The hnRNP family: insights into their role in health and disease

  • Hum Genet. 2016 Aug;135(8):851-67. doi: 10.1007/s00439-016-1683-5.
Thomas Geuens  1  2 ,  Delphine Bouhy  1  2 ,  Vincent Timmerman  3  4
Affiliations
  • 1. Peripheral Neuropathy Group, VIB Molecular Genetics Department, University of Antwerp-CDE, Parking P4, Building V, Room 1.30, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
  • 2. Neurogenetics Laboratory, Institute Born Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
  • 3. Peripheral Neuropathy Group, VIB Molecular Genetics Department, University of Antwerp-CDE, Parking P4, Building V, Room 1.30, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium. [email protected].
  • 4. Neurogenetics Laboratory, Institute Born Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. [email protected].
PMID: 27215579 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-016-1683-5
Abstract

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) represent a large family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that contribute to multiple aspects of nucleic acid metabolism including alternative splicing, mRNA stabilization, and transcriptional and translational regulation. Many hnRNPs share general features, but differ in domain composition and functional properties. This review will discuss the current knowledge about the different hnRNP family members, focusing on their structural and functional divergence. Additionally, we will highlight their involvement in neurodegenerative diseases and Cancer, and the potential to develop RNA-based therapies.