Biological functions and clinic significance of SAF‑A (Review)

As one member of the heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family, scaffold attachment factor A (SAF‑A) or hnRNP U, is an abundant nuclear protein. With RNA and DNA binding activities, SAF‑A has multiple functions. The present review focused on the biological structure and different roles of SAF‑A and SAF‑A‑related diseases. It was found that SAF‑A maintains the higher‑order chromatin organization via RNA and DNA, and regulates transcription at the initiation and elongation stages. In addition to regulating pre‑mRNA splicing, mRNA transportation and stabilization, SAF‑A participates in double‑strand breaks and mitosis repair. Therefore, the aberrant expression and mutation of SAF‑A results in tumors and impaired neurodevelopment. Moreover, SAF‑A may play a role in the anti‑virus system. In conclusion, due to its essential biological functions, SAF‑A may be a valuable clinical prediction factor or therapeutic target. Since the role of SAF‑A in tumors and viral infections may be controversial, more animal experiments and clinical assays are needed.