Ribosome biogenesis and cancer: basic and translational challenges

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Growing evidence links ribosome biogenesis (RiBi) alterations to cancer cell competitiveness.
• Deregulation of signaling proteins, oncoproteins, and tumor suppressors increases RiBi rates in cancer.
• These RiBi changes likely shape the cancer cell proteome, promoting tumor growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current developments in understanding ribosome biogenesis in cancer.
• To highlight pending challenges in cancer ribosome biogenesis research.
• To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting RiBi vulnerabilities.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes findings from existing literature on ribosome biogenesis and cancer.
• It analyzes the roles of regulatory proteins and genetic mutations in RiBi.
• The review discusses therapeutic implications and future research directions.

Main Results:

• Altered ribosome biogenesis confers competitive advantages to cancer cells.
• Increased RiBi rates, driven by regulatory proteins, enhance protein synthesis and shape the protumorigenic proteome.
• Unexpected mutations affecting RiBi are observed in certain tumors, with unclear advantages.

Conclusions:

• Ribosome biogenesis is a critical factor in cancer progression.
• Targeting RiBi vulnerabilities and tumor suppressor pathways offers potential therapeutic avenues.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the role of RiBi mutations and to develop effective treatments.