Erzberger Lab

Ribosomes are central to gene expression, and their assembly and function are tightly linked to how cells grow, respond to stress, and maintain homeostasis. Our research focuses on ribosomes as regulatory hubs in two key areas: ribosomal subunit assembly and co-translational mRNA decay. We investigate the enzymatic steps and quality-control mechanisms that guide ribosome maturation, and how codon usage patterns influence mRNA turnover during translation. To study these processes, we combine cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, advanced mass spectrometry, and computational modeling to define molecular mechanisms, map regulatory pathways, and identify small-molecule inhibitors that selectively target these processes in disease.