Translation is a process of making proteins from mRNAs by ribosomes. Gene expression in a cell can be regulated by altering this process. This mode of regulation of gene expression at translational level is vital to maintain the cellular homeostasis and also to respond to environmental cues. Our laboratory is primarily interested in regulatory mechanisms that operate during translation termination.

Translating ribosomes normally stop protein synthesis at the first in-frame stop codon they encounter on an mRNA. However, in some special cases, ribosomes continue to translate beyond the stop codon until they encounter the next in-frame stop codon. This process known as translational readthrough (or stop codon readthrough) results in a protein with an extended C-terminus which can confer the extended isoform properties different from that of canonical isoform. Thus, it is a mechanism of proteome expansion like alternative splicing and alternative translation initiation.

Translational readthrough is widespread in viruses, fungi and Drosophila. However, its prevalence in mammals is not clear. Due to the advent of techniques such as ribosome profiling and powerful computational tools, this field has gained momentum of late. Our laboratory has identified several translational readthrough targets. We are working on the mechanism and the physiological significance of these events.