Fredrick Lab
Principal Investigator: Kurt L Fredrick
Institution: The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
Primary Subfield: Molecular & Cell Bio
Recruitment Status: Inquire for rotation/fellowship opportunities
Research Focus
PROJECT SUMMARY In all organisms, proteins are synthesized by ribosomes, large two-subunit enzymes that use aminoacyl- tRNA substrates to translate messenger RNA. Each ribosome is composed of several large RNA molecules (rRNAs) and more than 50 distinct proteins, with rRNA accounting for around two-thirds of the overall mass. Tremendous progress has been made in elucidating the structure of the ribosome and the molecular mechanisms that underpin protein synthesis. Yet, how ribosomes are made in the cell and how components of the ribosome can regulate protein synthesis remain important unresolved questions. The long-term goal of this project is to understand the mechanisms of ribosome biogenesis and regulation in bacteria. Aim 1. In bacteria, the three rRNAs are co-transcribed in long operons. Sequences flanking each rRNA are complementary and form leader-trailer helices (hLTs) in assembly intermediates. These hLTs are absolutely essential for subunit assembly in the cell but dispensable for subunit assembly in the test tube. The proposed work will investigate the cellular function of these key elements. The findings may hold broad relevance for RNA folding and RNA-protein complex a…
Active NIH Awards
- 5R01GM072528-19: Molecular analysis of accurate ribosomal translocation (2026)
- 2R01GM072528-18A1: Molecular analysis of accurate ribosomal translocation (2025)
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