RNA-binding protein MEX3A (MEX3A)

RNA-binding protein MEX3A is a member of the MEX-3 family of evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding proteins defined by two KH (K homology) domains and a carboxy-terminal RING finger domain. MEX3A acts as a post-transcriptional regulator, binding to 3' untranslated regions of target mRNAs, promoting mRNA decay, and influencing translation efficiency. It can shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm, localizing in P-bodies—sites of mRNA turnover. In mammals, MEX3A is implicated in critical cellular processes such as stem cell self-renewal, the maintenance of undifferentiated cell states, and the regulation of proliferation and cell cycle progression. Overexpression of MEX3A has been consistently linked to heightened tumorigenicity and poor prognosis in several cancers, making it of interest as a therapeutic target and biomarker for patient selection[1][2][5][8].

Other names

MEX3AMEX-3ARKHD4RNF162Ring finger and KH domain-containing protein 4Ring finger and KH domain containing 4

Inhibitors targeting MEX3A would likely act by blocking its RNA binding activity or disrupting its E3 ubiquitin ligase function, thereby stabilizing target tumor-suppressive mRNAs and attenuating proliferative signaling