Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
06:58
Global Identification of Co-Translational Interaction Networks by Selective Ribosome Profiling
Published on: October 7, 2021
The DARC site: a database of aligned ribosomal complexes.
Alexander Jarasch1, Philipp Dziuk, Thomas Becker
1Gene Center and Department for Biochemistry and Center for integrated Protein Science Munich, University of Munich, Feodor-Lynenstr 25, 81377 Munich, Germany.
Nucleic Acids Research
|October 20, 2011
Summary
The DARC site provides aligned ribosome structures from cryo-EM and crystallography, simplifying the study of protein synthesis and its regulation. This database facilitates visualization of ribosomal dynamics and ligand interactions.
Area of Science:
- Structural Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ribosomes are central to protein synthesis and exhibit dynamic conformational changes.
- Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography have provided numerous ribosomal structures.
- Comparing these structures is challenging due to varying orientations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a centralized, aligned database of ribosomal structures.
- To facilitate the comparison of ribosomal conformations and ligand interactions.
- To simplify the study of translation and its regulation.
Main Methods:
- Development of the Database of Aligned Ribosomal Complexes (DARC site).
- Alignment of cryo-EM maps and atomic coordinates from EMDB and PDB into a common coordinate system.
- Creation of a searchable interface for data access.
Main Results:
- The DARC site houses >130 cryo-EM maps and >300 atomic models.
- Structures are aligned in a common coordinate system, simplifying comparisons.
- Facilitates visualization of ribosome conformational changes and ligand binding.
Conclusions:
- The DARC site significantly simplifies comparative analysis of ribosomal structures.
- Enables deeper insights into ribosome dynamics and translation regulation.
- Provides a valuable resource for researchers studying protein synthesis.
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