About this Research Topic
Protein synthesis is a central process in free-living microorganisms and is heavily targeted by antimicrobials. Studies of transfer RNAs (tRNAs), aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), and ribosomes have led to deciphering the genetic code and have boosted diverse research fields in molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology, and microbiology. Today, research at the frontiers of tRNA biology and protein synthesis continues to provide fundamental knowledge and powerful tools for understanding the molecular basis of gene expression, microbial stress responses, microbial pathogenesis, drug design, and synthetic biology.
The goal of this Research Topic is to bring together the latest advances in studies of tRNAs, aaRSs, and ribosomes, with a focus on microorganisms. Despite decades of work, we still have major knowledge gaps in understanding the molecular and structural basis of the protein synthesis machinery and have an urgent need to develop novel antimicrobials to overcome drug resistance. We are also at the beginning of understanding how translational efficiency and accuracy are regulated during microbial infections. Additionally, the engineering of tRNAs, aaRSs, and ribosomes is critical for expanding the genetic code in synthetic organisms.
We welcome submissions of Original Research and Review articles on the following, but not limited to, subthemes:
1,) Molecular basis and functions of tRNA modifications in microorganisms.
2.) Canonical and noncanonical functions of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.
3.) Structural and molecular basis of ribosomes.
4.) Regulation of protein synthesis during microbial stress conditions.
5.) Translational fidelity in microorganisms.
6.) Role of the protein synthesis machinery in microbial infections.
7.) Antimicrobials targeting protein synthesis.
8.) Engineering of the protein synthesis machinery in microorganisms.
The goal of this Research Topic is to bring together the latest advances in studies of tRNAs, aaRSs, and ribosomes, with a focus on microorganisms. Despite decades of work, we still have major knowledge gaps in understanding the molecular and structural basis of the protein synthesis machinery and have an urgent need to develop novel antimicrobials to overcome drug resistance. We are also at the beginning of understanding how translational efficiency and accuracy are regulated during microbial infections. Additionally, the engineering of tRNAs, aaRSs, and ribosomes is critical for expanding the genetic code in synthetic organisms.
We welcome submissions of Original Research and Review articles on the following, but not limited to, subthemes:
1,) Molecular basis and functions of tRNA modifications in microorganisms.
2.) Canonical and noncanonical functions of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.
3.) Structural and molecular basis of ribosomes.
4.) Regulation of protein synthesis during microbial stress conditions.
5.) Translational fidelity in microorganisms.
6.) Role of the protein synthesis machinery in microbial infections.
7.) Antimicrobials targeting protein synthesis.
8.) Engineering of the protein synthesis machinery in microorganisms.
Keywords: Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, ribosome, stress response, bacteria, translation
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
