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Susan A. Martinis Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics Ph.D. 1990, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Molecular Mechanisms of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and group I intron splicing. Fidelity of protein synthesis Susan A. Martinis 401A RAL, Box B-4, MC-712 600 S. Mathews Ave Urbana, IL 61801 217-244-2405 martinis@life.uiuc.edu

The fidelity of protein synthesis is dependent on accurate substrate recognition by the tRNA synthetase. Each recognizes a single cognate amino acid and covalently attaches it to the correct tRNA. Some tRNA synthetases misactivate incorrect amino acids, but have evolved mechanisms to proofread their errors and edit their mistakes. One of my research goals is to determine mechanistic details and molecular interactions that govern tRNA synthetase aminoacylation and editing activities. A second focus is to understand the molecular basis of tRNA synthetases in alternate and novel roles that are also essential to the cell. These include mitochondrial group I intron splicing reactions that require leucyl-tRNA synthetase. Results from these investigations address basic research questions and also target long-term applications such as antibiotic development.