Nova1, also known as Neuro-oncological ventral antigen 1, is a neuron-specific RNA-binding protein. It serves as a brain-specific splicing factor regulating neuronal alternative splicing, playing a crucial role in neural development and function [4]. It has been implicated in multiple biological processes and associated with various diseases. Genetic models, such as KO/CKO mouse models, are valuable tools for studying its functions.

In a conditional Nova1-null mouse (Nova1-cKOGad2-cre), Nova1 loss in Gad2-positive neurons altered downstream expression of Impact mRNA and a subset of RNAs related to electron transport chain-related factors and ribosomal proteins, revealing its role in hypothalamic function, translation, and metabolism [3]. In NSCLC, siRNA-mediated down-regulation of Nova1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis, suggesting its role in activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling [2]. In GBM cells, Nova1 acts as an oncogenic factor, antagonizing AGO2-miRNA actions and up-regulating cholesterol synthesis to promote cell viability [1]. In retinoblastoma, knockdown of Nova1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis [5]. In a mouse model of SMA, NOVA1 expression levels in motor neurons decreased as the disease developed, and in vitro, NOVA1 increased the inclusion of SMN2 exon 7 and SMN2 protein expression [6].

In conclusion, Nova1 is essential for neural development, functions in translation and metabolism, and is involved in multiple disease processes including neurological disorders and cancers. Studies using KO/CKO mouse models have been instrumental in revealing its roles in these biological and disease-related contexts, helping to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms and potentially providing new directions for therapeutic interventions.