YB-1 Activities in Oncogenesis: Transcription and Translation

The Y box-binding protein 1 (YB-1) is a multifunctional DNA/RNA-binding protein regulating transcriptional and translational processes. Emerging evidence suggests a role for YB-1 in malignant human disease. Protein expression levels of YB-1 are increased in numerous human cancers, and nuclear YB-1 correlates with poor prognosis of tumor patients. However, YB-1 has also anti-oncogenic activities and interferes with phosphoinositide 3-kinase dependent cellular transformation. The anti-oncogenic activity correlates with cytoplasmic localization and with inhibition of protein synthesis. This review seeks to highlight the transcriptional and translational functions of YB-1 and its role in oncogenesis.