TAR RNA-binding protein 2 (TARBP2) (TARBP2)

TAR RNA-binding protein 2 (TARBP2), also known as TRBP, is a multi-functional double-stranded RNA-binding protein that plays a central role in the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway and viral pathogenesis [1, 5]. It is a core component of the RISC-loading complex, where it interacts with Dicer and Argonaute 2 to facilitate the processing of precursor microRNAs into mature miRNAs and their subsequent loading onto the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) [3, 6]. Beyond its role in RNAi, TARBP2 was originally identified for its ability to bind the HIV-1 trans-activation response (TAR) RNA element, thereby stimulating viral gene expression and replication [1, 15]. It also acts as a potent inhibitor of the interferon-induced protein kinase R (PKR), a key mediator of the innate immune response and cellular stress signaling [5, 6]. In oncology, TARBP2 exhibits a complex role, acting as either an oncogene or a tumor suppressor depending on the cancer type; for instance, it is often overexpressed in lung and breast cancers to promote growth, while mutations or downregulation are linked to colorectal and gastric cancers [4, 7, 8]. Therapeutic interest in TARBP2 focuses on modulating miRNA biogenesis or inhibiting its interaction with viral RNAs, with compounds like enoxacin demonstrating the potential to enhance its miRNA-processing activity [2, 11].

Other names

TRBPTRBP2RISC-loading complex subunit TARBP2Trans-activation-responsive RNA-binding protein

Enhancement of miRNA processing, inhibition of PKR activation, and modulation of RNA stability.