Ptbp1, also known as Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1, is a member of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family. It plays a key role in alternative splicing of precursor mRNA and RNA metabolism, and is universally expressed in various tissues [2]. By binding to multiple downstream transcripts, it interferes with physiological and pathological processes such as tumor growth, body metabolism, cardiovascular homeostasis, and central nervous system damage [2].

In glioblastoma cells, knockdown of Ptbp1 promotes neural differentiation via the UNC5B receptor, suppressing cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, providing a potential approach for glioblastoma treatment [1]. In the context of glioma stem cells, PTBP1-K436 lactylation supports glioma progression and stem cell maintenance through enhancing PFKFB4-driven glycolysis, suggesting it could be a target for glioma therapies [3]. In senescent cells, inhibition of PTBP1 prevents the pro-tumorigenic effects of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) without increasing tumorigenesis risk, indicating SASP inhibition as a therapy against inflammation-driven cancer [4].

In conclusion, Ptbp1 is essential in RNA processing and metabolism, influencing multiple physiological and pathological processes. Model-based research, especially through knockdown experiments in cell lines, has revealed its significant roles in cancer, such as in glioblastoma and glioma, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in these disease areas.