Ribosomes and nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are essential cellular nanomachines responsible for protein synthesis and nucleocytoplasmic trafficking, respectively. Ribosome synthesis is initiated in the nucleolus, a prominent, highly dynamic nuclear organelle central to gene expression. The morphology of the nucleolus is indicative of its function and cell health, and as such a potent disease biomarker and a target for cancer therapeutics.

Specific nucleoporins, the building blocks of NPCs, relocalize to the nucleolus upon inhibition of ribosomal RNA synthesis and in pathological situations, such as leukaemia. This project aims at understanding the principles of maintenance of nucleolar integrity and at investigating the emerging connections between disease-associated nucleoporins and the nucleolus.

Principal investigators: Denis Lafontaine - RNA Molecular Biology -, Birthe Fahrenkrog - Biology of the nucleus -.

Spokesperson

Denis Lafontaine

RNA Molecular Biology
Faculty of Sciences

Dates
Created on August 31, 2018