Ribosome stalling is a serious issue for cell survival. In bacteria, the primary rescue system is trans-translation, performed by tmRNA and its protein partner small protein B (SmpB). Since its discovery almost 20 years ago, biochemical, genetic, and structural studies have paved the way to a better understanding of how this sophisticated process takes place at the cellular and molecular levels. Here we describe the molecular details of trans-translation, with special mention of recent cryo-electron microscopy and crystal structures that have helped explain how the huge tmRNA-SmpB complex targets and delivers stalled ribosomes without interfering with canonical translation. © 2014 Giudice, Macé and Gillet.
CITATION STYLE
Giudice, E., Macé, K., & Gillet, R. (2014). Trans-translation exposed: Understanding the structures and functions of tmRNA-SmpB. Frontiers in Microbiology. Frontiers Research Foundation. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2014.00113
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