The RNA-Binding Motif Protein Family in Cancer: Friend or Foe?

Abstract

The RNA-binding motif (RBM) proteins are a class of RNA-binding proteins named, containing RNA-recognition motifs (RRMs), RNA-binding domains, and ribonucleoprotein motifs. RBM proteins are involved in RNA metabolism, including splicing, transport, translation, and stability. Many studies have found that aberrant expression and dysregulated function of RBM proteins family members are closely related to the occurrence and development of cancers. This review summarizes the role of RBM proteins family genes in cancers, including their roles in cancer occurrence and cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. It is essential to understand the mechanisms of these proteins in tumorigenesis and development, and to identify new therapeutic targets and prognostic markers.

Keywords: RNA binding protein; RNA-binding motif protein; cancer; prognosis; tumorigenesis.

Figure 1

The RBM proteins family can affect gene expression and function by intervening mRNA transport, translation, capping, splicing, and stability. The three colored rectangles represent different exons, black lines represent introns, reddish brown circles represent 5 ‘cap, light blue circles represent RBM family proteins, and green rectangles represent the RRM domain. The central circle is the structure of RBM protein, usually, it has one or more RRMs.

Figure 2

The correlation analysis between RBM proteins family expression and the patient’s prognosis in the TCGA. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.