Research Advances in the Biological Functions of RBM3

In clinical research, "hypothermia therapy" (at 32-34°C) has been proven to be an effective method for alleviating neurological deficits in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and adult acute brain injury. Even deeper levels of hypothermia have been used in heart and transplant surgeries. However, "hypothermia therapy" in clinical settings cannot avoid many life-threatening side effects. Its effects go far beyond what was initially observed under hypothermic conditions. RNA-binding motif protein 3 (RBM3), a critical cold shock protein, has revealed significance extending far beyond its initial discovery in hypothermia. Induced by diverse stressors-notably mild hypothermia-RBM3 orchestrates complex post-transcriptional processes, modulating mRNA stability, translation, alternative splicing, and phase separation. It further regulates multiple cellular physiological processes, including neuroprotection, tumorigenesis, anti-apoptosis, and cell cycle progression. This review outlines RBM3’s structure and distribution in humans and synthesizes recent advances in understanding its multifaceted biological functions.