RNA-Binding Proteins in Cancer: Functional and Therapeutic Perspectives

Abstract

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) crucially regulate gene expression through post-transcriptional regulation, such as by modulating microRNA (miRNA) processing and the alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation, subcellular localization, stability, and translation of RNAs. More than 1500 RBPs have been identified to date, and many of them are known to be deregulated in cancer. Alterations in the expression and localization of RBPs can influence the expression levels of oncogenes, tumor-suppressor genes, and genome stability-related genes. RBP-mediated gene regulation can lead to diverse cancer-related cellular phenotypes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, senescence, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)/invasion/metastasis. This regulation can also be associated with cancer prognosis. Thus, RBPs can be potential targets for the development of therapeutics for the cancer treatment. In this review, we describe the molecular functions of RBPs, their roles in cancer-related cellular phenotypes, and various approaches that may be used to target RBPs for cancer treatment.

Keywords: RNA-binding proteins (RBPs); cancer phenotype; cancer therapy; mechanistic function.

Figure 1

Mechanistic roles of RBPs in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression in cancer. RBPs are key regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. They can determine the fate of an RNA by regulating various events, including their miRNA-mediated processing, alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation, subcellular localization, stability, and translation. Schematic diagrams of the functions of RBPs in these mechanisms are shown.

Figure 2

Functions of RBPs in cancer traits. RBPs play pivotal roles in the embodiment of various cancer traits, such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, senescence, and EMT/invasion/metastasis. Representative RBPs of cancer traits are listed in the schematic diagram.