PMID: 18497744 , Related PDB id: 2VRH
Authors:
Merz F, Boehringer D, Schaffitzel C, Preissler S, Hoffmann A, Maier T, Rutkowska A, Lozza J, Ban N, Bukau B, Deuerling E
Title:
Molecular mechanism and structure of Trigger Factor bound to the translating ribosome.
Journal:
EMBO J. 2008 Jun 4;27(11):1622-32. Epub 2008 May 22.
Abstract:
Ribosome-associated chaperone Trigger Factor (TF) initiates folding of newly synthesized proteins in bacteria. Here, we pinpoint by site-specific crosslinking the sequence of molecular interactions of Escherichia coli TF and nascent chains during translation. Furthermore, we provide the first full-length structure of TF associated with ribosome-nascent chain complexes by using cryo-electron microscopy. In its active state, TF arches over the ribosomal exit tunnel accepting nascent chains in a protective void. The growing nascent chain initially follows a predefined path through the entire interior of TF in an unfolded conformation, and even after folding into a domain it remains accommodated inside the protective cavity of ribosome-bound TF. The adaptability to accept nascent chains of different length and folding states may explain how TF is able to assist co-translational folding of all kinds of nascent polypeptides during ongoing synthesis. Moreover, we suggest a model of how TF's chaperoning function can be coordinated with the co-translational processing and membrane targeting of nascent polypeptides by other ribosome-associated factors.