RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate essentially every event in the lifetime of an RNA molecule, from its production to its destruction. Whereas much has been learned about RNA sequence specificity and general functions of individual RBPs, the ways in which numerous RBPs instruct a much smaller number of effector molecules, that is, the core engines of RNA processing, as to where, when and how to act remain largely speculative. Here, we survey the known modes of communication between RBPs and their effectors with a particular focus on converging RBP–effector interactions and their roles in reducing the complexity of RNA networks. We discern the emerging unifying principles and discuss their utility in our understanding of RBP function, regulation of biological processes and contribution to human disease.

RNA 结合蛋白 (RBP) 基本上调节 RNA 分子生命周期中的每个事件，从产生到破坏。尽管人们对 RNA 序列特异性和单个 RBP 的一般功能了解很多，但众多 RBP 指导数量少得多的效应分子（即 RNA 加工的核心引擎）的方式，以及在何处、何时以及如何发挥作用很大程度上仍然是猜测。在这里，我们调查了 RBP 及其效应器之间已知的通信模式，特别关注 RBP 与效应器相互作用的融合及其在降低 RNA 网络复杂性中的作用。我们辨别新兴的统一原则，并讨论它们在我们理解 RBP 功能、生物过程调节和对人类疾病的贡献方面的效用。