RNA-binding protein 38 (RBM38)

RNA-binding protein 38 (RBM38), also known as RNPC1, is a critical post-transcriptional regulator that belongs to the RNA-binding protein family (UniProt). It contains a highly conserved RNA recognition motif (RRM) that allows it to bind specifically to AU-rich elements in the 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs, thereby modulating their stability and translation (NIH, UniProt). RBM38 is a transcriptional target of the p53 family and plays a dual role in cancer; it typically acts as a tumor suppressor by stabilizing transcripts like p21 and PTEN, but it can also suppress p53 translation by competing with eIF4E (NIH, AACR). Interestingly, phosphorylation of RBM38 at Ser195 by kinases like GSK3 or CDK4 can alter its function, potentially promoting the translation of mutant p53 in certain cancers (NIH, MDPI). Therapeutic strategies targeting RBM38 include the development of synthetic peptides like Pep8 to restore wild-type p53 levels and the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors to modulate mutant p53 expression through RBM38 dephosphorylation (AACR, MDPI). Beyond oncology, RBM38 is essential for normal hematopoiesis and vascular repair, with its deficiency linked to accelerated aging and hematopoietic defects (NIH).

Other names

RNPC1RNA-binding region-containing protein 1CLL-associated antigen KW-5ssDNA-binding protein SEB4HSRNASEBRNA-binding motif protein 38

Restoration of p53 translation via inhibition of RBM38-eIF4E interaction; suppression of mutant p53 translation via RBM38 dephosphorylation.