Review article

https://doi.org/10.5562/cca1830

Glutamyl-tRNA in Bacteria. Multiple Identities for Multiple Functions

Assaf Katz ; Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile
Omar Orellana ; Programa de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Independencia 1027, Santiago 8380453, Chile

Abstract

The existence of aminoacyl-tRNAs was predicted during the late 50s as molecules that transfer
specific amino acids for protein synthesis. Today we know that, in addition to protein synthesis, these
molecules can also participate in several other cellular functions. One of these aminoacyl-tRNAs,
glutamyl-tRNA, can participate in at least three functions in bacteria: biosynthesis of glutaminyl-tRNA,
tetrapyrroles and proteins. In this article we discuss how bacterial cells manage to distribute glutamyltRNA
among all these functions. Proteins involved in each pathway recognize different features of the
tRNA which allows them to use only the correct glutamyl-tRNA species. Also, the formation of macromolecular
complexes allows the utilization of each of these species by the correct proteins. This compartmentalization
is critical for bacterial fitness as it prevents the incorporation of intermediates in the incorrect
pathway.(doi: 10.5562/cca1830)

Keywords

tRNAGlu; molecular recognition; glutamyl-tRNA synthetase; amido transferase; elongation factor Tu; glutamyl-tRNA reductase

Hrčak ID:

84527

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/84527

Publication date:

11.5.2012.

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