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Published on: June 26, 2020
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and their role in DNA damage and radiation response in cancer
Meghna Mehta1, Rajeswari Raguraman2, Rajagopal Ramesh2
1Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA.
Abstract:
Traditionally majority of eukaryotic gene expression is influenced by transcriptional and post-transcriptional events. Alterations in the expression of proteins that act post-transcriptionally can affect cellular signaling and homeostasis. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are a family of proteins that specifically bind to RNAs and are involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and important cellular processes such as cell differentiation and metabolism. Deregulation of RNA-RBP interactions and any changes in RBP expression or function can lead to various diseases including cancer. In cancer cells, RBPs play an important role in regulating the expression of tumor suppressors and oncoproteins involved in various cell-signaling pathways. Several RBPs such as HuR, AUF1, RBM38, LIN28, RBM24, tristetrapolin family and Musashi play critical roles in various types of cancers and their aberrant expression in cancer cells makes them an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this review we provide an overview of i). RBPs involved in cancer progression and their mechanism of action ii). the role of RBPs, including HuR, in breast cancer progression and DNA damage response and iii). explore RBPs with emphasis on HuR as therapeutic target for breast cancer therapy.
Insights
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Aberrant RBP activity drives cancer, making them key therapeutic targets, especially HuR in breast cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Gene expression is primarily controlled by transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms.
- RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression, impacting cellular processes like differentiation and metabolism.
- Dysregulated RNA-RBP interactions are implicated in various diseases, notably cancer, by affecting tumor suppressor and oncoprotein expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review RBPs involved in cancer progression and their mechanisms.
- To examine the role of RBPs, including HuR, in breast cancer progression and DNA damage response.
- To explore RBPs, particularly HuR, as potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on RBPs and cancer.
- Analysis of RBP functions in cancer cell signaling and homeostasis.
- Focus on HuR's role in breast cancer and DNA damage response.
Main Results:
- RBPs play significant roles in cancer progression by modulating key oncogenes and tumor suppressors.
- Specific RBPs like HuR, AUF1, and LIN28 are critical in various cancers.
- Aberrant expression of RBPs in cancer cells presents therapeutic opportunities.
Conclusions:
- RBPs are pivotal in cancer development and progression.
- HuR is a significant RBP in breast cancer, influencing progression and DNA damage response.
- Targeting RBPs, especially HuR, offers a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment.
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