The role of CSTF2 in cancer: from technology to clinical application

Cell Cycle. 2023 Dec-Dec;22(23-24):2622-2636. doi: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2299624. Epub 2024 Jan 2.

Abstract

A protein called cleavage-stimulating factor subunit 2 (CSTF2, additionally called CSTF-64) binds RNA and is needed for the cleavage and polyadenylation of mRNA. CSTF2 is an important component subunit of the cleavage stimulating factor (CSTF), which is located on the X chromosome and encodes 557 amino acids. There is compelling evidence linking elevated CSTF2 expression to the pathological advancement of cancer and on its impact on the clinical aspects of the disease. The progression of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer, is correlated with the upregulation of CSTF2 expression. This review provides a fresh perspective on the investigation of the associations between CSTF2 and various malignancies and highlights current studies on the regulation of CSTF2. In particular, the mechanism of action and potential clinical applications of CSTF2 in cancer suggest that CSTF2 can serve as a new biomarker and individualized treatment target for a variety of cancer types.

Keywords: CSTF2; Cancer; RNA-binding protein; prognosis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Cleavage Stimulation Factor* / chemistry
  • Cleavage Stimulation Factor* / genetics
  • Cleavage Stimulation Factor* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Polyadenylation
  • Technology

Substances

  • Cleavage Stimulation Factor

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the 512 Talent Cultivation Program of Bengbu Medical College [by51201313], Young Scientist Fund of Bengbu Medical College [2021byyfyyq02] Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation [KJ2021A0815], Anhui Medical University Clinical Foundation (2020xkj208), Anhui Biochemical Engineering Centre Research Platform Project [2023SYKFZ06].