Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year. (2017-2018 to 2018-2019)

The ribosome catalyzes protein synthesis and represents the most complex nanomachine existing in cells. Proteins are the building blocks for cellular structures and enzymes performing the biochemical reactions sustaining life. In bacteria, the ribosome is comprised of over 50 different components. Three-dimensional structures have greatly increased our understanding of the function of the mature ribosomes. The long-term goal of our research program is to understand ribosomal assembly. Unveiling this fascinating process constitutes the next frontier in the field. Our current focus is on identifying the role of YjeQ and Era, two protein factors involved in the assembly of the ribosome. Immature ribosomal particles can inform on the assembly process, but they do not spontaneously accumulate in cells. Therefore, studying the ribosome maturation is still a challenge. Our laboratory has recently developed a novel approach to isolate assembly intermediates in sufficient amounts for structural characterization. Simultaneously, recent technical advances in cryo-electron microscopy have made possible to study the structure of these pre-ribosomal particles at unprecedented detail. Access to this groundbreaking technology led to our recent discovery that the coordinated action of these assembly factors facilitates the maturation of the most important motif of the ribosome, its functional core. The continuation of this work will include the analysis of structures of immature subunits in complex with assembly factors. These structures will transform our understanding of the ribosome assembly process. Bacteria are the cornerstone of industries dedicated to the production of foods and biofuels, manufacturing antibiotics, enzymes and chemicals for industry. Therefore, it is essential that key processes of bacterial physiology, including the assembly of the ribosome, are well understood. Similarly to protein synthesis, ribosome assembly is considered a fundamental biological process. The outcome of our work will become textbook material. Furthermore, HQP undertaking this research will build the necessary pool of technical and intellectual expertise for the establishment and support of biomedical, nanobiotechnology, biopharmaceutical and biomaterials industries in Canada.