Although reported in the literature, ribosome heterogeneity is a phenomenon whose extent and implications in cell and organismal biology is not fully appreciated. This has been the case due to the lack of the appropriate techniques and approaches. Heterogeneity can arise from alternative use and differential content of protein and RNA constituents, as well as from post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications. In the few examples we have, it is apparent that ribosomal heterogeneity offers an additional level and potential for gene expression regulation and might be a way towards tuning metabolism, stress, and growth programs to external and internal stimuli and needs. Here, we introduce ribosome biogenesis and discuss ribosomal heterogeneity in various reported occasions. We conclude that a systematic approach in multiple organisms will be needed to delineate this biological phenomenon and its contributions to growth, aging, and disease. Finally, we discuss ribosome mutations and their roles in disease.
Keywords: aging; disease; growth; protein translation; ribosome biogenesis; ribosomes; stress.