Cryoelectron microscopy structures of the ribosome complex in intermediate states during tRNA translocation

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Mar 22;108(12):4817-21. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1101503108. Epub 2011 Mar 7.

Abstract

mRNA-tRNA translocation is a central and highly regulated process during translational elongation. Along with the mRNA, tRNA moves through the ribosome in a stepwise fashion. Using cryoelectron microscopy on ribosomes with a P-loop mutation, we have identified novel structural intermediates likely to exist transiently during translocation. Our observations suggest a mechanism by which the rate of translocation can be regulated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cryoelectron Microscopy / methods
  • Escherichia coli / chemistry*
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Peptide Chain Elongation, Translational / physiology
  • RNA, Bacterial / chemistry*
  • RNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / chemistry*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA, Transfer / chemistry*
  • RNA, Transfer / genetics
  • RNA, Transfer / metabolism
  • Ribosomes* / chemistry
  • Ribosomes* / ultrastructure

Substances

  • RNA, Bacterial
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Transfer