Distance-dependent inhibition of translation initiation by downstream out-of-frame AUGs reveals that ribosome scans in a Brownian ratchet process

While eukaryotic ribosomes are widely presumed to scan mRNA for the AUG codon to initiate translation in a strictly 5'->3' movement (strictly unidirectional scanning model), other evidence has suggested that the ribosome uses small-amplitude 5'->3' and 3'->5' oscillations with a net 5'->3' movement to recognize the AUG codon (Brownian ratchet scanning model). Here, we generated 13,437 yeast variants, each with an ATG triplet placed downstream (dATGs) of the annotated ATG (aATG) codon of green fluorescent protein. We found that out-of-frame dATGs could inhibit translation at the aATG, but with diminishing strength over increasing distance between aATG and dATG, undetectable beyond ~17 nt. Computational simulations revealed that each triplet is scanned back and forth approximately ~10 times until an AUG codon is recognized. Collectively, our findings uncover the basic process by which eukaryotic ribosomes scan for initiation codons, and how this process could shape eukaryotic genome evolution and influence cancer development.

Catalytic cycling of human mitochondrial Lon protease

The mitochondrial Lon protease homolog (LonP1) hexamer controls mitochondrial health by digesting proteins from the mitochondrial matrix that are damaged or must be removed. Understanding how it is regulated requires characterizing its mechanism. Here, we show how human LonP1 functions, based on eight different conformational states that we determined by cryo-EM with a resolution locally extending to 3.6 Å for the best ordered states. LonP1 has a poorly ordered N-terminal part with apparent threefold symmetry, which apparently binds substrate protein and feeds it into its AAA+ unfoldase core. This translocates the extended substrate protein into a proteolytic cavity, in which we report an additional, previously unidentified Thr-type proteolytic center. Threefold rocking movements of the flexible N-terminal assembly likely assist thermal unfolding of the substrate protein. Our data suggest LonP1 may function as a sixfold cyclical Brownian ratchet controlled by ATP hydrolysis.

A Brownian ratchet model for DNA loop extrusion by the cohesin complex

The cohesin complex topologically encircles DNA to promote sister chromatid cohesion. Alternatively, cohesin extrudes DNA loops, thought to reflect chromatin domain formation. Here, we propose a structure-based model explaining both activities. ATP and DNA binding promote cohesin conformational changes that guide DNA through a kleisin N-gate into a DNA gripping state. Two HEAT-repeat DNA binding modules, associated with cohesin’s heads and hinge, are now juxtaposed. Gripping state disassembly, following ATP hydrolysis, triggers unidirectional hinge module movement, which completes topological DNA entry by directing DNA through the ATPase head gate. If head gate passage fails, hinge module motion creates a Brownian ratchet that, instead, drives loop extrusion. Molecular-mechanical simulations of gripping state formation and resolution cycles recapitulate experimentally observed DNA loop extrusion characteristics. Our model extends to asymmetric and symmetric loop extrusion, as well as z-loop formation. Loop extrusion by biased Brownian motion has important implications for chromosomal cohesin function.

A Brownian ratchet model for DNA loop extrusion by the cohesin complex

The cohesin complex topologically encircles DNA to promote sister chromatid cohesion. Alternatively cohesin extrudes DNA loops, thought to reflect chromatin domain formation. Here, we propose a structure-based model explaining both activities, supported by biochemical experiments. ATP and DNA binding to cohesin promote conformational changes that guide DNA through a kleisin gate into a DNA gripping state. Two HEAT-repeat DNA binding modules, associated with cohesin’s heads and hinge, are now juxtaposed. ATP hydrolysis disassembles the gripping state, allowing unidirectional hinge module movement to complete topological DNA entry. Without initial kleisin gate passage, biased hinge module motion during gripping state resolution creates a Brownian ratchet that drives loop extrusion. Molecular-mechanical simulations of gripping state formation and resolution cycles recapitulate experimentally observed DNA loop extrusion characteristics. Our model extends to asymmetric and symmetric loop extrusion, as well as z-loop formation. Loop extrusion by biased Brownian fluctuations has important implications for chromosomal cohesin function.

Treadmilling FtsZ polymers drive the directional movement of sPG-synthesis enzymes via a Brownian ratchet mechanism

The FtsZ protein is a central component of the bacterial cell division machinery. It polymerizes at mid-cell and recruits more than 30 proteins to assemble into a macromolecular complex to direct cell wall constriction. FtsZ polymers exhibit treadmilling dynamics, driving the processive movement of enzymes that synthesize septal peptidoglycan (sPG). Here, we combine theoretical modelling with single-molecule imaging of live bacterial cells to show that FtsZ’s treadmilling drives the directional movement of sPG enzymes via a Brownian ratchet mechanism. The processivity of the directional movement depends on the binding potential between FtsZ and the sPG enzyme, and on a balance between the enzyme’s diffusion and FtsZ’s treadmilling speed. We propose that this interplay may provide a mechanism to control the spatiotemporal distribution of active sPG enzymes, explaining the distinct roles of FtsZ treadmilling in modulating cell wall constriction rate observed in different bacteria.