The nexus between RNA-binding proteins and their effectors

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate essentially every event in the lifetime of an RNA molecule, from its production to its destruction. Whereas much has been learned about RNA sequence specificity and general functions of individual RBPs, the ways in which numerous RBPs instruct a much smaller number of effector molecules, that is, the core engines of RNA processing, as to where, when and how to act remain largely speculative. Here, we survey the known modes of communication between RBPs and their effectors with a particular focus on converging RBP–effector interactions and their roles in reducing the complexity of RNA networks. We discern the emerging unifying principles and discuss their utility in our understanding of RBP function, regulation of biological processes and contribution to human disease. This Review surveys the known mechanisms of communication between RBPs and their effectors and their roles in reducing the complexity of RNA networks. The authors review the emerging roles of RBP–effector interactions in the control of RNA processing and regulation of biological outcomes, and their contribution to human health and disease.