Abstract: The present invention discloses that essential and highly conserved GTPases (i.e., for example, YlqF, YqeH, YsxC, or YphC proteins) from Bacillus subtilis participate in ribosome biogenesis. Before this invention, the biological function of the GTPase proteins were unknown. These GTPase proteins are disclosed to affect translation and believed to promote ribosome biogenesis. For example, cells depleted of YlqF protein accumulate a precursor of the 50S subunit that migrates at 45S, suggesting a role in assembly of the large ribosomal subunit. Analysis of the protein content of the 45S particle showed that ribosomal protein L16 is missing from the large subunit. Inhibitors of GTPase-ribosomal interactions (i.e., for example, ribosomal protein or ribosomal nucleic acids) comprise a novel class of antimicrobial compounds.