Archaeal ribosomes have many domain-specific features; however, our understanding of these structures is limited. We present 10 cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the archaeal ribosome from crenarchaeota Sulfolobus acidocaldarius (Sac) at 2.7-5.7 Å resolution. We observed unstable conformations of H68 and h44 of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in the subunit structures, which may interfere with subunit association. These subunit structures provided models for 12 rRNA expansion segments and 3 novel r-proteins. Furthermore, the 50S-aRF1 complex structure showed the unique domain orientation of aRF1, possibly explaining P-site transfer RNA (tRNA) release after translation termination. Sac 70S complexes were captured in seven distinct steps of the tRNA translocation reaction, confirming conserved structural features during archaeal ribosome translocation. In aEF2-engaged 70S ribosome complexes, 3D classification of cryo-EM data based on 30S head domain identified two new translocation intermediates with 30S head domain tilted 5-6° enabling its disengagement from the translocated tRNA and its release post-translocation. Additionally, we observed conformational changes to aEF2 during ribosome binding and switching from three different states. Our structural and biochemical data provide new insights into archaeal translation and ribosome translocation.
Archaeal ribosomes display variations in their ribosomal proteins and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) expansion segments (ESs). Protein translation in archaea combines features in both bacterial and eukaryotic translation. In this study, we present 10 cryo-electron microscopy structures of the archaeal ribosome from crenarchaeota Sulfolobus acidocaldarius (Sac). The 50S and 30S subunit structures present 3 novel ribosomal proteins and 12 rRNA ESs. The 70S Sac ribosome structures were captured in seven distinct functional states, including pre-, intermediate- and post-translocation states. Specifically, we identified two novel translocation intermediates, in which the 30S subunit head domain tilts outward to release the translocated P-site transfer RNA. The structures of archaeal ribosomes provide insights into the archaeal translation and ribosome translocation.
© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.