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Author Spotlight: Assessing the Potential of Circulating Tumor Cells in Leptomeningeal Disease Research
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Oncofetal protein IGF2BPs in human cancer: functions, mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Tian-Yu Zhu1,2,3,4, Lian-Lian Hong1, Zhi-Qiang Ling5,6,7

  • 1Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.

Biomarker Research
|June 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is key for RNA fate. Insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs) read m6A, promoting cancer progression and offering therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common RNA modification, regulating gene expression and RNA fate.
  • Insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs) act as m6A readers, enhancing the stability and translation of m6A-modified RNAs.
  • IGF2BPs, especially IGF2BP1 and IGF2BP3, are oncofetal proteins highly expressed in cancers, driving tumor initiation and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the functions and mechanisms of IGF2BPs as m6A readers.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting IGF2BPs in human cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of m6A modification.
  • Analysis of IGF2BP functions in RNA metabolism.
  • Examination of IGF2BP roles in cancer development.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting IGF2BPs.

Main Results:

  • IGF2BPs are crucial effectors of m6A-modified RNA, influencing gene expression.
  • IGF2BP1 and IGF2BP3 are significantly upregulated in various cancers.
  • IGF2BPs play critical roles in tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • IGF2BPs are key regulators of m6A RNA function and are promising therapeutic targets in oncology.
  • Targeting IGF2BPs offers a potential strategy for novel cancer treatments.
Keywords:
CancerIGF2BPsTherapeutic targetm6A

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