Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Ribosome inhibition by nascent or antimicrobial peptides

Objective

During the translation of genetic information into protein by the ribosome, nascent peptides occasionally inhibit their own synthesis by interacting with the exit tunnel of the large ribosomal subunit. Known as nascent chain-mediated translational arrest, this process depends primarily upon the amino acid sequence of the arrest peptide. However, it can also rely upon the sensing of a low molecular weight ligand by the ribosome nascent chain complex, explaining its use for metabolite-dependent gene regulation in both bacteria and eukaryotes. Biochemical and structural studies of arrest peptides have yielded key insights into their mode of action, but their ability to sense different types of small molecules, their impact as regulators of gene expression in nature and the precise molecular details behind the arrest process are still largely unexplored.
The groundbreaking aim of this ERC Consolidator research program is to decipher the arrest code governing nascent chain-mediated translational arrest in bacteria. My approach will be based on a technique recently developed in my group, referred to here as inverse toeprinting, which precisely maps the position of an arrested ribosome nascent chain complex on the mRNA while retaining the entire peptide-coding region up to the point of stalling.

The overall aim will be achieved through four complementary objectives: (i) to assess the extent to which arrest peptides can act as small molecule sensors; (ii) to identify naturally occurring arrest peptides in bacteria; (iii) to develop trans-inhibitory peptides that target the ribosome; and (iv) to perform the structural characterization of new ribosome inhibitory peptides.

By addressing the natural diversity and molecular bases of the arrest process, this project will be the key to understanding a unique form of gene regulation and a fundamental aspect of ribosome function. It will also provide a handle for designing next-generation antibiotics.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2016-COG

See all projects funded under this call

Host institution

INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 999 125,00
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 999 125,00

Beneficiaries (1)

My booklet 0 0