Ribosomal crystallography: a flexible nucleotide anchoring tRNA translocation, facilitates peptide-bond formation, chirality discrimination and antibiotics synergism

FEBS Lett. 2004 Jun 1;567(1):20-6. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2004.03.065.

Abstract

The linkage between internal ribosomal symmetry and transfer RNA (tRNA) positioning confirmed positional catalysis of amino-acid polymerization. Peptide bonds are formed concurrently with tRNA-3' end rotatory motion, in conjunction with the overall messenger RNA (mRNA)/tRNA translocation. Accurate substrate alignment, mandatory for the processivity of protein biosynthesis, is governed by remote interactions. Inherent flexibility of a conserved nucleotide, anchoring the rotatory motion, facilitates chirality discrimination and antibiotics synergism. Potential tRNA interactions explain the universality of the tRNA CCA-end and P-site preference of initial tRNA. The interactions of protein L2 tail with the symmetry-related region periphery explain its conservation and its contributions to nascent chain elongation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Azithromycin / pharmacology
  • Catalysis
  • Crystallography, X-Ray / methods*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protein Transport
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA, Transfer / chemistry
  • RNA, Transfer / metabolism
  • Ribosomes / chemistry*
  • Ribosomes / ultrastructure*
  • Substrate Specificity
  • Virginiamycin / pharmacology

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Peptides
  • Protein Isoforms
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Virginiamycin
  • quinupristin-dalfopristin
  • Azithromycin
  • RNA, Transfer