch. Of the remaining central domain binding proteins, only S21 association is slightly dependent on S8. Thus, although S8 is a primary binding protein that extensively contacts the central domain, its role in assembly of this domain remains unclear. Here, we used directed hydroxyl radical probing from four unique positions on S15 to assess organization of the central domain of 16S rRNA as a consequence of S8 association. Hydroxyl radical probing of Fe(II)-S15/16S rRNA and Fe(II)-S15/S8/16S rRNA ribonucleoprotein particles reveal changes in the 16S rRNA environment of S15 upon addition of S8. These changes occur predominantly in helices 24 and 26 near previously identified S8 binding sites. These S8-dependent conformational changes are consistent with 16S rRNA folding in complete 30S subunits. Thus, while S8 binding is not absolutely required for assembly of the platform, it appears to affect significantly the 16S rRNA environment of S15 by influencing central domain organization.     

Dissociation of proteins from the human 40S ribosomal subunit in a lithium chloride gradient

Human 40S ribosomal subunits were subjected to centrifugation through a 0.3–1.5 M LiCl gradient in 0.5 M KCl, 4 mM MgCl₂. Most of the proteins started to dissociate at the initial concentration of monovalent cations (0.8 M); the last to dissociate at 1.55 M salt were the core proteins S3, S5, S7, S10, S15, S16, S17, S19, S20, and S28; among these, S7, S10, S16, and S19 were the most tightly bound to 18S rRNA.     

Site-specific cleavage of the 40S ribosomal subunit reveals eukaryote-specific ribosomal protein S28 in the subunit head

After resolving the crystal structure of the prokaryotic ribosome, mapping the proteins in the eukaryotic ribosome is a challenging task. We applied RNase H digestion to split the human 40S ribosomal subunit into head and body parts. Mass spectrometry of the proteins in the 40S subunit head revealed the presence of eukaryote-specific ribosomal protein S28e. Recombinant S28e was capable of specific binding to the 3′ major domain of the 18S rRNA (K_a = 8.0 ± 0.5 × 10⁹ M⁻¹). We conclude that S28e has a binding site on the 18S rRNA within the 40S subunit head.

Structured summary

MINT-8044084: S8 (uniprotkb:P62241) and S19 (uniprotkb:P39019) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation through density gradient (MI:0029)MINT-8044095: S8 (uniprotkb:P62241), S19 (uniprotkb:P39019) and S13 (uniprotkb:P62277) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation through density gradient (MI:0029)MINT-8044024: S29 (uniprotkb:P62273), S28 (uniprotkb:P62857), S21 (uniprotkb:P63220), S20 (uniprotkb:P60866), S26 (uniprotkb:P62854), S25 (uniprotkb:P62851), S12 (uniprotkb:P25398), S17 (uniprotkb:P08708), S19 (uniprotkb:P39019), S14 (uniprotkb:P62263), S16 (uniprotkb:P62249) and S11 (uniprotkb:P62280) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation through density gradient (MI:0029)MINT-8044065: S29 (uniprotkb:P62273), S28 (uniprotkb:P62857), S19 (uniprotkb:P39019), S14 (uniprotkb:P62263) and S16 (uniprotkb:P62249) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation through density gradient (MI:0029)     

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.     

S6:S18 ribosomal protein complex interacts with a structural motif present in its own mRNA

Prokaryotic ribosomal protein genes are typically grouped within highly conserved operons. In many cases, one or more of the encoded proteins not only bind to a specific site in the ribosomal RNA, but also to a motif localized within their own mRNA, and thereby regulate expression of the operon. In this study, we computationally predicted an RNA motif present in many bacterial phyla within the 5′ untranslated region of operons encoding ribosomal proteins S6 and S18. We demonstrated that the S6:S18 complex binds to this motif, which we hereafter refer to as the S6:S18 complex-binding motif (S6S18CBM). This motif is a conserved CCG sequence presented in a bulge flanked by a stem and a hairpin structure. A similar structure containing a CCG trinucleotide forms the S6:S18 complex binding site in 16S ribosomal RNA. We have constructed a 3D structural model of a S6:S18 complex with S6S18CBM, which suggests that the CCG trinucleotide in a specific structural context may be specifically recognized by the S18 protein. This prediction was supported by site-directed mutagenesis of both RNA and protein components. These results provide a molecular basis for understanding protein-RNA recognition and suggest that the S6S18CBM is involved in an auto-regulatory mechanism.     

A region in the C-terminal domain of ribosomal protein SA required for binding of SA to the human 40S ribosomal subunit

The human ribosomal protein SA, known also as a precursor of the cell-surface laminin receptor, LAMR, is a protein of the 40S ribosomal subunit. It is homologous to eubacterial ribosomal protein S2p, but has a eukaryote-specific C-terminal domain (CTD) that is responsible in LAMR for the binding of laminin as well as prions and several viruses. Using serial deletions in the SA CTD, we showed that region between amino acids 236-262 is required for binding of the protein to 40S ribosomal subunits. All SA mutants containing this region protected nucleotides in hairpin 40 (which is not bound to any protein in the eubacterial 30S ribosomal subunit) of the 18S rRNA from hydroxyl radical attack. Comparison of our data with the cryo-EM models of the mammalian 40S ribosomal subunit allowed us to locate the SA CTD in the spatial structure of the 40S subunit.     

Structures of small subunit ribosomal RNAsin situ fromEscherichia coli andThermomyces lanuginosus

Small ribosomal subunits from the prokaryoteEscherichia coli and the eukaryoteThermomyces lanuginosus were imaged electron spectroscopically, and single particle analysis used to yield three-dimensional reconstructions of the net phosphorus distribution representing the nucleic acid (RNA) backbone. This direct approach showed both ribosomal RNAs to have a three domain structure and other characteristic morphological features. The eukaryotic small ribosomal subunit had a prominent bill present in the head domain, while the prokaryotic subunit had a small vestigial bill. Both ribosomal subunits contaied a thick collar central domain which correlates to the site of the evolutionarily conserved ribosomal RNA core, and the location of the majority of ribosomal RNA bases that have been implicated in translation. The reconstruction of the prokaryotic subunit had a prominent protrusion extending from the collar, forming a channel approximately 1.5 nm wide and potentially representing a bridge to the large subunit in the intact monosome. The basal domain of the prokaryotic ribosomal subunit was protein free. In this region of the eukaryotic subunit, there were two basal lobes composed of ribosomal RNA, consistent with previous hypotheses that this is a site for the non-conserved core ribosomal RNA.     

Molecular environment of the subdomain IIIe loop of the RNA IRES element of hepatitis C virus on the human 40S ribosomal subunit

The molecular environment of the internal ribosome entry site (IRES element) of hepatitis C viral (HCV) RNA in the binary complex with the human 40S ribosomal subunit was studied. To this end, RNA derivatives bearing mild UV-reactive perfluorophenylazide groups at nucleotide G87 in IRES domain II and at nucleotide A296 in the subdomain IIIe loop were used, which were prepared by the RNA complementarily-addressed modification with alkylating oligonucleotide derivatives. None of the RNA derivatives were shown to be crosslinked to the 18S rRNA of the 40S subunit. It was found that the photoreactive group of IRES nucleotide A296 crosslinked to the 40S subunit S2/S3a, S5, and p40 (SOA) proteins. No protein crosslinking was observed for the RNA derivative containing the same photoreactive group at nucleotide G87. It was concluded that the subdomain IIIe loop of the HCV RNA IRES element in the complex with the 40S subunit is located on the subunit between the head and the body aside the “beak” near the exit from the mRNA-binding channel.     

Binding of human ribosomal protein p40 and its truncated mutants to the small ribosomal subunit

Ribosomal protein SA (rpSA), or p40, is a structural element of the small subunit of the eukaryotic ribosome. The N-terminal and central parts of rpSA are homologous to prokaryotic S2, whereas its C-terminal part is specific to eukaryotes. Preparations of 40S ribosomal subunits isolated from full-term human placenta proved to be deficient in SA to a varying extent. To study the rpSA binding to human 40S subunits, recombinant rpSA and its mutant forms with N-and C-terminal deletions were synthesized. The full-size and N-truncated rpSA variants bound to 40S subunits, while deletion of the C-terminal domain completely abolished the binding.     

The ribosomal protein Rps15p is required for nuclear exit of the 40S subunit precursors in yeast

We have conducted a genetic screen in order to identify ribosomal proteins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae involved in nuclear export of the small subunit precursors. This has led us to distinguish Rps15p as a protein dispensable for maturation of the pre-40S particles, but whose assembly into the pre-ribosomes is a prerequisite to their nuclear exit. Upon depletion of Rps15p, 20S pre-rRNA is released from the nucleolus and retained in the nucleus, without alteration of the pre-rRNA early cleavages. In contrast, Rps18p, which contacts Rps15p in the small subunit, is required upstream for pre-rRNA processing at site A2. Most pre-40S specific factors are correctly associated with the intermediate particles accumulating in the nucleus upon Rps15p depletion, except the late-binding proteins Tsr1p and Rio2p. Here we show that these two proteins are dispensable for nuclear exit; instead, they participate in 20S pre-rRNA processing in the cytoplasm. We conclude that, during the final maturation steps in the nucleus, incorporation of the ribosomal protein Rps15p is specifically required to render the pre-40S particles competent for translocation to the cytoplasm.     

Identification and phylogeny of ascomycetous yeasts from analysis of nuclear large subunit (26S) ribosomal DNA partial sequences

Approximately 500 species of ascomycetous yeasts, including members of Candida and other anamorphic genera, were analyzed for extent of divergence in the variable D1/D2 domain of large subunit (26S) ribosomal DNA. Divergence in this domain is generally sufficient to resolve individual species, resulting in the prediction that 55 currently recognized taxa are synonyms of earlier described species. Phylogenetic relationships among the ascomycetous yeasts were analyzed from D1/D2 sequence divergence. For comparison, the phylogeny of selected members of the Saccharomyces clade was determined from 18S rDNA sequences. Species relationships were highly concordant between the D1/D2 and 18S trees when branches were statistically well supported.     

The HCV IRES pseudoknot positions the initiation codon on the 40S ribosomal subunit

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) genomic RNA contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) in its 5′ untranslated region, the structure of which is essential for viral protein translation. The IRES includes a predicted pseudoknot interaction near the AUG start codon, but the results of previous studies of its structure have been conflicting. Using mutational analysis coupled with activity and functional assays, we verified the importance of pseudoknot base pairings for IRES-mediated translation and, using 35 mutants, conducted a comprehensive study of the structural tolerance and functional contributions of the pseudoknot. Ribosomal toeprinting experiments show that the entirety of the pseudoknot element positions the initiation codon in the mRNA binding cleft of the 40S ribosomal subunit. Optimal spacing between the pseudoknot and the start site AUG resembles that between the Shine–Dalgarno sequence and the initiation codon in bacterial mRNAs. Finally, we validated the HCV IRES pseudoknot as a potential drug target using antisense 2′-OMe oligonucleotides.     

16S rRNA序列分析法在医学微生物鉴定中的应用

１６Ｓ ｒＲＮＡ序列分析作为微生物系统分类的主要依据已得到了广泛认同,随着微生物核糖体数据库的日益完善,该技术成为细菌分类和鉴定的一个有力工具。本文概述了 １６５ ｒＲＮＡ序列分析法的技术步骤以及该技术在医学微生物研究中的应用,总结了目前文献报导的各种致病微生物种属特异性 １６５ ｒＲＮＡ引物和探针序列,同时分析了该技术在应用中存在的一些问题。     

Yeast strains with N-terminally truncated ribosomal protein S5: implications for the evolution,structure and function of the Rps5/Rps7 proteins

Ribosomal protein (rp)S5 belongs to the family of the highly conserved rp’s that contains rpS7 from prokaryotes and rpS5 from eukaryotes. Alignment of rpS5/rpS7 from metazoans (Homo sapiens), fungi (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and bacteria (Escherichia coli) shows that the proteins contain a conserved central/C-terminal core region and possess variable N-terminal regions. Yeast rpS5 is 69 amino acids (aa) longer than the E. coli rpS7 protein; and human rpS5 is 48 aa longer than the rpS7, respectively. To investigate the function of the yeast rpS5 and in particular the role of its N-terminal region, we obtained and characterized yeast strains in which the wild-type yeast rpS5 was replaced by its truncated variants, lacking 13, 24, 30 and 46 N-terminal amino acids, respectively. All mutant yeast strains were viable and displayed only moderately reduced growth rates, with the exception of the strain lacking 46 N-terminal amino acids, which had a doubling time of about 3 h. Biochemical analysis of the mutant yeast strains suggests that the N-terminal part of the eukaryotic and, in particular, yeast rpS5 may impact the ability of 40S subunits to function properly in translation and affect the efficiency of initiation, specifically the recruitment of initiation factors eIF3 and eIF2.     

A ribonuclease from yeast associated with the 40 S ribosomal subunit.

1. Autodegradation of yeast ribosomes is due to a 'latent' ribonuclease which is associated with the 40 S ribosomal subunit. 2. The ribonuclease was extracted in the presence of EDTA from ribosomes and purified 118-rold by protamine sulphate precipitation, (NH4)2SO4 fractionation and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. 3. The optimum pH for this enzyme is 5 to 6.5 while the optimum temperature is 45 to 50 degrees C. Incubation for 10 min at 60 degrees C caused a reduction in enzyme activity of 70%. 4. The ribonuclease has an endonucleolytic activity against rRNA, tRNA, poly(A), poly(U) and poly(C) but does not degrade poly(G) or DNA. It hydrolyzes the homopolymers to nucleoside 3'-phosphates. 5. Zn2+, Mn2+, heparin, glutathione and p-chloromercuribenzoate inhibit the ribonuclease, while Na+, K+, EDTA and sermidine have only little or no effect. 6. It binds tightly to yeast ribosomes but only loosely to ribonuclease-free wheat germ ribosomes. 7. Polyribosomes possess less autodegradation activity than monoribosomes, isolated from the same homogenate.     

Demonstration of nucleomorph-encoded eukaryotic small subunit ribosomal RNA in cryptomonads

Summary In cryptomonads, unicellular phototrophic flagellates, the plastid(s) is (are) located in a special narrow compartment which is bordered by two membranes; it harbours neither mitochondria nor Golgi dictyosomes but comprises eukaryotic ribosomes and starch grains together with a small organelle called the nucleomorph. The nucleomorph contains DNA and is surrounded by a double membrane with pores. It is thought to be the vestigial nucleus of a phototrophic eukaryotic endosymbiont. Cryptomonads are therefore supposed to represent an intermediate state in the evolution of complex plastids from endosymbionts. We have succeeded in isolating pure nucleomorph fractions, and can thus provide, using pulsed field gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis, definitive proof for the eukaryotic nature of the symbiont and its phylogenetic origin.     

家蚕内网虫属微孢虫核糖体小亚单位RNA(SSUrRNA)核心序列的克隆和序列分析

Endoreticulatus bombycis is a new pathogenic microspordia isolated from the silkworm larvae.With polymerase chain reaction(PCR) method,we amplified a fragment of the core sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA( SSUr-RNA) of Endoreticulatus bombycis.The SSUrRNA fragment was inserted into pMD18-T Vector and then cloned.It had a length of 1230 nucleotides and a percentage GC content of 51.3%.The accession number in Genbank is gill 181769|AY009115.The secondary structure model of the SSUrRNA of Endoreticulatus bombycis was constructed both on the bases of the sequence alignment and RNAFOLD program of the PC-GENE package.The secondary structure model revealed that Endoreticulatus bombycis lacked many cukaryotic hclices.such as heli10,helix 11.helix 18,helix 43 and helix 46,but it has V4 region and has more of prokaryotic character.Analyzed by Blast,Endoreticulatus bombycis.Endoreticulatus schubergi and pleistophora sp.(Sd-Nu-IW8201) have a high similarity,over 98%,Phylogeny tree of Endoreticulatus and Pleistophora species showed that Endoreticulatus and Pleistophora sp.(Sd0Nu-IW8201) was in a group and the other Pleistophora species were in another group[Acta Zoologica Sinica 49(3):414-420,2001].