Overview
Protein synthesis is a critical integration point for cellular metabolism, growth, and gene expression. The Darnell lab (opening September 2024) studies the relationship between amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis in cancer cells, seeking to understand how and why amino acid limitation leads to codon-specific ribosome stalling and premature fall-off that inhibits protein production. We employ a variety of genetic and biochemical techniques including fluorescent reporter development, ribosome profiling, charged tRNA-seq, and metabolite/protein mass spectrometry to investigate this direct control of gene expression by amino acid physiology and the tRNA pool.
We are hiring graduate students, research technicians, and postdocs. If you are interested in joining, reach out to Alicia to discuss!
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Publications
The ribosome ubiquitination code: fine-tuning translation under stress.
Journal Article Trends Biochem Sci · September 2025 It has become evident that a complex code of ribosome ubiquitination regulates protein synthesis, particularly in stress conditions. Ubiquitin is known largely for its role in protein stability; however, new high-throughput screening and advances in proteo ... Full text Link to item CiteA non-syndromic orofacial cleft risk locus links tRNA splicing defects to neural crest cell pathologies.
Journal Article Am J Hum Genet · May 1, 2025 Orofacial clefts are the most common form of congenital craniofacial malformation worldwide. The etiology of these birth defects is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors. However, in most cases, the underlying causes remain unexplaine ... Full text Link to item CiteCancer tissue of origin constrains the growth and metabolism of metastases.
Journal Article Nat Metab · September 2024 Metastases arise from subsets of cancer cells that disseminate from the primary tumour1,2. The ability of cancer cells to thrive in a new tissue site is influenced by genetic and epigenetic changes that are important for disease initiation and progression, ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Pharmacological Sciences Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030Stalling cancer at the ribosome
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by V Foundation for Cancer Research · 2025 - 2028View All Grants