The present disclosure provides methods for inducing cellular quiescence—defined as a reversible arrest of
cell proliferation—by inhibiting
ribosome biogenesis. The methods involve administering a quiescence-inducing agent, such as a
small molecule inhibitor,
peptide, antisense
oligonucleotide, or targeted degrader, that interferes with rRNA transcription,
processing,
ribosomal protein synthesis, or
ribosome assembly. The agent may be applied to cultured cells, tissues, organs, or organoids, across a range of
cell types and species. In some embodiments, the methods reduce
metabolic activity and enhance
stress resistance in non-dividing or post-mitotic cells. By slowing proliferation and / or
metabolism while preserving viability, these methods enable improved preservation of cells, tissues, and organs-enhancing
transplantation logistics, biobanking,
regenerative medicine workflows, and biological transport. Additional applications include studies of
cell cycle regulation, tissue regeneration, stress
biology, aging, and induction of organismal hypometabolism (e.g., torpor or
hibernation). The disclosure includes examples demonstrating quiescence induction using
chemical biology systems, pharmacological agents, and genetic approaches.