 The researchers studied how the fusion protein FUBI-S30 is processed to understand its role in the maturation of the 40s ribosomal subunit. They found that the dubiquitinase USP36 was responsible for cutting the fusion protein, allowing it to be incorporated into the mature 40s subunit. This discovery provides insight into the mechanisms behind the formation of the 40s subunit and could lead to new treatments for diseases caused by defects in ribosome assembly. This article was authored by Jasmine Van Den Hoovel, Caroline Asiono, Ludovic Seagillette and others.