Bacterial ribosome peptidyl transferase center (PTC)

The **bacterial ribosome peptidyl transferase center** (PTC) is a highly conserved RNA-based catalytic center located in domain V of the 23S ribosomal RNA within the large subunit (50S) of the prokaryotic ribosome[2][1][4]. The PTC catalyzes two fundamental reactions of translation: formation of peptide bonds between amino acids during chain elongation, and hydrolysis of peptidyl-tRNA for release of completed polypeptides[1][2][5]. Its catalytic function is executed entirely by ribosomal RNA, establishing it as a ribozyme rather than a protein enzyme[2][1][5]. The PTC is considered the primary target of several clinically important antibiotic classes—drugs bind to this center to selectively inhibit bacterial protein synthesis, underlining its significance as a therapeutic target against bacterial infection[1][2][4]. Mutations in the PTC region can confer resistance to PTC-binding antibiotics, making its structure and function a focal point in antibiotic research and development[1][2].

Other names

Peptidyl transferase centerRibosomal peptidyl transferase centerRibosome PTCRibosomal RNA peptidyl transferase center23S rRNA catalytic center (bacterial, specifically)

Inhibition of peptide bond formation Inhibition of protein synthesis via binding to the catalytic RNA center Prevention of growing peptide chain elongation or release