Research Group

RESEARCH FOCUS
The Ignatova group conducts cutting-edge research at the intersection of molecular biology, biochemistry, and molecular medicine, with a particular focus on the role of translational control and protein biogenesis in human health and disease. The work addresses the fundamental biological processes underlying a range of severe, currently incurable conditions, ranging from monogenic disorders, to complex genetic and non-genetic conditions. Along with elucidating fundamental mechanisms of translational control, the group is deeply engaged in unraveling molecular processes challenging translation and driving pathological states. The research provides valuable insights into the molecular states of diseases, guiding the development of innovative gene therapies to combat these pathologies.

KEY PUBLICATIONS
Engineered tRNAs suppress nonsense mutations in cells and in vivo.
Albers S, Allen EC, Bharti N, Davyt M, Joshi D, Perez-Garcia CG, Santos L, Mukthavaram R, Delgado-Toscano MA, Molina B, Kuakini K, Alayyoubi M, Park KJ, Acharya G, Gonzalez JA, Sagi A, Birket SE, Tearney GJ, Rowe SM, Manfredi C, Hong JS, Tachikawa K, Karmali P, Matsuda D, Sorscher EJ, Chivukula P, Ignatova Z. Nature. 2023 Jun;618(7966):842-848.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37258671/

tRNA overexpression rescues peripheral neuropathy caused by mutations in tRNA synthetase.
Zuko A, Mallik M, Thompson R, Spaulding EL, Wienand AR, Been M, Tadenev ALD, van Bakel N, Sijlmans C, Santos LA, Bussmann J, Catinozzi M, Das S, Kulshrestha D, Burgess RW, Ignatova Z, Storkebaum E. Science. 2021 Sep 3;373(6559):1161-1166.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34516840/

Invariable stoichiometry of ribosomal proteins in mouse brain tissues with aging.
Amirbeigiarab S, Kiani P, Velazquez Sanchez A, Krisp C, Kazantsev A, Fester L, Schlüter H, Ignatova Z. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2019 Nov 5;116(45):22567-22572.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31636180/

FULL PUBLICATION LIST
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Ignatova+Z&cauthor_id=38049504