The nuclear pore complex is a multi-subunit protein channel that spans the nuclear envelope and is responsible for the nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of RNA, proteins, and ribonucleoproteins. POM121, also referred to as nucleoporin Nup121, is a transmembrane nuclear protein that is an essential component of the NPC. POM121 expression is increased in aggressive, lethal prostate cancer and contributes to cancer progression and aggressiveness by enhancing the nuclear import of oncogenic transcription factors, such as E2F1, MYC, and GATA2, allowing for the upregulation of target genes. Elevated levels of POM121 have also been associated with poor outcome in patients with colorectal, lung, and laryngeal cancers, and it may serve as a prognostic biomarker for these cancer types.
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