Ribosomes topography

Determination of the spatial juxtaposition of the proteins and RNA within the ribosomal subunits is a major goal in ribosome research. Key functional characteristics can be clearly understood only if the ribosome topography is known. As our understanding of the structure of the individual components increases, there is an increasing need to piece together the structure to provide the functional understanding desired. 

Sun, T.T., Bollen, A., Kahan, L., and Traut, R.R. (1974) Topography of ribosomal proteins of the Escherichia coli 30S subunit as studied with the reversible cross-linking reagent methyl 4-mercaptobu-tyrimidate. Biochemistry 13, 2334—2340. 

In order to place the ribosomal components in the appropriate topography, the size and shape of the ribosomal subunits must be defined. 

Since this technique was first used by Wabl (1973) for studies of ribosomes, it has been used extensively by Stbffler et al (1980) and Lake (1980) as a powerful tool by which to delineate the external topography of ribosomal subunits. Initially both groups made comprehensive preliminary studies to define the loci of many ribosomal proteins on Iwth subunits (Tischendorf et al, 1974, 1975 Lake 1976, 1978). However, difficulties with antibody purity and specificity as well as differences in the models proposed for the ribosomal subunits caused a considerable discrepancy between the two groups. The results were reexamined, and... 

Labeled proteins make it possible to study the surface topography of organelles (e.g. ribosomes) and the molecular organisation of mammalian and bacterial cell membranes, e.g. The ta hniques of labeling and solubilisation of cell-surface... 

One can anticipate further advances along the same lines as have been exploited in the study of bacterial ribosomes characterisation and amino acid sequencing of the purified proteins, precise determination of their stoichiometry, and investigations into the topography of the ribosomes using methods for the chemical... 

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