Lin-28 RNA-binding protein A (LIN28A)

LIN28A (Lin-28 RNA-binding protein A) is an evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding protein, characterized by both cold-shock and zinc finger CCHC domains, expressed most highly during embryogenesis and in undifferentiated stem cells. It post-transcriptionally regulates gene expression by binding to RNA, most notably blocking biogenesis of the let-7 family of microRNAs and directly modulating translation of numerous mRNAs. Through these mechanisms, LIN28A controls developmental transitions, maintenance of pluripotency, metabolism (especially glucose metabolism), cellular differentiation, and tissue repair. In human pathology, aberrant expression of LIN28A is implicated in a range of diseases, most notably in the promotion of tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell maintenance, but also in liver and neurodevelopmental disorders. LIN28A is explored as both a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for cancer and regenerative medicine, although direct clinical-targeting drugs are not yet in routine use and safety challenges remain due to its pro-proliferative and pluripotency-associated roles[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Other names

Protein lin-28 homolog ALIN28ACSDD1LIN28ZCCHC1Lin-28AFLJ12457zinc finger CCHC domain-containing protein 1RNA-binding protein LIN-28lin-28 homolog Alin-28A

Inhibition of LIN28A suppresses its repression of let-7 biogenesis, upregulating let-7 microRNAs (tumor suppressor miRNAs), disrupting cancer cell proliferation pathways Direct modulation of mRNA translation for genes involved in cell cycle, growth, metabolism, and repair