Emerging roles of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) in cancer progression

The heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) is a nucleic acid-binding protein that serves as a docking platform integrating transduction pathways to nucleic acid -directed processes. Recently, this protein has emerged as an important player in carcinogenesis process. HnRNP K is overexpressed in several human cancers and its aberrant cytoplasmic localization has been associated with a worse prognosis for patients, suggesting that it has a role in cancer progression. Herein, we provide a brief overview of the multifunctional roles of hnRNP K and discuss clinical studies that have demonstrated its involvement in cancer development and progression.