Fates and functions of RNA-binding proteins under stress

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cellular stress triggers adaptive gene expression changes.
• RNA-protein interactions are critical for post-transcriptional gene regulation during stress.
• RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) control RNA metabolism and are central to stress responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in cellular stress response.
• To understand how RBPs are regulated post-translationally under stress.
• To illustrate RBP regulatory mechanisms using HuR as a model.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of dynamic alterations in the RNA-protein interactome.
• Investigation of post-translational modifications (PTMs) of RBPs.
• Case studies of the RBP HuR under inflammation, genotoxic, and heat shock stresses.

Main Results:

• Stress induces dynamic changes in RBP localization, RNA-binding activity, and stability.
• Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of RBPs alter their subcellular localization, stress granule association, and RNA-binding.
• HuR's response to various stresses demonstrates complex regulatory mechanisms controlling RBP fate and function.

Conclusions:

• RBPs are crucial regulators of cellular adaptation and survival under stress.
• The dynamic regulation of RBPs, including their PTMs and localization, is essential for effective stress response.
• Understanding RBP regulation provides insights into cellular resilience and potential therapeutic targets.