ALT Project: NOCs are a conserved family of nucleolar proteins crucial for the correct transport and maturation of rRNA and ribo subunits. Our research identifies NOC1 as a novel MYC target, playing a significant role in cell competition—a mechanism vital for tissue homeostasis, organ size regulation, and tumorigenesis. In Drosophila epithelial cells, reduction of NOC1 induces apoptosis and activates the DNA damage response, upregulating p53 and causing nucleolar stress. This discovery suggests new pathways linking p53 control of cell competition to ribosomal stress. We aim to extend these studies to human NOC1 in tumors, exploring their correlation to ribosomepathies—genetic disorders linked to ribosomal protein mutations and increased cancer incidence, with mechanisms yet to be elucidated. Goals: 1. Investigate NOC1-mediated cell competition 2. Explore NOC1, DNA damage, and p53 activation 3. Determine the implications of NOC family development of cancer