Nicole A. LaRonde, Associate Professor, Dept of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Maryland at College Park, will give a talk on "The intersection of the RIO kinases and PRMT5 in Ribosome Biogenesis."

ABSTRACT

The RIO kinases are a unique group of protein kinases that are targets for anti-cancer drug discovery. They are essential ribosome biogenesis factors and contributors to several cancer signaling pathways. We have been using structural and biochemical characterization to understand the functions of these enzymes. As part of its role, RIOK1 interacts with PRMT5, an arginine methyltransferase also active in cancers. Together, these proteins cooperate to methylate nucleolin, a major component of the nucleolus where ribosomes are made, and a participant in ribosomal RNA transcription. We have studied these proteins via structural and biochemical methods and designed and synthesized small molecule inhibitors of RIOK1 that modulate its function. I will discuss what we have learned about the interactions of these proteins and the implications for targeting ribosome biogenesis for anti-cancer strategies.