ELAVL4 Protein, Human (His-SUMO, Myc)

The ELAVL4 protein is an RNA-binding factor extensively involved in post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs, influencing mRNA stability, alternative splicing, and translation. By binding to AU-rich element (ARE) sequences in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs, including GAP43, VEGF, FOS, CDKN1A, and ACHE, ELAVL4 contributes to the stabilization and protection of these transcripts from decay. It decreases mRNA deadenylation by binding to the mRNA 3'UTR and also interacts with the polyadenylated (poly(A)) tail in the 3'UTR, enhancing mRNA binding affinity. ELAVL4 predominantly operates in neuron-specific RNA processing, stabilizing mRNAs related to neuronal proteins and contributing to neural progenitor cell differentiation, nervous system development, and learning and memory mechanisms. Additionally, it plays a role in the negative regulation of proliferative activity in neuronal stem cells, promoting neuronal differentiation. ELAVL4's impact extends to neurite outgrowth, dendritic arbor establishment, and maturation, influencing neocortical and hippocampal circuitry function. It forms part of the TAU mRNP complex, associates with the EIF4F cap-binding complex, and interacts with various proteins, including SMN, MAP1 light chain LC1, and LC2, highlighting its diverse roles in RNA regulation and neuronal processes.