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ELAV/Hu RNA-binding protein family: key regulators in neurological disorders, cancer, and other diseases

Summary

ELAV/Hu proteins are molecular machines that control how cells read and use genetic instructions. Found mostly in the brain and nervous system, these proteins help manage which genes get turned on or off, which is crucial for proper brain development and function. When these proteins go wrong, they can contribute to serious diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, and autism, making them promising targets for new treatments.

Background

The ELAV/Hu family represents a crucial group of RNA-binding proteins predominantly expressed in neurons, playing significant roles in mRNA transcription and translation. These proteins bind to AU-rich elements in transcripts to regulate the expression of cytokines, growth factors, and neuronal development and maintenance. The four members of the Hu family have distinct roles in various diseases including neurological disorders and cancer.

Objective

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the ELAV/Hu family’s role in nervous system development, neurological disorders, cancer, and other diseases. The authors examine how variations in the DNA sequences of the four Elav proteins contribute to their distinct roles in disease pathogenesis and progression.

Results

The review identifies distinct roles for each ELAV protein: Elavl1 is involved in cell growth, aging, tumorigenesis, and inflammatory diseases; Elavl2 is critical for nervous system and retinal development with links to autism; Elavl3 is essential for cerebellar function and associated with epilepsy; and Elavl4 is linked to neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Conclusion

ELAV/Hu proteins represent critical regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression with diverse roles in nervous system development and disease pathogenesis. Understanding these proteins offers insights for therapeutic development targeting neurological disorders, cancer, and other diseases through modulation of mRNA stability and translation.
  • Published in:RNA Biology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1080/15476286.2025.2471133; PMID: 40000387
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