Specialization from synthesis: How ribosome diversity can customize protein function

Abstract

a b s t r a c tIt was thought that the proteins produced by ribosomes were dictated only by the sequences of the mRNAs they translated, however it is becoming apparent that subpopulations of ribosomes can have unique properties that influence the functions of the proteins they produce. Ribosomes have been engineered to discriminate between different mRNA templates or with unique decoding properties, and many new applications of unnatural ribosomes can be foreseen. In natural systems ribosomes with alternate protein and RNA composition have been shown to selectively translate specific mRNAs. As more is learned about ribosome structure and the mechanisms of translation, new opportunities to engineer ribosomes for applications in biotechnology and synthetic biology can be developed and new examples of ribosome-mediated regulation of translation are likely to emerge in nature.

Eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis at a glance

“…complement of ribosomal proteins and post-translational modifications) than previously thought. This heterogeneity has been suggested to form the basis of a 'ribosome code' where ribosomes would act as 'mRNA filters' and enable selective translation of mRNA in a tissue-or condition-specific manner (Filipovska and Rackham, 2013;Komili et al, 2007;Kondrashov et al, 2011;Mauro and Edelman, 2002;Mauro and Edelman, 2007;McIntosh and Warner, 2007). Interestingly, links between the regulation of the tumor suppressor p53 and aberration in ribosome biogenesis have been the focus of several recent studies (reviewed by Teng et al, 2013).…”

Size-variable zone in V3 region of 16S rRNA

“…Each helical element comprises one or more helices connected by internal loops occurring throughout the molecule. [12][13][14][15] It is important to maintain the structure because there are segments that play essential roles in ribosome function. For instance, ribosomal proteins attach to 16S rRNA in a hierarchical order, which produces a cooperativity effect; [16][17][18][19] however, it is possible that structural variations would affect this process.…”

Top-down proteomic analysis of protein pharmaceuticals, mixtures of protein complexes, and ribosomal protein extracts by capillary zone electrophoresis-mass spectrometry

“…Recent studies have revealed that ribosomes may be highly heterogeneous in their composition among various cell and tissue types [346][347][348]. These studies also indicated the possibility of variable protein-protein interactions within ribosomes that may alter their functional activities and specializations [346][347][348][349][350]. Detailed proteomic profiling of ribosomes and analysis of protein-protein interactions are necessary for elucidating possible mechanisms of specialized ribosomal activities.…”