Novel Functions and Potential of Ribosomes: From Cellular Transdifferentiation to Applications in Cell-Cultured Foods

Ribosomes are widely recognized as large intracellular macromolecular complexes responsible for protein synthesis. However, in recent years, numerous studies have revealed that ribosomal proteins possess non-canonical functions beyond translation, including roles in cell fate regulation, development, and disease. This review outlines emerging concepts surrounding the extracellular functions of ribosomes, with a particular focus on ribosome-induced cellular plasticity and transdifferentiation. Our studies have demonstrated that the incorporation of exogenous ribosomes reprograms somatic cells into a multipotent state and promotes differentiation into multiple lineages. These findings represent an alternative perspective to the conventional view of ribosomes as merely translational components. Furthermore, we discuss the biological significance of factors secreted by ribosome-incorporated cells by integrating the paracrine hypothesis with ribosome-mediated cell fate conversion. Finally, we explore the potential applications of ribosomes in regenerative medicine and cell-cultured food production. By redefining ribosomes as active regulators of cellular identity, this review provides a conceptual framework for understanding ribosome-driven cell fate regulation and its potential applications in sustainable biotechnology.