The La-Related Proteins, a Family with Connections to Cancer

Abstract

The evolutionarily-conserved La-related protein (LARP) family currently comprises Genuine La, LARP1, LARP1b, LARP4, LARP4b, LARP6 and LARP7. Emerging evidence suggests each LARP has a distinct role in transcription and/or mRNA translation that is attributable to subtle sequence variations within their La modules and specific C-terminal domains. As emerging research uncovers the function of each LARP, it is evident that La, LARP1, LARP6, LARP7 and possibly LARP4a and 4b are dysregulated in cancer. Of these, LARP1 is the first to be demonstrated to drive oncogenesis. Here, we review the role of each LARP and the evidence linking it to malignancy. We discuss a future strategy of targeting members of this protein family as cancer therapy.

Identification of RNA-Binding Protein LARP4B as a Tumor Suppressor in Glioma

“…Seven different LARPs have been identified in humans (LARP1, 1B, 4, 4B, 6, and 7) based on their homology with genuine La proteins (8). However, the functions and binding modes of the La module in LARPs are not well understood.…”

Overexpression of LARP1 predicts poor prognosis of colorectal cancer and is expected to be a potential therapeutic target

“…The LARP subfamilies comprising La, LARP1, LARP1b, LARP4, LARP4b, LARP6, and LARP7 play a significant role in transcription and/or mRNA translation [8, 9]. The members of the LARP family lack enzymatic domains but carry a La motif and a nearby RNA recognition motif with location varying among the different LARP proteins [8].…”

“…The members of the LARP family lack enzymatic domains but carry a La motif and a nearby RNA recognition motif with location varying among the different LARP proteins [8]. RBPs are important posttranscriptional regulators, with a key role in gene expression in a variety of human tumors [10–13].…”

Mapping and fine-mapping of genetic factors affecting bovine milk composition

“…LARP1B (or LARP2) is positioned at chromosome 4q28, encoding 914 amino acid proteins. According to Stavraka and Blagden (2015), LARP1A and LARP1B are similar (60% homology and 73% of positivity). Burrows et al (2010) showed that LARP1A is more abundant than LARP1B, therefore LARP1B has been less studied.…”

“…According to Stavraka and Blagden (2015), la related proteins family 1 (LARP1) genes in humans have two paralogues: LARP1A and LARP1B. LARP1A (or simply LARP1) is positioned at chromosome 5q34, encoding 1096 amino acid proteins.…”