Research

How do cells control ribosomes in time and space?

The Loerch Lab studies translational regulation: how cells direct ribosomes to make the right protein, in the right place, at the right time.

What we study

We investigate specialized ribosomal complexes and the regulatory factors that shape protein synthesis. A central goal is to connect ribosome structure, molecular mechanism, and cellular location.

The lab uses cryo-electron microscopy methods, including single-particle analysis for purified complexes and 2D template matching approaches that can detect and compare ribosomes directly in cellular images.

Ribosome structure rendering — Structural models and biochemical context inform our mechanistic questions.

Research directions

Localized neuronal translation

Neurons depend on precise spatial and temporal control of protein synthesis. We study how this regulation supports neuronal function and how dysregulation may contribute to neurological disease.

Ribosome state regulation

We examine how ribosomes enter, maintain, and exit specialized states, including translationally silent or paused states that may alter mRNA fate and protein output.

Cryo-EM in context

We combine high-resolution structural biology with in situ methods to understand how molecular complexes behave in their native cellular environment.

Methods and model systems

2D template matching examples showing molecular particles in cellular images — **2D template matching.** We use structural templates to search cellular cryo-EM images for ribosomes and related complexes, preserving spatial context.

Cellular micrograph with particles assigned to molecular classes — **Location plus state.** Mapping particles back into the image lets us ask whether specific ribosome states are enriched in particular cellular neighborhoods.

In situ cryo-electron microscopy image of cellular material — **Preserving context.** In situ imaging keeps molecular observations tied to the cellular environments where translation is regulated.

Fourier transform and power spectrum from cryo-EM image processing — **Seeing signal in noisy data.** In situ cryo-EM requires careful image processing, validation, and quality control before molecular assignments can be made.

Why it matters

Localized and temporally controlled translation is central to neurobiology. By building mechanistic models of translational control, we aim to clarify how protein synthesis is regulated in health and disease.