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X-ray crystal structure of bacterial 70S ribosome
Our research is predominately focused on the mechanism of protein synthesis. The ribosome is a central component of cell metabolism, an extremely complex and highly dynamic machine. We are interested to learn how the structural dynamics of the ribosome and ribosomal ligands enable protein synthesis. We also investigate the folding and dynamics of mRNA molecules, including mRNAs containing riboswitches or structural elements that induce programmed ribosomal frameshifting.
To study structural dynamics of macromolecules we use ensemble and single molecule fluorescent methods. Our main experimental approaches are based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). We follow the kinetics of conformational changes in macromolecules by combining FRET with stopped-flow fast-mixing experiments. We measure FRET in single molecules using total internal reflection fluorescent (TIR) microscopy.
Dmitri N. Ermolenko, Ph.D. Principal Investigator
Structural rearrangements of the ribosome and translation factors
Folding and Dynamics of mRNA
Regulation of protein synthesis by mRNA structure
July 6, 2020Hiro Wakabayashi publishes new paper
July 6, 2020New article discusses biological implications of the intrinsic compactness of mRNAs
June 10, 2020Ermolenko lab uncovers a new mechanism causing ribosome pausing
November 2, 2019Congratulations to Christine Lai on defending her PhD thesis!
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Ermolenko Lab MC 3-8560 601 Elmwood Ave Rochester, NY 14642
Dmitri_Ermolenko@urmc.rochester.edu
(585) 273-3321
(585) 271-2683