We are exploring important fundamental aspects of protein synthesis, including: i) Functional interactions between the ribosome and the nascent polypeptide; ii) The role of cryptic protein factors in translation; iii) Rescue of ribosomes that get stuck during translation.

Ribosome is one of the best antibiotic targets in the bacterial cell. However, we still understand very poorly how natural or synthetic antibiotics interfere with its functions. We use biochemical, microbiological and genomics approaches to unravel mechanisms of action of antibioitcs that have been known for decades or have been discovered only recently.  

Synthetic biology is one of the most exciting fields in modern science. We are using ribosomal RNA engineering to expand the gene expression capacity of the ribosome and as a tool for unraveling its origin and evolution.