Characterizing WDR5B on Cell Stress and Protein Homeostasis

Protein homeostasis is frequently rewired in cancer to support growth under chronic stress. WDR5B, a poorly characterized homolog of oncogenic WDR5, emerged from our preliminary work as a regulator of cell viability and integrated stress response (ISR) signaling. We hypothesize that WDR5B coordinates CCT chaperonin function, ISR activation, and P-body–mediated RNA storage. Using engineered cell lines (WDR5B knockout, overexpression, rescue, and WDR5B-FLAG) and CCT subunit knockdown, we will quantify ISR markers, P-bodies, and WDR5B stability by Western blotting and confocal microscopy. These studies will define how WDR5B controls stress tolerance pathways that are frequently co-opted in cancer and therapeutic resistance.