Molecular interactions between Hel2 and RNA supporting ribosome-associated quality control [I]

Ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) pathways monitor and respond to stalling of translating ribosomes. Using a newly developed technique based on in vivo UV crosslinking and mass spectrometry, we identify a C-terminal region in Hel2/Rqt1 as an RNA binding domain, with amino acids L501/K502 directly interacting with RNA. In vivo crosslinking of Hel2 revealed binding to 18S rRNA and translating mRNAs. Consistent with the 18S binding site located between mRNA entrance and exit channels, Hel2 preferentially bound mRNA both upstream and downstream of the termination codon. A C-terminal truncation that deleted L501/K502, abolished crosslinking to 18S rRNA, altered mRNA binding patterns, and reduced Hel2 function comparable to hel2∆. Asc1, also participates in RQC and ASC1 deletion impaired Hel2 18S and mRNA binding. We conclude that Hel2 is recruited or stabilized on translating 40S ribosomal subunits by interactions with 18S rRNA and Asc1. Ribosome-bound Hel2 interacts with mRNA, predominately during translation termination. CRAC was performed with yeast BY4741 strains containing HTP-tagged Hel2 (only version, under native promotor).