Interactions between tRNA or its analogs and 23S
rRNA in the large ribosomal subunit were analyzed by RNA
footprinting and by modification–interference selection.
In the E site, tRNA protected bases G2112, A2392, and C2394
of 23S rRNA. Truncated tRNA, lacking the anticodon stem-loop,
protected A2392 and C2394, but not G2112, and tRNA derivatives
with a shortened 3′ end protected only G2112, but
not A2392 or C2394. Modification interference revealed
C2394 as the only accessible nucleotide in 23S rRNA whose
modification interferes with binding of tRNA in the large
ribosomal subunit E site. The results suggest a direct
contact between A76 of tRNA A76 and C2394 of 23S rRNA.
Protections at G2112 may reflect interaction of this 23S
rRNA region with the tRNA central fold.