Programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) mRNA (PDCD4 mRNA)

Programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) mRNA is the transcript encoding a potent tumor suppressor protein that regulates protein synthesis at the level of translation initiation (UniProt P61106). The encoded PDCD4 protein functions by binding to the RNA helicase eIF4A and the scaffold protein eIF4G, effectively inhibiting the formation of the eIF4F complex and suppressing the translation of mRNAs associated with cell growth and survival (PubMed 18245329). In various malignancies, including colorectal, breast, and lung cancers, PDCD4 mRNA levels are significantly reduced, often due to over-expression of the oncogenic microRNA miR-21 (PubMed 18273014). This microRNA directly targets the 3' untranslated region of PDCD4 mRNA, leading to its degradation and subsequent loss of tumor suppressive function (PubMed 21111035). Therapeutic approaches targeting this axis primarily involve the use of antisense oligonucleotides or antagomirs designed to inhibit miR-21, thereby stabilizing PDCD4 mRNA and restoring its protein levels (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02855268). Beyond oncology, PDCD4 mRNA is also implicated in inflammatory diseases and fibrosis, where its regulation influences the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 (PubMed 20404136). As a therapeutic target, the PDCD4 mRNA-miR-21 interaction represents a key node for modulating cellular transformation and disease progression.

Other names

H731DugProgrammed cell death 4 transcriptPDCD4

MicroRNA-21 antagonism to prevent mRNA degradation and restore translation of the tumor suppressor protein product.