Locking and unlocking of ribosomal motions

Cell. 2003 Jul 11;114(1):123-34. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(03)00476-8.

Abstract

During the ribosomal translocation, the binding of elongation factor G (EF-G) to the pretranslocational ribosome leads to a ratchet-like rotation of the 30S subunit relative to the 50S subunit in the direction of the mRNA movement. By means of cryo-electron microscopy we observe that this rotation is accompanied by a 20 A movement of the L1 stalk of the 50S subunit, implying that this region is involved in the translocation of deacylated tRNAs from the P to the E site. These ribosomal motions can occur only when the P-site tRNA is deacylated. Prior to peptidyl-transfer to the A-site tRNA or peptide removal, the presence of the charged P-site tRNA locks the ribosome and prohibits both of these motions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites / genetics
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Eukaryotic Cells / metabolism*
  • Eukaryotic Cells / ultrastructure
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Peptide Elongation Factor G / genetics
  • Peptide Elongation Factor G / metabolism*
  • Peptides / genetics
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Protein Biosynthesis / genetics*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary / genetics
  • Protein Subunits / genetics
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / ultrastructure
  • RNA, Transfer / genetics
  • RNA, Transfer / metabolism*
  • RNA, Transfer / ultrastructure
  • Ribosomes / genetics
  • Ribosomes / metabolism*
  • Ribosomes / ultrastructure
  • Rotation

Substances

  • Peptide Elongation Factor G
  • Peptides
  • Protein Subunits
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Transfer

Associated data

  • PDB/1PN6
  • PDB/1PN7
  • PDB/1PN8