RNA transcription, translation and transport factor (RTRAF)

RNA transcription, translation and transport factor (RTRAF, also known as C14orf166/hCLE/CGI-99 and other aliases) is a highly conserved, ubiquitously expressed RNA-binding protein that performs key regulatory roles at the interface of transcription, RNA processing, transport, and translation[1][2][5][6][7]. RTRAF localizes to both nucleus and cytoplasm, interacting with components of the tRNA-splicing ligase complex, the human spliceosome, transcriptional machinery (notably RNA polymerase II), and proteins involved in RNA export and cytoskeletal elements[2][6]. It facilitates RNA metabolism across various steps, including positive regulation of mRNA synthesis, maturation, and cap-dependent translation, in part through nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of RNA-protein complexes[1][2][6]. Functionally, RTRAF/C14orf166 influences cell cycle progression, likely by regulating the phosphorylation of cell cycle proteins and by activating pro-oncogenic pathways (e.g., JAK2/STAT3)[2]. In the context of viral infection, especially influenza A, RTRAF is required for efficient viral RNA replication and is incorporated into virions, mediating interaction between viral and cellular systems[2][6][8]. Overexpression or dysregulation of this factor is associated with cancer, while its essential role in both normal and virus-infected cells makes it a potential biomarker and drug target[2]. There are currently no clinically approved drugs targeting RTRAF/C14orf166 directly.

Other names

C14orf166CGI-99CLEhCLERLLM1CLE7LCRP369hCLE1CLE7 homologRLL motif containing 1UPF0568 protein C14orf166

No approved drugs or investigational agents directly targeting RTRAF/C14orf166 are documented in major curated databases as of now; functional studies involve gene silencing or mutagenesis