ELAVL1

Description

The ELAVL1 (ELAV like RNA binding protein 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.

ELAV-like protein 1 or HuR (human antigen R) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ELAVL1 gene. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the ELAVL protein family. This encoded protein contains 3 RNA-binding domains and binds cis-acting AU-rich elements in 3' untranslated regions. One of its best-known functions is to stabilize mRNAs in order to regulate gene expression. Various post-translational modifications of HuR influence its subcellular localization and stability of binding to mRNAs.

== Structure == Of the RNA-binding ELAV/Hu family of proteins in mammals, HuR is the only ubiquitously expressed one, whereas the other three are primarily found in neuronal tissue. Having a well-conserved primary structure to its family members, HuR has two adjacent RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) proximal to the N-terminus, followed by a flexible hinge region next to a final RRM at the C-terminus. The RRM domains of HuR each contain two alpha helices with several antiparallel beta sheets in their secondary structure, a 20 amino-acid long N-terminus before RRM1 and RRM2, and a 12 amino acid linker connecting them. The hinge region connecting RRM1,2 to RRM3 is 60 amino acids long.

=== RNA Binding === The RRM1 domain appears to be the principal RNA-binding portion with RRM2 contributing some more contacts.

ELAVL1 is an RNA-binding protein that binds to the 3'-UTR region of mRNAs and increases their stability. It is involved in embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation, preferentially binding to mRNAs that are not methylated by N6-methyladenosine (m6A), stabilizing them, and promoting ESC differentiation. ELAVL1 can also bind to m6A-containing mRNAs and contributes to MYC stability by binding to m6A-containing MYC mRNAs. ELAVL1 binds to poly-U elements and AU-rich elements (AREs) in the 3'-UTR of target mRNAs, avidly binding to the AU-rich element in FOS and IL3/interleukin-3 mRNAs. In the case of the FOS AU-rich element, it binds to a core element of 27 nucleotides that contain AUUUA, AUUUUA, and AUUUUUA motifs. It preferentially binds to the 5'-UUUU[AG]UUU-3' motif in vitro. With ZNF385A, ELAVL1 binds the 3'-UTR of p53/TP53 mRNA to control their nuclear export induced by CDKN2A, potentially regulating p53/TP53 expression and mediating in part the CDKN2A anti-proliferative activity. ELAVL1 may also bind with ZNF385A the CCNB1 mRNA. It increases the stability of the leptin mRNA harboring an AU-rich element (ARE) in its 3' UTR.

ELAVL1 is also known as ELAV1, HUR, Hua, MelG.

Associated Diseases

WES Whole Exome Sequencing