RNA-Binding Proteins in Bladder Cancer

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Bladder cancer (BC) is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system. Despite extensive advances in the treatment of BC, it remains one of the most recurring and life-threatening tumors. At present, there have been increasing reports of studies on the presence of aberrant regulation of RBPs in BC. However, the complex regulatory network of these RBPs in BC remains to be fully elaborated. RBPs have a very high potential in tumor prediction and personalized therapy. Moreover, only with a deep understanding of their regulatory mechanisms, expression characteristics, and potential binding sites, among other issues, will it become possible to apply RBPs to clinical applications. This article aims to summarize the research progress of RBPs in BC. It also attempts to encourage clinicians and researchers to devote attention this field of study and provides a reference for researchers who aspire to pursue a career in this area. ABSTRACT: RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are key regulators of transcription and translation, with highly dynamic spatio-temporal regulation. They are usually involved in the regulation of RNA splicing, polyadenylation, and mRNA stability and mediate processes such as mRNA localization and translation, thereby affecting the RNA life cycle and causing the production of abnormal protein phenotypes that lead to tumorigenesis and development. Accumulating evidence supports that RBPs play critical roles in vital life processes, such as bladder cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Uncovering the regulatory mechanisms of RBPs in bladder cancer is aimed at addressing the occurrence and progression of bladder cancer and finding new therapies for cancer treatment. This article reviews the effects and mechanisms of several RBPs on bladder cancer and summarizes the different types of RBPs involved in the progression of bladder cancer and the potential molecular mechanisms by which they are regulated, with a view to providing information for basic and clinical researchers.