Recombinant Human Y Box Binding Protein 1 (YBX1) is a multifunctional protein that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. It is a member of the Cold Shock Domain protein family and is known for its ability to bind both DNA and RNA. YBX1 is involved in transcription regulation, RNA stabilization, mRNA splicing, DNA repair, and translational repression .
YBX1 consists of 324 amino acids and has a molecular mass of approximately 38.3 kDa . The protein contains a Cold Shock Domain, which is responsible for its nucleic acid-binding properties. This domain allows YBX1 to interact with specific RNA and DNA sequences, thereby influencing various cellular functions .
YBX1 is overexpressed in various human cancers and is recognized as an oncogenic gene associated with poor prognosis. Its functional diversity arises from its capacity to interact with a broad range of DNA and RNA molecules, implicating its involvement in diverse cellular processes. YBX1’s role in cancer includes promoting tumor progression, influencing the tumor microenvironment, and contributing to drug resistance .
Given its significant role in cancer, YBX1 is considered a potential target for cancer therapy. Ongoing clinical trials are exploring YBX1 as a target in breast cancer and lung cancer. The emerging role of YBX1 in neural input is also being investigated, with high levels of YBX1 associated with nerve cancer and neurodegenerative diseases .