Ribosome exit tunnel

Structural and physiological analyses suggest that differences among bacterial ribosomes, and essentially among their exit tunnels, might have evolved to maintain optimal gene expression for each bacterial-growth environment. Also, many antibiotics function by targeting the bacterial ribosomal exit tunnel, and perturbing translation. Resistant bacteria to these antibiotics carry mutations that alter the structure of the ribosomal exit tunnel. We are interested in identifying genes which expression depends on the structural features of the ribosomal exit tunnel. We are also examining the affects of known macrolide-resistance causing mutations on the exit tunnel and subsequently the bacterial proteome.

Worthan, S.B. et al. 2022. Microbiol. Spectrum 10(2):e0226121