Here, the authors use cryo-EM and machine-learning-based tools to analyze structurally heterogeneous ribosome assembly intermediates. They uncover a new proofreading function of the bacterial methyltransferase KsgA, wherein this assembly factor recognizes and drives partial disassembly of translationally incompetent particles, thereby affording these intermediates another opportunity to assemble in an active form.
- Jingyu Sun
- Laurel F. Kinman
- Joseph H. Davis
