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All enzymes face a challenge of discriminating cognate substrates from similar cellular compounds. Finding a correct substrate is especially difficult for the Escherichia coli Nudix hydrolase RppH, which triggers 5′-end-dependent RNA degradation by removing orthophosphate from the 5′-diphosphorylated transcripts. Here we show that RppH binds and slowly hydrolyzes NTPs, NDPs and (p)ppGpp, which each resemble the 5′-end of RNA. A series of X-ray crystal structures of RppH-nucleotide complexes, trapped in conformations either compatible or incompatible with hydrolysis, explain the low reaction rates of mononucleotides and suggest two distinct mechanisms for their hydrolysis. While RppH adopts the same catalytic arrangement with 5′-diphosphorylated nucleotides as with RNA, the enzyme hydrolyzes 5′-triphosphorylated nucleotides by extending the active site with an additional Mg2+ cation, which coordinates another reactive nucleophile. Although the average intracellular pH minimizes the hydrolysis of nucleotides by slowing their reaction with RppH, they nevertheless compete with RNA for binding and differentially inhibit the reactivity of RppH with triphosphorylated and diphosphorylated RNAs. Thus, E. coli RppH integrates various signals, such as competing non-cognate substrates and a stimulatory protein factor DapF, to achieve the differential degradation of transcripts involved in cellular processes important for the adaptation of bacteria to different growth conditions.

Allostery is among the most basic biological principles employed by biological macromolecules to achieve a biologically active state in response to chemical cues. Although initially used to describe the impact of small molecules on the conformation and activity of protein enzymes, the definition of this term has been significantly broadened to describe long-range conformational change of macromolecules in response to small or large effectors. Such a broad definition could be applied to RNA molecules, which do not typically serve as protein-free cellular enzymes but fold and form macromolecular assemblies with the help of various ligand molecules, including ions and proteins. Ligand-induced allosteric changes in RNA molecules are often accompanied by cooperative interactions between RNA and its ligand, thus streamlining the folding and assembly pathways. This chapter provides an overview of the interplay between cooperativity and allostery in RNA systems and outlines methods to study these two biological principles.

Vitally important for controlling gene expression in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, the deprotection of mRNA 5′ termini is governed by enzymes whose activity is modulated by interactions with ancillary factors. In Escherichia coli, 5′-end-dependent mRNA degradation begins with the generation of monophosphorylated 5′ termini by the RNA pyrophosphohydrolase RppH, which can be stimulated by DapF, a diaminopimelate epimerase involved in amino acid and cell wall biosynthesis. We have determined crystal structures of RppH–DapF complexes and measured rates of RNA deprotection. These studies show that DapF potentiates RppH activity in two ways, depending on the nature of the substrate. Its stimulatory effect on the reactivity of diphosphorylated RNAs, the predominant natural substrates of RppH, requires a substrate long enough to reach DapF in the complex, while the enhanced reactivity of triphosphorylated RNAs appears to involve DapF-induced changes in RppH itself and likewise increases with substrate length. This study provides a basis for understanding the intricate relationship between cellular metabolism and mRNA decay and reveals striking parallels with the stimulation of decapping activity in eukaryotes.

Bacterial T-boxes are regulatory mRNA regions that control the transcription or translation of factors involved in amino acid supply. T-boxes act by directly binding to non-aminoacylated tRNA in response to amino acid starvation. Three studies now capture three-dimensional structures of tRNA–T-box complexes and reveal a set of RNA features that are required for the recognition of specific tRNAs and modulation of gene expression.

Summary Anti-CRISPR proteins (Acrs) targeting CRISPR-Cas9 systems represent natural “off switches” for Cas9-based applications. Recently, AcrIIC1, AcrIIC2, and AcrIIC3 proteins were found to inhibit Neisseria meningitidis Cas9 (NmeCas9) activity in bacterial and human cells. Here we report biochemical and structural data that suggest molecular mechanisms of AcrIIC2- and AcrIIC3-mediated Cas9 inhibition. AcrIIC2 dimer interacts with the bridge helix of Cas9, interferes with RNA binding, and prevents DNA loading into Cas9. AcrIIC3 blocks the DNA loading step through binding to a non-conserved surface of the HNH domain of Cas9. AcrIIC3 also forms additional interactions with the REC lobe of Cas9 and induces the dimerization of the AcrIIC3-Cas9 complex. While AcrIIC2 targets Cas9 orthologs from different subtypes, albeit with different efficiency, AcrIIC3 specifically inhibits NmeCas9. Structure-guided changes in NmeCas9 orthologs convert them into anti-CRISPR-sensitive proteins. Our studies provide insights into anti-CRISPR-mediated suppression mechanisms and guidelines for designing regulatory tools in Cas9-based applications.

Although many eukaryotic transcripts contain cap structures, it has been long thought that bacterial RNAs do not carry any special modifications on their 5'-ends. In bacteria, primary transcripts are produced by transcription initiated with a nucleoside triphosphate and are therefore triphosphorylated on 5'-ends. Some transcripts are then processed by nucleases that yield monophosphorylated RNAs for specific cellular activities. Many primary transcripts are also converted to monophosphorylated species by removal of the terminal pyrophosphate for 5'-end-dependent degradation. Recent studies surprisingly revealed an expanded repertoire of chemical groups on 5'-ends of bacterial RNAs. In addition to mono- and triphosphorylated moieties, some mRNAs and sRNAs contain cap-like structures and diphosphates on their 5'-ends. Although incorporation and removal of these groups have become better understood in recent years, the physiological significance of these modifications remain obscure. This review highlights recent studies aimed at identification and elucidation of novel modifications on the 5'-ends of bacterial RNAs and discusses possible physiological applications of the modified RNAs. This article is categorized under: RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry RNA Processing > Capping and 5' End Modifications.

Deprotection of the 5' end appears to be a universal mechanism for triggering the degradation of mRNA in bacteria and eukaryotes. In Escherichia coli, for example, converting the 5' triphosphate of primary transcripts to a monophosphate accelerates cleavage at internal sites by the endonuclease RNase E. Previous studies have shown that the RNA pyrophosphohydrolase RppH catalyzes this transformation in vitro and generates monophosphorylated decay intermediates in vivo. Recently, we reported that purified E. coli RppH unexpectedly reacts faster with diphosphorylated than with triphosphorylated substrates. By using a novel assay, it was also determined that diphosphorylated mRNA decay intermediates are abundant in wild-type E. coli and that their fractional level increases to almost 100% for representative mRNAs in mutant cells lacking RppH. These findings indicate that the conversion of triphosphorylated to monophosphorylated RNA in E. coli is a stepwise process involving sequential phosphate removal and the transient formation of a diphosphorylated intermediate. The latter RNA phosphorylation state, which was previously unknown in bacteria, now appears to define the preferred biological substrates of E. coli RppH. The enzyme responsible for generating it remains to be identified.

Purine riboswitches have an essential role in genetic regulation of bacterial metabolism. This family includes the 2'-deoxyguanosine (dG) riboswitch, which is involved in feedback control of deoxyguanosine biosynthesis. To understand the principles that define dG selectivity, we determined crystal structures of the natural Mesoplasma florum riboswitch bound to cognate dG as well as to noncognate guanosine, deoxyguanosine monophosphate and guanosine monophosphate. Comparison with related purine riboswitch structures reveals that the dG riboswitch achieves its specificity through modification of key interactions involving the nucleobase and rearrangement of the ligand-binding pocket to accommodate the additional sugar moiety. In addition, we observe new conformational changes beyond the junctional binding pocket extending as far as peripheral loop-loop interactions. It appears that re-engineering riboswitch scaffolds will require consideration of selectivity features dispersed throughout the riboswitch tertiary fold, and structure-guided drug design efforts targeted to junctional RNA scaffolds need to be addressed within such an expanded framework.

Riboswitches specifically control expression of genes predominantly involved in biosynthesis, catabolism and transport of various cellular metabolites in organisms from all three kingdoms of life. Amongst many classes of identified riboswitches, two riboswitches respond to amino acids lysine and glycine to date. Though these riboswitches recognize small compounds, they both belong to the largest riboswitches and have unique structural and functional characteristics. In this review, we attempt to characterize molecular recognition principles employed by amino acid-responsive riboswitches to selectively bind their cognate ligands and to effectively perform a gene regulation function. We summarize up-to-date biochemical and genetic data available for the lysine and glycine riboswitches and correlate these results with recent high-resolution structural information obtained for the lysine riboswitch. We also discuss the contribution of lysine riboswitches to antibiotic resistance and outline potential applications of riboswitches in biotechnology and medicine.

The biosynthesis of several protein cofactors is subject to feedback regulation by riboswitches1–3. Flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-specific riboswitches4,5, also known as RFN elements6, direct expression of bacterial genes involved in the biosynthesis and transport of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and related compounds. Here we present the crystal structures of the Fusobacterium nucleatum riboswitch bound to FMN, riboflavin and antibiotic roseoflavin7. The FMN riboswitch structure, centred on an FMN-bound six-stem junction, does not fold by collinear stacking of adjacent helices, typical for folding of large RNAs. Rather, it adopts a butterfly-like scaffold, stapled together by opposingly directed but nearly identically folded peripheral domains. FMN is positioned asymmetrically within the junctional site and is specifically bound to RNA through interactions with the isoalloxazine ring chromophore and direct and Mg2+-mediated contacts with the phosphate moiety. Our structural data, complemented by binding and footprinting experiments, imply a largely pre-folded tertiary RNA architecture and FMN recognition mediated by conformational transitions within the junctional binding pocket. The inherent plasticity of the FMN-binding pocket and the availability of large openings make the riboswitch an attractive target for structure-based design of FMN-like antimicrobial compounds. Our studies also explain the effects of spontaneous and antibiotic-induced deregulatory mutations and provided molecular insights into FMN-based control of gene expression in normal and riboflavin-overproducing bacterial strains.

RNA molecules participate in virtually all cellular processes ranging from transfer of hereditary information to gene expression control. In cells, many RNAs form specific interactions with proteins often using short nucleotide sequences for protein recognition. Biochemical and structural studies of such RNA-protein complexes demand preparation of short RNAs. Although short RNAs can be synthesized chemically, certain proteins require monophosphate or triphosphate moieties on the 5' end of RNA. Given high cost of chemical triphosphorylation, broad application of such RNAs is impractical. In vitro transcription of RNA by DNA-dependent bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase provides an alternative option to prepare short RNAs with different phosphorylation states as well as modifications on the 5' terminus. Here we outline the in vitro transcription methodology employed to prepare ≤5-mer oligoribonucleotide for structural and biochemical applications. The chapter describes the principles of construct design, in vitro transcription and RNA purification applied for characterization of a protein that targets the 5' end of RNA.

We have recently introduced a basic concept for the combined chemical and enzymatic preparation of site-specifically modified 2'-methylseleno RNAs which represent useful derivatives for phasing of X-ray crystallographic data during their three-dimensional structure determination. Here, we introduce the first synthesis of an appropriate guanosine phosphoramidite, which complements the thus far established set of 2'-methylseleno-modified uridine, cytidine, and adenosine building blocks for solid-phase synthesis. The novel building block was readily incorporated into RNA. Importantly, it was the 2'-methylseleno-guanosine-labeled RNA that allowed us to reveal the reversible oxidation/reduction behavior of the Se moiety and thus it represents a valuable contribution to the understanding of the action of threo-1,4-dimercapto-2,3-butanediol (DTT) required during solid-phase synthesis, deprotection, and crystallization of selenium-containing RNA. In addition, we investigated 2'-methylseleno RNA with respect to crystallization properties. Our studies revealed that the Se modification significantly increases the range of conditions leading to crystal growth. Moreover, we determined the crystal structures of model RNA helices and showed that the Se modification can affect crystal packing interactions, thus potentially expanding the possibilities for obtaining the best crystal form.

The derivatization of nucleic acids with selenium is a new and highly promising approach to facilitate their three-dimensional structure determination by X-ray crystallography. Here, we report a comprehensive study on the chemical and enzymatic syntheses of RNAs containing 2'-methylseleno (2'-Se-methyl) nucleoside labels. Our approach includes the first synthesis of an appropriate purine nucleoside phosphoramidite building block. Most importantly, a substantially changed RNA solid-phase synthesis cycle, comprising treatment with threo-1,4-dimercapto-2,3-butanediol (DTT) after the oxidation step, is required for a reliable strand elongation. This novel operation allows for the chemical syntheses of multiple Se-labeled RNAs in sizes that can typically be achieved only for nonmodified RNAs. In combination with enzymatic ligation, biologically important RNA targets become accessible for crystallography. Exemplarily, this has been demonstrated for the Diels-Alder ribozyme and the add adenine riboswitch sequences. We point out that the approach documented here has been the chemical basis for the very recent structure determination of the Diels-Alder ribozyme which represents the first novel RNA fold that has been solved via its Se-derivatives.

The structure and dynamics of the stem-loop transactivation response element (TAR) RNA from the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) bound to the ligand argininamide (ARG) has been characterized using a combination of a large number of residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) and trans-hydrogen bond NMR methodology. Binding of ARG to TAR changes the average inter-helical angle between the two stems from approximately 47 degrees in the free state to approximately 11 degrees in the bound state, and leads to the arrest of large amplitude (+/-46 degrees ) inter-helical motions observed previously in the free state. While the global structural dynamics of TAR-ARG is similar to that previously reported for TAR bound to Mg2+, there are substantial differences in the hydrogen bond alignment of bulge and neighboring residues. Based on a novel H5(C5)NN experiment for probing hydrogen-mediated 2hJ(N,N) scalar couplings as well as measured RDCs, the TAR-ARG complex is stabilized by a U38-A27.U23 base-triple involving an A27.U23 reverse Hoogsteen hydrogen bond alignment as well as by a A22-U40 Watson-Crick base-pair at the junction of stem I. These hydrogen bond alignments are not observed in either the free or Mg2+ bound forms of TAR. The combined conformational analysis of TAR under three states reveals that ligands and divalent ions can stabilize similar RNA global conformations through distinct interactions involving different hydrogen bond alignments in the RNA.

Summary The ribosomal protein S15 binds to 16S rRNA, during ribosome assembly, and to its own mRNA ( rpsO mRNA), affecting autocontrol of its expression. In both cases, the RNA binding site is bipartite with a common subsite consisting of a GU/G-C motif. The second subsite is located in a three-way junction in 16S rRNA and in the distal part of a stem forming a pseudoknot in Escherichia coli rpsO mRNA. To deter- mine the extent of mimicry between these two RNA targets, we determined which amino acids interact with rpsO mRNA. A plasmid carrying rpsO (the S15 gene) was mutagenized and introduced into a strain lacking S15 and harbouring an rpsO-lacZ transla- tional fusion. Analysis of deregulated mutants shows that each subsite of rpsO mRNA is recognized by a set of amino acids known to interact with 16S rRNA. In addition to the GU/G-C motif, which is recognized by the same amino acids in both targets, the other subsite interacts with amino acids also involved in contacts with helix H22 of 16S rRNA, in the region adjacent to the three-way junction. However, specific S15- rpsO mRNA interactions can also be found, probably with A( - 46) in loop L1 of the pseudoknot, demonstrating that mimicry between the two targets is limited.

Escherichia coli protein Y (pY) binds to the small ribosomal subunit and stabilizes ribosomes against dissociation when bacteria experience environmental stress. pY inhibits translation in vitro, most probably by interfering with the binding of the aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosomal A site. Such a translational arrest may mediate overall adaptation of cells to environmental conditions. We have determined the 3D solution structure of a 112-residue pY and have studied its backbone dynamic by NMR spectroscopy. The structure has a betaalphabetabetabetaalpha topology and represents a compact two-layered sandwich of two nearly parallel alpha helices packed against the same side of a four-stranded beta sheet. The 23 C-terminal residues of the protein are disordered. Long-range angular constraints provided by residual dipolar coupling data proved critical for precisely defining the position of helix 1. Our data establish that the C-terminal region of helix 1 and the loop linking this helix with strand beta2 show significant conformational exchange in the ms- micro s time scale, which may have relevance to the interaction of pY with ribosomal subunits. Distribution of the conserved residues on the protein surface highlights a positively charged region towards the C-terminal segments of both alpha helices, which most probably constitutes an RNA binding site. The observed betaalphabetabetabetaalpha topology of pY resembles the alphabetabetabetaalpha topology of double-stranded RNA-binding domains, despite limited sequence similarity. It appears probable that functional properties of pY are not identical to those of dsRBDs, as the postulated RNA-binding site in pY does not coincide with the RNA-binding surface of the dsRBDs.

All large structured RNAs contain hairpin motifs made of a stem closed by several looped nucleotides. The most frequent loop motif is the UUCG one. This motif belongs to the tetraloop family and has the peculiarity of being highly thermodynamically stable. Here, we report the first crystal structure of two UUCG tetraloops embedded in a larger RNA-protein complex solved at 2.8 A resolution. The two loops present in the asymmetric unit are in a different crystal packing environment but, nevertheless, have an identical conformation. The observed structure is globally close to that obtained in solution by nuclear magnetic resonance. However, subtle differences point to a more detailed picture of the role played by 2'-hydroxyl groups in stabilising this tetraloop.

A long-term program on crystallization and structural studies of the protein synthesis machinery components from an extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus was set up at the Institute of Protein Research (Russia) about 15 years ago. These studies have recently revealed the structures of elongation factor G, aspartyl-tRNA synthetase and ribosomal proteins S6 and L1. Different components of the protein synthesis machinery from T.thermophilus are also being investigated in other groups and many important results have been obtained recently. Here we describe only some special problems on crystal handling and non-isomorphism that have been overcome during structural studies of EF-G and ribosomal proteins in our group. This paper presents also new data on the crystallization of ribosomal proteins S7, S8, S15, L22 and leucyl-tRNA synthetase from T.thermophilus .

Riboswitches are mRNA elements capable of modulating gene expression in response to specific binding by cellular metabolites. Riboswitches exert their function through the interplay of alternative ligand-free and ligand-bound conformations of the metabolite-sensing domain, which in turn modulate the formation of adjacent gene expression controlling elements. X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy have determined three-dimensional structures of virtually all the major riboswitch classes in the ligand-bound state and, for several riboswitches, in the ligand-free state. The resulting spatial topologies have demonstrated the wide diversity of riboswitch folds and revealed structural principles for specific recognition by cognate metabolites. The available three-dimensional information, supplemented by structure-guided biophysical and biochemical experimentation, has led to an improved understanding of how riboswitches fold, what RNA conformations are required for ligand recognition, and how ligand binding can be transduced into gene expression modulation. These studies have greatly facilitated the dissection of molecular mechanisms underlying riboswitch action and should in turn guide the anticipated development of tools for manipulating gene regulatory circuits.

Tetrahydrofolate (THF), a biologically active form of the vitamin folate (B 9 ), is an essential cofactor in one-carbon transfer reactions. In bacteria, expression of folate-related genes is controlled by feedback modulation in response to specific binding of THF and related compounds to a riboswitch. Here, we present the X-ray structures of the THF-sensing domain from the Eubacterium siraeum riboswitch in the ligand-bound and unbound states. The structure reveals an “inverted” three-way junctional architecture, most unusual for riboswitches, with the junction located far from the regulatory helix P1 and not directly participating in helix P1 formation. Instead, the three-way junction, stabilized by binding to the ligand, aligns the riboswitch stems for long-range tertiary pseudoknot interactions that contribute to the organization of helix P1 and therefore stipulate the regulatory response of the riboswitch. The pterin moiety of the ligand docks in a semiopen pocket adjacent to the junction, where it forms specific hydrogen bonds with two moderately conserved pyrimidines. The aminobenzoate moiety stacks on a guanine base, whereas the glutamate moiety does not appear to make strong interactions with the RNA. In contrast to other riboswitches, these findings demonstrate that the THF riboswitch uses a limited number of available determinants for ligand recognition. Given that modern antibiotics target folate metabolism, the THF riboswitch structure provides insights on mechanistic aspects of riboswitch function and may help in manipulating THF levels in pathogenic bacteria.

Riboswitches are gene control elements typically located in the 5' untranslated regions of bacterial mRNAs where they modulate the expression of associated genes in response to elevated concentrations of cellular metabolites. Metabolite binding stabilizes the evolutionarily conserved receptor domains and affects the folding of the downstream gene-controlling modules. About 20 classes of riboswitches display a large number of RNA sequences perfectly adjusted to bind their cognate cellular metabolites. The question of how riboswitches achieve exquisite specificity for various ligands has been answered for almost all major classes of known riboswitches by structural and biochemical studies of their metabolite-sensing domains. Here I outline the most recent additions to the growing collection of riboswitch structures, review the principles of riboswitch folding and metabolite recognition, and discuss whether this information can help us understand the details of genetic control and metabolite recognition in the riboswitches whose three-dimensional structures are not available.

Site-specific 2′-methylseleno RNA labeling is a promising tool for tackling the phase problem in RNA crystallography. We have developed an efficient strategy for crystallization and structure determination of RNA and RNA/protein complexes based on preliminary crystallization screening of 2′-OCH3-modified RNA sequences, prior to the replacement of 2′-OCH3 groups with their 2′-SeCH3 counterparts. The method exploits the similar crystallization properties of 2′-OCH3- and 2′-SeCH3-modified RNAs and has been successfully validated for two test cases. In addition, our data show that 2′-SeCH3-modified RNA have an increased resistance to X-ray radiolysis in comparison with commonly used 5-halogen-modified RNA, which permits collection of experimental electron density maps of remarkable quality.

Riboswitches are mRNA regions that regulate the expression of genes in response to various cellular metabolites. These RNA sequences, typically situated in the untranslated regions of mRNAs, possess complex structures that dictate highly specific binding to certain ligands, such as nucleobases, coenzymes, amino acids, and sugars, without protein assistance. Depending on the presence of the ligand, metabolite-binding domains of riboswitches can adopt two alternative conformations, which define the conformations of the adjacent sequences involved in the regulation of gene expression. In order to understand in detail the nature of riboswitch-ligand interactions and the molecular basis of riboswitch-based gene expression control, it is necessary to determine the three-dimensional structures of riboswitch-ligand complexes. This chapter outlines the techniques that are employed to prepare riboswitch-ligand complexes for structure determination using X-ray crystallography. The chapter describes the principles of construct design, in vitro transcription, RNA purification, complex formation, and crystallization screening utilized during the successful crystallization of several riboswitches.

The majority of structural efforts addressing RNA's catalytic function have focused on natural ribozymes, which catalyze phosphodiester transfer reactions. By contrast, little is known about how RNA catalyzes other types of chemical reactions. We report here the crystal structures of a ribozyme that catalyzes enantioselective carbon-carbon bond formation by the Diels-Alder reaction in the unbound state and in complex with a reaction product. The RNA adopts a lambda-shaped nested pseudoknot architecture whose preformed hydrophobic pocket is precisely complementary in shape to the reaction product. RNA folding and product binding are dictated by extensive stacking and hydrogen bonding, whereas stereoselection is governed by the shape of the catalytic pocket. Catalysis is apparently achieved by a combination of proximity, complementarity and electronic effects. We observe structural parallels in the independently evolved catalytic pocket architectures for ribozyme- and antibody-catalyzed Diels-Alder carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions.

Approaches developed thus for extracting structural and dynamical information from RDCs have rested on the assumption that motions do not affect molecular alignment. However, it is well established that molecular alignment in ordered media is dependent on conformation, and slowly interconverting conformational substates may exhibit different alignment properties. Neglecting these correlation effects can lead to aberrations in the structural and dynamical analysis of RDCs and diminish the utility of RDCs in probing motions between domains having similar alignment propensities. Here, we introduce a new approach based on measurement of magnetic field induced residual dipolar couplings in nucleic acids which can explicitly take into account such correlations and demonstrate measurements of motions between two “magnetically equivalent” domains in the transactivation response element (TAR) RNA.

The structure of the ribosomal protein S15 reveals a novel predominantly α-helical fold and allows for a prediction of the RNA binding surface and orientation within the assembled ribosome.

Riboswitches are metabolite-sensing RNAs, typically located in the non-coding portions of messenger RNAs, that control the synthesis of metabolite-related proteins1–3. Here we describe a 2.05 Å crystal structure of a riboswitch domain from the Escherichia coli thiM mRNA4 that responds to the coenzyme thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP). TPP is an active form of vitamin B1, an essential participant in many protein-catalysed reactions5. Organisms from all three domains of life6–9, including bacteria, plants and fungi, use TPP-sensing riboswitches to control genes responsible for importing or synthesizing thiamine and its phosphorylated derivatives, making this riboswitch class the most widely distributed member of the metabolite-sensing RNA regulatory system. The structure reveals a complex folded RNA in which one subdomain forms an intercalation pocket for the 4-amino-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methyl-pyrimidine moiety of TPP, whereas another subdomain forms a wider pocket that uses bivalent metal ions and water molecules to make bridging contacts to the pyrophosphate moiety of the ligand. The two pockets are positioned to function as a molecular measuring device that recognizes TPP in an extended conformation. The central thiazole moiety is not recognized by the RNA, which explains why the antimicrobial compound pyrithiamine pyrophosphate targets this riboswitch and downregulates the expression of thiamine metabolic genes. Both the natural ligand and its drug-like analogue stabilize secondary and tertiary structure elements that are harnessed by the riboswitch to modulate the synthesis of the proteins coded by the mRNA. In addition, this structure provides insight into how folded RNAs can form precision binding pockets that rival those formed by protein genetic factors.

SummaryMetabolite-sensing mRNAs, or “riboswitches,” specifically interact with small ligands and direct expression of the genes involved in their metabolism. Riboswitches contain sensing “aptamer” modules, capable of ligand-induced structural changes, and downstream regions, harboring expression-controlling elements. We report the crystal structures of the add A-riboswitch and xpt G-riboswitch aptamer modules that distinguish between bound adenine and guanine with exquisite specificity and modulate expression of two different sets of genes. The riboswitches form tuning fork-like architectures, in which the prongs are held in parallel through hairpin loop interactions, and the internal bubble zippers up to form the purine binding pocket. The bound purines are held by hydrogen bonding interactions involving conserved nucleotides along their entire periphery. Recognition specificity is associated with Watson-Crick pairing of the encapsulated adenine and guanine ligands with uridine and cytosine, respectively.