Project description:Stalling of the ribosomes on the mRNA has been linked to myriad of molecular and biological functions. While a multitude of algorithms predict codon-usage in ribosome profiling data, no tool exists to predict the context-specific stalling of ribosomes on transcripts. Combining these two features can reveal unprecedented insights in the ribosomal function and their usage across cells and conditions. To overcome this lack of tools to comprehensively analyze these features, we created Bumpfinder, a web-server, that provides comprehensive analytical details on differences in total ribosome occupancy on transcripts, ribosomal occupancy across codons, ribosome-stalling and the underlying causal amino-acids/codons, as well as collisions. Employing Bumpfinder on generated and publicly available ribosome-profiling datasets, we studied the response of various cell types to amino-acid starvation conditions. We observed interesting patterns in response to the biological effects, suggesting the impact of quality control mechanisms of protein synthesis. Complimentary analysis of collided ribosomes demonstrated phased ribosome stalling on the identified sites. Thus, by deciphering context-specific ribosome distribution, Bumpfinder provides unprecedented molecular insights in the ribosome function and mRNA translation during stress response conditions.
Project description:The genetic code that specifies the identity of amino acids incorporated into proteins during protein synthesis is almost universally conserved. Mitochondrial translation deviates from the standard genetic code which includes the reassignment of two arginine codons into stop codons {Jukes, 1993 #438}. Translation termination at these non-canonical stop codons requires a protein factor to release the newly synthesized polypeptide chain, however, the identity of this factor is not known currently{Nadler, 2021 #406}. Here, we used gene editing and ribo-profiling in combination with cryo-electron microscopy to establish that the unusual mitochondrial release factor 1 (mtRF1) detects the non-canonical stop codons. We show that loss of mtRF1 leads to stalling of mitochondrial ribosomes on non-canonical stop codons and consequent reduced translation of cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 that results in decreased mitochondrial respiration. We show that binding of mtRF1 to the decoding center of the ribosome stabilizes a highly unusual distortion in the mRNA conformation and that the ribosomal RNA importantly participates in the specific recognition of the non-canonical stop codons.
Project description:In bacteria, translation-transcription coupling inhibits RNA polymerase (RNAP) stalling. We present evidence suggesting that, upon amino acid starvation, inactive ribosomes promote rather than inhibit RNAP stalling. We developed an algorithm to evaluate genome-wide polymerase progression independently of local noise, and used it to reveal that the transcription factor DksA inhibits promoter-proximal pausing and increases RNAP elongation when uncoupled from translation by depletion of charged tRNAs. DksA has minimal effect on RNAP elongation in vitro and on untranslated RNAs in vivo. In these cases, transcripts can form RNA structures that prevent backtracking. Thus, the effect of DksA on transcript elongation may occur primarily upon ribosome slowing/stalling or at promoter-proximal locations that limit the potential for RNA structure. We propose that inactive ribosomes prevent formation of backtrackblocking mRNA structures and that, in this circumstance, DksA acts as a transcription elongation factor in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments were performed by using antibodies against RNA polymerase b subunit in wild-type and DdksA cells treated with 0.5mg/ml serine hydroxamate (SHX) or untreated. DksA and s70 enrichments were compared to RNAP enrichment by ChIP experiments using antibodies against s70 and DksA in wild-type cells (also in DdksA cells as a negative control for DksA ChIP-chip). Differentially labeled ChIP DNA and genomic DNA were competitively hybridized to an E. coli K-12 MG1655 tiling array with overlapping probes at ~12bp spacing across the entire genome. The series contains 19 datasets.
Project description:Cells can respond to stalled ribosomes by sensing ribosome collisions and employing quality control pathways. How ribosome stalling is resolved without collisions, however, has remained elusive. Here, focusing on non-colliding stalling exhibited by decoding-defective ribosomes, we identified Fap1 as a stalling sensor triggering 18S non-functional rRNA decay via poly-ubiquitination of uS3. Ribosome profiling revealed an enrichment of Fap1 at the translation initiation site but also association with elongating individual ribosomes. Cryo-EM structures of Fap1-bound ribosomes elucidated Fap1 probing the mRNA simultaneously at both the entry and exit channels suggesting a mRNA stasis sensing activity, and Fap1 sterically hinders formation of canonical collided di-ribosomes. Our findings indicate that individual stalled ribosomes are the potential signal for ribosome dysfunction, leading to accelerated turnover of the ribosome itself.
Project description:In bacteria, translation-transcription coupling inhibits RNA polymerase (RNAP) stalling. We present evidence suggesting that, upon amino acid starvation, inactive ribosomes promote rather than inhibit RNAP stalling. We developed an algorithm to evaluate genome-wide polymerase progression independently of local noise, and used it to reveal that the transcription factor DksA inhibits promoter-proximal pausing and increases RNAP elongation when uncoupled from translation by depletion of charged tRNAs. DksA has minimal effect on RNAP elongation in vitro and on untranslated RNAs in vivo. In these cases, transcripts can form RNA structures that prevent backtracking. Thus, the effect of DksA on transcript elongation may occur primarily upon ribosome slowing/stalling or at promoter-proximal locations that limit the potential for RNA structure. We propose that inactive ribosomes prevent formation of backtrackblocking mRNA structures and that, in this circumstance, DksA acts as a transcription elongation factor in vivo.
Project description:Purpose: We use the ribosome profiling protocol to understand EF4 mediated translation events. Methods: We used ribosome profiling data to analyze by plastid software. The ribosome were purified by sucrose gradient separation. Results: Using sequencing data, we found that EF4 mediates the 1-nucleotide conformational change of ribosomes. We also found that many genes involved in translation after tetracycline treatment. Finally, we found that EF4 stalls the elongating ribosomes globally. Conclusions: Our results suggest that EF4 mediates both 30S biogenesis and translation elongation process, in particular, EF4 stalls the elongating ribosomes globally.
Project description:Impairment of translation can lead to stalling and collision of ribosomes which constitute an activation platform for several ribosomal stress-surveillance pathways. Among these is the Ribotoxic Stress Response (RSR), where ribosomal sensing by the MAP3K ZAKa leads to activation of p38 and JNK kinases. Despite these insights, the physiological ramifications of ribosomal impairment and downstream RSR signaling remain elusive. Here we show that stalling of ribosomes is sufficient to activate ZAKa. In response to amino acid deprivation and full nutrient starvation, RSR impacts on the ensuing metabolic responses in cells, nematodes and mice. The RSR-regulated responses in these model systems include regulation of AMPK and mTOR signaling, survival under starvation conditions, stress hormone production and regulation of blood sugar control. In addition, ZAK-/- mice present with a lean phenotype. Our work highlights stalled ribosomes as metabolic signals and demonstrates a role for RSR signaling in metabolic regulation.
Project description:N1-methylation of G37 is required for a subset of tRNAs to maintain the translational reading-frame. While loss of m1G37 increases ribosomal +1 frameshifting, whether it incurs additional translational defects is unknown. Here we address this question by applying ribosome profiling to gain a genome-wide view of the effects of m1G37 deficiency on protein synthesis. Using E. coli as a model, we show that m1G37 deficiency induces ribosome stalling at codons that are normally translated by m1G37-containing tRNAs. Stalling occurs during decoding of affected codons at the ribosomal A site, indicating a distinct mechanism than that of +1 frameshifting, which occurs after the affected codons leave the A site. Enzyme- and cell-based assays show that m1G37 deficiency reduces tRNA aminoacylation and in some cases peptide-bond formation. We observe changes of gene expression in m1G37 deficiency similar to those in the stringent response that is typically induced by deficiency of amino acids. This work demonstrates a previously unrecognized function of m1G37 that emphasizes its role throughout the entire elongation cycle of protein synthesis, providing new insight into its essentiality for bacterial growth and survival.
Project description:In light of the numerous studies identifying post-transcriptional regulators on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), we ask whether there are factors that regulate compartment specific mRNA translation in human cells. Using a proteomic survey of spatially regulated polysome interacting proteins, we identified the glycolytic enzyme Pyruvate Kinase M (PKM) as a cytosolic (i.e., ER-excluded) polyribosome interactor and investigate how it influences mRNA translation. We discovered that the PKM-polysome interaction is directly regulated by ADP levels–providing a link between carbohydrate metabolism and mRNA translation. By performing enhanced crosslinking immunoprecipitation-sequencing (eCLIP-seq), we found that PKM crosslinks to mRNA sequences that are immediately downstream of regions that encode for lysine and glutamate enriched tracts. Additionally, PKM binding to ribosomes causes translational stalling near these lysine and glutamate encoding sequences. Lastly, we find that PKM recruitment to polysomes is dependent on poly-ADP ribosylation. Overall, our study uncovers a novel role for PKM in posttranscriptional gene regulation, linking cellular metabolism and mRNA translation, and provides the first reported evidence of nascent chains being co-translationally modified with poly-ADP ribose.