Ribosomes and growth regulation

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis in the cell and are essential for growth and cell
division. Genetic defects that interfere with ribosome biogenesis reduce translation and growth
and cause human diseases. Heterozygous mutation of many ribosomal protein genes causes
Diamond-Blackfan Anemia, which is associated with early onset anemia, morphological defects,
and cancer predisposition. Ribosomal protein genes are also haploinsufficient in the fruitfly
Drosophila, where they cause reduced protein synthesis, slow growth and development, and
morphological defects. Unexpectedly, these effects are found to have a transcriptional basis, that
is, ribosomal protein mutations activate a transcriptional program which controls translation and
the other effects. This project will determine how ribosome biogenesis defects cause human
diseases and cancer by elucidating the molecular mechanisms of this transcriptional response in
Drosophila, and exploiting mutations that prevent cells reacting to ribosomal protein mutations.
The project will use ribosome profiling methods to define the hierarchy of steps at which
translation of the genome into protein is altered and highlight those likely to be relevant to
cancer, anemia, and morphology. The project will use gene modification approaches to define
the specific roles of individual protein isoforms and domains in the effects of ribosome
biogenesis defects. The project will explore what physiological and selective role is played by
the cellular responses to ribosome biogenesis defects, and their contribution to promoting health
and survival and preventing disease. The findings are anticipated to suggest approaches to
prevent cancer and treat the ribosomopathy Diamond Blackfan Anemia.

Grant Number: 5R01GM120451-08
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Nicholas Baker