The ribosome modulates folding inside the ribosomal exit tunnel

Abstract

Wruck et al. investigate the folding of the small zinc-finger domain ADR1a inside and at the vestibule of the ribosomal tunnel, using optical tweezers, single-molecule FRET, and molecular dynamics simulations. They find that the ribosomal tunnel accelerates folding while stabilizing the folded state like chaperonins. This study provides insights into the role of the ribosomal tunnel in the folding dynamics of nascent polypeptides.