The tRNA(Gm18) methyltransferase (TrmH) catalyzes the 2'-O methylation of guanosine 18 (Gua18) of tRNA. We solved the crystal structure of Thermus thermophilus TrmH complexed with S-adenosyl-L-methionine at 1.85 A resolution. The catalytic domain contains a deep trefoil knot, which mutational analyses revealed to be crucial for the formation of the catalytic site and the cofactor binding pocket. The tRNA dihydrouridine(D)-arm can be docked onto the dimeric TrmH, so that the tRNA D-stem is clamped by the N- and C-terminal helices from one subunit while the Gua18 is modified by the other subunit. Arg41 from the other subunit enters the catalytic site and forms a hydrogen bond with a bound sulfate ion, an RNA main chain phosphate analog, thus activating its nucleophilic state. Based on Gua18 modeling onto the active site, we propose that once Gua18 binds, the phosphate group activates Arg41, which then deprotonates the 2'-OH group for methylation.

Eubacterial leucyl/phenylalanyl-tRNA protein transferase (LF-transferase) catalyses peptide-bond formation by using Leu-tRNA(Leu) (or Phe-tRNA(Phe)) and an amino-terminal Arg (or Lys) of a protein, as donor and acceptor substrates, respectively. However, the catalytic mechanism of peptide-bond formation by LF-transferase remained obscure. Here we determine the structures of complexes of LF-transferase and phenylalanyl adenosine, with and without a short peptide bearing an N-terminal Arg. Combining the two separate structures into one structure as well as mutation studies reveal the mechanism for peptide-bond formation by LF-transferase. The electron relay from Asp 186 to Gln 188 helps Gln 188 to attract a proton from the alpha-amino group of the N-terminal Arg of the acceptor peptide. This generates the attacking nucleophile for the carbonyl carbon of the aminoacyl bond of the aminoacyl-tRNA, thus facilitating peptide-bond formation. The protein-based mechanism for peptide-bond formation by LF-transferase is similar to the reverse reaction of the acylation step observed in the peptide hydrolysis reaction by serine proteases.

T-helper 17 (Th17) cells are characterized by producing interleukin-17 (IL-17, also called IL-17A), IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22 and potentially TNF-α and IL-6 upon certain stimulation. IL-23, which promotes Th17 cell development, as well as IL-17 and IL-22 produced by the Th17 cells plays essential roles in various inflammatory diseases, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, and Concanavalin A-induced hepatitis. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of the functional role of Th17 cells, with particular focus on the Th17 cell-related cytokines such as IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23, in mouse models and human inflammatory diseases.

Eubacterial leucyl/phenylalanyl‐tRNA protein transferase (L/F‐transferase), encoded by the aat gene, conjugates leucine or phenylalanine to the N‐terminal Arg or Lys residue of proteins, using Leu‐tRNALeu or Phe‐tRNAPhe as a substrate. The resulting N‐terminal Leu or Phe acts as a degradation signal for the ClpS‐ClpAP‐mediated N‐end rule protein degradation pathway. Here, we present the crystal structures of Escherichia coli L/F‐transferase and its complex with an aminoacyl‐tRNA analog, puromycin. The C‐terminal domain of L/F‐transferase consists of the GCN5‐related N‐acetyltransferase fold, commonly observed in the acetyltransferase superfamily. The p‐methoxybenzyl group of puromycin, corresponding to the side chain of Leu or Phe of Leu‐tRNALeu or Phe‐tRNAPhe, is accommodated in a highly hydrophobic pocket, with a shape and size suitable for hydrophobic amino‐acid residues lacking a branched β‐carbon, such as leucine and phenylalanine. Structure‐based mutagenesis of L/F‐transferase revealed its substrate specificity. Furthermore, we present a model of the L/F‐transferase complex with tRNA and substrate proteins bearing an N‐terminal Arg or Lys.

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In many drug delivery strategies, an inefficient transfer of macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids to the cytosol often occurs because of their endosomal entrapment. One of the methods to overcome this problem is photochemical internalization, which is achieved using a photosensitizer and light to facilitate the endosomal escape of the macromolecule. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanism of photochemical internalization of cell penetrating peptide-cargo (macromolecule)-photosensitizer conjugates. We measured the photophysical properties of eight dyes (photosensitizer candidates) and determined the respective endosomal escape efficiencies using these dyes. Correlation plots between these factors indicated that the photogenerated 1O2 molecules from photosensitizers were highly related to the endosomal escape efficiencies. The contribution of 1O2 was confirmed using 1O2 quenchers. In addition, time-lapse fluorescence imaging showed that the photoinduced endosomal escape occurred at a few seconds to a few minutes after irradiation (much longer than 1O2 lifetime), and that the pH increased in the endosome prior to the endosomal escape of the macromolecule.

Transfer RNA (m 7 G46) methyltransferase catalyzes the methyl transfer from S-adenosylmethionine to N 7 atom of the guanine 46 residue in tRNA. Analysis of the Aquifex aeolicus genome revealed one candidate open reading frame, aq065, encoding this gene. The aq065 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity on 15% SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Although the overall amino acid sequence of the aq065 protein differs considerably from that of E. coli YggH, the purified aq065 protein possessed a tRNA (m 7 G46) methyltransferase activity. The modified nucleoside and its location were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. To clarify the RNA recognition mechanism of the enzyme, we investigated the methyl transfer activity to 28 variants of yeast tRNAPhe and E. coli tRNA Thr . It was confirmed that 5-leader and 3-trailer RNAs of tRNA precursor are not required for the methyl transfer. We found that the enzyme specificity was critically dependent on the size of the variable loop. Experiments using truncated variants showed that the variable loop sequence inserted between two stems is recognized as a substrate, and the most important recognition site is contained within the T stem. These results indicate that the Lshaped tRNA structure is not required for methyl acceptance activity. It was also found that nucleotide substitutions around G46 in three-dimensional core decrease the activity.

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