Mitochondrial tRNA processing: a neutral evolutionary ratchet innovation

Lien B Lai; Jane E Jackman; Charles J Daniels; Venkat Gopalan

doi:10.1016/j.tibs.2025.05.008

Mitochondrial tRNA processing: a neutral evolutionary ratchet innovation

Trends Biochem Sci. 2025 Jun 27:S0968-0004(25)00126-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2025.05.008. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Lien B Lai¹, Jane E Jackman¹, Charles J Daniels², Venkat Gopalan³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
² Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
³ Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Electronic address: gopalan.5@osu.edu.

PMID: 40581570
DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2025.05.008

Abstract

Mitochondrial tRNA processing is a chronicle of molecular adaptability. The processing of structurally compromised tRNAs is unexpectedly rescued by a multienzyme complex shaped by constructive neutral evolution. This striking example of biological complexity arising from nonadaptive mechanisms showcases how a potential vulnerability is transformed into a robust, if precarious, innovation.

Keywords: compensatory coevolution; constructive neutral evolution; mitochondria; tRNA maturation.