GoKawiilEngineered E. coli Ribo-T ribosomes shown to translate proteins from their own rRNA
Researchers modified the tethered Ribo-T ribosome system in E. coli by appending open reading frames for GFP, DFR and HiBiT directly onto the 3′ end of 16S rRNA, creating 'Ribo-TM' constructs. Gel electrophoresis and RT-PCR confirmed the fused mRNA-rRNA molecules were intact and correctly assembled inside functioning ribosomes, and growth assays with mutant ribosomal subunits helped verify that translation activity depended on a functional ribosome.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This work demonstrates that ribosomal RNA can be engineered to double as a messenger carrying its own coding sequence, blurring the line between structural and informational RNA roles. Such self-encoding ribosomes could enable new synthetic biology tools for tightly coupling ribosome assembly with reporter or functional protein production, aiding studies of translation and orthogonal genetic systems.
- Ribo-TM ribosomes carry protein-coding sequences fused to their own 16S rRNA
- RT-PCR and sequencing confirmed correct transcript fusion and expression
- Mutations disrupting ribosomal subunit function blocked translation, confirming ribosome-dependent expression
Molecular Biology of the Gene (Watson) — If ribosome engineering and rRNA-encoded ORFs pique your curiosity, Watson's classic text lays out translation, rRNA structure and gene expression with clear diagrams. It's the standard reference that makes papers like this one much easier to follow.
See Molecular Biology of the Gene (Watson) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: nature.com — Alizadeh, 2026-09-02
Published there as: “Rewiring the ribosome to translate proteins encoded in its own RNA”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.