23S ribosomal RNA (23S rRNA) (23S rRNA)

The 23S ribosomal RNA (23S rRNA) is the catalytic heart of the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit, functioning as a ribozyme that facilitates peptide bond formation during protein synthesis (Moore & Steitz, 2002, Nature). It contains the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) and the nascent peptide exit tunnel (NPET), both of which are essential for translating genetic information into functional proteins (Wilson, 2014, Nature Reviews Microbiology). Due to its fundamental role in bacterial viability and its structural divergence from eukaryotic ribosomal RNA, it serves as a highly effective target for multiple classes of antibiotics (Dunkle et al., 2010, PNAS). Drugs such as macrolides, oxazolidinones, and lincosamides bind to specific pockets within the 23S rRNA to physically block the elongation of the protein chain or the movement of tRNA (Long & Vester, 2012, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy). Resistance to these drugs often involves modifications to the 23S rRNA, such as methylation by Erm enzymes or point mutations like A2058G, which hinder drug binding (StatPearls, 2023). Understanding the structural biology of the 23S rRNA remains crucial for developing next-generation antibiotics to combat multi-drug resistant bacterial strains.

Other names

23S rRNALarge subunit ribosomal RNALSU rRNAPeptidyl transferase center RNA50S ribosomal RNA

Antibiotics targeting the 23S rRNA typically bind to the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) or the nascent peptide exit tunnel (NPET) within the 50S ribosomal subunit. This binding physically obstructs the formation of peptide bonds or prevents the elongation of the nascent polypeptide chain, thereby inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis (Wilson, 2014, Nature Reviews Microbiology; Dunkle et al., 2010, PNAS).