EF-G

Not to be confused with EGF.

EF-G or elongation factor G (historically known as translocase) is a prokaryotic elongation factor and a GTPase responsible for catalyzing the coordinated movement of tRNA and mRNA through the ribosome.

Function

The factor EF-G catalyzes the translocation of the tRNA and mRNA down the ribosome at the end of each round of polypeptide elongation. Just like the EF-Tu+tRNA+GTP complex, EF-G binds to the ribosome in its GTP-bound state. When it binds to the ribosome A-site, EF-G causes the tRNA previously occupying that site to occupy an intermediate A/P position (bound to the A site of the small ribosomal subunit and to the P site of the large subunit), and the tRNA in the P site is shifted to a P/E hybrid state. EF-G hydrolysis of GTP causes a conformation change that forces the A/P tRNA to fully occupy the P site, the P/E tRNA to fully occupy the E site (and exit the ribosome complex), and the mRNA to shift three nucleotides down relative to the ribosome due to its association with these tRNA molecules. The GDP-bound EF-G molecule then dissociates from the complex, leaving another free A-site where the elongation cycle can start again.

Apart from its role in translocation, EF-G, working together with Ribosome Recycling Factor, promotes ribosome recycling in a GTP-dependent manner.

Clinical significance

It is normally inhibited by fusidic acid, but resistance has emerged.

Evolution

EF-G has a complex evolutionary history, with numerous paralogous versions of the factor present in bacteria, suggesting subfunctionalization of different EF-G variants.

External links

• Peptide Elongation Factor G at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)