Recognition of G-1:C73 Atomic Groups by Escherichia coli Histidyl-tRNA Synthetase

This work focuses on the RNA-protein interactions necessary for efficient aminoacylation of tRNAHis by Escherichia coli histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HisRS). The E. coli tRNAHis acceptor stem is characterized by a unique "extra" G-1:C73 base pair. Previous in vivo and in vitro studies showed that G-1:C73 is a major recognition element for E. coli HisRS. To further probe the role of the G-1:C73 base pair in specific aminoacylation, we carried out atomic group "mutagenesis" studies. Systematic base analogue substitutions at the -1:73 position of chemically synthesized microhelixHis substrates suggest that the G-1 base serves to position the 5'-monophosphate, which is critical for aminoacylation. Additionally, the C73 and G-1 bases contain major groove exocyclic atomic groups that contribute to HisRS recognition.