Ribosomal RNA expansion segments mediate the oligomerization of inactive animal ribosomes

• Science, Volume 391, Issue 6787, February 2026.

Article Summaries:

• Science (Feb 2026) - A new study shows that expansion segments (ES) of ribosomal RNA drive the assembly of inactive ribosomes into oligomeric complexes in animals. Using cryo‑electron microscopy and biochemical cross‑linking, the authors visualized dimers and higher‑order structures formed by ribosomes stalled in a non‑productive state. The ES‑mediated contacts appear to lock ribosomes in a storage‑like configuration, preventing unwanted translation during stress or quiescence. This finding adds a new layer to our understanding of ribosome hibernation and suggests that ES could be targeted to modulate protein synthesis in disease contexts.

Sources:

• https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.adr4287?af=R