Optimized protocol for tRNA identification in the ribosomal complexes from human cell lines

Summary: Here, we describe a protocol for tRNA identification in the 60S ribosome-nascent peptide complex co-purified with Nuclear Export Mediator Factor (NEMF), a responsible factor for C-terminal alanine and threonine tailing of the nascent peptide. Our protocol is based on regular reverse transcription followed by quantitative Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Although this method cannot distinguish between amino acid-charged and uncharged and base-modified and unmodified tRNAs, it is a convenient way to estimate the relative level of tRNA species and thus can be useful for researchers.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Udagawa et al. (2021)

Mitochondrial protein C15ORF48 is a stress-independent inducer of autophagy that regulates oxidative stress and autoimmunity

Abstract Autophagy is primarily activated by cellular stress, such as starvation or mitochondrial damage. However, stress-independent autophagy is activated by unclear mechanisms in several cell types, such as thymic epithelial cells (TECs). Here we report that the mitochondrial protein, C15ORF48, is a critical inducer of stress-independent autophagy. Mechanistically, C15ORF48 reduces the mitochondrial membrane potential and lowers intracellular ATP levels, thereby activating AMP-activated protein kinase and its downstream Unc-51-like kinase 1. Interestingly, C15ORF48-dependent induction of autophagy upregulates intracellular glutathione levels, promoting cell survival by reducing oxidative stress. Mice deficient in C15orf48 show a reduction in stress-independent autophagy in TECs, but not in typical starvation-induced autophagy in skeletal muscles. Moreover, C15orf48 –/– mice develop autoimmunity, which is consistent with the fact that the stress-independent autophagy in TECs is crucial for the thymic self-tolerance. These results suggest that C15ORF48 induces stress-independent autophagy, thereby regulating oxidative stress and self-tolerance