Human Protein Lin-28 Homolog B, LIN28B ELI

Suppressor of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis, including that of let-7 and possibly of miR107, miR-143 and miR-200c.

Binds primary let-7 transcripts (pri-let-7), including pri-let-7g and pri-let-7a-1, and sequester them in the nucleolus, away from the microprocessor complex, hence preventing their processing into mature miRNA (PubMed: 22118463).

Does not act on pri-miR21 (PubMed: 22118463).

The repression of let-7 expression is required for normal development and contributes to maintain the pluripotent state of embryonic stem cells by preventing let-7-mediated differentiation.

When overexpressed, recruits ZCCHC11/TUT4 uridylyltransferase to pre-let-7 transcripts, leading to their terminal uridylation and degradation (PubMed: 19703396).

This activity might not be relevant in vivo, as LIN28B-mediated inhibition of let-7 miRNA maturation appears to be ZCCHC11-independent (PubMed: 22118463).

Interaction with target pre-miRNAs occurs via an 5'-GGAG-3' motif in the pre-miRNA terminal loop.

Mediates MYC-induced let-7 repression (By similarity).

When overexpressed, isoform 1 stimulates growth of the breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7.

Isoform 2 has no effect on cell growth.