The first determination of pseudouridine residues in 23S ribosomal RNA from hyperthermophilic Archaea Sulfolobus acidocaldarius

Abstract

We describe the first identification of pseudouridine (Ψ) residues in ribosomal RNA (23S rRNA) of an hyperthermophilic Archaea Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. In contrast to Eucarya rRNA, only six Ψ residues were detected, which is rather close to the situation in Bacteria. However, three modified positions (Ψ₂₄₇₉, Ψ₂₅₃₅ and Ψ₂₅₅₀) are unique for S. acidocaldarius. Two Ψ residues at positions 2060 and 2594 are universally conserved, while one other Ψ (position 2066) is also common to Eucarya. Taken together the results argue against the conservation of Ψ‐synthases between Archaea and Bacteria and provide a basis for the search of snoRNA‐like guides for Ψ formation in Archaea.