RNA-binding proteins in ovarian cancer: a novel avenue of their roles in diagnosis and treatment

J Transl Med. 2022 Jan 21;20(1):37. doi: 10.1186/s12967-022-03245-6.

Abstract

Ovarian cancer (OC), an important cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide, is one of the most malignant cancers and is characterized by a poor prognosis. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), a class of endogenous proteins that can bind to mRNAs and modify (or even determine) the amount of protein they can generate, have attracted great attention in the context of various diseases, especially cancers. Compelling studies have suggested that RBPs are aberrantly expressed in different cancer tissues and cell types, including OC tissues and cells. More specifically, RBPs can regulate proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, tumorigenesis and chemosensitivity and serve as potential therapeutic targets in OC. Herein, we summarize what is currently known about the biogenesis, molecular functions and potential roles of human RBPs in OC and their prospects for application in the clinical treatment of OC.

Keywords: Ovarian cancer; RNA-binding proteins; Therapeutic targets.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / therapy
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA-Binding Proteins