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Ribosome Processivity and Co-translational Protein Folding

Objective

Protein domains start to fold co-translationally while they are being synthesized on the ribosome. Co-translational folding starts in the confined space of the ribosomal polypeptide exit tunnel and is modulated by the speed of translation. Although defects in protein folding cause many human diseases, the mechanisms of co-translational folding and the link between the speed of translation and the quality of protein folding is poorly understood. Here I propose to study when, where and how proteins emerging from the ribosome start to fold, how the ribosome and auxiliary proteins bound at the polypeptide exit affect nascent peptide folding, what causes ribosome pausing during translation, and how pausing affects nascent peptide folding. Our recent results (Holtkamp et al., Science 2015; Buhr et al., Mol Cell 2016) provide the proof of principle for monitoring translation and protein folding simultaneously at high temporal resolution. First, we will follow translation processivity and folding trajectories for proteins of different domain structure types using time-resolved ensemble kinetics and single-molecule setups. The structures of complexes with stalled folding intermediates will be solved by cryo-electron microscopy. Second, we will investigate the effects of the chaperone trigger factor, the signal recognition particle, and other protein biogenesis factors on the folding landscape. Third, we will analyze transient ribosome pauses in vivo (based on ribosome profiling data) and in vitro (based on time-resolved translation assays and mathematical modeling) and identify the events that cause pausing. Finally, we will probe how changes in translational processivity affect the conformational landscape of a protein. We expect that these results will open new horizons in understanding co-translational protein folding and will help to understand the molecular basis of many diseases.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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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-ADG - Advanced Grant

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Call for proposal

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

(opens in new window) ERC-2017-ADG

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Host institution

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
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.

€ 2 482 600,00
Address
HOFGARTENSTRASSE 8
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany

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Region
Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
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.

€ 2 482 600,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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