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A functional peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase, ICT1, has been recruited into the human mitochondrial ribosome

Lookup NU author(s): Ricarda Richter, Dr Joanna Rorbach, Aleksandra Pajak, Dr Paul Smith, Professor Robert Lightowlers, Professor Zofia Chrzanowska-LightowlersORCiD

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Abstract

Bioinformatic analysis classifies the human protein encoded by immature colon carcinoma transcript-1 (ICT1) as one of a family of four putative mitochondrial translation release factors. However, this has not been supported by any experimental evidence. As only a single member of this family, mtRF1a, is required to terminate the synthesis of all 13 mitochondrially encoded polypeptides, the true physiological function of ICT1 was unclear. Here, we report that ICT1 is an essential mitochondrial protein, but unlike the other family members that are matrix-soluble, ICT1 has become an integral component of the human mitoribosome. Release-factor assays show that although ICT1 has retained its ribosome-dependent PTH activity, this is codon-independent; consistent with its loss of both domains that promote codon recognition in class-I release factors. Mutation of the GGQ domain common to ribosome-dependent PTHs causes a loss of activity in vitro and, crucially, a loss of cell viability, in vivo. We suggest that ICT1 may be essential for hydrolysis of prematurely terminated peptidyl-tRNA moieties in stalled mitoribosomes. The EMBO Journal (2010) 29, 1116-1125. doi: 10.1038/emboj.2010.14; Published online 25 February 2010


Publication metadata

Author(s): Richter R, Rorbach J, Pajak A, Smith PM, Wessels HJ, Huynen MA, Smeitink JA, Lightowlers RN, Chrzanowska-Lightowlers ZM

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: EMBO Journal

Year: 2010

Volume: 29

Issue: 6

Pages: 1116-1125

Print publication date: 01/03/2010

Date deposited: 22/04/2010

ISSN (print): 0261-4189

ISSN (electronic): 1460-2075

Publisher: Nature Publishing Group

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/emboj.2010.14

DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2010.14


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
Netherlands Genomics Initiative
074454/Z/04/ZWellcome Trust
BB/F011520/1Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

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