Expression of RNA-binding Motif Protein 3 (RBM3) and Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) Is Associated with Improved Clinical Outcome in Patients with Colon Cancer

Background: Recent studies have shown a potential role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in a variety of biological pathways, including cancer progression, whilst their expression in various tumor types may be associated with patient prognosis. However, the role of the RBP family members has not been explored in colon cancer and their possible use as prognostic biomarkers is largely unknown. Materials and Methods: To determine the prognostic role of three RBP genes: insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), RNA-binding motif protein 3 (RBM3), and cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) in colon cancer. Results: We examined the RNA expression of IGFBP2, RBM3, and CIRP in 94 human colon cancer samples along with matched normal tissue samples from each patient using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). No significant associations were observed between RNA expression of RBPs and the studied clinical features. The estimated 5-year disease-free survival rate was significantly better for patients with higher expression of RBM3 and CIRP, while patient survival was not significantly correlated to IGFBP2 expression. Conclusion: RBM3 and CIRP may be useful prognostic biomarkers of colon cancer.