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RNA-binding proteins in regulating mRNA stability and translation: roles and mechanisms in cancer

Wei Li1, Xiaolan Deng1, Jianjun Chen2

  • 1Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia 91016, USA.

Seminars in Cancer Biology
|April 5, 2022
PubMed

Insights

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate gene expression by controlling messenger RNA (mRNA) processing, stability, and translation. Dysregulated RBPs are implicated in cancer development and progression, offering potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial for posttranscriptional gene regulation, influencing RNA processing, stability, and translation.
  • Aberrant RBP activity is linked to critical cancer hallmarks, including tumorigenesis, metabolic reprogramming, drug resistance, cancer stem cell maintenance, and immune evasion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the pathological roles and molecular mechanisms of RBPs in cancer.
  • To highlight the significance of RNA modification-associated RBPs.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting RBPs in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on RBPs in cancer.
  • Analysis of RBP functions in mRNA stability and translation.
  • Focus on RNA modification-associated RBPs and their cancer relevance.

Main Results:

  • RBPs play diverse roles across various cancer types by modulating mRNA fate.
  • Dysregulation of RBPs contributes to cancer development, metabolism, drug resistance, stemness, and immune evasion.
  • Emerging evidence points to RNA modification-associated RBPs as critical players.

Conclusions:

  • RBPs are central to cancer pathology through intricate regulation of mRNA.
  • Targeting dysregulated RBPs presents a promising therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment.
  • Further investigation into RNA modification-associated RBPs is warranted for novel cancer therapies.
Keywords:
Cancer developmentMRNA stabilityMRNA translationRNA binding proteinsRNA modification

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