Novel ciliate genetic code variants including the reassignment of all three stop codons to sense codons in Condylostoma magnum
Loading...
Files
Published Version
Date
2016-08-08
Authors
Heaphy, Stephen M.
Mariotti, Marco
Gladyshev, Vadim N.
Atkins, John F.
Baranov, Pavel V.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Published Version
Abstract
mRNA translation in many ciliates utilizes variant genetic codes where stop codons are reassigned to specify amino acids. To characterize the repertoire of ciliate genetic codes, we analyzed ciliate transcriptomes from marine environments. Using codon substitution frequencies in ciliate protein-coding genes and their orthologs, we inferred the genetic codes of 24 ciliate species. Nine did not match genetic code tables currently assigned by NCBI. Surprisingly, we identified a novel genetic code where all three standard stop codons (TAA, TAG, and TGA) specify amino acids in Condylostoma magnum. We provide evidence suggesting that the functions of these codons in C. magnum depend on their location within mRNA. They are decoded as amino acids at internal positions, but specify translation termination when in close proximity to an mRNA 3' end. The frequency of stop codons in protein coding sequences of closely related Climacostomum virens suggests that it may represent a transitory state.mRNA translation in many ciliates utilizes variant genetic codes where stop codons are reassigned to specify amino acids. To characterize the repertoire of ciliate genetic codes, we analyzed ciliate transcriptomes from marine environments. Using codon substitution frequencies in ciliate protein-coding genes and their orthologs, we inferred the genetic codes of 24 ciliate species. Nine did not match genetic code tables currently assigned by NCBI. Surprisingly, we identified a novel genetic code where all three standard stop codons (TAA, TAG, and TGA) specify amino acids in Condylostoma magnum. We provide evidence suggesting that the functions of these codons in C. magnum depend on their location within mRNA. They are decoded as amino acids at internal positions, but specify translation termination when in close proximity to an mRNA 3' end. The frequency of stop codons in protein coding sequences of closely related Climacostomum virens suggests that it may represent a transitory state.
Description
Keywords
Alternative genetic decoding , Ciliates , Stop codon reassignment , The genetic code , Translation termination
Citation
Heaphy, Stephen M.; Mariotti, Marco; Gladyshev, Vadim N.; Atkins, John F.; Baranov, Pavel V. (2016) 'Novel ciliate genetic code variants including the reassignment of all three stop codons to sense codons in Condylostoma magnum'. Molecular Biology And Evolution, 33 (1111):2885-2889. doi: 10.1093/molbev/msw166