Influence of mRNA structures on ribosome accuracy

Normal decoding could be diverted by sequences and structures on the mRNA and led to recoding. Analysing these variations constitutes a powerful tool to understand the normal functioning of the translational machinery. The four teams involved in the project develop complementary approaches that have previously allowed the identification of several elements involved in recoding. Very recently, using a cryo-eletromicroscopy approach, we deciphered for the first time the precise role of the pseudoknot in a -1 frameshifting event. The project gathers together several complementary approaches including biochemistry, genetics, molecular and structural biology and bioinformatics. The goal of the study is to i) compare the molecular mechanisms involved in several recoding events (-1 and +1 frameshifting, pyrrolysine incorporation), focusing on the associated structural modifications and ii) identify new recoding sites in genomes.

Research activities
  Bioinformatics

Participants