What recent ribosome structures have revealed about the mechanism of translation

Abstract

The high-resolution structures of ribosomal subunits published in 2000 have revolutionized the field of protein translation. They facilitated the determination and interpretation of functional complexes of the ribosome by crystallography and electron microscopy. Knowledge of the precise positions of residues in the ribosome in various states has facilitated increasingly sophisticated biochemical and genetic experiments, as well as the use of new methods such as single-molecule kinetics. In this review, we discuss how the interaction between structural and functional studies over the last decade has led to a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying translation.

Eukaryote-specific extensions in ribosomal proteins of the small subunit: Structure and function

“…1,2 In both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, ribosomes are composed of 2 subunits with distinct functions, small and large. The small subunit decodes the mRNA within its decoding center (DC).…”

“…The small subunit decodes the mRNA within its decoding center (DC). 1,2 The large subunit catalyzes peptide bond formation in its peptidyl transferase center (PTC). 1,2 Eukaryotic 80S ribosomes (composed of 60S and 40S subunits) have evolved to be much larger in size with more proteins and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) than their archeal, or bacterial counterparts, (70S ribosomes composed of 50S and 30S subunits).…”

Vers un ribosome artificiel

“…Le ribosome, que l'on trouve dans chaque cellule vivante, est un énorme complexe ribonucléoprotéique qui assure la synthèse des protéines au départ de l'information contenue dans l'ARN messager [6]. Lorsque le ribosome entre en action, les deux sous-unités qui le composent viennent s'amarrer l'une à l'autre en enserrant la chaîne d'ARN en leur sein, tel un poing serrant une corde.…”

Ribosome Subunit Stapling for Orthogonal Translation in E. coli

“…Many key ribosomal functions, including interactions with tRNAs and elongation factors, peptide bond formation in the peptidyl‐transferase center (PTC), and the folding and release of the nascent chain through the exit tunnel,1, 6 are mediated by 23S rRNA within the large subunit. These functional centers cannot be evolved in the current orthogonal ribosome that uses the endogenous pool of large subunits, containing 23S rRNA, in combination with the orthogonal small subunit, containing O‐16S rRNA, to translate the O‐mRNA (Figure 1).…”