Bruce Maguire

Selective stalling of human translation through small-molecule engagement of the ribosome nascent chain.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a key role in regulating the levels of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Here, we demonstrate that the compound PF-06446846 inhibits translation of PCSK9 by inducing the ribosome to stall around codon 34, mediated by the sequence of the nascent chain within the exit tunnel. We further show that PF-06446846 reduces plasma PCSK9 and total cholesterol levels in rats following oral dosing. Using ribosome profiling, we demonstrate that PF-06446846 is highly selective for the inhibition of PCSK9 translation. The mechanism of action employed by PF-06446846 reveals a previously unexpected tunability of the human ribosome that allows small molecules to specifically block translation of individual transcripts.

A systematic study of 50S ribosomal subunit purification enabling robust crystallization.

A systematic analysis was undertaken to seek correlations between the integrity, purity and activity of 50S ribosomal subunit preparations from Deinococcus radiodurans and their ability to crystallize. Conditions of fermentation, purification and crystallization were varied in a search for crystals that could reliably supply an industrial X-ray crystallography program for the structure-based design of ribosomal antibiotics. A robust protocol was obtained to routinely obtain crystals that gave diffraction patterns extending to 2.9 A resolution and that were large enough to yield a complete data set from a single crystal. To our knowledge, this is the most systematic study of this challenging area so far undertaken. Ribosome crystallization is a complex multi-factorial problem and although a clear correlation of crystallization with subunit properties was not obtained, the search for key factors that potentiate crystallization has been greatly narrowed and promising areas for further inquiry are suggested.

Isolation of Ribosomes and Polysomes

Here we describe a preparative differential centrifugation protocol for the isolation of ribosomes from a crude cell homogenate. The subcellular fraction obtained is enriched in ribosome monomers and polysomes. The protocol has been optimized for the homogenization and collection of the ribosomal fraction from prokaryotic cells, mammalian and plant tissues, reticulocytes, and chloroplasts. The quality of the ribosomal preparation is enhanced by the removal of the remaining cellular components and adsorbed proteins by pelleting through a sucrose cushion with a high concentration of monovalent salts, NH4Cl or KCl. The different components of the ribosomal fraction isolated using this protocol can be further purified by sucrose gradient centrifugation.

Novel 3-O-carbamoyl erythromycin A derivatives (carbamolides) with activity against resistant staphylococcal and streptococcal isolates.

A novel series of 3-O-carbamoyl erythromycin A derived analogs, labeled carbamolides, with activity versus resistant bacterial isolates of staphylococci (including macrolide and oxazolidinone resistant strains) and streptococci are reported. An (R)-2-aryl substituent on a pyrrolidine carbamate appeared to be critical for achieving potency against resistant strains. Crystal structures showed a distinct aromatic interaction between the (R)-2-aryl (3-pyridyl for 4d) substituent on the pyrrolidine and G2484 (G2505, Escherichia coli) of the Deinococcus radiodurans 50S ribosome (3.2Å resolution).

Purification of the large ribosomal subunit via its association with the small subunit

We have developed an affinity purification of the large ribosomal subunit from Deinococcus radiodurans that exploits its association with FLAG-tagged 30S subunits. Thus, capture is indirect so that no modification of the 50S is required and elution is achieved under mild conditions (low magnesium) that disrupt the association, avoiding the addition of competitor ligands or coelution of common contaminants. Efficient purification of highly pure 50S is achieved, and the chromatography simultaneously sorts the 50S into three classes according to their association status (unassociated, loosely associated, or tightly associated), improving homogeneity.

Purification of polysomes.

Isolated polysomes (also known as translating ribosomes or polyribosomes) are mRNA-ribosome complexes that are frequently used for the in vitro study of the regulation of protein synthesis. Here we describe a protocol for the isolation of prokaryotic and plant polysomes by sucrose gradient sedimentation. The protocol allows for the separation of multiple ribosomes attached to mRNA from run-off ribosome monomers. In addition to collecting the polysome pellet, if the sucrose gradients used in this protocol are fractionated, it is possible to isolate and quantify the polysomes, the ribosome monomers, and the ribosomal subunits.

Purification of 70S Ribosomes

Here we describe the further purification of prokaryotic ribosomal particles obtained after the centrifugation of a crude cell lysate through a sucrose cushion. In this final purification step, a fraction containing ribosomes, ribosomal subunits, and polysomes is centrifuged through a 7%-30% (w/w) linear sucrose gradient to isolate tight couple 70S ribosomes, as well as dissociated 30S and 50S subunits. The tight couples fraction, or translationally active ribosome fraction, is composed of intact vacant ribosomes that can be used in cell-free translation systems.

A compound that directly and selectively stalls PCSK9 translation

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) plays a key role in regulating the levels of plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Here we demonstrate that the compound PF-06446846 inhibits translation of PCSK9 by inducing the ribosome to stall around codon 34, mediated by the sequence of the nascent chain within the exit tunnel. We further show that PF-06446846 reduces plasma PCSK9 and total cholesterol levels in rats following oral dosing. Using ribosome profiling, we demonstrate that PF-06446846 is highly selective for the inhibition of PCSK9 translation. The mechanism of action employed by PF-06446846 reveals a previously unexpected tunability of the human ribosome, which allows small molecules to specifically block translation of individual transcripts. One Sentence Summary A small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitor targets the human ribosome and selectively prevents PCSK9 synthesis.

Dissociation of Ribosomes into Large and Small Subunits

Structural and functional studies of ribosomal subunits require the dissociation of intact ribosomes into individual small and large ribosomal subunits. The dissociation of the prokaryotic 70S ribosomes into the 50S and 30S subunits is achieved by dialysis against a buffer containing a lower Mg(2+) concentration. Eukaryotic 80S ribosomes are dissociated into 60S and 40S subunits by incubation in a buffer containing puromycin and higher KCl and Mg(2+) concentrations.

Isolation of Ribosomes by Chromatography

Mixed-mode chromatography on cysteine-SulfoLink resin efficiently separates ribosomes from cell lysates and is particularly effective at rapidly removing endogenous proteases and nucleases, resulting in ribosomes of improved purity, integrity, and activity. Binding occurs partly by anion exchange of the RNA of the ribosomes, so that cells must be lysed in a buffer of moderate ionic strength (conductivity no more than 20 mS for chromatography of bacterial ribosomes) without any highly charged additives (e.g., heparin, which is used to inhibit RNases in yeast). A robust protocol for Escherichia coli is given here as an example.