Maria Barna is an authority on ribosomes – “life’s most ancient and spectacular molecular machines.” Ribosomes make proteins in the body. There can be a thousand different types of ribosomes in a single cell, she says, each with a specific job to do. But sometimes things go awry and ribosomes get “hijacked,” leading to disease. Barna studies these “diabolical” variations to find new therapies to treat diseases ranging from cancer and COVID to Parkinson’s. When diseases hit, it’s all about the ribosomes, Barna tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Maria Barna Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Maria Barna, a professor of genetics at Stanford University. (00:04:21) Origins of Ribosome Research Maria explains why ribosomes became the focus of her work. (00:06:14) Ribosome Function and Scale Ribosomes’ functions and the energy required for their production. (00:08:28) Ribosomes as Machines How ribosomes influence which proteins are produced and when. (00:09:48) Ribosome Regulation The regulatory layers within ribosomes and their possible variants. (00:14:35) Ribosomes and Disease How ribosomal dysfunction is linked to a wide range of diseases. (00:18:16) Ribosome Mutations and Development Congenital disorders that can be attributed to specific ribosomal mutations. (00:20:44) RNA vs. Protein Output Why RNA measurements alone do not accurately predict protein levels. (00:24:16) Designing Ribosomes for Therapy The potential of using engineered ribosomes for target therapies. (00:26:16) Small-Molecule Ribosome Modulators Screening compounds that may enhance ribosome activity for treatments. (00:28:39) Future Ribosome Profiling Isolating individual ribosomes to understand their specific roles. (00:30:35) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: scientific progress, community, and alternative career interest. (00:34:01) Conclusion Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company.