A comprehensive understanding of hnRNP A1 role in cancer: new perspectives on binding with noncoding RNA

The heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) is the most abundant and ubiquitously expressed member of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins family (hnRNPs). hnRNP A1 is an RNA-binding protein associated with complexes active in diverse biological processes such as RNA splicing, transactivation of gene expression, and modulation of protein translation. It is overexpressed in several cancers, where it actively promotes the expression and translation of several key proteins and regulators associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Interesting recent studies have focused on the RNA-binding property of hnRNP A1 and revealed previously under-explored functions of hnRNP A1 in the processing of miRNAs, and loading non-coding RNAs into exosomes. Here, we will report the recent advancements in our knowledge of the role of hnRNP A1 in the biological processes underlying cancer proliferation and growth, with a particular focus on metabolic reprogramming.