Accuracy modulating mutations of the ribosomal protein S4-S5 interface do not necessarily destabilize the rps4-rps5 protein-protein interaction

RNA. 2009 Jun;15(6):1100-9. doi: 10.1261/rna.1530509. Epub 2009 Apr 22.

Abstract

During the process of translation, an aminoacyl tRNA is selected in the A site of the decoding center of the small subunit based on the correct codon-anticodon base pairing. Though selection is usually accurate, mutations in the ribosomal RNA and proteins and the presence of some antibiotics like streptomycin alter translational accuracy. Recent crystallographic structures of the ribosome suggest that cognate tRNAs induce a "closed conformation" of the small subunit that stabilizes the codon-anticodon interactions at the A site. During formation of the closed conformation, the protein interface between rpS4 and rpS5 is broken while new contacts form with rpS12. Mutations in rpS12 confer streptomycin resistance or dependence and show a hyperaccurate phenotype. Mutations reversing streptomycin dependence affect rpS4 and rpS5. The canonical rpS4 and rpS5 streptomycin independent mutations increase translational errors and were called ribosomal ambiguity mutations (ram). The mutations in these proteins are proposed to affect formation of the closed complex by breaking the rpS4-rpS5 interface, which reduces the cost of domain closure and thus increases translational errors. We used a yeast two-hybrid system to study the interactions between the small subunit ribosomal proteins rpS4 and rpS5 and to test the effect of ram mutations on the stability of the interface. We found no correlation between ram phenotype and disruption of the interface.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Models, Molecular
  • Mutation*
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Conformation
  • RNA, Transfer / metabolism
  • Ribosomal Proteins / genetics*
  • Ribosomal Proteins / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Two-Hybrid System Techniques

Substances

  • Ribosomal Proteins
  • ribosomal protein S4
  • ribosomal protein S5
  • RNA, Transfer