Escherichia coli 16S rRNA 3'-end formation requires a distal transfer RNA sequence at a proper distance.
The 16S rRNA species in bacterial precursor rRNAs is followed by two evolutionarily conserved features: (i) a double-stranded stem formed by complementary sequences adjacent to the 5' and 3' ends of the 16S rRNA; and (ii) a 3'-transfer RNA sequence. To assess the possible role of these features, plasmid constructs with precursor-specific features deleted were tested for their capacity to form mature rRNA. Stem-forming sequences were dispensable for both 5' and 3' terminus formation; whereas an intact spacer tRNA positioned greater than 24 nucleotides downstream of the 16S RNA sequence was required for correct 3'-end maturation. These results suggest that spacer tRNA at an appropriate location helps form a conformation obligate for pre-rRNA processing, perhaps by binding to a nascent binding site in preribosomes. Thus, spacer tRNAs may be an obligate participant in ribosome formation.
Srivastava
A K
AK
Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Schlessinger
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D001483:Base Sequence; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000378:metabolism; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D005095:Exoribonucleases / Q000378:metabolism; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012322:RNA Precursors / Q000378:metabolism; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012343:RNA, Transfer / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D012322:RNA Precursors; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; D012343:RNA, Transfer; D005095:Exoribonucleases