PUBLICATION

RNA-Binding Protein Rbm38 as a Multifaceted Post-Transcriptional Regulator in Zebrafish Pancreatic Development

Authors
Zhang, X., Li, X., Liu, R., Wang, L., Wang, Y., Zhang, A., Yang, S., Li, H.
ID
ZDB-PUB-250813-1
Date
2025
Source
Journal of molecular cell biology : (Journal)
Registered Authors
Li, Hongyan
Keywords
Rbm38, pancreas, post-transcriptional regulation, zebrafish
MeSH Terms
  • 3' Untranslated Regions/genetics
  • Alternative Splicing/genetics
  • Animals
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Homeobox Protein Nkx-2.2
  • Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
  • Humans
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
  • Pancreas*/embryology
  • Pancreas*/growth & development
  • Pancreas*/metabolism
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins*/genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins*/metabolism
  • Trans-Activators/genetics
  • Trans-Activators/metabolism
  • Transcription Factors/genetics
  • Transcription Factors/metabolism
  • Zebrafish*/embryology
  • Zebrafish*/genetics
  • Zebrafish*/metabolism
  • Zebrafish Proteins*/genetics
  • Zebrafish Proteins*/metabolism
PubMed
40796306 Full text @ J. Mol. Cell Biol.
Abstract
RNA-binding motif protein 38 (Rbm38), also known as RNPC1, is a major regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression. It represents a potential candidate gene linked to the susceptibility of type 2 diabetes, and decreased RBM38 expression can enhance the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells in humans. However, its role in pancreatic development remains elusive. In this study, we explored the function of Rbm38 using zebrafish as a model. Pancreatic expression of Rbm38 is present at larval stages and is controlled by several transcription factors acting on specific rbm38 promoter regions. The loss of Rbm38 leads to abnormal pancreatic enlargement. Mechanistically, Rbm38 is involved in several aspects of post-transcriptional regulation of pancreatic gene expression. It destabilizes pdx1 transcripts by binding to the 3'-untranslated region and regulates alternative splicing of key pancreatic transcription factor genes, including isl1a, smad2, and nkx2.2a. These findings elucidate the role of Rbm38 in pancreatic development and highlight its significance in maintaining pancreatic homeostasis.
Genes / Markers
Figures
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Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping