Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Isolation of Translating Ribosomes Containing Peptidyl-tRNAs for Functional and Structural Analyses
Published on: February 25, 2011
Inhibition of bacterial ribosome assembly: a suitable drug target?
1Department of Exploratory Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer Global Research and Development, MS 8118W-106, Groton Laboratories, Groton, CT 06340, USA. bruce.maguire@pfizer.com
Abstract:
The assembly of bacterial ribosomes is viewed with increasing interest as a potential target for new antibiotics. The in vivo synthesis and assembly of ribosomes are briefly reviewed here, highlighting the many ways in which assembly can be perturbed. The process is compared with the model in vitro process from which much of our knowledge is derived. The coordinate synthesis of the ribosomal components is essential for their ordered and efficient assembly; antibiotics interfere with this coordination and therefore affect assembly. It has also been claimed that the binding of antibiotics to nascent ribosomes prevents their assembly. These two contrasting models of antibiotic action are compared and evaluated. Finally, the suitability and tractability of assembly as a drug target are assessed.
Related Concept Videos
Inhibitors of Bacterial Protein Synthesis
Types of RNA
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis
Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA Synthesis
Translational Regulation
Coordination of Gene Expression Processes in Bacteria

