Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 3 (CPEB3)

Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 3 (CPEB3) is a **sequence-specific RNA-binding protein** that acts as a translational repressor in the basal state and a translational activator following neuronal stimulation[5]. It does not bind canonical cytoplasmic polyadenylation elements (CPEs), but rather binds to U-rich loop structures in target mRNAs. CPEB3 regulates translation of key synaptic proteins, including glutamate receptor subunits and actin, and is essential for hippocampal-dependent long-term memory[3][5]. It localizes to both the nucleus and cytoplasm, shuttling in a regulated manner, and accumulates in P bodies where it represses translation through mRNA deadenylation and decay[3]. CPEB3 possesses a prion-like domain that may mediate durable changes in protein function, influencing learning and memory. Mutations, dysregulation, or improper function of CPEB3 are implicated in neurodevelopmental and cognitive diseases such as Fragile X syndrome[5][6].

Other names

CPEB3CPEB-3

No approved drugs; mechanistically, CPEB3 inhibits translation by localizing mRNAs to cytoplasmic P bodies, represses via deadenylation and decay, and can switch to activation in response to synaptic stimuli