Protein synthesis governs if, how fast, and how many times cells divide. Yet how protein synthesis is linked molecularly with cell division is unknown. We use budding yeast as a model system to answer this problem. Because yeast has unique properties, suited for genetic and biochemical experiments. New methodologies can identify transcripts that engage with the protein synthesis machinery, the ribosomes, in the process of translation. For the first time in the field, we applied this ribosome profiling methodology in synchronously dividing cells that maintained the physiological coupling of protein synthesis with their division. In this collaborative proposal, we will leverage these findings to tackle the long-standing problem of protein synthesis requirements for cell divisions.
In Aim 1, we will determine how translational control of lipogenic enzymes regulates the remodeling of cellular membranes during cell division. Furthermore, we will determine how protein synthesis adjusts the production of proteins that trigger duplication of the spindle pole body, an essential part of the machinery of chromosome segregation. We will also identify translationally regulated mRNAs under dietary restriction, which changes the size of cells and increases the number of times cells divide before they die.
In Aim 2, we will extend ribosome profiling to settings of specific ribosomal protein mutants that delay cell division and increase lifespan. These genetic interventions will enable us to identify mRNA targets of translational control that underpin cell division and replicative longevity when protein synthesis is limited. Knowing how translational control affects the timing and number of cell divisions will reveal fundamental links between cell growth, protein synthesis, cell division and aging, enabling novel therapeutic interventions in proliferative diseases.

Public Health Relevance

This project is relevant to public health because identifying how protein synthesis affects cell division will expand our grasp of the control of cell proliferation and replicative longevity. Such processes play a key part in many diseases. Hence, the study we propose is relevant to NIH's mission because it will develop basic knowledge for progress in the treatment of disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01GM123139-01
Application #
9290853
Study Section
Cellular Signaling and Regulatory Systems Study Section (CSRS)
Program Officer
Melillo, Amanda A
Project Start
2017-05-26
Project End
2021-03-31
Budget Start
2017-05-26
Budget End
2018-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$345,511
Indirect Cost
$65,511
Name
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
847205713
City
College Station
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77843
Maitra, Nairita; Anandhakumar, Jayamani; Blank, Heidi M et al. (2018) Perturbations of Transcription and Gene Expression-Associated Processes Alter Distribution of Cell Size Values in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. G3 (Bethesda) :
Huang, Jin; Mousley, Carl J; Dacquay, Louis et al. (2018) A Lipid Transfer Protein Signaling Axis Exerts Dual Control of Cell-Cycle and Membrane Trafficking Systems. Dev Cell 44:378-391.e5
Polymenis, Michael; Kennedy, Brian K (2017) Unbalanced Growth, Senescence and Aging. Adv Exp Med Biol 1002:189-208
Aramayo, Rodolfo; Polymenis, Michael (2017) Ribosome profiling the cell cycle: lessons and challenges. Curr Genet 63:959-964
Polymenis, Michael (2017) Proteins associated with the doubling time of the NCI-60 cancer cell lines. Cell Div 12:6
Blank, Heidi M; Perez, Ricardo; He, Chong et al. (2017) Translational control of lipogenic enzymes in the cell cycle of synchronous, growing yeast cells. EMBO J 36:487-502
Blank, Heidi M; Maitra, Nairita; Polymenis, Michael (2017) Lipid biosynthesis: When the cell cycle meets protein synthesis? Cell Cycle 16:905-906