Joseph, Simpson
Molecular Mechanism of Protein Synthesis
Molecular Mechanism of Protein Synthesis
Contact Information
Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Office: Urey Hall 4102
Phone: 858-822-2957
Email: sjoseph@ucsd.edu
Web: josephgroup.ucsd.edu/
Group: View group members
Office: Urey Hall 4102
Phone: 858-822-2957
Email: sjoseph@ucsd.edu
Web: josephgroup.ucsd.edu/
Group: View group members
Education
1994 Ph.D., University of Vermont
1989 M.S., Madurai Kamaraj University
1987 B.S., Loyola College
1994 Ph.D., University of Vermont
1989 M.S., Madurai Kamaraj University
1987 B.S., Loyola College
Awards and Academic Honors
2000
Hellman Faculty Fellow
1997
American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellow
1994-1998
Postdoctoral Associate, University of California, Santa Cruz,
1987-1989
Department of Biotechnology Merit Scholarship
1986-1987
Recipient of Loyola College Gold Medal
1985-1986
Recipient of Loyola College Gold Medal
1984-1985
Recipient of Loyola College Gold Medal
Research Interests
We study how cells make proteins, which is a fundamental process for life. Ribosomes are the machines responsible for protein synthesis in all cells. Ribosomes accurately "read" the genetic information in mRNAs to assemble all the proteins required by the cell. Ribosomes are large macromolecular complexes made up of RNA and protein. The process of protein synthesis is very complex and highly regulated in eukaryotic cells.
Currently we are focusing on three research areas:
First, we are studying how the different steps in bacterial protein synthesis are catalyzed by the ribosome and several translational factors. This will provide insights for developing new antibiotics to treat drug-resistrant bacterial infections.
Second, we are studying the mechanism of translational control by the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). Fragile X Syndrome is the most common form of mental retardation. We are interested in understanding how FMRP regulates the synthesis of numerous proteins in the nervous system.
Third, we are studying the mechanism used by the influenza virus to enhance the translation of viral mRNAs. Previous studies have shown that influenza virus infection blocks the transport and translation of host mRNAs, whereas viral mRNAs are translated efficiently. We are interested in understanding the protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions that are important for this process. These studies may provide insights for developing new anti-viral agents to treat flu.
Currently we are focusing on three research areas:
First, we are studying how the different steps in bacterial protein synthesis are catalyzed by the ribosome and several translational factors. This will provide insights for developing new antibiotics to treat drug-resistrant bacterial infections.
Second, we are studying the mechanism of translational control by the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). Fragile X Syndrome is the most common form of mental retardation. We are interested in understanding how FMRP regulates the synthesis of numerous proteins in the nervous system.
Third, we are studying the mechanism used by the influenza virus to enhance the translation of viral mRNAs. Previous studies have shown that influenza virus infection blocks the transport and translation of host mRNAs, whereas viral mRNAs are translated efficiently. We are interested in understanding the protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions that are important for this process. These studies may provide insights for developing new anti-viral agents to treat flu.
Primary Research Area
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Interdisciplinary interests
Macromolecular Structure
Biophysics
Cellular Biochemistry
Biophysics
Cellular Biochemistry
Outreach Activities
Actively participate as a mentor to several minority undergraduate students from the Minority Access to Science, Engineering, and Math (MASEM) program funded by the NSF Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP).
Mentor to students as sponsored by the Summer Training Academy for Research in the Sciences (STARS) program of the NIH and the NSF.
Mentor to USD McNair Scholars program funded by the US Congress.
Member of the UCSD Next Step Program.
Participate in the Ambassadors of Academic Achievement (A3) Program.
Invited Lecturer, “Molecular Mechanism of Protein Synthesis by the Ribosome,” UniversityLink Medical Science Program (ULMSP) sponsored by the UCSD School of Medicine and the US Bureau of Health Professions. ULMSP's mission is to meet diversity healthcare workforce needs by supporting San Diego community college students during their transition to a four-year university.
Mentor to students as sponsored by the Summer Training Academy for Research in the Sciences (STARS) program of the NIH and the NSF.
Mentor to USD McNair Scholars program funded by the US Congress.
Member of the UCSD Next Step Program.
Participate in the Ambassadors of Academic Achievement (A3) Program.
Invited Lecturer, “Molecular Mechanism of Protein Synthesis by the Ribosome,” UniversityLink Medical Science Program (ULMSP) sponsored by the UCSD School of Medicine and the US Bureau of Health Professions. ULMSP's mission is to meet diversity healthcare workforce needs by supporting San Diego community college students during their transition to a four-year university.
Selected Publications
- Khade PK, Joseph S, "Messenger RNA interactions in the decoding center control the rate of translocation.", Nat Struct Mol Biol, 2011, Vol. 18, Issue 11, 1300-2 [View]
- Hetrick B, Khade PK, Lee K, Stephen J, Thomas A, Joseph S, "Polyamines accelerate codon recognition by transfer RNAs on the ribosome.", Biochemistry, 2010, Vol. 49, Issue 33, 7179-89 [View]
- Hetrick B, Lee K, Joseph S, "Kinetics of stop codon recognition by release factor 1.", Biochemistry, 2009, Vol. 48, Issue 47, 11178-84 [View]
- Shi X, Chiu K, Ghosh S, Joseph S, "Bases in 16S rRNA important for subunit association, tRNA binding, and translocation.", Biochemistry, 2009, Vol. 48, Issue 29, 6772-82 [View]
- Garcia-Ortega L, Stephen J, Joseph S, "Precise alignment of peptidyl tRNA by the decoding center is essential for EF-G-dependent translocation.", Mol Cell, 2008, Vol. 32, Issue 2, 292-9 [View]
- Ali IK, Lancaster L, Feinberg J, Joseph S, Noller HF, "Deletion of a conserved, central ribosomal intersubunit RNA bridge.", Mol Cell, 2006, Vol. 23, Issue 6, 865-74 [View]
- Studer SM, Joseph S, "Unfolding of mRNA secondary structure by the bacterial translation initiation complex.", Mol Cell, 2006, Vol. 22, Issue 1, 105-15 [View]
- Studer SM, Feinberg JS, Joseph S, "Rapid kinetic analysis of EF-G-dependent mRNA translocation in the ribosome.", J Mol Biol, 2003, Vol. 327, Issue 2, 369-81 [View]
- Phelps SS, Jerinic O, Joseph S, "Universally conserved interactions between the ribosome and the anticodon stem-loop of A site tRNA important for translocation.", Mol Cell, 2002, Vol. 10, Issue 4, 799-807 [View]
- Feinberg JS, Joseph S, "Identification of molecular interactions between P-site tRNA and the ribosome essential for translocation.", Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2001, Vol. 98, Issue 20, 11120-5 [View]