Dynamic regulation of ribosome levels and translation during development

The ability of ribosomes to translate mRNAs into proteins is the basis of all life. While ribosomes are essential for cell viability, reduction in levels of ribosomes can affect cell fate and developmental transitions in a tissue specific manner and can cause a plethora of related diseases called ribosomopathies. How dysregulated ribosomes homeostasis influences cell fate and developmental transitions is not fully understood. Model systems such as Drosophila and C. elegans oogenesis have been used to address these questions since defects in conserved steps in ribosome biogenesis result in stem cell differentiation and developmental defects. In this review, we first explore how ribosome levels affect stem cell differentiation. Second, we describe how ribosomal modifications and incorporation of ribosomal protein paralogs contribute to development. Third, we summarize how cells with perturbed ribosome biogenesis are sensed and eliminated during organismal growth.