rRNA as a source of ribosomes variability and their non-translational functions

Abstract

Ribosomes are macromolecular complexes responsible for translation. During last few years our understanding of their role in the cell was changed. Discoveries showing their variability in the protein composition and rRNA sequence suggested that they can play an active role in the gene regulation, selecting mRNA molecules to be translated and affecting the shape of the proteome. Populations of polimorphic ribosomes are involved in the stress response, virulence and antibiotic sensitivity. Here, I discuss the described and potential functions of ribosomes containing polymorphisms in rRNA molecules, as well as factors limiting the development of research in this field.