Bacterial translation and ribosome assembly
Accurate protein synthesis depends on the precise assembly and regulation of the bacterial ribosome. Our research focuses on the molecular mechanisms that control ribosome biogenesis, translation silencing, and the reactivation of dormant ribosomes during stress recovery. By understanding how these processes are coordinated, we aim to reveal fundamental principles that enable bacteria to rapidly adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Ribosome regulation and translational control in archaea
Archaea possess a unique translation system that combines bacterial and eukaryotic features, yet many of its regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. We seek to uncover how archaeal ribosomes are controlled through anti-association, hibernation, silencing, and reactivation pathways, providing new insights into the evolution of translational regulation and the remarkable adaptation of extremophilic organisms to environmental change.
Virus–host interactions and translational control
Successful viral infection relies on the precise coordination of genome replication, transcription, and protein synthesis within the host cell. Our work explores how viruses manipulate the host translation machinery and examines the potential coupling between viral transcription and host translation, particularly in cytoplasmic viruses. These studies provide new perspectives on virus–host interactions and the molecular mechanisms that govern viral gene expression.