John F. Atkins

Molecular architecture and diversity of StopGo/2A translational recoding

The paper investigates the StopGo/2A translational recoding mechanism using cryo-EM and bioinformatics, revealing structural and sequence features that enable this process in viruses.

Comprehensive analysis of yeast +1 ribosomal frameshifting unveils a novel stimulator supporting two distinct frameshifting mechanisms

The paper identifies a novel RNA stimulator that enhances +1 ribosomal frameshifting in yeast by promoting P-site tRNA re-pairing, revealing two distinct frameshifting mechanisms.

Evidence for the pairing of mRNA exiting ribosomes acting as a Driver of unidirectional forward bypassing: Its cessation permits Backwards scanning

The paper investigates how ribosomes bypass a non-coding sequence by dissociating tRNA pairing and shows that movement direction depends on re-pairing sites.

Programmed ribosomal frameshifting during PLEKHM2 mRNA decoding generates a constitutively active mediator of kinesin-1-dependent lysosome transport

The paper identifies a programmed ribosomal frameshifting event in PLEKHM2 mRNA that generates a constitutively active protein domain essential for lysosome transport and cardiac function.

The translating bacterial ribosome at 1.55 A resolution by open access cryo-EM

The paper determines the structure of the translating bacterial ribosome at 1.55 Å resolution using open access cryo-EM, enabling detailed analysis of ribosome polymorphism and drug design.

Structural basis of ribosomal frameshifting during translation of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome

This study presents the cryo-EM structure of the mammalian ribosome during SARS-CoV-2 RNA translation, revealing the pseudoknot structure that facilitates ribosomal frameshifting and identifies a compound that inhibits viral replication.

Tissue-specific dynamic codon redefinition in Drosophila

The paper shows tissue-specific stop codon readthrough in Drosophila kelch gene, with high-efficiency readthrough in CNS neurons and potential for extended neuronal proteome.

Unprecedentedly efficient CUG initiation of an overlapping reading frame in POLG mRNA yields novel protein POLGARF

The paper identifies a novel protein, POLGARF, encoded by an overlapping reading frame in POLG mRNA, showing efficient CUG initiation and evolutionary origins via MIR transposition.

Contesting the evidence for -1 frameshifting in immune-functioning C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) - the HIV-1 co-receptor

The paper challenges the evidence for -1 frameshifting in CCR5 mRNA, arguing that the frameshifting mechanism does not lead to premature termination codon formation or mRNA destabilization via NMD.