Bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit peptidyl transferase center (PTC)

The bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit peptidyl transferase center (PTC) is the catalytic site within the large ribosomal subunit responsible for peptide bond formation during translation. Located within the highly conserved V domain of the 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), the PTC functions as a ribozyme, positioning the aminoacyl-tRNA and peptidyl-tRNA to facilitate the nucleophilic attack required for protein synthesis (Nissen et al., 2000, Science). This site is a critical therapeutic target for numerous classes of antibiotics, including macrolides, oxazolidinones, and lincosamides, which disrupt bacterial growth by interfering with the elongation of the nascent peptide chain (Wilson, 2014, Nature Reviews Microbiology). Because the PTC is essential for bacterial viability, it is highly conserved, yet subtle differences between bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes allow for selective toxicity. However, the clinical efficacy of drugs targeting the PTC is frequently compromised by resistance mechanisms, such as point mutations in the 23S rRNA or the action of methyltransferases like Cfr (Long et al., 2006, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy). Furthermore, because human mitochondrial ribosomes share structural similarities with bacterial ribosomes, some PTC-targeting drugs can cause side effects by inhibiting mitochondrial protein synthesis (StatPearls, 2023).

Other names

23S rRNA peptidyl transferase centerRibosomal peptidyl transferase centerPTC of the 50S subunitPeptidyl transferase site

Inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 23S rRNA within the 50S ribosomal subunit, thereby sterically hindering peptide bond formation or blocking the exit tunnel for the nascent polypeptide chain.