RNA-Binding Proteins in Cancer: Old Players and New Actors

Trends Cancer. 2017 Jul;3(7):506-528. doi: 10.1016/j.trecan.2017.05.003. Epub 2017 Jun 20.

Abstract

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are key players in post-transcriptional events. The combination of versatility of their RNA-binding domains with structural flexibility enables RBPs to control the metabolism of a large array of transcripts. Perturbations in RBP-RNA networks activity have been causally associated with cancer development, but the rational framework describing these contributions remains fragmented. We review here the evidence that RBPs modulate multiple cancer traits, emphasize their functional diversity, and assess future trends in the study of RBPs in cancer.

Keywords: RNA-binding protein; cancer; post-transcriptional regulation; ribonucleoprotein complex.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alternative Splicing
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Carcinogenesis / drug effects
  • Carcinogenesis / pathology
  • Disease Progression
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • RNA / metabolism*
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional / drug effects*
  • RNA-Binding Motifs*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • RNA