LIN28A and cancer: LIN28A is an RNA-binding protein that is expressed in embryonic stem cells (ESCs); LIN28A confers self-renewal properties and pluripotency to these cells and prevents cell differentiation.130,131 This effects may explain its oncogenic role because it is overexpressed in several cancers and contributes to the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype, as well as maintenance and growth.132 LIN28A promotes mRNA translation and represses pri-/pre-microRNAs maturation, such as let-7 (whose mature form promotes cell differentiation).