Welcome to the Shcherbik Lab

The various projects ongoing in Shcherbik lab aim at dissecting molecular mechanisms that govern ribosome-associated protein quality control, ribosome surveillance, effects of low-dose and acute oxidative stress on ribosomes, role of transition metals in managing ribosome integrity and activity, stress responses and adaptations, and cap-independent translation initiation. Understanding the biological relevance of these mechanisms is our ultimate goal. We are also interested in exploring how abnormalities in protein translation due to malfunctioning ribosomes contribute to etiology and progression of human diseases, such as neural degeneration, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. As a model organism, we use the unicellular eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae, known as budding yeast; however, we also conduct experiments in mammalian cells. We apply a wide variety of molecular, biochemical, and genetic techniques, as well as structural biology tools, to address questions of interest. For details, please visit the pages describing current lab projects and highlight open questions. We are welcoming new graduate and undergraduate students to dive into these new and unexplored areas of cellular biology.