CUGBP Elav-like family member 1 (CELF1)

CELF1 is a pivotal post-transcriptional regulator with three RNA recognition motifs that bind GU-rich elements within target mRNAs. It orchestrates alternative splicing, translation, and mRNA decay, thus modulating key processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and migration. CELF1’s dysregulation contributes to multiple pathologies—including myotonic dystrophy and diverse cancers (where it promotes tumor growth, EMT, and metastasis). As a central node in post-transcriptional gene regulation, CELF1 is considered a promising but complex therapeutic target. There are significant challenges to its clinical modulation, given its broad essential functions for normal cellular homeostasis.

Other names

CUG-binding protein 1CUGBP1BRUNOL2NAB50EDEN-BP homologRNA-binding protein BRUNOL-2Bruno-like protein 2CUG triplet repeat RNA-binding protein 1CUG-BP- and ETR-3-like factor 1Deadenylation factor CUG-BPhNab50NAPOR50 kDa nuclear polyadenylated RNA-binding proteinEmbryo deadenylation element-binding protein homolog

Proposed for research molecules: modulation of RNA-binding activity to alter splicing, translation, or stability of disease-associated mRNAs