New insights into pre-mRNA processing factor 19: A multi-faceted protein in humans.

During the dynamic assembly and activation of the spliceosome, human pre-mRNA processing factor 19 (hPrp19) plays a major role alone or as a part of a protein complex. In addition to participating in post-transcriptional regulation of eukaryotic gene, hPrp19 takes part in many physiological events such as ubiquitin-proteasome system, DNA damage response, proliferation and apoptosis. Increasing evidence also indicates a potential role of hPrp19 during oncogenesis, possibly owing to its activity of repressing apoptosis. Together, these studies add a new dimension to our understanding of hPrp19, and we have reason to believe that continuing excavation of this multi-faceted protein may shed light on its roles in human diseases, especially in cancer.