From non-ribosomal peptide synthesis to translation (P10)

• Subject Area: Biological and Biomimetic Chemistry
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 364653263

The origin of translation continues to be one of the most difficult problems of prebiotic evolution. There must have been a simpler form of RNA-induced peptide synthesis that then evolved into the ever more sophisticated system of modern biology. We have already established the first ribosome-free form of translation, where, depending on the RNA template, different amino acids are incorporated at the C-terminus of a growing peptido RNA in the absence of enzymes. We aim to extend this form of translation to longer sequences by improving spatial control over template, primer and tRNA species.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 235: Emergence of Life: exploring mechanisms with cross-disciplinary experiments
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Hendrik Dietz, since 7/2022; Professor Dr. Tim Liedl, until 6/2022; Professor Dr. Clemens Richert