ResQ, a release factor-dependent ribosome rescue factor in the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

Rescue of the ribosomes from dead-end translation complexes, such as those on truncated (non-stop) mRNA, is essential for the cell. Whereas bacteria use trans-translation for ribosome rescue, some Gram-negative species possess alternative and release factor (RF)-dependent rescue factors, which enable an RF to catalyze stop codon-independent polypeptide release. We now discover that the Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis has an evolutionarily distinct ribosome rescue factor named ResQ. Genetic analysis shows that B. subtilis requires the function of either trans-translation or ResQ for growth, even in the absence of proteotoxic stresses. Biochemical and cryo-EM characterization demonstrates that ResQ binds to non-stop stalled ribosomes, recruits homologous RF2, but not RF1, and induces its transition into an open active conformation. Although ResQ is distinct from E. coli ArfA, they use convergent strategies in terms of mode of action and expression regulation, indicating that many bacteria may have evolved as yet unidentified ribosome rescue systems.