Our Unit is interested to study the molecular mechanisms that regulate translation and are relevant for cancer progression. Our goal is to find new molecular targets for cancer therapy related to translational control, and to develop drugs which hit them. Protein synthesis (translation) is ratelimiting for growth of cells and tumors. Some translation factors (initiation factors) are involved in tumorigenesis and can be targeted by drugs. We focus on one initiation factor (eIF6). The activity of eIF6 is essential for both the generation of 60S subunits, and for efficient translation. eIF6 is overexpressed in cancer cells and is rate-limiting for growth, translation and transformation of cells. A reduction of 50% of eIF6 reduces tumorigenicity of cells without affecting the viability of normal cells. Notably, eIF6 is acting downstream of the growth factor cascade. Our lab is building new mouse models for studying eIF6 role in transformation, and dissecting the signaling pathways regulating initiation of translation. In addition, we hope to design blockers of eIF6 activity.