Mex-3 RNA binding family member D (MEX3D)

Mex-3 RNA binding family member D (MEX3D) is a K-homology (KH) domain-containing protein that acts as an RNA-binding protein (RBP) and a post-transcriptional regulator in human cells[1][2][3][5]. It contains two KH domains for RNA binding and a C-terminal RING finger domain conferring E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, allowing it to modulate the stability and subcellular localization of target proteins through ubiquitination[1][3][5]. MEX3D is ubiquitously expressed and mainly detected in the cytoplasm, where it shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm[3]. It regulates mRNA stability and degradation, particularly by binding to AU-rich elements in mRNA such as Bcl-2, and negatively regulates their expression post-transcriptionally[2][3]. Recent research shows MEX3D is upregulated in cervical cancer, especially in HPV16 positive tissues, and promotes proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis—knockdown of MEX3D reduces tumor growth, highlighting its oncogenic potential[1][5]. The precise transcript targets and regulatory mechanisms of MEX3D remain under investigation, but its role in RNA turnover and cancer biology makes it an increasingly relevant therapeutic target[1][5].

Other names

MEX3DMEX-3DOK/SW-cl.4RKHD1RNF193TINOmex-3 RNA binding family member DMex-3 homolog D (C. elegans)

Drugs targeting this molecule would presumably act by modulating its RNA-binding activity, mRNA degradation, or E3 ubiquitin ligase function, leading to altered stability or expression of key oncogenic transcripts