Ribosomes

Providing a cellular ‘all-clear’ signal to resume protein synthesis

This anti-CRISPR stops the protein assembly line in bacteria

A parasitic origin for the ribosome?

Researchers suggest ribosomes may have originated from a viral parasite, proposing a proto-ribosome that assembled small molecules into useful products. This theory implies that the evolution of the ribosome was influenced by its initial parasitic nature.

Ribosomes in pairs

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research discovered that stressed animal cells, including neurons, assemble inactive ribosomes into tightly linked pairs, known as disomes. This novel mechanism relies on a specific piece of ribosomal RNA called an expansion segment to form a precise RNA-RNA interaction.

Cells reveal “survival of the fittest” through ribosome competition

Researchers in Japan discovered that cells eliminate less efficient ribosomes through a 'survival of the fittest' mechanism, ensuring accurate and efficient protein synthesis. This discovery sheds light on how cells maintain quality control and prevents ribosome-related diseases.

A molecular gatekeeper that controls protein synthesis

A molecular gatekeeper called NAC controls protein synthesis by recruiting specific enzymes to modify proteins during translation. This complex ensures the correct processing and transportation of newly emerging proteins, crucial for proper function.

Major milestone achieved in capturing ribosome assembly

Researchers have captured a key part of the ribosome formation process, revealing how cells coordinate, regulate, and safeguard protein factory creation. The 'molecular movie' shows the role of Mtr4 enzyme and Utp14 protein in assembly, as well as an elaborate system of built-in safeguards.

The OsRqc1–OsVms1 module regulates the temperature threshold in thermo-sensitive genic male-sterile rice lines

Researchers identify OsRqc1 gene as crucial for temperature threshold in TGMS lines. The OsRqc1–OsVms1 module helps recruit ribosomal subunits and raises the critical sterility-inducing temperature.

How do cells prevent premature protein release? UIC study cracks the case

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have uncovered the detailed chemical mechanism behind preventing premature protein release. The discovery sheds light on how cells execute protein production, one of life's most essential processes, and clarifies the role of the release factor.

Study pinpoints key mechanism of brain aging

A new study by Stanford researchers reveals that declining proteostasis in the brain leads to increased protein aggregation, which is linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The findings were made using the turquoise killifish model, and shed light on the fundamental molecular principles of aging.

Scientists discover new method for reprograming organelles

Researchers develop novel approach to manipulate nucleolus structure by altering rRNA sequence, revealing dynamic RNA-programmed organelle. This breakthrough enables design and manipulation of entire organelles, bridging atomic structure and cellular organization.

Capturing nanofabrics in action with a supermicroscope

Biophysicist Christian Spahn's ERC Advanced Grant project aims to capture the ultra-fast intermediate steps of ribosomes in action. Using a supermicroscope, his team will analyze hundreds of thousands of images to visualize rare, short-lived states of ribosomes at atomic resolution.

Uncovering the structural and regulatory mechanisms underlying translation arrest

Two previously unknown ribosome-arresting peptides (RAPs), PepNL and NanCL, were identified in E. coli, inducing translation arrest through a unique mini-hairpin conformation in the exit tunnel of the ribosome. This discovery provides valuable insights into deciphering the hidden genetic codes within polypeptide sequences.

Starting points for the control of protein synthesis

Bonn researchers have compiled a comprehensive toolbox to characterize IRESes, involving circular RNA reporters and quantitative staining techniques. This enables the direct characterization of IRES-mediated activity in cultured cells and embryo tissue.

Scientists want to throw a wrench in the gears of cancer’s growth

Researchers at UCSF describe how to curb MYC levels by disrupting the protein assembly line controlled by RBM42. Disrupting RBM42 in pancreatic cancer cells stopped them from growing, suggesting drugs could be developed to do the same for other fast-growing cancers.

Ribosomes team up in difficult situations, new technology shows

Researchers developed a new microscopy technique to observe how ribosomes function in cells. They discovered that ribosomes help each other when encountering difficulties, a process they refer to as 'ribosome cooperativity'. This finding provides insights into how proteins are made and offers a tool for better studying mRNA translation.

Study captures high-resolution reconstructions of ribosome dynamics in situ

The study provides detailed measurements of ribosomal translation dynamics, including eEF2's role in stabilizing the environment for peptidyl transfer. It also identifies the fully rotated ribosome bound to eEF3 and elucidates the dynamic multi-conformational characteristics of ribosomes during translation.

New ‘molecular flipbook’ gives researchers the best look yet at ribosomal motion

Researchers have created a molecular flipbook to study the ultrafast movement of ribosomes inside cells. Using high-resolution template matching, they detected 41 different conformational states of ribosomes, providing new insights into protein synthesis.

Giant virus encodes key piece of protein-making machinery of cellular life

Researchers discovered a giant virus, FloV-SA2, that encodes a ribosomal protein called eL40. This protein is crucial for translating genetic information into proteins, the building blocks of life. The study reveals new insights into how viruses interact with host cells and manipulate cellular metabolism.

A quick end for mRNA

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered a new degradation process for mRNA that targets proteins involved in cell differentiation. This process, triggered by the m6A modification, is significantly faster and more efficient than previously known mechanisms.

Cancer ‘fingerprint’ can improve early detection

A new diagnostic test uses a unique molecular 'finger print' to detect different types of cancer, with near-perfect accuracy, and could lead to earlier detection and improved patient outcomes. The test targets ribosomal RNA molecules, which are modified differently in healthy and diseased tissues.

Bacteria ditch tags to dodge antibiotics

Researchers found that bacteria like E. coli assemble new ribosomes with altered tags, making them more resistant to antibiotics streptomycin and kasugamycin. This novel mechanism of antibiotic resistance could have significant implications for the fight against global antimicrobial resistance.

Delivery mechanism discovery resolves gene expression puzzle

Researchers have shed new light on gene expression by visualizing ribosomes in unprecedented detail. The study reveals a molecular mechanism for mRNA delivery to the ribosome, advancing our understanding of gene expression at the molecular level.

Researchers uncover Achilles heel of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Scientists have discovered a weakness in antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can be exploited to stop the spread of this public health crisis. By understanding the link between magnesium limitation and ribosome variants, researchers may develop novel drug-free approaches to combat antibiotic resistance.

Tumor suppressor forms gel-like assemblies to sacrifice cancer cells

Researchers discovered that p14^ARF activates tumor suppression by forming gel-like assemblies in the nucleolus, disrupting ribosome production and cell toxicity. This process contributes to cancer cell death, providing a new mechanism for tumor suppression.

Stalking ribosomes: How cancer cells pull poker faces

Researchers have shown that cancer cells can modify their ribosomes to become less visible to the immune system, allowing them to evade detection. This discovery could lead to new cancer therapies by making these cells more visible to the immune system.

What we can learn from hungry yeast cells

Scientists discovered a unique way in which yeast cells adapt to starvation by coating their mitochondria with massive molecular complexes called ribosomes. This adaptation has potential implications for cancer treatment as it may help overcome the challenges faced by cancer cells when they are starved of nutrients.

Influence of ribosome chemical properties on protein conformation during translation

Researchers developed a cylindrical model called REMM to replicate both inner diameters and chemical properties of ribosome tunnels. The model outperformed a conventional carbon nanotube model in accurately reproducing experimentally observed protein structures.

Researchers earn USDA funding to develop biological weed herbicide for stubborn Palmer amaranth

A new research project aims to create a highly effective and selective biological herbicide targeting Palmer amaranth. The researchers will use synthetic biology techniques to develop RNA molecules known as Ribozymes that can influence specific gene expression, eliminating the weed through a specific infection.

How ribosomes in our cells enable protein folding

Researchers have discovered that ribosomes play a crucial role in protein folding, directing folding pathways by impacting energy and stability. This discovery reveals the structural basis of how ribosomes affect protein folding, offering new insights into diseases such as cancers.

UV radiation damage leads to ribosome roadblocks, causing early skin cell death

A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that the ZAK protein is a critical player in the cell's response to UV radiation damage, determining whether cells live or die. The research, published in Cell, suggests that companies developing drugs targeting ribosomes may find ZAK to be a driver of cell death across cancer types.

New discovery of a mechanism that controls cell division

Scientists at Umeå University have identified how a protein complex called the Mediator regulates gene expression, leading to slower cell division. This discovery may pave the way for new treatments for diseases related to uncontrolled cell growth, such as tumors.

Accumulation of 'junk proteins' identified as one cause of aging and possible source of ALS

Researchers identify 'junk proteins' as possible cause of ALS, a degenerative disease characterized by motor neuron death. The accumulation of these proteins is linked to the aging process, suggesting a new hypothesis for understanding ALS.

Ribosomes: Molecular wedge assists recycling

A team of researchers has discovered the role of an enzyme in recycling ribosomes at the endoplasmic reticulum. The enzyme, a special E3 ligase, joins a small protein modification called UFM1 to the large ribosomal subunit, ensuring its detachment from the ER membrane.

Superbug killer: New synthetic molecule highly effective against drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new antibiotic compound, cresomycin, that effectively targets and kills multiple strains of drug-resistant bacteria. The breakthrough demonstrates improved ability to bind to bacterial ribosomes, overcoming resistance mechanisms.

TTUHSC researcher to study new pathway to inhibit protein found in many cancers

Researchers at TTUHSC are studying a new approach to inhibit STAT3, a protein associated with 70% of human tumors. Disrupting STAT3 synthesis on ribosomes could lead to new cancer treatments.

Researchers redesign future mRNA therapeutics to prevent potentially harmful immune responses

Researchers have identified a sequence within therapeutic mRNAs that causes unintended immune responses and found a way to correct these errors. By designing 'slip-resistant' mRNAs, the team aims to produce future mRNA vaccines with improved safety and efficacy.

Translation inhibition in CRISPR-Cas antiviral defense system

Researchers discovered a novel family of effector proteins called Cami1 that inhibit translation in bacteria attacked by viruses. By cleaving specific mRNAs, Cami1 prevents the production of viral proteins, allowing the bacterium to conserve resources.

Unzipping mRNA rallies plant cells to fight infection

A new molecular mechanism has been identified that helps plants adjust protein levels to fight infection. By unzipping specific RNA structures, plant cells can produce defense proteins. This discovery also has implications for human cells, suggesting a similar mechanism may control protein production in response to pathogens.

Oldest known molecule surprises researchers. It could lead to new important treatments

Scientists from the University of Copenhagen found that cancer cells have different ribosomes compared to other cells, which produce specific proteins. This discovery may lead to improved treatments in regenerative medicine and potentially better treatments for cancer.

How one of nature's most fundamental molecules forms

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the assembly of ribosomes, the essential nanomachines that translate genetic information into proteins. A new study has provided high-resolution images of the large ribosomal subunit, revealing key steps in its formation and maturation. The findings bring researchers clos...

The molecular control centre of our protein factories

Scientists have identified a molecular control centre responsible for processing newly formed proteins correctly when they leave the cell's protein factories. The ribosomal gatekeeper NAC ensures the excision of methionine from specific proteins, preventing cell death.

Retooling the ribosomal translation machine could expand chemical repertoire of cells

Researchers have made significant progress in reprogramming cells to supply the ribosome with building blocks other than alpha-amino acids. The ultimate goal is to make the translation system fully programmable, allowing for the production of an unlimited variety of new molecular chains with unique properties.

A compound from fruit flies could lead to new antibiotics

Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a peptide from fruit flies that protects insects from bacterial infections by binding to ribosomes in bacteria. The peptide, called drosocin, inhibits translation termination when the ribosome reaches the stop signal at the end of the gene.

New insights into bacterial antibiotic resistance

A team from the University of Tsukuba has discovered characteristics of proteins in bacteria that convey antibiotic resistance, providing insights into their function and role. These proteins, known as ARE-ABCFs, work in synergy with other resistance mechanisms to convey extremely high levels of antibiotic resistance.

A ribosomal traffic jam that breaks the heart

Researchers found that a mutation in RPL3L, expressed only in heart and skeletal muscle, leads to impaired cardiac contractility by causing ribosomal collisions and protein folding abnormalities. The study aims to develop new treatments for cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation.

Creating a ‘parts list’ for cancer’s spread, with help from a worm

A new study from Duke University identifies 1,500 genes essential for invasive cell behavior in C. elegans worms. The researchers created a 'parts list' of these genes and proteins, which may help identify effective ways to stop cancer's spread.

Study: Cells send maintenance crews to fix damaged protein factories

Scientists found that cells use helper molecules to repair damaged ribosomes caused by oxidative stress, fixing the damage and restoring protein production. This discovery has implications for understanding diseases such as cancer and aging.

Researchers discover how some brain cells transfer material to neurons in mice

Researchers at UC Davis discovered how oligodendrocyte-lineage cells transfer cell material to neurons in the mouse brain, providing a new mechanism for understanding brain maturation and finding treatments for neurological conditions. This discovery opens new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and P...

Humans vs. Bacteria: Differences in ribosome decoding revealed

Human ribosomes decode messenger RNA (mRNA) 10 times slower than bacterial ribosomes, but do so more accurately. This slow-down adds accuracy due to human ribosomes being known to be more accurate at translating the code than bacterial ribosomes.

Researchers discover new class of ribosomal peptide with hemolytic activity

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a novel class of ribosomal peptides called daptides, which exhibit hemolytic activity. This discovery opens up new avenues for therapeutic development and highlights the vast potential of undiscovered RiPP classes.

A key mechanism that controls human heart development discovered

A specialized mRNA translation circuit controlled by protein RBPMS determines the competence for heart formation in human embryonic development. The study provides a better understanding of human cardiac development and reveals potential molecular targets for therapeutic interventions.

Heart toggles between maintenance and energy-boost mode using ribosomes

Researchers discovered a mechanism involving ribosomes that enables the heart to toggle between a regular maintenance mode and an energy-boost mode. This finding provides clues for developing medicines targeting specific ribosomes to treat cardiovascular disease.

Autophagy: The molecular regulation of self-eating

A team of researchers has identified a molecular switch that regulates autophagy in plants, bridging two quality control pathways. The study reveals that this regulatory mechanism is conserved in eukaryotes and essential for preventing cells from 'eating' healthy cellular components.

Lost in translation: How “risky” amino acids abort elongation in protein synthesis

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that nascent peptide chains with N-terminal sequences rich in aspartic acid or glutamic acid can lead to abortion of translation in eukaryotic cells through intrinsic ribosome destabilization (IRD). This phenomenon is associated with biased amino acid usage in proteomes, where t...

How a cell's mitochondria make their own protein factories

Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to study mitoribosome assembly in yeast and humans, revealing similarities and differences in protein involvement and RNA folding. The findings provide insights into molecular complexity and diversity, with potential implications for severe diseases such as Perrault syndrome.

Covid-19: the Spike protein is no longer the only target

A team from UNIGE has revealed the existence of a hidden 'pocket' on the surface of the non-structural protein Nsp1, which could be used to develop new treatments against Covid-19. This discovery paves the way for innovative therapies targeting the Nsp1 protein and its potential application against other coronaviruses.

A new method for studying ribosome function

Researchers at UIC have developed a new method to study ribosome function by attaching peptides to tRNAs, providing high-resolution structures of the ribosome and its interactions with nascent chains. This breakthrough sheds light on protein synthesis and antibiotic resistance.

Collaborative team at IGB discovers new natural products at unprecedented speed

A collaborative team at IGB discovered 30 new compounds, including three with antibacterial properties, using the Illinois Biological Foundry for Advanced Biomanufacturing. The platform allowed for rapid screening of hundreds of genes and pathways, enabling the researchers to identify potential anti-microbial compounds.

Gene activity in a test tube

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed a new method called INRI-seq, which allows for detailed analysis of gene activity in individual cells. This technique can help identify new targets for targeted therapies and improve our understanding of protein synthesis.