Eukaryotic protein synthesis 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 a variety of methods from genetics, biochemistry and cell biology. In ongoing research, we explore the function of both ribosomal proteins and chemical modifications in ribosomal RNA. Among the ribosomal proteins, our emphasis is on eukaryotic proteins, which are important for the 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. Among the many modifications of ribosomal RNA, we investigate those located at the functional centres of the ribosome and in the intersubunit region.

We use budding yeast strains containing mutant ribosomes. We explore how mutant ribosomal proteins or the absence of RNA modifications affect the different steps of protein synthesis, 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.