Nucleolin, also known as C23 or NCL, is a multifunctional phosphoprotein that is predominantly found in the nucleolus of eukaryotic cells. It plays a crucial role in the biogenesis of ribosomes, including the processing of rRNA and the assembly of ribosomal subunits. Nucleolin is also involved in DNA replication, cell proliferation, and transcriptional regulation. In addition to its nuclear functions, nucleolin has been found on the cell surface, where it serves as a receptor for various ligands, such as growth factors and viruses. This cell surface expression of nucleolin is particularly significant in cancer cells and has been associated with poor prognosis. Nucleolin's presence on the cell surface also plays a critical role in modulating the cell cycle, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Nucleolin has been identified as a cellular receptor for human respiratory syncytial virus, and it is also a target for nucleic acid-based adjuvants, which are important for vaccine development. Moreover, nucleolin's interaction with G-quadruplex structures within nucleic acids is a potential target for therapeutic interventions in diseases such as cancer and viral infections.
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