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High-resolution structures of both ribosomal subunits revealed that most stages of protein biosynthesis, including decoding of genetic information, are navigated and controlled by the elaborate ribosomal architecturaldesign. Remote interactions govern accurate substrate alignment within a flexible active-site pocket [peptidyl transferase center (PTC)], and spatial considerations, due mainly to a universal mobile nucleotide, U2585, ensure proper chirality by interfering with D-amino-acids incorporation. tRNA translocation involves two correlated motions: overall mRNA/tRNA (messenger and transfer RNA) shift, and a rotation of the tRNA single-stranded aminoacylated-3 0 end around the bond connecting it with the tRNA helical-regions. This bond coincides with an axis passing through a sizable symmetry-related region, identified around the PTC in all large-subunit crystal structures. Propelled by a bulged universal nucleotide, A2602, positioned at the two-fold symmetry axis, and guided by a ribosomal-RNA scaffold along an exact pattern, the rotatory motion results in stereochemistry optimal for peptide-bond formation and in geometry ensuring nascent proteins entrance into their exit tunnel. Hence, confirming that ribosomes contribute positional rather than chemical catalysis, and that peptide bond formation is concurrent with A-to P-site tRNA passage. Connecting between the PTC, the decoding center, the tRNA entrance and exit points, the symmetry-related region can transfer intra-ribosomal signals between remote functional locations, guaranteeing smooth processivity of amino acids polymerization. Ribosomal proteins are involved in accurate substrate placement (L16), discrimination and signal transmission (L22) and protein biosynthesis regulation (CTC). Residing on the exit tunnel walls near its entrance, and stretching to its opening, protein-L22 can mediate ribosome response to cellular regulatory signals, since it can swing across the tunnel, causing gating and elongation arrest. Each of the protein CTC domains has a defined task. The N-terminal domain stabilizes the intersubunit-bridge confining the A-site-tRNA entrance. The middle domain protects the bridge conformation at elevated temperatures. The C-terminal domain can undergo substantial conformational rearrangements upon substrate binding, indicating CTC participation in biosynthesiscontrol under stressful conditions.

RNA protection experiments and the crystal structure of a complex of the large ribosomal subunit from the eubacterium Deinococcus radiodurans with rapamycin, a polyketide compound resembling macrolides and ketolides, showed that rapamycin binds to a crevice located at the boundaries of the nascent protein exit tunnel, near its entrance. At this location rapamycin cannot occlude the ribosome exit tunnel, consistent with its failure to act as a ribosomal antibiotic drug. In accord with recent biochemical data, this crevice may play a role in facilitating local cotranslational folding of nascent chains, in particular for transmembrane proteins.

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 0 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.

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