RNA binding motif protein 5 (RBM5)

RNA binding motif protein 5 (RBM5) is a nuclear RNA-binding protein, considered a component of the spliceosome A complex, and functions as a regulator of alternative splicing for a variety of pre-mRNAs, particularly those involved in apoptosis and cell cycle control. It acts as a tumor suppressor, most notably in lung cancer, by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, often via regulating splicing events in genes such as FAS and CASP2/caspase-2. Beyond oncology, RBM5 is gaining interest as a potential target in CNS injury due to its pro-death roles in neurons, and its levels are known to rise after central nervous system trauma, promoting neuronal death. It contains several RNA-binding domains, including RNA recognition motifs and zinc finger domains, which may be selectively targeted by small molecule inhibitors. RBM5's modulation of cell fate makes it an appealing but therapeutically challenging target, with roles extending to cancer, neurological injury, some reproductive diseases, and possibly viral infection, but with considerable safety considerations given its fundamental roles in cell survival and death.

Other names

RNA-binding protein 5H37LUCA15LUCA-15Protein G15Putative tumor suppressor LUCA15Renal carcinoma antigen NY-REN-9G15RMB5

Modulation of alternative splicing of target genes (e.g., FAS, CASP2/caspase-2) - Pro-apoptotic or anti-apoptotic effects via regulation of splicing events - Small molecules may compete with RNA for binding to zinc finger domains, interfering with splicing regulatory function - Experimental compounds inhibit specific domains to alter gene expression and cell death/survival.