Willi Group
The ribosome is an ancient molecular machine, whose translation mechanism links the worlds of RNA and protein. In a sense, the ribosome is nature鈥檚 3D printer, taking information (genetic code) and turning it into functional molecules (proteins). This process is facilitated by RNA, highlighting RNA鈥檚 potential as a catalyst. This critical role means the ribosome is central to the evolution of life as we know it and holds enormous importance for healthcare and biotechnology. The Willi lab uses synthetic biology approaches to understand the past, present and futures of the ribosome:
- Past: How did the ribosome evolve at the origin of life?
We use in vitro and in vivo methods to resurrect ancient versions of 鈥減roto-ribosomes鈥 and test their functions. This allows us to test hypothesis about the origin of life and the shared ancestry of all living organisms.
- Present: How does the ribosome function in modern bacteria like E. coli?
Since they are important for any cell, ribosomes are often the target of antibiotics 鈥 but these drugs are rapidly losing effectiveness due to resistance. By studying the natural function of bacterial ribosomes, how antibiotics disrupt it, and how RNA variations in bacterial ribosomes affect cell survival, we can fight resistance and inform the development of the next generation of antibacterial treatments.
- Futures: What potential do 鈥渄esigner鈥 ribosomes harbor for biotechnology and synthetic biology?
Understanding how the ribosome works and being able to manipulate it, the Willi lab is engineering ribosomal features towards higher yields, product specialization, genetic code expansion, or even incorporating novel amino acids for new-to-nature products. Novel functions unlock new ways to manufacture high-value products for medicine, energy, and materials using biological systems.
Trainee Opportunities
- Evolution of the ribosome at the Origin of Life (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
- Functional expansion of ribosomal RNA via directed evolution (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
- Synthetic biology applications of cell-free translation systems (M.Sc., Ph.D.)