Molecular Genetics Studies of Ribosomes

University Of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz CA

Investigators

Abstract

The ribosome is a large (2.5 MDa) macromolecular complex made of RNA and protein that is responsible for translation of the genetic code in all living organisms. Recent progress on the three-dimensional structure of the ribosome has given many new insights regarding the molecular mechanism of action of the ribosome in protein synthesis, including specific models that explain how specific structural features give rise to specific functions. This project is aimed at testing models for four functions: (a) discrimination of initiator tRNA; (b) the role of protein S7 in E-site function; (c) the role of intersubunit bridges in translocation of tRNA; and (d) the mechanism of unwinding of mRNA secondary structure by the ribosome. These models will be tested by introducing mutations in critical elements of ribosomal proteins and/or ribosomal RNA that are proposed to be involved in these functions, followed by in vitro and/or in vivo functional assays.