Proteins are essential for the survival of all cells. They are continuously produced in the body’s protein factories — the ribosomes. How ribosomes are assembled is at the heart of a cutting-edge research project funded by the EU and coordinated by the University of Graz. Partners in Germany, France, and the USA are also involved. The European Research Council (ERC) is supporting the project “snoOPERA” with a total of around ten million euros over six years.
Rector Peter Riedler expressed his delight about of the most demanding and prestigious research grants in Europe: “Awards such as the ERC Synergy Grant demonstrate that our researchers are working at the highest international level and making important contributions to understanding fundamental biological processes.”
A Look into the Molecular Orchestra
Errors in ribosome formation can have serious consequences, explains Brigitte Pertschy from the Institute of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Graz: “If something goes wrong during assembly, protein production is disrupted. And that, in turn, is suspected to be involved in diseases such as cancer or neurodegenerative disorders.” However, the project is still focused on basic research: “We want to understand how these cellular machines are properly formed in the first place.” The researchers are focusing on specific small RNA–protein complexes called snoRNPs.
“These molecules are like invisible conductors in a gigantic orchestra,” Pertschy says. “We have discovered that a whole group of these small particles has far more functions than previously thought — they actively assist in ribosome assembly.” Using state-of-the-art techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy as well as genetic, biochemical, and biophysical analyses, the team aims to trace how these processes occur inside cells. Beyond the scientific objectives, the project also emphasizes the exchange of technologies and methods between participating laboratories.
“Our doctoral students and postdocs will travel between Graz, Munich, Toulouse, and Baltimore — this is international collaboration in action,” Pertschy adds.
66 Research Teams Awarded Synergy Grants
The snoOPERA project is among the 66 proposals selected this year by the ERC from more than 700 submissions. In total, 239 researchers will receive funding amounting to 684 million euros. The Synergy Grants enable scientists to join forces and tackle particularly complex research questions.