IGF2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IMP1) localization is associated with motility and the major functions of IMP1 are carried out by the phylogenetically conserved KH domains. IMP1 can affect stability, localization, and translation of its target RNAs. Binding of IMP1 to the leader 3 mRNA in the 5’-UTR of IGF2 inhibits translation from a leader 3 reporter mRNA. Aberrant IMP1 expression may interfere with c-myc regulation. Compared with copy number gains at 17q21 (IMP1 locus), gains at 8q24 (c-myc locus) were observed more frequently in tumors. Furthermore, IMP1 expression was frequently detected in tumors, implying mechanism of activation other than gene amplification.

Posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression is a ribonucleoprotein-driven process, which involves RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and non-coding RNAs that affect splicing, nuclear export, subcellular localization, mRNA decay and translation. The RNP Immunoprecipitation-Chip (RIP-Chip), RIP-Seq and RIP-RTPCR allow the identification of multiple RNA targets of RBPs globally and within the context of a cell extract. Antibodies specific to the RNA binding protein of interest are used to co-immunoprecipitate the RNA binding protein and the associated subset of mRNAs. The mRNA content is interrogated using standard microarray or sequencing technology. RIP-Certified Antibody is validated for use in RNP Immunoprecipitation (RIP) in conjunction with the RIP-Assay Kit distributed from MBL. Its ability to immunoprecipitate mRNAs and RBPs complex was confirmed by quantitative and qualitative analysis on NanoDrop, Bioanalyzer and RT-PCR or microarray.