How ribosomal protein loss affects cell fate

This grant will challenge the dogma that the ribosome behaves as a mere ‘‘house-keeper’’. Ribosomal protein (RPs) mutations should, and frequently do, result in reduced cell growth and stunted animal development. Strikingly, we show depletion of RPs in Drosophila blood cells results in impaired stem cell behaviour and massive tissue overgrowth. This suggests an instructive function for RPs in cell fate determination, which this grant will elucidate using unique genetic models. As ribosomal function is fundamental to development of all living organisms, this work has wide implications for understanding all biology - from microbes, insects and plants to humans.