2025/03/07 by Jessica Das, Ottavia Busia-Bourdain, Khizr M. Khan +1 · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Cancer-related molecular mechanisms research #RNA Research and Splicing #RNA modifications and cancer
paper · pdf · doi:10.3390/ijms26062415
openalex publication_date 2025/03/07 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IMP2) is an RNA-binding protein that positively regulates m6A-modified RNAs involved in critical cellular processes such as metabolism, oncogenesis, and immune function. Here, we elucidate facets of IMP2 biology, including several mechanisms of action on RNA, factors that regulate IMP2 expression, its relevant biological target RNAs, its role in normal development and disease, and its potential as a therapeutic target. IMP2 is a multi-level regulator of metabolism, influencing pathways linked to diabetes, obesity, and adipose function. Through genomic amplification and transcriptional overexpression in cancer cells, IMP2 can drive the initiation and progression of multiple cancer types, and high expression is associated with decreased overall survival of patients with cancer. IMP2 influences normal immune function, inflammation, macrophage polarization, and tumor immune evasion. IMP2 has emerged as a promising therapeutic target, particularly for cancers and metabolic diseases.