ELAV like RNA binding protein 4 (ELAVL4)

ELAV like RNA binding protein 4 (ELAVL4), also commonly known as HuD, is a neuron-specific RNA binding protein that belongs to the Hu/ELAV family. It is crucial for post-transcriptional regulation of neuronal mRNAs, controlling mRNA stability, localization, and translation. ELAVL4 is expressed mainly in neurons and regulates a variety of neuronal processes, including development, plasticity, differentiation, axon outgrowth, and synapse formation. The protein contains RNA recognition motifs that bind AU-rich elements in mRNA 3’UTRs, stabilizing target transcripts and enhancing their translation. ELAVL4 plays an important role in nervous system development and function, and altered expression or regulation is linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and to paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, where anti-HuD autoantibodies are observed[1][3][5]. Although not considered a typical therapeutic target (such as a receptor or enzyme), ELAVL4 is a crucial regulator in neuronal biology and a recognized autoantigen in some neurological diseases[1][3][4][5].

Other names

HuDPNEMHUDParaneoplastic encephalomyelitis antigen HuDHu antigen D