Multifaceted Nucleolin Protein and Its Molecular Partners in Oncogenesis

Abstract

Discovered in 1973, nucleolin is one of the most abundant phosphoproteins of the nucleolus. The ability of nucleolin to be involved in many cellular processes is probably related to its structural organization and its capability to form many different interactions with other proteins. Many functions of nucleolin affect cellular processes involved in oncogenesis—for instance: in ribosome biogenesis; in DNA repair, remodeling, and genome stability; in cell division and cell survival; in chemokine and growth factor signaling pathways; in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis; in epithelial–mesenchymal transition; and in stemness. In this review, we will describe the different functions of nucleolin in oncogenesis through its interaction with other proteins.