Ribosome Related Cancer

Ribosomes are key components of the protein translation machinery. Ribosomes contain a variety of unique ribosomal proteins (RPs). In addition to participating in protein translation, RPs are closely related to apoptosis, DNA repair, and cellular homeostasis. Overexpression of RPs can affect various oncogenes and promote tumorigenesis. In addition, numerous studies have demonstrated an increased risk of cancer in human pathological conditions characterized by upregulation of ribosome biosynthesis (RiBi). In recent years, the relationship between tumorigenesis and ribosomal abnormalities has gradually emerged as a research hotspot. As the world's leading provider of ribosome services, Creative Biolabs is committed to providing comprehensive ribosome services to help you further explore the molecular mechanisms associated with ribosomes and cancer.

RiBi and Cancers

To maintain enhanced growth and subsequent cell division, tumor cells have higher ribosome production compared to normal cells. Alterations in ribosome biogenesis (RiBi) will affect cancer cells. In this process, the main tumor suppressor p53 protein plays an important role. Upregulated of RiBi downregulates p53 expression and activity, thereby promoting tumor transformation. In recent years, scientists have become increasingly interested in the relationship between RiBi and cancer following the discovery that RiBi is associated with increased cancer risk. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that dysregulation of RPs, and alterations in rRNA synthesis, are closely related to the development of human cancers.

Fig.1 Cellular targets and processes for small molecules that interfere with ribosome biogenesis. (Zisi, 2022)

Many cancers are closely related to ribosomes, the common ones are listed below:

• Prostate Cancer
• Hepatocellular Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Malignant Melanoma
• Metastatic Sarcoma
• Breast Cancer
• Osteogenic Sarcoma

RPs in Cancer Diagnosis

Alterations in RiBi have important implications for cancer cells. For this reason, the study of altered RiBi processes in cancer cells offers promising prospects for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. For example, uL18 is mutated in breast cancer, glioblastoma, and multiple myeloma. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of human prostate cancer tissue (CaP) led to the identification of three RPs that are overexpressed in CaP patients. All of these RPs may be potential markers of cancer. Interestingly, eS24 has progressed as a human colon cancer biomarker. uS17 has been identified as a potential prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Targeting RiBi for Therapeutic

It is well known that increased RiBi in cancer cells promotes increased protein synthesis to further sustain unrestricted growth. In recent years, RiBi has gradually emerged as a promising target for cancer therapy. Currently, some compounds that inhibit RiBi have entered clinical trials. In addition, the development of therapeutic agents targeting key proteins involved in ribosome production and activity has also been proposed.

The roles and mechanisms of ribosomes in cancer have gradually become a research hotspot. Diversified ribosome analysis techniques also provide a new platform for fully understanding the relationship between ribosomes and cancer. Creative Biolabs is committed to providing customized ribosome analysis services to customers around the world to accelerate your project progress. Please contact us for more details.

Reference

1. Zisi, A.; et al. Targeting Ribosome Biogenesis in Cancer: Lessons Learned and Way Forward. Cancers. 2022, 14(9): 2126.