Dynamics of translation on the ribosome: molecular mechanics of translocation.
The translocation step of protein elongation entails a large-scale rearrangement of the tRNA-mRNA-ribosome complex. Recent years have seen major advances in unraveling the mechanism of the process on the molecular level. A number of intermediate states have been defined and, in part, characterized structurally. The article reviews the recent evidence that suggests a dynamic role of the ribosome and its ligands during translocation. The focus is on dynamic aspects of tRNA movement and on the role of elongation factor G and GTP hydrolysis in translocation catalysis. The significance of structural changes of the ribosome induced by elongation factor G as well the role of ribosomal RNA are addressed. A functional model of elongation factor G as a motor protein driven by GTP hydrolysis is discussed.
Rodnina
M V
MV
Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany.
Savelsbergh
A
A
Wintermeyer
W
W
D006160:Guanosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D020653:Peptide Elongation Factor G; D010445:Peptide Elongation Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000378:metabolism; D012343:RNA, Transfer / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D020653:Peptide Elongation Factor G; D010445:Peptide Elongation Factors; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal; D006160:Guanosine Triphosphate; D012343:RNA, Transfer