RNA binding proteins in MLL-rearranged leukemia

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have recently emerged as important post-transcriptional gene expression regulators in both normal development and disease. RBPs influence the fate of mRNAs through multiple mechanisms of action such as RNA modifications, alternative splicing, and miR-mediated regulation. This complex and, often, combinatorial regulation by RBPs critically impacts the expression of oncogenic transcripts and, thus, the activation of pathways that drive oncogenesis. Here, we focus on the major features of RBPs, their mechanisms of action, and discuss the current progress in investigating the function of important RBPs in MLL-rearranged leukemia.

Automated summary

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have emerged as important regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression, influencing mRNA fate through multiple mechanisms and critically impacting oncogenic transcript expression. This article focuses on the major features and mechanisms of RBPs, and discusses the current progress in investigating the function of important RBPs in MLL-rearranged leukemia.