Structure of the ribosomal 80S-eEF2-sordarin complex from yeast obtained by docking atomic models for RNA and protein components into a 11.7 A cryo-EM map.
Primary Citation of Related Structures:   4V4B
PubMed Abstract: 
An 11.7-A-resolution cryo-EM map of the yeast 80S.eEF2 complex in the presence of the antibiotic sordarin was interpreted in molecular terms, revealing large conformational changes within eEF2 and the 80S ribosome, including a rearrangement of the functionally important ribosomal intersubunit bridges. Sordarin positions domain III of eEF2 so that it can interact with the sarcin-ricin loop of 25S rRNA and protein rpS23 (S12p). This particular conformation explains the inhibitory action of sordarin and suggests that eEF2 is stalled on the 80S ribosome in a conformation that has similarities with the GTPase activation state. A ratchet-like subunit rearrangement (RSR) occurs in the 80S.eEF2.sordarin complex that, in contrast to Escherichia coli 70S ribosomes, is also present in vacant 80S ribosomes. A model is suggested, according to which the RSR is part of a mechanism for moving the tRNAs during the translocation reaction.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Wadsworth Center, Health Research Inc., Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA. christian.spahn@charite.de