Structure of a bacterial ribonuclease P holoenzyme in complex with tRNA

Ribonuclease (RNase) P is the universal ribozyme responsible for 5′-end tRNA processing. We report the crystal structure of the Thermotoga maritima RNase P holoenzyme in complex with tRNA(Phe). The 154 kDa complex consists of a large catalytic RNA (P RNA), a small protein cofactor, and mature tRNA. The structure shows that RNA-RNA recognition occurs through shape complementarity, specific intermolecular contacts, and base pairing interactions. Soaks with a pre-tRNA 5′ leader sequence with and without metal help identify the 5′ substrate path and potential catalytic metal ions. The protein binds on top of a universally conserved structural module in P RNA and interacts with the leader, but not with mature tRNA. The active site is composed of phosphate backbone moieties, a universally conserved uridine nucleobase, and at least two catalytically important metal ions. The active site structure and conserved RNase P/tRNA contacts suggest a universal mechanism of catalysis by RNase P.