Ribosomes as a nexus between translation and cancer progression: Focus on ribosomal Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) in breast cancer

Ribosomes coordinate spatiotemporal control of gene expression, contributing to the acquisition and maintenance of cancer phenotype. The link between ribosomes and cancer is found in the roles of individual ribosomal proteins in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, including the ribosomal protein, receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1). RACK1 regulates cancer cell invasion and is localized in spreading initiation centres, structural adhesion complexes containing RNA binding proteins and poly-adenylated mRNAs that suggest a local translation process. As RACK1 is a ribosomal protein directly involved in translation and in breast cancer progression, we propose a new molecular mechanism for breast cancer cell migration and invasion, which considers the molecular differences between epithelial and mesenchymal cell profiles in order to characterize and provide novel targets for therapeutic strategies. Hence, we provide an analysis on how ribosomes translate cancer progression with a final focus on the ribosomal protein RACK1 in breast cancer.

Automated summary

Ribosomes play a crucial role in coordinating the spatiotemporal control of gene expression, which is important for the development and progression of cancer. Ribosomal protein RACK1, known for its involvement in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, regulates cancer cell invasion through a local translation process. By studying the molecular differences between epithelial and mesenchymal cell profiles, and focusing on RACK1, a new understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind breast cancer cell migration and invasion can be achieved, leading to potential novel therapeutic targets.