The RNA helicase A in malignant transformation

Marco Fidaleo,Elisa De Paola,Maria Paola Paronetto

doi:10.18632/oncotarget.7377

Abstract

The RNA helicase A (RHA) is involved in several steps of RNA metabolism, such as RNA processing, cellular transit of viral molecules, ribosome assembly, regulation of transcription and translation of specific mRNAs. RHA is a multifunctional protein whose roles depend on the specific interaction with different molecular partners, which have been extensively characterized in physiological situations. More recently, the functional implication of RHA in human cancer has emerged. Interestingly, RHA was shown to cooperate with both tumor suppressors and oncoproteins in different tumours, indicating that its specific role in cancer is strongly influenced by the cellular context. For instance, silencing of RHA and/or disruption of its interaction with the oncoprotein EWS-FLI1 rendered Ewing sarcoma cells more sensitive to genotoxic stresses and affected tumor growth and maintenance, suggesting possible therapeutic implications.Herein, we review the recent advances in the cellular functions of RHA and discuss its implication in oncogenesis, providing a perspective for future studies and potential translational opportunities in human cancer.

Highlights

RNA helicase A (RHA) is a DNA/RNA helicase involved in all the essential steps of RNA metabolism, such as transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, translation and ribosome biogenesis [1, 2, 3]
Mounting evidence suggests that RHA is involved in several pathway strictly linked to cancer transformation and genomic instability
Both the hinge role and the helicase property of RHA appear to be crucial in these processes

Summary

Introduction

RNA helicase A (RHA) is a DNA/RNA helicase involved in all the essential steps of RNA metabolism, such as transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, translation and ribosome biogenesis [1, 2, 3]. Mutations in the CBP-binding region of RHA occur in several human tumors [39] and were reported to strongly affect regulation of gene expression. Consistent with a role in translational regulation, RHA was described to interact directly with Lin28, an evolutionary conserved RNA binding protein that acts as a repressor of miRNA biogenesis and as a positive regulator of translation of selected transcripts [61, 62].

Results

Conclusion