Crystal Conn, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine

Regulatory control of mRNA for translation is a crucial determinant of gene expression. Pioneering research in cancer biology has revealed that key tumor suppressors and oncogenes, such as PTEN and MYC, directly regulate ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis rates. Dysregulation of these can generate aberrant networks of translational regulators, altering the proteome during cancer development. This acceleration of protein biosynthesis relies heavily on adaptive processes including those for protein folding, processing, degradation, and even metabolic signaling to maintain cellular homeostasis. These are fundamental processes for cancer cell survival as cells undergo increased oncogenic stresses (e.g. metabolic, oxidative, and replicative) during cellular transformation. Our research is focused on how adaptive stress responses are activated and controlled during tumor progression, with a goal towards improving disease detection, therapeutic targeting, and ultimately prevention.