Zaher Lab

Zaher Lab

The translation of the genetic code into functional protein sequences is a feat accomplished in all domains of life by the ribosome. Protein synthesis is a complex multistep process that can be divided into three main phases: initiation, elongation and termination.

During each cycle of elongation, the two-subunit macromolecular machine decodes the mRNA transcripts by carefully selecting the appropriate aminoacyl-tRNA (aa-tRNA) that matches the mRNA codon in the decoding center from a large pool of competing aa-tRNAs.

The long term goal of the Zaher lab is to expand the understanding of the mechanisms that govern translational fidelity as well as learn about their impact on cellular fitness and codon evolution.

Latest News

Seeking to avoid ‘full lockdown,’ cells monitor ribosome collisions: Cells activate individual quality control responses if they can (Links to an external site)

December 17, 2020

New research from Washington University in St. Louis shows that cells monitor for ribosome collisions to determine the severity of the problem and how best to respond when things start to go awry. The research from the laboratory of Hani Zaher, associate professor of biology in Arts & Sciences, was published in the journal Molecular Cell.

Zaher Lab receives NIH grant

September 20, 2018

Hani Zaher, associate professor of biology in Arts & Sciences, received a $136,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate the role of the ribosome in determining the fate of damaged mRNA.

Hani promoted to Associate Professor

April 4, 2018

Hani Zaher is promoted to associate professor of biology in Arts & Sciences.