The RNA-binding protein
IGF2BP1 has emerged as a key regulator of
cancer hallmarks, influencing
tumor proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to cell death. As an
m6A reader, IGF2BP1 binds to
methylated mRNA, stabilizing
oncogenic transcripts and promoting cancer progression. Its role in regulating gene expression at the
post-transcriptional level has positioned IGF2BP1 as a
potential biomarker for cancer prognosis and a
target for novel anti-tumor therapies.
Elevated expression of IGF2BP1 has been observed in multiple cancers, including
lung, liver, breast, and colorectal cancers, correlating with
poor prognosis and therapy resistance. Through its interaction with
m6A-modified mRNAs, IGF2BP1 enhances the stability and translation of
cancer-related genes, driving
tumor growth, invasion, and metabolic reprogramming. Its ability to promote
immune evasion by stabilizing
PD-L1 mRNA further highlights its role in suppressing anti-tumor immunity.
By influencing
ferroptosis resistance, IGF2BP1 contributes to the survival of cancer cells under oxidative stress. Additionally, its impact on
tumor metabolism, particularly in regulating
glycolysis and lipid metabolism, enables cancer cells to adapt to
hostile microenvironments. The
tumor microenvironment, characterized by hypoxia and immune suppression, is further influenced by IGF2BP1, making it a key player in the
dynamic interactions that sustain tumor progression.
Given its
central role in cancer biology, targeting IGF2BP1 represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Recent research has identified
small-molecule inhibitors capable of disrupting
IGF2BP1-RNA interactions, leading to
reduced tumor cell viability and increased sensitivity to chemotherapy. These findings pave the way for the development of
IGF2BP1-targeted therapies aimed at
enhancing cancer treatment outcomes.
As research continues to uncover the
molecular mechanisms underlying IGF2BP1’s functions, its potential as a
biomarker for early cancer detection and a target for precision medicine becomes increasingly clear. Further studies and clinical trials will be crucial in translating these discoveries into
effective cancer therapies, offering hope for improved patient survival and treatment efficacy.
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Reference
Li Qiu, Shourong Wu, Lei Zhang, Wenfang Li, Debing Xiang, Vivi Kasim, The biological roles and molecular mechanisms of m6A reader IGF2BP1 in the hallmarks of cancer, Genes & Diseases, Volume 12, Issue 5, 2025, 101567,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gendis.2025.101567
Funding Information:
National Natural Science Foundation of China 82173029
National Natural Science Foundation of China 32270778
National Natural Science Foundation of China 82372655
Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing, China CSTB2022NSCQ-MSX0611
Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing, China CSTB2022NSCQ-MSX0612
Talent Project of Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital (Chongqing, China) 2024LJXM005