Lu Y, Kong JD, Zhao LN. Role of RNA-binding proteins in exercise-induced mRNA regulation: Unveiling biomarkers and therapeutic targets for schizophrenia. World J Psychiatry 2025; 15(9): 107498 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v15.i9.107498]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Jian-Da Kong, PhD, College of Sports Science, Qufu Normal University, No. 56 Jingxuan West Road, Jining 273100, Shandong Province, China. jianda0426@163.com
Research Domain of This Article
Psychology, Psychoanalysis
Article-Type of This Article
Minireviews
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Psychiatry. Sep 19, 2025; 15(9): 107498 Published online Sep 19, 2025. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v15.i9.107498
Role of RNA-binding proteins in exercise-induced mRNA regulation: Unveiling biomarkers and therapeutic targets for schizophrenia
Yao Lu, Jian-Da Kong, Lu-Nan Zhao
Yao Lu, Jian-Da Kong, Lu-Nan Zhao, College of Sports Science, Qufu Normal University, Jining 273100, Shandong Province, China
Co-corresponding authors: Jian-Da Kong and Lu-Nan Zhao.
Author contributions: Lu Y wrote the main text; Zhao LN provided proofreading and funding support; Kong JD was responsible for topic design, final proofreading, and the decision on the final version; Kong JD and Zhao LN they contributed equally to this article, they are the co-corresponding authors of this manuscript; and all authors thoroughly reviewed and endorsed the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Jian-Da Kong, PhD, College of Sports Science, Qufu Normal University, No. 56 Jingxuan West Road, Jining 273100, Shandong Province, China. jianda0426@163.com
Received: March 27, 2025 Revised: June 5, 2025 Accepted: July 8, 2025 Published online: September 19, 2025 Processing time: 153 Days and 20.9 Hours
Abstract
This article summarizes recent advances in the understanding of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), with a focus on their roles in exercise-induced mRNA regulation and their implications for schizophrenia (SZ). RBPs are critical regulators of mRNA stability, splicing, transport, translation, and degradation, directly influencing gene expression through sequence- and structure-specific binding. In the nervous system, RBPs sustain synaptic plasticity, neural development, and neuronal homeostasis. Emerging evidence shows that exercise modulates the expression and activity of RBPs, thereby influencing mRNA translation and neurotransmitter signaling, which may underlie its beneficial effects on brain function. Dysregulation of specific RBPs has been identified in SZ, implicating them in disrupted synaptic transmission, impaired plasticity, and neuroinflammation. RBPs involved in memory and emotional regulation show marked dysfunction in SZ patients. Some RBPs have been proposed as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Moreover, therapeutic modulation of RBPs, through pharmacological or behavioral interventions such as exercise, may restore neuronal function by targeting post-transcriptional gene regulation. Exercise, as a non-invasive modulator of RBP expression, holds promise as an adjunctive strategy in SZ treatment, particularly in early stages. Further research into RBP-mediated pathways may offer novel insights into SZ pathophysiology and inform the development of targeted interventions.
Core Tip: This review highlights recent insights into RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and their regulatory roles in exercise-induced mRNA expression, with a special focus on schizophrenia (SZ). RBPs control mRNA stability, translation, and localization, which are critical for neural function and synaptic plasticity. Exercise modulates the expression and function of specific RBPs, potentially improving neurotransmission and neural health. Abnormal RBP expression is linked to SZ pathophysiology, and certain RBPs may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Our findings suggest that exercise may be a promising adjunctive intervention to regulate RBPs and mitigate SZ symptoms.
