CIRP Background Information CIRP, also known as CIRBP (cold inducible RNA binding protein) or A18HNRNP, is a 172 amino acid protein that localizes to the nucleus and contains one RRM (RNA recognition motif) domain. Expressed ubiquitously, CIRP is thought to play an essential role in the suppression of cellular proliferation in response to UV irradiation or extreme cold. Human CIRP, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometrial carcinoma, shares 95% sequence identity with its mouse counterpart, suggesting a conserved role between species. The gene encoding CIRP maps to human chromosome 19, which is the genetic home for a number of immunoglobulin superfamily members, including the killer cell and leukocyte Ig-like receptors, a number of ICAMs, the CEACAM and PSG family and Fc receptors (FcRs).
