Mice deficient in Rbm38, a target of the p53 family, are susceptible to accelerated aging and spontaneous tumors

RNA-binding motif protein 38 (Rbm38) is a target of the p53 family and modulates p53 expression via mRNA translation. However, the biological function of Rbm38 and the role of the p53-Rbm38 loop in tumor suppression have not been studied in vivo. Here, we show that mice deficient in Rbm38 exhibit hematopoietic defects and are susceptible to spontaneous tumors and accelerated aging. Furthermore, we show that Rbm38 is critical for p53-mediated radiosensitivity and tumor suppression. Together, our results suggest that Rbm38 is necessary for normal hematopoiesis and for suppressing accelerated aging and tumorigenesis. In addition, the p53-Rbm38 axis might be explored for extending longevity and for tumor suppression.