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Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) link the genetic code in the form of messenger RNA (mRNA) to protein sequence. Translocation of tRNAs through the ribosome from aminoacyl (A) site to peptidyl (P) site and from P site to exit site is catalyzed in eukaryotes by the translocase elongation factor 2 (EF-2) and in prokaryotes by its homolog EF-G. During tRNA movement one or more "hybrid" states (A/P) is occupied, but molecular details of them and of the translocation process are limited. Here we show by cryo-electron microscopy that a population of mammalian ribosomes stalled at an mRNA pseudoknot structure contains structurally distorted tRNAs in two different A/P hybrid states. In one (A/P'), the tRNA is in contact with the translocase EF-2, which induces it. In the other (A/P''), the translocase is absent. The existence of these alternative A/P intermediate states has relevance to our understanding of the mechanics and kinetics of translocation.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.str.2009.12.007

Type

Journal article

Journal

Structure (London, England : 1993)

Publication Date

02/2010

Volume

18

Pages

257 - 264

Addresses

Division of Structural Biology, Henry Wellcome Building for Genomic Medicine, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom.

Keywords

Ribosomes, Macromolecular Substances, RNA, Transfer, Base Sequence, Nucleic Acid Conformation, Protein Structure, Quaternary, Models, Molecular, Molecular Sequence Data