Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences
Tohoku University

The genetic information encoded in our DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which is then transported to the cytoplasm and translated into proteins by ribosomes. The ribosome, composed of ribosomal RNAs (rRNA) and proteins, is a major actor for various translational control mechanisms. Recent research on such mechanisms has rapidly progressed, and their relationship with disease as well as drug discovery is attracting a great deal of attention. Understanding the detailed molecular function and structural basis is thus essential for advanced physiological and medical research. Therefore, we focus on details in molecular function of ribosome binding factors modulating translation, proteins engaged in mRNA binding and delivery, and various types of enzymes involved in both ribosomal and non-ribosomal RNA/protein modifications. We aim to elucidate their precise function and visualize their molecular dynamics by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structural analysis, along with genetics, biochemistry, translation and molecular dynamics analysis, and cell biology. Our research would also serve as a basis for discovering new regulatory factors, providing novel insights into pathogenic mechanisms and drug development strategy.