Research

Within several ongoing projects, we investigate the structure, function and interactions of proteins and nucleic acids involved in the translation of genetic information. The main emphasis is placed on aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRS), whose capacity to faithfully translate the standard genetic code and to operate outside of translation are explored.

To reach deep understanding of this essential cellular process in all domains of life, we use multidisciplinary approach which includes enzyme kinetics, biochemical, genetic and biophysical techniques. The extent to which mistranslation occurs is still poorly understood and presents a fundamental question in both basic research and its application to medicine and biotechnology.

We explore aaRS synthetic and proofreading mechanisms against canonical and non-canonical amino acids to unveil molecular foundation of the aminoacylation accuracy and cellular consequences of the disturbed translational fidelity.
The goal is to improve our understanding of the basis for selection of the natural amino acid alphabet, and how violation of the coding principles influences cell physiology.
We also aim to engineer translational apparatus for incorporation of synthetic amino acids and production of designer proteins with novel features.