It is currently thought that uncontrolled cellular proliferation as a result of cellular insults be they genetic or environmental is the major driving force behind the development of malignant neoplastic growth and subsequent metastatic dissemination. Based on the current paradigm and thinking therapeutic interventions for cancers specifically target rapidly dividing cells. Here, within this body of work is described the role that rDNA transcription plays in both the proliferative aspect of cancer progression as well as the role it plays in the metastatic dissemination of cancerous cells. Described herein is the first global translational analysis of the EMT program and the description of the coordination of two endogenous translation programs; one program that drives proliferation and another, independent program that drives differentiation by the translation of pro-mesenchymal and pro-migratory genes.