RNA-binding protein fused in sarcoma (FUS)

RNA-binding protein fused in sarcoma (FUS) is a multifunctional nuclear protein encoded by the *FUS* gene. It binds both single-stranded/double-stranded DNA and RNA, playing key roles across several steps of RNA metabolism including pre-mRNA splicing, transcriptional regulation, mRNA transport, translation control, microRNA processing, stress granule formation under cellular stress conditions, and especially the cellular response to DNA damage. In cancer biology it was first identified due to chromosomal translocations producing oncogenic fusion proteins such as FUS–CHOP found predominantly in liposarcomas. In neurology research it has become prominent because dominant mutations cause familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where mutant proteins mislocalize from nucleus to cytoplasm forming pathological aggregates that disrupt normal cell function.

Other names

Fused in sarcomaTranslocated in liposarcomaFUS/TLSHeterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein P2 (hnRNP P2)

Not applicable for direct drug targeting; however, mechanisms involving modulation of DNA damage response or aggregation prevention are under investigation.