Regulation of gene expression by the RNA-binding protein Sam68 in cancer

Prabhakar Rajan1, Luke Gaughan, Caroline Dalgliesh

  • 1Institute of Human Genetics, Newcastle University, Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK. prabs_rajan@yahoo.co.uk

Insights

Sam68, a key RNA-binding protein, regulates gene expression through transcription and RNA processing. This review highlights its crucial roles in cancer development and progression.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • RNA Biology

Background:

  • Sam68 (Src-associated in mitosis 68 kDa) is a STAR family RNA-binding protein.
  • It participates in diverse cellular functions like signal transduction, transcription, RNA metabolism, cell cycle, and apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the functions of Sam68.
  • To highlight its roles as a transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression.
  • To emphasize its relevance in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Sam68 functions.
  • Analysis of Sam68's regulatory mechanisms in gene expression.
  • Focus on cancer-related studies involving Sam68.

Main Results:

  • Sam68 acts as both a transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulator.
  • Its functions are critical in various cellular processes.
  • Sam68 plays a significant role in the context of cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Sam68 is a versatile regulator of gene expression.
  • Understanding Sam68's functions is vital for cancer research.
  • Further investigation into Sam68's mechanisms may reveal therapeutic targets.

Related Concept Videos

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps01:23

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the addition of a...
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps02:24

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps02:24

Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps

Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
What is Gene Expression?01:36

What is Gene Expression?

A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is comprised  of nucleotides and proteins are comprised of amino acids, a mediator is required to convert the information encoded in DNA into proteins. This mediator is the messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA copies the blueprint from DNA by a process called transcription. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus by complementary base-pairing with the DNA template. The mRNA is then processed and...
What is Gene Expression?01:42

What is Gene Expression?

Overview
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
RNA Polymerase II Accessory Proteins02:36

RNA Polymerase II Accessory Proteins

Proteins that regulate transcription can do so either via direct contact with RNA Polymerase or through indirect interactions facilitated by adaptors, mediators, histone-modifying proteins, and nucleosome remodelers. Direct interactions to activate transcription is seen in bacteria as well as in some eukaryotic genes. In these cases, upstream activation sequences are adjacent to the promoters, and the activator proteins interact directly with the transcriptional machinery. For example, in...