Calcium-regulated heat-stable protein 1 (CARHSP1)

Calcium-regulated heat-stable protein 1 (CARHSP1) is a cytoplasmic RNA-binding protein involved in the regulation of mRNA stability and translation. Classified in the cold shock domain (CSD) family, it contains nucleic acid binding motifs enabling association with single-stranded RNA and DNA. CARHSP1 modulates cellular processes such as mRNA translation, mRNA degradation, transcription termination, and is a known substrate for calcineurin, with its activity controlled by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation at specific serine residues. Under stress, CARHSP1 localizes to stress granules and P-bodies, suggesting a role in mRNA sequestration and response to cellular stress. Recent research has established CARHSP1 as a facilitator of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and immune evasion, notably in prostate cancer, where its upregulation correlates with advanced disease, acting via stabilization of IL-17RA mRNA and subsequent activation of oncogenic pathways (JAK-STAT3, NF-κB)[2][4][1][5]. CARHSP1 is abundantly expressed in several tissues, including pancreatic acini and neurons, and is associated with pathological states such as chromosome 8q21 deletion syndrome, certain motoneuronopathies, and diabetic retinopathy. Currently, CARHSP1 is considered a promising therapeutic target and biomarker in oncology, but no direct pharmaceutical agents are clinically approved for its modulation.

Other names

CRHSP-24CRHSP24CSDC1Calcium-regulated heat-stable protein of 24 kDacalcium regulated heat stable protein 1 (24kDa)CHSP1

Drugs like cyclosporin A modulate CARHSP1 activity indirectly via calcineurin inhibition, affecting its phosphorylation and downstream mRNA regulation. Inhibition: Downregulation or knockdown decreases cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and immune escape, particularly via modulation of IL-17RA mRNA stability and associated JAK-STAT3/NF-κB signaling[2].