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Evolutionary Conservation and Functional Diversification of the Rbm24/38 Family in Metazoans
Xiangmin Zhang1, Ailong Zhang1, Zongbao Bai1
1College of Marine Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education) and Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. RNA
|August 14, 2026
Summary
The Rbm24/38 family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) has evolved diverse roles in gene regulation. Vertebrate Rbm24 and Rbm38 exhibit specialized functions, impacting cell fate and tissue homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial for post-transcriptional gene regulation.
- The Rbm24/38 family, characterized by RRM domains, shows evolutionary divergence between invertebrates and vertebrates.
- Vertebrates possess two paralogs, Rbm24 and Rbm38, suggesting complex regulatory network evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in the evolution, structure, expression, regulation, and function of the Rbm24/38 family.
- To highlight conserved features and functional diversification of Rbm24/38 proteins across metazoans.
- To identify key unresolved questions regarding Rbm24/38 evolution and specialization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on Rbm24/38 family.
- Comparative analysis of Rbm24/38 homologs across different species.
- Synthesis of data on molecular mechanisms and biological functions.
Main Results:
- Rbm24/38 homologs are conserved RBPs involved in RNA metabolism.
- Vertebrate Rbm24 and Rbm38 display distinct expression patterns and broader functions than invertebrate counterparts.
- These proteins regulate alternative splicing, mRNA stability, and polyadenylation, influencing cell fate and homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- The Rbm24/38 family has undergone significant functional diversification during vertebrate evolution.
- Isoform diversity, phase separation, and post-translational modifications enhance Rbm24/38 versatility.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the evolutionary trajectory and specialized roles of Rbm24/38 proteins.
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