Damon Runyon Researchers

Dr. Catipovic [HHMI Fellow] focuses on the mechanisms governing the resolution of errors that arise during RNA translation in mammals. Ribosomes translating the same message can collide if they are damaged or encounter blockages much like cars involved in a traffic accident. While cells can tolerate small numbers of these incidents, pervasive collisions overwhelm the cell and force it to make crucial decisions regarding long-term viability. Dr. Catipovic investigates the biochemical mechanisms governing this determination. He uses reconstituted translation systems, consisting of purified translation factors in vitro, as a tool to study the signaling pathways initiated by ribosomal collisions that effect the life-death decisions of severely stressed cells. Perturbation of these pathways can cause premature cell death or unregulated cellular proliferation, which is found in almost all cancers.