The promiscuous ribosomal P-stalk: a new functional portrait

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The ribosome's traditional role is protein translation.
• Emerging evidence highlights the eukaryotic ribosome as a regulatory hub.
• The P-stalk, part of the GTPase-associated center, is a key ribosomal module.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an updated functional portrait of the ribosomal P-stalk.
• To explore the P-stalk's role in cellular signaling and gene expression.
• To encompass both ribosome-dependent and -independent P-stalk activities.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent discoveries and literature.
• Analysis of P-stalk's structural plasticity.
• Integration of data on integrated stress response and cytokine signaling.

Main Results:

• The P-stalk is an activator of the integrated stress response.
• The P-stalk reshapes the Gcn1/Gcn20→Gcn2 axis to Gcn1/Gcn20/P-stalk→Gcn2.
• Ribosomal P-stalk facilitates gene expression rewiring in response to cellular demands.

Conclusions:

• The P-stalk is a critical regulatory module of the eukaryotic ribosome.
• P-stalk's functions extend beyond translation, impacting cellular signaling.
• Understanding P-stalk activities is crucial for comprehending cellular responses.