Planet RB: a personal contribution to a proteomic map of human retinoblastoma protein

Abstract

As I compress on the canvas of a few pages here major results of my research on the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (RB) spreading over the past 15 years, an exciting picture emerges on this unique host molecule which surpasses in its complexity even that of the most capable viral proteins known to date. Accordingly, RB has the potential to bind not only growth-promoting proteins such as insulin, but also to attach itself to calcium and oxygen, as well as to be secreted into the extracellular environment. Moreover, RB may exert proteolytic, antimicrobial and anti-aging activities. These condensed structure-based insights on RB are the substance of a scientific revolution I have initiated a long time ago, yet likely to gain even further speed in the years to come, thus expanding both our understanding of life at the molecular level and the possibilities for pharmacological modulation of fundamental biological phenomena, particularly in oncology and gerontology.