A recurrent magnesium-binding motif provides a framework for the ribosomal peptidyl transferase center.

ABSTRACT: The ribosome is an ancient macromolecular machine responsible for the synthesis of all proteins in all living organisms. Here we demonstrate that the ribosomal peptidyl transferase center (PTC) is supported by a framework of magnesium microclusters (Mg(2+)-muc's). Common features of Mg(2+)-muc's include two paired Mg(2+) ions that are chelated by a common bridging phosphate group in the form Mg((a))(2+)-(O1P-P-O2P)-Mg((b))(2+). This bridging phosphate is part of a 10-membered chelation ring in the form Mg((a))(2+)-(OP-P-O5'-C5'-C4'-C3'-O3'-P-OP)-Mg((a))(2+). The two phosphate groups of this 10-membered ring are contributed by adjacent residues along the RNA backbone. Both Mg(2+) ions are octahedrally coordinated, but are substantially dehydrated by interactions with additional RNA phosphat

SUBMITTER: Hsiao C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2691814 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature