Expanding the genetic code by targeted pseudouridylation

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The proposed research focuses on mRNA pseudouridylation and its effect on coding. Pseudouridine (¿) is the most abundantly modified nucleotide, which is distinct from all other known nucleotides. Our recent work indicates that ¿, when introduced into nonsense and sense codons, results in coding specificity changes. Our preliminary results also suggest that mRNA contains naturally-occurring ¿s. We are now in a unique position to identify amino acids and tRNAs that are coded for by pseudouridylated codons, thereby dramatically expanding the current genetic code. Three specific aims are proposed. Aim 1: To determine specific amino acids encoded by specific pseudouridylated sense codons Encouraged by our initial identification of ¿-mediated coding specificity changes, we propose to use in vivo and in vitro translation coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) sequencing to define an amino acid code encompassing all pseudouridylated sense codons. We will work towards improving pseudouridylation efficiency in yeast, thus enhancing the production of proteins translated from pseudouridylated mRNAs and facilitating MS sequencing. If necessary, we will carry out the experiments in the Xenopus oocyte injection and the wheat embryo in vitro translation systems, in which pseudouridylated mRNA can be directly used for translation. We believe that through the use of these systems, a complete amino acid code will emerge. Aim 2: To identify specific tRNA species (anticodons) that recognize pseudouridylated codons. Although the MS sequencing approach will reveal the genetic code at the amino acid level, the question of which member(s) of the tRNA isoacceptor families, deduced from the amino acid code, is responsible for the decoding of a pseudouridylated codon remains unanswered. We propose to use two independent approaches, namely, tRNA over-expression and tRNA-ribosome-codon filter-binding, to decode, at the tRNA level, each pseudouridylated codon. In doing so, we will be able to fully decipher the genetic code of pseudouridylated codons. The identification of specific tRNA species will further allow a collaborative effort to crystallize the ribosomes that contain pseudouridylated codons and their newly-identified cognate tRNAs. Such analyses will provide a more complete understanding of how pseudouridylated codons are recognized. Aim 3: To identify naturally occurring ¿s in mRNAs and natural alternative coding in cells. Our preliminary experiments strongly suggest that pseudouridylation occurs naturally in mRNAs. We believe that, with the help of modern technology--deep sequencing, it is time to conduct an unbiased global search for ¿s in mRNAs. Specifically, we will combine CMC-modification-primer-extension and CLIP with deep sequencing to globally screen all mRNAs for naturally occurring ¿ content. ¿s thus identified will then be verified and quantified by recently developed site-specific pseudouridylation assays. The identification of naturally occurring ¿s will in turn allow us to identify naturally occurring alternative coding.