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Analysis of a preQ1-I riboswitch in effector-free and bound states reveals a metabolite-programmed nucleobase-stacking spine that controls gene regulation

Journal Article · · Nucleic Acids Research
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkaa546· OSTI ID:1635308
 [1];  [1];  [1];  [1];  [2];  [2];  [2];  [1];  [1]
  1. Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA, Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
  2. Genomics Research Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA

Abstract

Riboswitches are structured RNA motifs that recognize metabolites to alter the conformations of downstream sequences, leading to gene regulation. To investigate this molecular framework, we determined crystal structures of a preQ1-I riboswitch in effector-free and bound states at 2.00 Å and 2.65 Å-resolution. Both pseudoknots exhibited the elusive L2 loop, which displayed distinct conformations. Conversely, the Shine-Dalgarno sequence (SDS) in the S2 helix of each structure remained unbroken. The expectation that the effector-free state should expose the SDS prompted us to conduct solution experiments to delineate environmental changes to specific nucleobases in response to preQ1. We then used nudged elastic band computational methods to derive conformational-change pathways linking the crystallographically-determined effector-free and bound-state structures. Pathways featured: (i) unstacking and unpairing of L2 and S2 nucleobases without preQ1—exposing the SDS for translation and (ii) stacking and pairing L2 and S2 nucleobases with preQ1—sequestering the SDS. Our results reveal how preQ1 binding reorganizes L2 into a nucleobase-stacking spine that sequesters the SDS, linking effector recognition to biological function. The generality of stacking spines as conduits for effector-dependent, interdomain communication is discussed in light of their existence in adenine riboswitches, as well as the turnip yellow mosaic virus ribosome sensor.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-76SF00515
OSTI ID:
1635308
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1903962
Journal Information:
Nucleic Acids Research, Journal Name: Nucleic Acids Research Journal Issue: 14 Vol. 48; ISSN 0305-1048
Publisher:
Oxford University PressCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English

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  • JÓNsson, Hannes; Mills, Greg; Jacobsen, Karsten W.
  • Proceedings of the International School of Physics, Classical and Quantum Dynamics in Condensed Phase Simulations https://doi.org/10.1142/9789812839664_0016
conference November 2011
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