RING finger protein 208 (RNF208)

RING finger protein 208 (RNF208) is an estrogen-inducible E3 ubiquitin ligase that promotes the polyubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of soluble, phosphorylated Vimentin, particularly at the Lys97 residue following interaction at Ser39[1][3][6][7]. This function suppresses metastasis and proliferation in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells by destabilizing Vimentin, a key marker of the mesenchymal phenotype and aggressiveness in cancer progression[1][4]. RNF208 expression is positively regulated by estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and is significantly lower in TNBC compared to other breast cancer subtypes, with low expression associated with poor clinical outcomes[1][3][6]. RNF208 is located in the cytosol and nucleoplasm, and its molecular function centers on ubiquitin-protein transferase activity, including autoubiquitination[5]. Elevated RNF208 levels reduce tumor growth and metastasis in animal models, and its expression serves as a prognostic marker in breast cancer, particularly TNBC[1][3][6][7]. Currently, no specific drugs are known to directly target RNF208, and there are no identified safety or biomarker concerns outside its role as a prognostic indicator in cancer.

Other names

RNF208DKFZP761H1710RING finger protein 208