Investigating the process of protein synthesis using the yeast, saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The overall goal of our research program is to achieve a better understanding of the cellular process of protein synthesis or translation. Translation is an absolute requirement for the survival of a cell and as a final step of gene expression, translation control is used to regulate the expression of a variety of mRNAs under different important physiological conditions such as embryonic development and cancer. Translation is also the target site of many anti-microbial drugs. During the next five years, we propose to investigate translation using a large-scale genetic interaction analysis in the baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The information gathered from these analyses will significantly impact our current understanding of the protein complexes and pathways involved in translation. We also expect to identify numerous novel translation genes that will set path for a number of follow-up projects. In addition, we plan to investigate the molecular activity of two novel translation gene products, Ski2 and Tae1. We have previously proposed that both these proteins are involved in the biogenesis of translation machinery. By studying the details of translation, we both gain a better understanding of the unifying principles of the cellular process of protein synthesis in nature, and derive novel strategies that could be used in medical applications, such as the development of novel strategies for cancer therapy and advancement of new and improved anti-microbial drugs.