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Related Concept Videos

Transfer RNA Synthesis02:36

Transfer RNA Synthesis

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One of the unique features of tRNA is the presence of modified bases. In some tRNAs, modified bases account for nearly 20% of the total bases in the molecule. Altogether, these unusual bases protect the tRNA from enzymatic degradation by RNases.
Each of these chemical modifications is carried by a specific enzyme, post-transcription. All of these enzymes have unique base and site-specificity. Methylation, the most common chemical modification, is carried by at least nine different enzymes, with...
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Ribosomal RNA Synthesis02:53

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Ribosome synthesis is a highly complex and coordinated process involving more than 200 assembly factors. The synthesis and processing of ribosomal components occurs not only in the nucleolus but also in the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...
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Regulated mRNA Transport02:22

Regulated mRNA Transport

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In eukaryotes, transcription and translation are compartmentalized; an mRNA is first synthesized in the nucleus and then selectively transported to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. Before transport, a pre-mRNA undergoes several steps of post-transcriptional modifications including splicing, 5' capping, and the addition of a poly-adenine tail. Various proteins bind to the pre-mRNA during these modifications. The mRNA transport takes place with the help of multiple proteins playing...
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RNA Stability01:53

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Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
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Translation01:31

Translation

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Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
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Improving Translational Accuracy02:07

Improving Translational Accuracy

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Base complementarity between the three base pairs of mRNA codon and the tRNA anticodon is not a failsafe mechanism. Inaccuracies can range from a single mismatch to no correct base pairing at all. The free energy difference between the correct and nearly correct base pairs can be as small as 3 kcal/ mol. With complementarity being the only proofreading step, the estimated error frequency would be one wrong amino acid in every 100 amino acids incorporated. However, error frequencies observed in...
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Dual DNA Rulers to Study the Mechanism of Ribosome Translocation with Single-Nucleotide Resolution
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Conserved 5-methyluridine tRNA modification modulates ribosome translocation.

Joshua D Jones1, Monika K Franco2, Rachel N Giles1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|August 19, 2024
PubMed
Summary

The function of 5-methyluridine at position 54 in tRNAs (m5U54) was unknown. This study reveals m5U54 is crucial for tRNA maturation and protein synthesis, impacting ribosome translocation.

Keywords:
modificationprotein synthesistRNAtranslation

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Area of Science:

  • RNA biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Posttranscriptional modifications are central to RNA biology, but the functions of most modified sites remain undiscovered.
  • 5-methyluridine at position 54 in tRNAs (m5U54) is a highly conserved modification lacking a defined biological role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the biological roles of m5U54 in tRNA maturation and protein synthesis.
  • To elucidate the function of the TrmA/Trm2 enzyme in m5U installation and its impact on cellular processes.

Main Methods:

  • Mass spectrometry was employed to analyze tRNA modification patterns in cells lacking the m5U-installing enzyme.
  • In vitro assays were used to assess the sensitivity of m5U54-deficient tRNAs to translocation inhibitors.
  • Cell growth and transcriptome-wide gene expression were monitored in mutant strains under stress conditions.

Main Results:

  • Cells lacking the TrmA/Trm2 enzyme exhibited altered tRNA modification patterns.
  • m5U54-deficient tRNAs showed reduced sensitivity to small molecules that inhibit translocation.
  • Mutant cells (trm2Δ) displayed less perturbation in growth and gene expression when exposed to translocation inhibitors compared to wild-type cells.

Conclusions:

  • m5U54 plays a significant role in modulating tRNA maturation.
  • m5U54 is important for efficient ribosome translocation during protein synthesis.
  • A model is proposed where m5U54 acts as a key regulator of tRNA function in protein synthesis.