A neutron investigation of yeast valyl-tRNA synthetase interaction with tRNAs

A new way of studying RNA-protein complexes, using neutron small angle scattering in solution, is described and was applied in the case of the system, yeast valyl-tRNA synthetase, interacting with its cognate and non cognate yeast tRNAs. It was shown that, when limited amounts of tRNA (either cognate or non cognate) are added to valyl-tRNA synthetase, a complex consisting of two enzyme molecules and one tRNA molecule is first formed. It is subsequently dissociated to a one to one complex when more tRNA is present in the solution. The association curve shows a maximum for a molecular ratio, enzyme over tRNA, equal to 2.