Max Planck Neuroscience

Ribosomes in Pairs: A Survival Strategy Inside Stressed Cells

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute have identified a novel RNA‑driven mechanism that pairs inactive ribosomes into disomes when animal cells, including neurons, face nutrient starvation or temperature stress. The pairing is mediated by a specific ribosomal RNA expansion segment, 31b, which forms a precise RNA‑RNA “kissing‑loop” interaction. Using cryogenic electron tomography, the team visualized these reversible ribosomal assemblies in intact cells, demonstrating that disrupting the interaction hampers cell growth and heightens stress sensitivity. The findings reveal a previously unknown layer of translational control in eukaryotes.