Researchers have created a novel microscopy method that allows them to observe the functioning of ribosomes within cells. This technique enables them to track individual ribosomes as they turn mRNA into proteins. They found that ribosomes assist one another when difficulties arise, a phenomenon they have named ‘ribosome cooperativity.’ This method and their findings, published in Cell, enhance our understanding of protein synthesis and provide a valuable tool for other researchers studying mRNA translation.
Researchers from the Tanenbaum group at the Hubrecht Institute have created a novel microscopy technique that allows them to observe how ribosomes function within cells. This method enables them to track individual ribosomes as they translate mRNA into proteins. The team observed that ribosomes assist each other during challenging situations, referring to this process as ‘ribosome cooperativity.’ These findings, published in Cell, deepen our understanding of how proteins are produced and provide fellow researchers with a new tool for exploring mRNA translation.
Our DNA contains crucial genetic instructions necessary for our body’s operations. Before these instructions can be utilized, they need to be transcribed into mRNA, a type of messenger molecule. The mRNA carries this information to the ribosomes in the cell, which interpret it and produce proteins. Proteins are vital for many bodily functions. The process of converting genetic instructions into proteins is referred to as mRNA translation.
Observing ribosomes in action
“At times, the mRNA has segments that are difficult to translate into proteins. We don’t yet fully understand how ribosomes handle these tough parts,” explains Maximilian Madern, one of the primary authors of the study. “This motivated us to develop a new imaging technology to gain better insights into how ribosomes perform their roles.” Their innovative technique permits researchers to monitor the activity of a single ribosome over time during mRNA translation.
With this new method, the team has already gained valuable insights into ribosomal function. “We noticed that individual ribosomes operate at slightly varied speeds and sometimes pause for lengthy durations,” says Sora Yang, the second lead author of the study. Because of these speed differences, ribosomes can collide, which may slow protein production. “It was difficult to detect these speed variances,” Yang adds. “So, we collaborated with Marianne Bauer’s team of computational scientists at TU Delft’s Department of Bionanoscience. Their expertise enabled us to show that ribosomes do operate at different speeds.”
Ribosomes getting stuck
The research team also made an interesting finding regarding ribosome collisions, which occur when one ribosome hits another due to challenging RNA segments or differing speeds. “We discovered that brief collisions do not immediately activate the cell’s quality control mechanisms,” Madern states. “Typically, these mechanisms would remove collided ribosomes, but they only activate if the collision lasts several minutes.”
Collisions might be advantageous
Contrary to prior beliefs, the researchers were surprised to find that these brief collisions could actually be beneficial. Ribosomes seem to ‘support’ each other in overcoming challenging RNA segments, a situation they refer to as ‘ribosome cooperativity.’ “This enables ribosomes to tolerate short collisions on difficult RNA segments, thereby facilitating continuous protein production,” Madern explains.
Applications
This new technology equips researchers to gain a better understanding of individual ribosome behavior. By decoding the dynamics of mRNA translation, scientists can achieve a more profound understanding of cellular processes and the significance of protein synthesis in both health and disease.
