Ribosomes are organelles responsible for protein synthesis in all living organisms. Ribosomes are made of proteins and RNA (Ribosomal RNA, rRNA) and putting the several elements in the right location requires a precise multi-step hierarchically ordered process. In this biogenesis, processing of rRNA precursor (pre-rRNA) is a critical step that guarantees the integrity of the functional ribosome. In humans dysfunctional ribosomes are responsible for severe diseases, known as ribosomopathies. Researchers from Cecília Arraiano Lab, in collaboration with colleagues from the University pf Hamburg, have now identified the key role of RNA-binding protein Hfq in this process. The results were published today in the EMBO Journal.