Enhancer of mRNA-decapping protein 4 (EDC4)

Enhancer of mRNA-decapping protein 4 (EDC4) is a large modular scaffold protein primarily involved in promoting the decapping and degradation of messenger RNA (mRNA) in eukaryotic cells[1][3][4]. EDC4 acts as a central assembly platform in cytoplasmic processing bodies (P-bodies), recruiting and coordinating other core decapping factors—most notably, the decapping enzyme DCP2, the coactivator DCP1, and the 5′-to-3′ exonuclease XRN1—thereby orchestrating efficient mRNA turnover[1][3][4][6]. EDC4 also plays a secondary, functionally independent role in the nucleus, where it is involved in homologous recombination–mediated DNA repair and maintenance of genome stability[2][5]. Mutations or deletions, especially in its WD40 domain, are associated with impaired DNA repair and increased cancer predisposition, particularly breast cancer[2][5]. Beyond its decapping functions, EDC4 modulates the activity of additional RNA binding proteins such as MARF1, and is essential for the dynamics and function of P-bodies in gene expression regulation[3][4][6]. So far, EDC4 is not reported as a therapeutic target for any approved drugs or biomarkers in clinical use.

Other names

HEDLSHedlsRCD-8Ge-1Autoantigen Ge-1Autoantigen RCD-8Human enhancer of decapping large subunitGE1HEDL5