Muscleblind Like Splicing Regulator 1 (MBNL1) is an RNA splicing protein that in humans is encoded by the MBNL1 gene. [5] [6] [7] It has a well characterized role in Myotonic dystrophy where impaired splicing disrupts muscle development and function. [8] In addition to regulating mRNA maturation of hundreds of genes MBNL1 (along with its paralogs MBNL2 & MBNL3) autoregulate alternative splicing of the MBNL1 pre-mRNA transcript. [9] The founding member of the human MBNL family of proteins was the Drosophila Muscleblind protein (PMID 9334280).
Human MBNL1 is an alternative splicing regulator that harbors dual function as both a repressor and activator for terminal muscle differentiation. [10] The repressive function of Human MBNL1 by sequestering at normal splice sites has been shown to lead to RNA-splicing defects that lead to muscular diseases. [11] The gene can be alternatively spliced into multiple functionally distinct isoforms, some of which linked to be involved in cancer biology. [12]
Human MBNL1 is a 370 amino acid protein [13] composed of four Zinc Finger protein domains of the CCCH type linked in tandem. [10] The MBNL1 protein specifically binds to double stranded CUG RNA expansions. [14] The Zinc Finger domains play a role in both protein:protein contacts as well as RNA:protein contacts when bound to an oligonucleotide. [10]
Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a type of muscular dystrophy, a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle loss and weakness. In DM, muscles are often unable to relax after contraction. Other manifestations may include cataracts, intellectual disability and heart conduction problems. In men, there may be early balding and infertility. While myotonic dystrophy can occur at any age, onset is typically in the 20s and 30s.
Pre-mRNA-processing-splicing factor 8 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PRPF8 gene.
Myotonin-protein kinase (MT-PK) also known as myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (MDPK) or dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the DMPK gene.
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EIF4G1 gene.
X-linked retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator is a GTPase-binding protein that in humans is encoded by the RPGR gene. The gene is located on the X-chromosome and is commonly associated with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). In photoreceptor cells, RPGR is localized in the connecting cilium which connects the protein-synthesizing inner segment to the photosensitive outer segment and is involved in the modulation of cargo trafficked between the two segments.
Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein G is a protein that in humans is encoded by the RBMX gene.
Polyadenylate-binding protein 2 (PABP-2) also known as polyadenylate-binding nuclear protein 1 (PABPN1) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PABPN1 gene. PABN1 is a member of a larger family of poly(A)-binding proteins in the human genome.
CUG triplet repeat, RNA binding protein 1, also known as CUGBP1, is a protein which in humans is encoded by the CUGBP1 gene.
U4/U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein Prp3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PRPF3 gene.
Splicing factor 3A subunit 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SF3A2 gene.
CUGBP, Elav-like family member 2, also known as Etr-3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CELF2 gene.
AF4/FMR2 family member 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the AFF2 gene. Mutations in AFF2 are implicated in cases of breast cancer.
X-linked retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator-interacting protein 1 is a protein in the ciliary transition zone that in humans is encoded by the RPGRIP1 gene. RPGRIP1 is a multi-domain protein containing a coiled-coil domain at the N-terminus, two C2 domains and a C-terminal RPGR-interacting domain (RID). Defects in the gene result in the Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) syndrome and in the eye disease glaucoma.
Symplekin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SYMPK gene.
Cellular nucleic acid-binding protein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CNBP gene.
Dystrophia myotonica WD repeat-containing protein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DMWD gene.
Muscleblind-like protein 3 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MBNL3 gene.
Muscleblind-like protein 2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MBNL2 gene.
RNA-dominant diseases are characterized by deleterious mutations that typically result in degenerative disorders affecting various neurological, cardiovascular, and muscular functions. Studies have found that they arise from repetitive non-coding RNA sequences, also known as toxic RNA, which inhibit RNA-binding proteins leading to pathogenic effects. The most studied RNA-dominant diseases include, but are not limited to, myotonic dystrophy and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS).
RNA-targeting small molecules represent a class of small molecules, organic compounds with traditional drug properties that can bind to RNA secondary or tertiary structures and alter translation patterns, localization, and degradation.