The RNA ligase RtcB reverses MazF-induced ribosome heterogeneity in Escherichia coli.

When Escherichia coli encounters stress, the endoribonuclease MazF initiates a post-transcriptional response that results in the reprogramming of protein synthesis. By removing the 3΄-terminus of the 16S rRNA, MazF generates specialized ribosomes that selectively translate mRNAs likewise processed by MazF. Given the energy required for de novo ribosome biosynthesis, we considered the existence of a repair mechanism operating upon stress relief to recycle the modified ribosomes. Here, we show that the stress-ribosomes and the 3΄-terminal 16S rRNA fragment are stable during adverse conditions. Moreover, employing in vitro and in vivo approaches we demonstrate that the RNA ligase RtcB catalyzes the re-ligation of the truncated 16S rRNA present in specialized ribosomes Thereby their ability to translate canonical mRNAs is fully restored. Together, our findings not only provide a physiological function for the RNA ligase RtcB in bacteria but highlight the reversibility of ribosome heterogeneity, a crucial but hitherto undescribed concept for translational regulation.

Structural basis for the interaction of protein S1 with the Escherichia coli ribosome.

In Gram-negative bacteria, the multi-domain protein S1 is essential for translation initiation, as it recruits the mRNA and facilitates its localization in the decoding centre. In sharp contrast to its functional importance, S1 is still lacking from the high-resolution structures available for Escherichia coli and Thermus thermophilus ribosomes and thus the molecular mechanism governing the S1-ribosome interaction has still remained elusive. Here, we present the structure of the N-terminal S1 domain D1 when bound to the ribosome at atomic resolution by using a combination of NMR, X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Together with biochemical assays, the structure reveals that S1 is anchored to the ribosome primarily via a stabilizing π-stacking interaction within the short but conserved N-terminal segment that is flexibly connected to domain D1. This interaction is further stabilized by salt bridges involving the zinc binding pocket of protein S2. Overall, this work provides one hitherto enigmatic piece in the 'ribosome puzzle', namely the detailed molecular insight into the topology of the S1-ribosome interface. Moreover, our data suggest novel mechanisms that have the potential to modulate protein synthesis in response to environmental cues by changing the affinity of S1 for the ribosome.

Heterogeneity of the translational machinery: Variations on a common theme.

In all organisms the universal process of protein synthesis is performed by the ribosome, a complex multi-component assembly composed of RNA and protein elements. Although ribosome heterogeneity was observed already more than 40 years ago, the ribosome is still traditionally viewed as an unchangeable entity that has to be equipped with all ribosomal components and translation factors in order to precisely accomplish all steps in protein synthesis. In the recent years this concept was challenged by several studies highlighting a broad variation in the composition of the translational machinery in response to environmental signals, which leads to its adaptation and functional specialization. Here, we summarize recent reports on the variability of the protein synthesis apparatus in diverse organisms and discuss the multiple mechanisms and possibilities that can lead to functional ribosome heterogeneity. Collectively, these results indicate that all cells are equipped with a remarkable toolbox to fine tune gene expression at the level of translation and emphasize the physiological importance of ribosome heterogeneity for the immediate implementation of environmental information.

Adipose triglyceride lipase contributes to cancer-associated cachexia.

Cachexia is a multifactorial wasting syndrome most common in patients with cancer that is characterized by the uncontrolled loss of adipose and muscle mass. We show that the inhibition of lipolysis through genetic ablation of adipose triglyceride lipase (Atgl) or hormone-sensitive lipase (Hsl) ameliorates certain features of cancer-associated cachexia (CAC). In wild-type C57BL/6 mice, the injection of Lewis lung carcinoma or B16 melanoma cells causes tumor growth, loss of white adipose tissue (WAT), and a marked reduction of gastrocnemius muscle. In contrast, Atgl-deficient mice with tumors resisted increased WAT lipolysis, myocyte apoptosis, and proteasomal muscle degradation and maintained normal adipose and gastrocnemius muscle mass. Hsl-deficient mice with tumors were also protected although to a lesser degree. Thus, functional lipolysis is essential in the pathogenesis of CAC. Pharmacological inhibition of metabolic lipases may help prevent cachexia.