Prof. Tzachi Pilpel
Weizmann Institute of Science
We study translation fidelity – the adequacy and accuracy of protein translation. Mapping sites with translation errors in genomes reveals that codon choice affects accuracy of translation. Codon choice appears to also affect frame-shifts in translation, another type of deviation from exact translation. Further, codon choice and corresponding tRNA availability govern protein folding. We will survey evidence for these effects of codon usage on translation and on evolution of proteins and evolution of the genetic code. Finally will explore a potential utilization of this knowledge in vaccine design.