RiPro: Ribosomal Proteins

Research  areas

Our research group aims to define the contribution of alterations in ribosomal protein-encoding genes to the development of various human diseases. Among these, we study both hereditary diseases (such as Diamond Blackfan Anemia, or DBA), and acquired diseases, such as ovarian cancer or acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia.

Research  project

The main research project, funded by the AIRC Foundation, is entitled “Defining the role of ribosomal alterations in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia”.

In addition, we are running additional projects: in one, we seek to characterize the role of amplification of the RPL8 gene in ovarian cancer, and in another we study the pathogenesis of Diamond Blackfan Anemia.

We are also collaborating with different Italian and European research groups, in the study of alterations of ribosomes and of the protein-synthesizing mechanisms in hereditary and acquired pathologies.

Ongoing research projects

Our main research project aims to define the contribution of alterations in L5 and L10 ribosomal proteins (RPL5 and RPL10) in the development of childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We also aim to identify drugs capable of selectively acting on ribosomes that incorporate the altered proteins, thus inhibiting them in a specific way. The ultimate aim is to offer new therapeutic options tailored to patients with mutations in RPL5 or RPL10, who could benefit from them.