RNA Binding Motif Protein 38 (RBM38)

Using microarray analysis to identify potential p53 (TP53) target genes in human cell lines, Shu et al. (2006) identified and cloned 2 variants of RBM38, which they called RNPC1a and RNPC1b. The deduced proteins contain 239 and 121 amino acids, respectively, and both contain an identical N-terminal canonical RNA recognition motif made up of 2 conserved submotifs, RNP1 and RNP2. Immunofluorescence analysis localized both proteins in the perinuclear membrane and cytosol, with a larger proportion of RNPC1b localized to the cytosol than the nucleus.Both RNPC1a and RNPC1b were also induced by several p63 (TP63) and p73 (TP73) isoforms. RNPC1 expression was induced by DNA-damaging agents in cells expressing wildtype p53, but not in cells lacking p53 expression.