Drug Stalls Ribosome (IMAGE) University of California - Berkeley Caption Ribosomes lined up along pieces of messenger RNA extrude proteins that curl up once they emerge from the ribosome's internal tunnel. UC Berkeley and Pfizer scientists discovered that a small molecule (black T) can kink the growing protein inside the tunnel and stall its production while leaving general protein production unaffected. Credit Jamie Cate image. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.