HCNP Background Information
HCNP, also known as XAB2 (Xeroderma pigmentosum group A (XPA) binding protein 2), HCRN, SYF1 or NTC90, is a nuclear protein that participates in transcription, transcription-coupled repair (TCR) and pre-mRNA splicing. It contains fifteen tetratricopeptide repeat motifs and associates with nucleotide excision repair machinery. More specifically, HCNP associates with Cockayne syndrome group A and B proteins (CSA and CSB), RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) and XPA in response to DNA damage and is believed to function in the TCR pathway. HCNP also functions as an essential component of a pre-mRNA splicing complex of the spliceosome (composed of AQR (aquarius), PRP19, CCDC16, HCNP, ISY1 and Cyclophilin E) and is required for proper RNA synthesis in the cell. In addition, HCNP functions as a component of the RAR corepressor complex with RARå and HDAC3 and exhibits an inhibitory effect on ATRA-induced cell differentiation. This suggests that HCNP may function as useful target in cancer therapy.
