Lin-28 homolog B messenger RNA (LIN28B mRNA) (LIN28B mRNA)

Lin-28 homolog B (LIN28B) mRNA is the transcript encoding a key RNA-binding protein that regulates developmental timing and pluripotency by suppressing the maturation of let-7 microRNAs (NCBI Gene ID: 389421). In a healthy physiological context, LIN28B is primarily expressed during embryonic development and is largely silenced in adult tissues, except for certain stem cell niches (UniProt Q6ZN17). However, its pathological overexpression is a hallmark of numerous malignancies, including neuroblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and lung cancer, where it acts as a potent oncogene by depleting tumor-suppressive let-7 miRNAs (PubMed: 22341444). Targeting LIN28B mRNA via antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) aims to reduce the levels of the LIN28B protein, thereby restoring let-7 levels and inhibiting the expression of downstream oncogenes like MYC and RAS (PubMed: 28211508). While small molecule inhibitors targeting the protein-RNA interaction are also under investigation, mRNA-directed therapies offer a highly specific approach to silencing this pathway. Therapeutic challenges include ensuring efficient delivery to target tissues and avoiding potential toxicities related to the disruption of normal regenerative processes (PubMed: 30104715).

Other names

LIN28B mRNALin-28B mRNACCDC28 mRNALin-28 homolog B (C. elegans) mRNA

Inhibition of translation or induction of mRNA degradation to prevent the synthesis of LIN28B protein, thereby restoring let-7 microRNA levels.