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Protein synthesis in the context of acclimation

Protein synthesis and subsequent folding of nascent polypeptides is one of the central processes governing the reorganization of a cellular proteome during acclimation. Previously, ribosomes - the synthesis machineries translating the genomic information into polypeptides – were considered as rather passive units. However, it is now understood that ribosomes are actually finely-tuned hubs, that are central in sensing and regulating protein homeostasis. Consequently, aim of our research is to better understand the regulation of protein synthesis and folding during acclimation of plant cells. We are especially interested in understanding these processes in chloroplasts of eukaryotic organism, since these organelles have an additional challenge during protein biogenesis. Besides the import of nucleus-encoded proteins, chloroplasts possess their own little genome and ribosomes. This means that proteins from two origins need to be orchestrated in order to achieve a balanced proteome, a process which is again highly responsive to environmental input.