The T-Box Riboswitch: tRNA as an Effector to Modulate Gene Regulation

The T-box riboswitch is a unique, RNA-based regulatory mechanism that modulates expression of a wide variety of amino acid-related genes, predominantly in Firmicutes. RNAs of this class selectively bind a specific cognate tRNA, utilizing recognition of the tRNA anticodon and other tRNA features. The riboswitch monitors the aminoacylation status of the tRNA to induce expression of the regulated downstream gene(s) at the level of transcription antitermination or derepression of translation initiation in response to reduced tRNA charging via stabilization of an antiterminator or antisequestrator. Recent biochemical and structural studies have revealed new features of tRNA recognition that extend beyond the initially identified Watson-Crick base-pairing of a codon-like sequence in the riboswitch with the tRNA anticodon, and residues in the antiterminator or antisequestrator with the tRNA acceptor end. These studies have revealed new tRNA contacts and new modes of riboswitch function and ligand recognition that expand our understanding of RNA-RNA recognition and the biological roles of tRNA.