ABSTRACT
Globin synthesis in a wheat germ cell-free translation system was performed in the presence of [3H]hemin and [35S]methionine to determine the minimal length of the nascent ribosome-bound globin chain capable of heme binding. Nascent polypeptides of predetermined size were synthesized on ribosomes by translation of truncated mRNA molecules. Analysis with the use of sucrose gradient centrifugation and puromycin reaction revealed that the ribosome-bound N-terminal alpha-globin fragments of 140, 100, and 86 amino acid residues are capable of an efficient heme binding, whereas those of 75, 65, and 34 amino acid residues display a significantly weaker, or just nonspecific, affinity to heme. This indicates that the ribosome-bound nascent chain of 86 amino acid residues has already acquired a spatial structure that allows its interaction with the heme group or that heme attachment promotes the formation of the proper tertiary structure in the ribosome-bound nascent peptide. In any case the cotranslational folding of globin is suggested.
Subject(s)
Globins/biosynthesis , Globins/chemistry , Protein Biosynthesis , Protein Conformation , Protein Folding , Animals , Cell-Free System , Cloning, Molecular , DNA Primers , Hemin/metabolism , Methionine/metabolism , Models, Structural , Oligodeoxyribonucleotides , Polymerase Chain Reaction , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Rabbits , Recombinant Proteins/biosynthesis , Recombinant Proteins/chemistry , Sulfur Radioisotopes , Transcription, Genetic , Triticum , TritiumABSTRACT
Exposure of proteins on the surface of the small (30S) ribosomal subunit of Escherichia coli was studied by the hot tritium bombardment technique. Eight of 21 proteins of the 30 S subunit (S3, S8, S10, S12, S15, S16, S17, and S19) had virtually no groups exposed on the surface of the particle, i.e., they were mainly hidden inside. Seven proteins (S1, S4, S5, S7, S18, S20, and S21) were all well exposed on the surface of the particle, thus being outside proteins. The remaining proteins (S2, S6, S9 and/or S11, S13, and S14) were partially exposed. On the basis of these results a reconcilement of the three-dimensional protein map of the small ribosomal subunit has been done and corrected model is proposed.
Subject(s)
Ribosomal Proteins/chemistry , Ribosomes/chemistry , Escherichia coli/chemistry , Escherichia coli/ultrastructure , Peptide Mapping , Ribosomes/ultrastructureABSTRACT
Many unfolded polypeptides are capable of refolding into their native structure upon the removal of the denaturant. However, the folding of the mature protein during renaturation does not accurately reflect the folding process of nascent proteins in the interior of the cell. This view resulted from the discovery of molecular chaperones known to modulate protein folding. Recent publications discussing the possible role and mechanisms of chaperone action suggest that folding in vivo may be a posttranslational process. Here we discuss data that indicate the final native structure and biological activity can be attainted can be nascent protein on the ribosome, thus supporting the cotranslational folding hypothesis.
Subject(s)
Protein Biosynthesis , Protein Folding , Globins/genetics , Luciferases/genetics , Molecular Chaperones/physiologyABSTRACT
Globin synthesis in cell-free extracts of rabbit reticulocytes was carried out in the presence of 3H-labeled hemin. Sucrose gradient centrifugation analysis revealed [3H]hemin in the polyribosome fraction. The addition of puromycin resulted in the release of both [3H]hemin- and [14C]leucine-labeled polypeptide from the polyribosomes. The data suggest cotranslational folding of the globin molecule on the ribosome and cotranslational heme binding to the nascent globin chain.
