IGF2BP1
IGF2BP1 (insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1, also known as IMP-1 or IMP1) is an RNA-binding factor that recruits target transcripts into cytoplasmic mRNPs. In doing so it controls mRNA transport, storage, stability and translation. Browse Assay Genie's current range of IGF2BP1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
IGF2BP1 recruits target transcripts to cytoplasmic protein-RNA complexes (mRNPs). This transcript 'caging' allows mRNA transport and transient storage, modulates the rate and location at which transcripts meet the translational apparatus, and shields them from endonuclease attacks or microRNA-mediated degradation. The protein preferentially binds N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-containing mRNAs and increases their stability. Its best-characterised role concerns beta-actin (ACTB) mRNA: IGF2BP1 associates with it co-transcriptionally in the nucleus through the 54-nucleotide 3'-UTR 'zipcode' element, the RNP is exported and transported along the cytoskeleton, and translation is held off until the complex reaches the cell periphery, where phosphorylation of IGF2BP1 releases the mRNA.
Other targets include IGF2 mRNA, bound at its 3'-UTR through cooperative and sequential dimerisation, as well as MYC, CD44, BTRC, PTEN, MAPK4, PTGS2, ABCB1/MDR-1, H19 and TAU transcripts. Through these interactions IGF2BP1 contributes to neurite outgrowth, growth cone guidance, axonal regeneration in adult sensory neurons, cell migration, and cancer cell adhesion and invadopodia formation. During oxidative stress or heat shock it stabilises mRNAs recruited to stress granules. It also interacts with Hepatitis C virus RNA, enhancing translation at the IRES, and with HIV-1 GAG, blocking formation of infectious particles.
The IGF2BP1 gene encodes a protein with four K homology domains and two RNA recognition motifs, and belongs to the RRM IMP/VICKZ family. HGNC places it in the RNA binding motif containing group. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been reported. Mouse and rat orthologs are both named Igf2bp1. UniProt lists localisation in the nucleus, cytoplasm, P-bodies, stress granules, and neuronal and migratory structures such as dendrites, growth cones and lamellipodia.
IGF2BP1 regulates neurite outgrowth, growth cone guidance and neuronal migration, and acts in transport and translation of transcripts needed for axonal regeneration in sensory neurons.
It caging-binds transcripts such as ACTB mRNA, holding translation until the RNP reaches its destination, making it a model for localised protein synthesis.
By stabilising CD44, MYC and PTEN transcripts and repressing MAPK4, IGF2BP1 influences cell adhesion, invadopodia formation and directed migration of tumour-derived cells.
IGF2BP1 stabilises mRNAs in stress granules, enhances HCV IRES translation and interferes with HIV-1 RNA packaging and particle assembly.
IGF2BP1 is an RNA-binding protein that packages target mRNAs into cytoplasmic mRNPs for transport and storage. It controls where and when transcripts such as ACTB, IGF2, MYC and CD44 are translated, and protects them from endonucleases and microRNA-mediated degradation.
IGF2BP1 is also called IMP-1 or IMP1, and its full name is insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1. NCBI Gene reports two transcript variants encoding different isoforms. It belongs to the IGF2BP family alongside IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3, and to the RRM IMP/VICKZ family.
Mouse and rat both carry an ortholog named Igf2bp1. UniProt links the protein to cancer-related processes, including CD44-dependent invadopodia formation and migration of tumour-derived cells, and to viral infection through Hepatitis C virus IRES translation and HIV-1 assembly. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other IGF2BP family members, IGF ligands and IGF-binding proteins with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9NZI8; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.