Eukaryotic protein biosynthesis research group

We are interested in understanding the protein synthesis machinery in eukaryotes. The genetic information encoded in messenger RNA is translated into proteins by large ribonucleoprotein complex called ribosomes. The main research question of our studies is: How the function of eukaryotic ribosomes is determined by their structure?

To answer this question, we use genetic, biochemical and mass spectrometric approaches in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). In ongoing research, we explore the role of three eukaryote-specific ribosomal proteins that participate in formation of contacts between ribosomal subunits. These contacts, called intersubunit bridges, ensure correct interaction and communication of ribosomal subunits during translation initiation and elongation steps. Using yeast mutants, we investigate how the lack of eukaryote-specific bridges affects the processivity of ribosomes, fidelity of decoding and recognition of different mRNA elements such as upstream open reading frames (uORF), internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) and programmed ribosomal frameshift signals. We study how cells carrying these mutant ribosomes tolerate different stress conditions and how the pattern of the protein synthesis changes in these cells.