50S ribosomal subunit peptidyl transferase center (Helicobacter pylori) (PTC)

The 50S ribosomal subunit peptidyl transferase center (PTC) of Helicobacter pylori is the catalytic site within the large ribosomal subunit responsible for peptide bond formation and the release of the nascent polypeptide chain (NIH, 2025). Located within the V domain of the 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), the PTC acts as a ribozyme, facilitating the transfer of the growing peptide from the P-site tRNA to the aminoacyl-tRNA in the A-site (NIH, 2025). This site is a primary therapeutic target for several classes of antibiotics, most notably macrolides like clarithromycin, which are essential components of eradication therapy for H. pylori infections (NIH, 2021). Binding of these drugs to the PTC or the adjacent nascent peptide exit tunnel prevents the elongation of the protein chain, leading to bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects (Patsnap, 2024). H. pylori infection is a major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric adenocarcinoma, making the PTC a critical target for clinical intervention (NIH, 2024). However, the efficacy of targeting this site is increasingly compromised by point mutations in the 23S rRNA gene, such as A2142G and A2143G, which reduce drug affinity and lead to clinical treatment failure (NIH, 1998; CCJM, 2024).

Other names

23S rRNA peptidyl transferase centerPeptidyl transferase centerPeptidyl transferase loopDomain V of 23S rRNA23S ribosomal RNA

Inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit and blocking the peptidyl transferase center or the nascent peptide exit tunnel.