The next frontiers in ribosome research

The main goal of the research in my laboratory is to study structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes, ribosomal subunits and their complexes with various factors involved in protein synthesis with an aim to better understand this process (1–3). We are using crystallography as the primary method in combination with electron microscopy and biochemical experiments. Some of the recently obtained mechanistic insights from our group into the coupling between protein synthesis on the ribosome and various subsequent cellular processes such as protein folding, processing, and targeting to the membranes will be discussed. Finally, I will present current challenges and successes in structural studies of much more complex eukaryotic ribosomes.