Genomic analysis uncovers that cold-inducible RNA binding protein is associated with estrogen receptor in breast cancer.

Background: RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) perform various biological functions in humans and are associated with several diseases, including cancer. Therefore, RBPs have emerged as novel therapeutic targets. Although recent investigations have shown that RBPs have crucial functions in breast cancer (BC), detailed research is underway to determine the RBPs that are closely related to cancers.

Objective: To provide an insight into estrogen receptor (ER) regulation by cold-inducible RNA binding protein (CIRBP) as a novel therapeutic target.

Results: By analyzing the genomic data, we identified a potential RBP in BC. We found that CIRBP is highly correlated with ER function and influences clinical outcomes, such as patient survival and endocrine therapy responsiveness. In addition, CIRBP influences the proliferation of BC cells by directly binding to ER-RNA.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that CIRBP is a novel upstream regulator of ER and that the interplay between CIRBP and ER may be associated with the clinical relevance of BC.