Controversial roles of cold-inducible RNA-binding protein in human cancer (Review)

Abstract

Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRBP) is a cold-shock protein comprised of an RNA-binding motif that is induced by several stressors, such as cold shock, UV radiation, nutrient deprivation, reactive oxygen species and hypoxia. CIRBP can modulate post-transcriptional regulation of target mRNA, which is required to control DNA repair, circadian rhythms, cell growth, telomere integrity and cardiac physiology. In addition, the crucial function of CIRBP in various human diseases, including cancers and inflammatory disease, has been reported. Although CIRBP is primarily considered to be an oncogene, it may also serve a role in tumor suppression. In the present study, the controversial roles of CIRBP in various human cancers is summarized, with a focus on the interconnectivity between CIRBP and its target mRNAs involved in tumorigenesis. CIRBP may represent an important prognostic marker and therapeutic target for cancer therapy.