title: Preferential binding of yeast tRNA ligase to pre-tRNA substrates.
abstract: Joining of tRNA halves during splicing in extracts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae requires each of the three enzymatic activities associated with the tRNA ligase polypeptide. Joining is most efficient for tRNA as opposed to oligonucleotide substrates and is sensitive to single base changes at a distance from splice sites suggesting considerable specificity. To examine the basis for this specificity, binding of ligase to labeled RNA substrates was measured by native gel electrophoresis. Ligase bound tRNA halves with an association constant 1600-fold greater than that for a nonspecific RNA. Comparison of binding of a series of tRNA processing intermediates revealed that tRNA-structure, particularly in the region around the splice sites, contributes to specific binding. Finally, the ligase was shown to form multiple, discrete complexes with tRNA substrates. The basis for recognition by ligase and its role in a tRNA processing pathway are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Chemistry, College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine 92717.
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Apostol
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Greer
mesh_terms: D001667:Binding, Competitive; D015151:Immunoblotting; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011130:RNA Ligase (ATP) / Q000378:metabolism*; D012322:RNA Precursors / Q000378:metabolism*; D012326:RNA Splicing; D012331:RNA, Fungal / Q000378:metabolism*; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000201:enzymology*; D013379:Substrate Specificity
chemical_list: D012322:RNA Precursors; D012331:RNA, Fungal; D011130:RNA Ligase (ATP)