Y box binding protein 1

Y box binding protein 1 (also known as YB-1) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the YBX1 gene. It is a member of the cold shock domain protein family, which includes the related proteins MSY2 and MSY4.

Function

YB-1 is involved in a wide variety of cellular processes, including transcription and translation, DNA repair, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. It binds to both DNA and RNA, and can either activate or repress gene expression depending on the context. YB-1 is also involved in the regulation of mRNA stability and translation, and can interact with both the mRNA cap and the poly(A) tail.

Clinical significance

Alterations in YB-1 expression or function have been associated with several human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune diseases. In particular, YB-1 is often overexpressed in cancer cells, and its expression level has been correlated with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis in several types of cancer.

Structure

The YB-1 protein consists of three main domains: an N-terminal Ala/Pro-rich domain, a central cold shock domain, and a C-terminal Cys/Cys/His-rich domain. The cold shock domain is responsible for DNA and RNA binding, while the Cys/Cys/His-rich domain is involved in protein-protein interactions.

See also

• Cold shock domain protein
• MSY2
• MSY4