Regulation of translation by RNA modifications

The Erlacher group studies the role of RNA modification during protein synthesis. It has been shown that various RNA modifications can affect gene expression at multiple levels to different extends. During translation rRNA-, tRNA-, and mRNA-modifications have important functions to provide a tightly controlled process. In our lab we are interested in elucidating the functional role of RNA modifications during protein synthesis. In addition, we use non-natural RNA derivatives to reveal molecular details during initiation, elongation and termination.

In the SFB, the Erlacher group will systematically study the role of tRNA modifications on translation using chemically synthesized tRNA harboring different combinations and compositions of nucleotide derivatives. In addition we will try to further unravel the role of modifications within native mRNA sequences located in the untranslated as well as in the coding sequences of mRNAs.