Translational efficiency of transfer RNA's: uses of an extended anticodon

Transfer RNA's are probably very strongly selected for translational efficiency. In this article, the argument is presented that the coding performance of the triplet anticodon is enhanced by selection of a matching anticodon loop and stem sequence. the anticodon plus these nearby sequence features (the extended anticodon) therefore contains more coding information than the anticodon alone and can perform more efficiently and accurately at the ribosome. This idea successfully accounts for the relative efficiencies of many transfer RNA's.     

贵州黑山羊mtDNA Cytb基因遗传多样性分析

[目的]研究分析了贵州黑山羊mtDNACytb基因的遗传多样性,为贵州黑山羊遗传资源的保护、开发及利用奠定分子遗传学方面的基础。[方法]测定贵州黑山羊品种16个个体的细胞色素b基因全序列,分析其碱基组成和序列间碱基的变异。[结果]在该品种(群体)中观察到6次T-C间发生碱基转换,其中有5个碱基替换发生在密码子第3位点,有1个碱基替换发生在密码子第1位点,且所有的变异均为同义突变;观察到4种单倍型。单倍型多样度(H)为0.442,核苷酸多样度(π值)为0.145%+0.159%。以绵羊为外群构建分子系统发生树,结果初步提示,贵州黑山羊有两个母系起源,其中支系A占81.25%(13/16),支系B占18.75%(3/16)。[结论]贵州黑山羊有两个母系起源(支系A和支系B),且该品种线粒体DNA多态度较为贫乏。     

利用 ｍｔＤＮＡＤ-ｌｏｏｐ序列为遗传标记分析槟榔江水牛的群体遗传特征

槟榔江水牛是近年在云南西部发现的中国第一个本土河流型水牛群体,具有较高种用价值,但其重要遗传背景信息还不清楚。本文采用 ＰＣＲ产物直接测序法对 ８６头槟榔江水牛 ｍｔＤＮＡＤ-Ｌｏｏｐ序列进行了突变检测,并以 ＧｅｎＢａｎｋ上已发表的 ７０条河流型和 １１２条沼泽型水牛 ｍｔＤＮＡＤ Ｌｏｏｐ序列为对照,对所得数据进行群体遗传和系统发育分析。结果在槟榔江水牛中检测到 ３３种单倍型,１１２个多态位点。其中单一变异位点 １４个,简约信息位点 ９８个。槟榔江水牛 ｍｔＤＮＡＤ Ｌｏｏｐ序列 Ｔ,Ｃ,Ａ,Ｇ的平均含量分别为 ２８.４３％,２４.８２％,３１.９６％,１４.７９％,单倍型多样度为 （０.９４８±０.０１２）,核苷酸多样度为 （０.０３８１±０.００１６）,序列间平均核苷酸差异数为３３.２８８,群体内平均遗传距离为 （０.０４３±０.００５）。系统发育、中介网络图和群体遗传关系分析表明,槟榔江水牛含有两个差异显著的母系世系组分,其中一个为河流型世系,在群体中占 ６１.６３％;另一个为沼泽型世系,在群体中占３８３７％,而其沼泽型世系可进一步分为 Ａ,Ｂ,Ｃ３个支系,其中,Ｃ为在水牛中新发现的支系,其频率极低。结果揭示了槟榔江水牛群体遗传多样性丰富,但该群体存在一定的沼泽型水牛基因渗入。     

基于ND4基因部分片段探讨中国4个家驴品种的母系构成

为了分析中国家驴的遗传多样性,对保种和开发利用这一固有遗传资源提供有益帮助,并对其母性起源提供一些基础资料,作者对我国4个家驴品种(德州、凉州、云南、蒙古)209个个体的mtDNAND4基因编码区409bp片段进行了扩增、单链构象多态(SSCP)检测与测序分析,共检测到5种单倍型8个多态位点,其单倍型多样度为0.4699,核苷酸多样度为0.00308,表明我国家驴的遗传多态性比较丰富。通过对各单倍型序列按照脊椎动物线粒体编码规则翻译成氨基酸序列进行比对发现,部分核苷酸变异引起了氨基酸的变异。构建的简化加权中值网络聚类图显示,4个家驴品种的样品来自两个母系源头,并且,4个中国家驴品种都是由这两个母性世系混杂而成的,即未发现由同一种世系构成的品种。这与以前基于D-loop区序列对于中国家驴的研究结果相似,即地理位置、世系构成以及母性起源之间没有明显的相互关系。     

Reading frame selection and transfer RNA anticodon loop stacking

Messenger RNA's are translated in successive three-nucleotide steps (a reading frame), therefore decoding must proceed in only one of three possible frames. A molecular model for correct propagation of the frame is presented based on (i) the measured translational properties of transfer RNA's (tRNA's) that contain an extra nucleotide in the anticodon loop and (ii) a straightforward concept about anticodon loop structure. The model explains the high accuracy of reading frame maintenance by normal tRNA's, as well as activities of all characterized frameshift suppressor tRNA's that have altered anticodon loops.     

福安水牛线粒体DNA Dloop区遗传多样性分析*

 采用PCR产物直接测序的方法对20头福安水牛的线粒体DNA（mtDNA）D LOOP区全序列进行了测定,并对所得数据进行了比对和分析。结果共检测到16种单倍型,48个核苷酸多态位点,其中单一变异位点9个,简约信息位点39个。在所分析的序列中,T,C,A和G的平均含量分别为27.9%,25.6%,31.9%和14.6%,核苷酸多样度为0.01946±0.00288,单倍型多样度为0.957±0.032,序列间平均核苷酸差异数是17.238,结果显示福安水牛线粒体DNA遗传多样性丰富。系统发育和遗传距离分析显示：福安水牛与河流型水牛存在较大差异,其自身聚为支持率极高的两大支,即世系A和世系B,揭示福安水牛存在两个母系血统来源。     

贵州山羊遗传多样性及其起源研究

采用DNA测序技术分析了贵州3个山羊品种42个个体的mtDNA D—loop全序列。结果表明，贵州山羊mtDNA D—loop全序列分子长为1212～1213bp，检测到67个变异位点，约占分析位点总数的5．53％，界定了33种单倍型。贵州山羊品种单倍型多样度为0．9615～0．9905，核苷酸多样度为1．5883％～1．9004％，表明贵州山羊品种遗传多样性丰富。根据mtDNA单倍型构建了贵州山羊的NJ分子系统树，聚类表明，贵州山羊存在支系A和支系B两大母系起源。     

云南文山黄牛mtDNA D-loop区遗传多样性分析*

 为了从母系遗传角度深入阐明云南文山黄牛的群体遗传背景,采用PCR直接测序法测定了24头文山黄牛的线粒体DNA D-loop区全序列。结果表明：文山黄牛D-loop区全序列中,A,C,T和G平均含量分别为33.1%,25.1%,28.3%和13.5%;共检测到核苷酸变异位点50个,核苷酸多样度为0.02416;D-loop区序列存在11种单倍型,单倍型多样度为0.822±0.061,表明云南文山黄牛品种的遗传多样性较丰富。聚类分析显示文山黄牛聚为两大支,一支与普通黄牛聚在一起,另一支与瘤牛聚在一起,说明云南文山黄牛同时含有普通黄牛和瘤牛的血统。      

An active role for tRNA in decoding beyond codon:anticodon pairing

During transfer RNA (tRNA) selection, a cognate codon:anticodon interaction triggers a series of events that ultimately results in the acceptance of that tRNA into the ribosome for peptide-bond formation. High-fidelity discrimination between the cognate tRNA and near- and noncognate ones depends both on their differential dissociation rates from the ribosome and on specific acceleration of forward rate constants by cognate species. Here we show that a mutant tRNA(Trp) carrying a single substitution in its D-arm achieves elevated levels of miscoding by accelerating these forward rate constants independent of codon:anticodon pairing in the decoding center. These data provide evidence for a direct role for tRNA in signaling its own acceptance during decoding and support its fundamental role during the evolution of protein synthesis.     

tRNAi(met) functions in directing the scanning ribosome to the start site of translation

The mechanism by which the scanning ribosome recognizes the first AUG codon nearest the 5' end of eukaryotic messenger RNA has not been established. To investigate this an anticodon change (3'-UCC-5') was introduced into one of the four methionine initiator (tRNAi(met) genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The ability of the mutant transfer RNA to restore growth properties to his4 initiator codon mutant yeast strains in the absence of histidine was then assayed. Only the complementary codon, AGG, at the his4 initiator region supported His+ growth. The mutant transfer RNA also directed the ribosome to initiate at an AGG placed in the upstream region of the his4 message. Initiation at this upstream AGG precluded initiation at a downstream AGG in accordance with the "scanning" model. Therefore, an anticodon: codon interaction between tRNAi(met) as part of the scanning ribosome and the first AUG must function in directing the ribosome to the eukaryotic initiator region.     

A cytotoxic ribonuclease targeting specific transfer RNA anticodons

The carboxyl-terminal domain of colicin E5 was shown to inhibit protein synthesis of Escherichia coli. Its target, as revealed through in vivo and in vitro experiments, was not ribosomes as in the case of E3, but the transfer RNAs (tRNAs) for Tyr, His, Asn, and Asp, which contain a modified base, queuine, at the wobble position of each anticodon. The E5 carboxyl-terminal domain hydrolyzed these tRNAs just on the 3' side of this nucleotide. Tight correlation was observed between the toxicity of E5 and the cleavage of intracellular tRNAs of this group, implying that these tRNAs are the primary targets of colicin E5.     

An ancient group I intron shared by eubacteria and chloroplasts

Introns have been found in the genomes of all major groups of organisms except eubacteria. The presence of introns in chloroplasts and mitochondria, both of which are of eubacterial origin, has been interpreted as evidence either for the recent acquisition of introns by organelles or for the loss of introns from their eubacterial progenitors. The gene for the leucine transfer RNA with a UAA anticodon [tRNALeu (UAA)] from five diverse cyanobacteria and several major groups of chloroplasts contains a single group I intron. The intron is conserved in secondary structure and primary sequence, and occupies the same position, within the UAA anticodon. The homology of the intron across chloroplasts and cyanobacteria implies that it was present in their common ancestor and that it has been maintained in their genomes for at least 1 billion years.     

影响分娩母猪母性行为因素的探讨

分娩母猪母性行为的好坏直接影响到仔猪的成活率,尤其是一些母性行为失常的母猪直接咬死、踩死、压死仔猪,给养猪业造成巨大的经济损失。母猪分娩是受多种因素如神经、内分泌和胎儿等多方面影响和调控的一个复杂过程。近几年,虽然许多专家对分娩的机理进行研究,但到目前为止对造成母猪母性行为失常原因及机理的了解还不是很清楚。就分娩环境、机体内分泌、母猪遗传背景及产仔经验等影响分娩母猪母性行为的4个主要因素进行综述和讨论。     

Gene co-inheritance and gene transfer

Functional transfer of mitochondrial genes to the nucleus is very common in some taxa but entirely lacking in others. Current evolutionary theories to account for this variation predict that outcrossing, which allows escape from Muller's ratchet and faster spread of beneficial mutations, should favor gene transfer. We find that functional gene transfer is more common in selfing or clonal plants than in outcrossing plants, a pattern opposite to prediction. We suggest that reproductive modes, such as selfing and vegetative reproduction, conserve adaptive mitonuclear gene combinations, allowing functional transfer, whereas outcrossing prevents transfer by breaking up these combinations.     

Structure of E. coli glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase complexed with tRNA(Gln) and ATP at 2.8 A resolution

The crystal structure of Escherichia coli glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase (GlnRS) complexed with its cognate glutaminyl transfer RNA (tRNA(Gln] and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has been derived from a 2.8 angstrom resolution electron density map and the known protein and tRNA sequences. The 63.4-kilodalton monomeric enzyme consists of four domains arranged to give an elongated molecule with an axial ratio greater than 3 to 1. Its interactions with the tRNA extend from the anticodon to the acceptor stem along the entire inside of the L of the tRNA. The complexed tRNA retains the overall conformation of the yeast phenylalanine tRNA (tRNA(Phe] with two major differences: the 3' acceptor strand of tRNA(Gln) makes a hairpin turn toward the inside of the L, with the disruption of the final base pair of the acceptor stem, and the anticodon loop adopts a conformation not seen in any of the previously determined tRNA structures. Specific recognition elements identified so far include (i) enzyme contacts with the 2-amino groups of guanine via the tRNA minor groove in the acceptor stem at G2 and G3; (ii) interactions between the enzyme and the anticodon nucleotides; and (iii) the ability of the nucleotides G73 and U1.A72 of the cognate tRNA to assume a conformation stabilized by the protein at a lower free energy cost than noncognate sequences. The central domain of this synthetase binds ATP, glutamine, and the acceptor end of the tRNA as well as making specific interactions with the acceptor stem.2+t is     

Secondary structure of ribosomal RNA

Infrared spectra were obtained for 16S and for 23S ribosomal RNA's in D(2)O solutions. The percentage of each base in the paired and unpaired regions of the RNA was determined from the spectra. The secondary structures of 16S and 23S ribosomal RNA's (from Escherichia coli) are significantly different from each other and are also different from those of yeast ribosomal RNA, formylmethionyl-transfer RNA, and the anticodon fragment of this transfer RNA.     

Recognition of cognate transfer RNA by the 30S ribosomal subunit

Crystal structures of the 30S ribosomal subunit in complex with messenger RNA and cognate transfer RNA in the A site, both in the presence and absence of the antibiotic paromomycin, have been solved at between 3.1 and 3.3 angstroms resolution. Cognate transfer RNA (tRNA) binding induces global domain movements of the 30S subunit and changes in the conformation of the universally conserved and essential bases A1492, A1493, and G530 of 16S RNA. These bases interact intimately with the minor groove of the first two base pairs between the codon and anticodon, thus sensing Watson-Crick base-pairing geometry and discriminating against near-cognate tRNA. The third, or "wobble," position of the codon is free to accommodate certain noncanonical base pairs. By partially inducing these structural changes, paromomycin facilitates binding of near-cognate tRNAs.     

Suppression of mutations in mitochondrial DNA by tRNAs imported from the cytoplasm

Mitochondrial import of a cytoplasmic transfer RNA (tRNA) in yeast requires the preprotein import machinery and cytosolic factors. We investigated whether the tRNA import pathway can be used to correct respiratory deficiencies due to mutations in the mitochondrial DNA and whether this system can be transferred into human cells. We show that cytoplasmic tRNAs with altered aminoacylation identity can be specifically targeted to the mitochondria and participate in mitochondrial translation. We also show that human mitochondria, which do not normally import tRNAs, are able to internalize yeast tRNA derivatives in vitro and that this import requires an essential yeast import factor.     

The anticodon contains a major element of the identity of arginine transfer RNAs

The contribution of the anticodon to the discrimination between cognate and noncognate tRNAs by Escherichia coli Arg-tRNA synthetase has been investigated by in vitro synthesis and aminoacylation of elongator methionine tRNA (tRNA(mMet) mutants. Substitution of the Arg anticodon CCG for the Met anticodon CAU leads to a dramatic increase in Arg acceptance by tRNA(mMet). A nucleotide (A20) previously identified by others in the dihydrouridine loop of tRNA(Arg)s makes a smaller contribution to the conversion of tRNA(mMet) identity from Met to Arg. The combined anticodon and dihydrouridine loop mutations yield a tRNA(mMet) derivative that is aminoacylated with near-normal kinetics by the Arg-tRNA synthetase.