Ribosome-Free Translation up to Pentapeptides via Template Walk on RNA Sequences.

Area of Science:

• * Origin of molecular translation
• * Prebiotic chemistry and early life evolution

Background:

• * The origin of translation is a key challenge in molecular evolution.
• * Previous research demonstrated single-nucleotide translation for three canonical nucleotides, but expansion to all four and longer peptides was unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the expansion of single-nucleotide translation to all four canonical nucleotides.
• * To demonstrate the production of longer peptides without ribosomes or enzymes.
• * To explore translation mechanisms independent of complex biomolecules.

Main Methods:

• * Utilized transfer strands of increasing length with all four canonical bases.
• * Employed 2'/3'-aminoacylated mono-, di-, tri-, and tetranucleotides.
• * Investigated coupling reactions and in situ hydrolytic release of peptides.

Main Results:

• * Successfully produced pentapeptides using RNA templates and aminoacylated nucleotides.
• * Demonstrated translation incorporating all four canonical bases.
• * Showcased efficient peptide synthesis without reliance on ribosomal machinery or enzymes.

Conclusions:

• * The study presents a viable model for peptide synthesis without complex biological machinery.
• * This work provides insights into how early translation systems might have functioned.
• * The findings contribute to understanding the minimal requirements for genetic code translation.