Musashi-1 is an evolutionarily conserved RNA-binding protein that is selectively expressed in neural stem/progenitor cells within the central nervous system (CNS). It plays a crucial role in the self-renewal and differentiation of these cells by regulating various target mRNAs, including those encoding for Numb and p21(CIP-1). As a transcriptional repressor, Musashi-1 can directly modulate the expression of its target proteins, which are involved in critical cellular processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. It has been found to be overexpressed in various solid tumors, including neuroglioma, esophageal, gastric, colorectal, and breast cancers. This overexpression suggests that Musashi-1 may contribute to tumor development and maintenance, possibly by sustaining the stem-like properties of cancer cells and promoting their proliferation. Musashi-1 functions by binding to specific mRNAs and regulating their translation. It can act as a translational suppressor of Numb mRNA and synergistically regulate the Notch signaling pathway, which is important for asymmetric cell division in stem cells. This protein's role in maintaining stem cell functions and its involvement in tumor-related signaling pathways make it a significant protein in the context of cancer research and potential therapeutic targets.
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