Testing the conservation of the translational machinery over evolution in diverse environments: assaying Thermus thermophilus ribosomes and initiation factors in a coupled transcription-translation system from Escherichia coli.

ABSTRACT: Ribosomes from the extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus are capable of translation in a coupled transcription-translation system derived from Escherichia coli. At 45 degrees C, T.thermophilus ribosomes translate at approximately 25-30% of the maximal rate of E.coli ribosomes, and synthesize full-length protein. T.thermophilus and E.coli subunits can be combined to effect translation, with the spectrum of proteins produced depending upon the source of the 30S subunit. In this system, T.thermophilus ribosomes function in concert with E.coli translational factors and tRNAs, with elongation and release factors being supplied from the E.coli extract, and purified initiation factors (IFs) being added exogenously. Cloned and purified T.thermophilus IF1, IF2 and IF3 supported the synthesis of

SUBMITTER: Thompson J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC528807 | biostudies-literature | 2004

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature