This work is intended to explore the observation that many antibiotics which inhibit the translational functions of the bacterial ribosome also prevent its assembly in microbial cells. These antibiotics interact with sequences in the ribosomal RNA in the ribosomal subunits. Studies will be conducted to look at the direct binding of different antibiotics to ribosomal RNA and to subunit precursors in order to explore the mechanism of assembly inhibition. Inhibitory effects of the drugs on the conformational changes in rRNA needed for particle synthesis will also be explored. This work will help define the features of the ribosome structure as a target for antimicrobial agents and will provide information needed for the design of more effective antibiotics.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31GM069092-02
Application #
6943993
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-ONC-O (29))
Program Officer
Toliver, Adolphus
Project Start
2004-07-06
Project End
2007-07-05
Budget Start
2005-07-06
Budget End
2006-07-05
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$28,717
Indirect Cost
Name
East Tennessee State University
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
051125037
City
Johnson City
State
TN
Country
United States
Zip Code
37614