Roles of NOLC1 in cancers and viral infection

Background The nucleolus is considered the center of metabolic control and an important organelle for the biogenesis of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Nucleolar and coiled-body phosphoprotein 1(NOLC1), which was originally identified as a nuclear localization signal-binding protein is a nucleolar protein responsible for nucleolus construction and rRNA synthesis, as well as chaperone shuttling between the nucleolus and cytoplasm. NOLC1 plays an important role in a variety of cellular life activities, including ribosome biosynthesis, DNA replication, transcription regulation, RNA processing, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and cell regeneration. Purpose In this review, we introduce the structure and function of NOLC1. Then we elaborate its upstream post-translational modification and downstream regulation. Meanwhile, we describe its role in cancer development and viral infection which provide a direction for future clinical applications. Methods The relevant literatures from PubMed have been reviewed for this article. Conclusion NOLC1 plays an important role in the progression of multiple cancers and viral infection. In-depth study of NOLC1 provides a new perspective for accurate diagnosis of patients and selection of therapeutic targets.