Universal rules and idiosyncratic features in tRNA identity

Correct expression of the genetic code at translation is directly correlated with tRNA identity. This survey describes the molecular signals in tRNAs that trigger specific aminoacylations. For most tRNAs, determinants are located at the two distal extremities: the anticodon loop and the amino acid a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nucleic acids research 1998-11, Vol.26 (22), p.5017-5035
Main Authors: Giegé, Richard, Sissler, Marie, Florentz, Catherine
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases
Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases - metabolism
Evolution, Molecular
Genetic Code
Humans
Kinetics
Life Sciences
Models, Molecular
Nucleic Acid Conformation
Protein Biosynthesis
RNA, Transfer
RNA, Transfer - chemistry
RNA, Transfer - genetics
RNA, Transfer - metabolism
RNA, Transfer, Amino Acyl
RNA, Transfer, Amino Acyl - chemistry
RNA, Transfer, Amino Acyl - genetics
RNA, Transfer, Amino Acyl - metabolism
Space life sciences
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Summary:Correct expression of the genetic code at translation is directly correlated with tRNA identity. This survey describes the molecular signals in tRNAs that trigger specific aminoacylations. For most tRNAs, determinants are located at the two distal extremities: the anticodon loop and the amino acid accepting stem. In a few tRNAs, however, major identity signals are found in the core of the molecule. Identity elements have different strengths, often depend more on kcat effects than on Km effects and exhibit additive, cooperative or anticooperative interplay. Most determinants are in direct contact with cognate synthetases, and chemical groups on bases or ribose moieties that make functional interactions have been identified in several systems. Major determinants are conserved in evolution; however, the mechanisms by which they are expressed are species dependent. Recent studies show that alternate identity sets can be recognized by a single synthetase, and emphasize the importance of tRNA architecture and anti-determinants preventing false recognition. Identity rules apply to tRNA-like molecules and to minimalist tRNAs. Knowledge of these rules allows the manipulation of identity elements and engineering of tRNAs with switched, altered or multiple specificities.
ISSN:0305-1048
1362-4962
DOI:10.1093/nar/26.22.5017