title: Ribosomal proteins and human diseases: pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic implications.
abstract: Ribosomes are essential components of the protein synthesis machinery. The process of ribosome biogenesis is well organized and tightly regulated. Recent studies have shown that ribosomal proteins (RPs) have extraribosomal functions that are involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, DNA repair, and other cellular processes. The dysfunction of RPs has been linked to the development and progression of hematological, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Perturbation of ribosome biogenesis results in ribosomal stress, which triggers activation of the p53 signaling pathway through RPs-MDM2 interactions, resulting in p53-dependent cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. RPs also regulate cellular functions through p53-independent mechanisms. We herein review the recent advances in several forefronts of RP research, including the understanding of their biological features and roles in regulating cellular functions, maintaining cell homeostasis, and their involvement in the pathogenesis of human diseases. We also highlight the translational potential of this research for the identification of molecular biomarkers, and in the discovery and development of novel treatments for human diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas, 79106; Cancer Biology Center, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas, 79106.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Subhasree
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nag
authors.forename: Xu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Ming-Hai
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jianwei
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Ruiwen
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D002466:Cell Nucleolus / Q000378:metabolism; D004194:Disease; D006801:Humans; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D012269:Ribosomal Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000378:metabolism; D013312:Stress, Physiological
chemical_list: D012269:Ribosomal Proteins
keywords: RP-MDM2-p53 pathway; cancer; drug discovery; ribosomal protein; ribosomopathy