RNA-binding proteins in breast cancer: Biological implications and therapeutic opportunities

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) refer to a class of proteins that participate in alternative splicing, RNA stability, polyadenylation, localization and translation of RNAs, thus regulating gene expression in post-transcriptional manner. Dysregulation of RNA-RBP interaction contributes to various diseases, including cancer. In breast cancer, disorders in RBP expression and function influence the biological characteristics of tumor cells. Targeting RBPs has fostered the development of innovative therapies for breast cancer. However, the RBP-related mechanisms in breast cancer are not completely clear. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanisms of RBPs and their signaling crosstalk in breast cancer. Specifically, we emphasize the potential of certain RBPs as prognostic factors due to their effects on proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and therapy resistance of breast cancer cells. Most importantly, we present a comprehensive overview of the latest RBP-related therapeutic strategies and novel therapeutic targets that have proven to be useful in the treatment of breast cancer. [Display omitted] •Pathogenic RBPs interact with mRNA, ncRNA, protein, and canonical signaling pathways in breast cancer.•Aberrant RBP expression influences proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and therapeutic response of breast cancer cells.•HuR, HnRNPs, NONO, Lin28, RBMs have the potential to become prognostic factors of breast cancer.•Therapeutic strategies targeting RBPs have shown promising results in treating breast cancer with minimal side effects.