5.5 Å Structure of the Eukaryotic Ribosome

Armache, Jean-Paul (2011): 5.5 Å Structure of the Eukaryotic Ribosome. Dissertation, LMU München: Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy

Abstract

Protein biosynthesis, the translation of the genetic code into polypeptides, occurs on ribonucleoprotein particles called ribosomes. Although X-ray structures of bacterial ribosomes are available, high-resolution structures of eukaryotic 80S ribosomes are lacking. Using cryo-electron microscopy and single-particle reconstruction we have determined the structure of a translating plant (Triticum aestivum) 80S ribosome at 5.5 Å resolution. This map, together with a 6.1 Å map of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae 80S ribosome, has enabled us to model ~98 % of the rRNA and localize 74/80 (92.5 %) of the ribosomal proteins, encompassing 11 archaeal/eukaryote-specific small subunit proteins as well as the complete complement of the ribosomal proteins of the eukaryotic large subunit. Near-complete atomic models of the 80S ribosome provide insights into the structure, function and evolution of the eukaryotic translational apparatus.

• Item Type: Theses (Dissertation, LMU Munich)
• Keywords: ribosome, 80S, eukaryotic ribosome, ribosomal proteins, cryo-EM
• Subjects: 500 Natural sciences and mathematics; 500 Natural sciences and mathematics > 540 Chemistry and allied sciences
• Faculties: Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy
• Language: English
• Date of oral examination: 4. May 2011
• 1. Referee: Beckmann, Roland
• Signature of the printed copy: 0001/UMC 19555