Human antigen R–Basigin regulatory axis (HuR–CD147 axis)

The HuR–CD147 regulatory axis is a critical molecular pathway involving the RNA-binding protein Human antigen R (HuR, encoded by ELAVL1) and the transmembrane glycoprotein Basigin (CD147). In this axis, HuR binds to adenine/uridine-rich elements (AREs) within the 3' untranslated region of CD147 mRNA, significantly increasing its stability and promoting high levels of CD147 protein expression. This interaction is particularly prominent in various malignancies, such as hepatocellular carcinoma and lung cancer, where it drives aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect), cell proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. By stabilizing CD147, HuR facilitates the induction of matrix metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factors, which are essential for tumor invasion and metastasis. Therapeutic targeting of this axis primarily focuses on small-molecule inhibitors of HuR, such as MS-444, which disrupt the HuR-mRNA complex and lead to the downregulation of CD147 and its associated oncogenic signaling. Consequently, this axis represents a promising target for anti-cancer strategies aimed at metabolic reprogramming and inhibiting tumor progression.

Other names

ELAVL1–BSG axisHuR–CD147 pathwayELAV-like protein 1–Basigin regulatory axisHuR–EMMPRIN axis

Inhibition of HuR (ELAVL1) binding to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of CD147 (BSG) mRNA, which prevents mRNA stabilization and subsequent protein translation of CD147, thereby reducing its downstream effects on tumor progression and metabolism.