We seek to uncover how changes in ribosome composition impact protein production and contribute to complex physiological processes, including development, adaptation, and disease initiation and progression.
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Publications
Research Summary
Molecular and Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics and Genomics
Zebrafish, Human cell lines
The Kostova Lab investigates the fundamental question of how changes in ribosome composition aid complex processes, such as development and adaptation, as well as disease initiation and progression.
The ribosome is one the most complex and long-lived molecular machines in the cell, and the presence of functional ribosomes is essential for life. Ribosome damage has been recently linked to complex human diseases, such as cancer and neurodegeneration. We use cutting-edge technology including CRISPR-mediated genome editing and genome scale screens to model and map the molecular pathways that ensure ribosome integrity.
Changes in the ribosome also accompany normal physiological processes, such as development. We use zebrafish as aresearch organism to study how maternally deposited ribosomes differ in structure and function from ribosomes assembled by the developing embryo. We are interested in how these programmed changes in the ribosome drive early embryogenesis.
Assistant Investigator
Assistant Investigator
Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Kostova will join the Stowers Institute in fall 2024, bringing with her an established research program unraveling the mysteries of ribosomes. After completing her Ph.D., in 2018, Kostova took an atypical career path, starting her own laboratory as a Staff Associate (Independent Fellow) at the Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Embryology. There, Kostova developed a research program focusing on changes in ribosome composition.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are foundational principles in our lab. We are committed to fostering an environment that values and respects individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other dimension of diversity.
We believe that diversity enriches our scientific pursuits, leading to innovative ideas, perspectives, and approaches. We actively strive to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique insights and talents. We recognize the importance of equitable opportunities, fair treatment, and access to resources for all lab members.
By embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity, we aim to cultivate a vibrant and collaborative lab culture that celebrates the inherent worth and potential of every individual, and ultimately enhances our collective scientific achievements.
Science offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. In the Kostova Lab we are committed to asking big questions that help uncover how broken ribosomes can facilitate disease initiation and progression.
News
25 April 2024
More than 75 attendees, including 20 speakers consisting of Principal Investigators and their trainees, attended the three-day event.
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Kelsey L Hickey, Kimberley Dickson, J Zachery Cogan, Joseph M Replogle, Michael Schoof, Karole N D’Orazio, Niladri K Sinha, Jeffrey A Hussmann, Marco Jost, Adam Frost, Rachel Green, Jonathan S Weissman, Kamena K Kostova. Molecular Cell. 2020;79(6):950-962.e6.
CAT-tailing as a fail-safe mechanism for efficient degradation of stalled nascent polypeptides
Kamena K Kostova, Kelsey L Hickey, Beatriz A Osuna, Jeffrey A Hussmann, Adam Frost, David E Weinberg, Jonathan S Weissma. Science. 2017;357 (6349), 414-417
Stage-specific sensitivity to p53 restoration during lung cancer progression
David M Feldser, Kamena K Kostova, Monte M Winslow, Sarah E Taylor, Chris Cashman, Charles A Whittaker, Francisco J Sanchez-Rivera, Rebecca Resnick, Roderick Bronson, Michael T Hemann, Tyler Jacks. Nature. 2010;468 (7323), 572
Complete deletion of Apc results in severe polyposis in mice
Ann F Cheung, Alia M Carter, Kamena K Kostova, Joseph F Woodruff, Denise Crowley, Roderick T Bronson, Kevin M Haigis, Tyler Jacks. Oncogene. 2010;29 (12), 1857
