1
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Hsu CY, Faisal A, Jumaa SS, Gilmanova NS, Ubaid M, Athab AH, Mirzaei R, Karampoor S. Exploring the impact of circRNAs on cancer glycolysis: Insights into tumor progression and therapeutic strategies. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:970-994. [PMID: 38770106 PMCID: PMC11103225 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit altered metabolic pathways, prominently featuring enhanced glycolytic activity to sustain their rapid growth and proliferation. Dysregulation of glycolysis is a well-established hallmark of cancer and contributes to tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Increased glycolysis supplies the energy necessary for increased proliferation and creates an acidic milieu, which in turn encourages tumor cells' infiltration, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as pivotal players in diverse biological processes, including cancer development and metabolic reprogramming. The interplay between circRNAs and glycolysis is explored, illuminating how circRNAs regulate key glycolysis-associated genes and enzymes, thereby influencing tumor metabolic profiles. In this overview, we highlight the mechanisms by which circRNAs regulate glycolytic enzymes and modulate glycolysis. In addition, we discuss the clinical implications of dysregulated circRNAs in cancer glycolysis, including their potential use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. All in all, in this overview, we provide the most recent findings on how circRNAs operate at the molecular level to control glycolysis in various types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), prostate cancer (PCa), colorectal cancer (CRC), cervical cancer (CC), glioma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, and gastric cancer (GC). In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the significance of circRNAs in cancer glycolysis, shedding light on their intricate roles in tumor development and presenting innovative therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou-Yi Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan City, 71710, Taiwan
- Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University Tempe Campus, Phoenix, Arizona, 85004, USA
| | - Ahmed Faisal
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Noor University College, Nineveh, Iraq
| | - Sally Salih Jumaa
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Nataliya Sergeevna Gilmanova
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Russia, Moscow
| | - Mohammed Ubaid
- Medical Technical College, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Aya H. Athab
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq
| | - Rasoul Mirzaei
- Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajad Karampoor
- Gastrointestinal & Liver Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Bei M, Xu J. SR proteins in cancer: function, regulation, and small inhibitor. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:78. [PMID: 38778254 PMCID: PMC11110342 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00594-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing of pre-mRNAs is a fundamental step in RNA processing required for gene expression in most metazoans. Serine and arginine-rich proteins (SR proteins) comprise a family of multifunctional proteins that contain an RNA recognition motif (RRM) and the ultra-conserved arginine/serine-rich (RS) domain, and play an important role in precise alternative splicing. Increasing research supports SR proteins as also functioning in other RNA-processing-related mechanisms, such as polyadenylation, degradation, and translation. In addition, SR proteins interact with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulators to modulate the methylation of ncRNA and mRNA. Dysregulation of SR proteins causes the disruption of cell differentiation and contributes to cancer progression. Here, we review the distinct biological characteristics of SR proteins and their known functional mechanisms during carcinogenesis. We also summarize the current inhibitors that directly target SR proteins and could ultimately turn SR proteins into actionable therapeutic targets in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingrong Bei
- Systems Biology Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), 22 Xinling Road, Shantou, 515041, China
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jianzhen Xu
- Systems Biology Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), 22 Xinling Road, Shantou, 515041, China.
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3
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Li D, Yu W, Lai M. Towards understandings of serine/arginine-rich splicing factors. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:3181-3207. [PMID: 37655328 PMCID: PMC10465970 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine/arginine-rich splicing factors (SRSFs) refer to twelve RNA-binding proteins which regulate splice site recognition and spliceosome assembly during precursor messenger RNA splicing. SRSFs also participate in other RNA metabolic events, such as transcription, translation and nonsense-mediated decay, during their shuttling between nucleus and cytoplasm, making them indispensable for genome diversity and cellular activity. Of note, aberrant SRSF expression and/or mutations elicit fallacies in gene splicing, leading to the generation of pathogenic gene and protein isoforms, which highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting SRSF to treat diseases. In this review, we updated current understanding of SRSF structures and functions in RNA metabolism. Next, we analyzed SRSF-induced aberrant gene expression and their pathogenic outcomes in cancers and non-tumor diseases. The development of some well-characterized SRSF inhibitors was discussed in detail. We hope this review will contribute to future studies of SRSF functions and drug development targeting SRSFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianyang Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wenying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Maode Lai
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Pathology, Research Unit of Intelligence Classification of Tumor Pathology and Precision Therapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Science (2019RU042), Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
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4
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Long F, Li L, Xie C, Ma M, Wu Z, Lu Z, Liu B, Yang M, Zhang F, Ning Z, Zhong C, Yu B, Liu S, Wan L, Tian B, Yang K, Guo Y, Chen M, Chou J, Li X, Hu G, Lin C, Zhang Y. Intergenic CircRNA Circ_0007379 Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Progression by Modulating miR-320a Biogenesis in a KSRP-Dependent Manner. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3781-3803. [PMID: 37564198 PMCID: PMC10411474 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.85063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed RNA structures that play multiple roles in tumorigenesis and progression. Compared with exon‒intron circRNAs, the biological functions and implications of intergenic circRNAs in human cancer are still poorly understood. Here, we performed circRNA microarray analysis and identified an intergenic circRNA, circ_0007379, that was significantly downregulated in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The biogenesis of circ_0007379 was mediated by reverse complementary matches (RCMs) and was negatively regulated by the RNA helicase DHX9. Functionally, circ_0007379 suppressed CRC cell growth and metastasis in cell culture as well as in patient-derived organoid and xenograft models. Mechanistically, circ_0007379 acted as a scaffold to facilitate the processing of both pri-miR-320a and pre-miR-320a in a KSRP-dependent manner, leading to miR-320a maturation and subsequent repression of transcription factor RUNX1 expression. Thus, our findings establish a previously unrecognized function of circRNA in inhibiting CRC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Long
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- Postdoctoral Research Station of Basic Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Canbin Xie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Min Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zhiwei Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zhixing Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Hernia and Enterofistula Surgery, People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, China
| | - Baiying Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zhengping Ning
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Chonglei Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Bowen Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Shiyi Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Longyu Wan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Buning Tian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Kaiyan Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yihang Guo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Miao Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jin Chou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Gui Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Changwei Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
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5
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Cheng J, Li G, Wang W, Stovall DB, Sui G, Li D. Circular RNAs with protein-coding ability in oncogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188909. [PMID: 37172651 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
As ubiquitously expressed transcripts in eukaryotes, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed and lack a 5'-cap and 3'-polyadenylation (poly (A)) tail. Initially, circRNAs were considered non-coding RNA (ncRNA), and their roles as sponging molecules to adsorb microRNAs have been extensively reported. However, in recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that circRNAs could encode functional polypeptides through the initiation of translation mediated by internal ribosomal entry sites (IRESs) or N6-methyladenosine (m6A). In this review, we collectively discuss the biogenesis, cognate mRNA products, regulatory mechanisms, aberrant expression and biological phenotypes or clinical relevance of all currently reported, cancer-relevant protein-coding circRNAs. Overall, we provide a comprehensive overview of circRNA-encoded proteins and their physiological and pathological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Cheng
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Guangyue Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenmeng Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Daniel B Stovall
- College of Arts and Sciences, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC 29733, United States
| | - Guangchao Sui
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Dangdang Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
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6
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Liu Y, Jiang C, Liu Q, Huang R, Wang M, Guo X. CircRNAs: emerging factors for regulating glucose metabolism in colorectal cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2023:10.1007/s12094-023-03131-7. [PMID: 36944731 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a malignant disease with a high incidence and low survival rate, and the effectiveness of traditional treatments, such as surgery and radiotherapy, is very limited. CircRNAs, a kind of stable endogenous circular RNA, generally function by sponging miRNAs and binding or translating proteins. CircRNAs have been identified to play an important role in regulating the proliferation and metabolism of CRC. In recent years, many reports have indicated that by regulating the expression of glycolysis-related proteins, such as GLUT1 and HK2, or directly translating proteins, circRNAs can promote the Warburg effect in cancer cells, thereby driving CRC metabolism. Moreover, the Warburg effect increases lactate production in cancer cells and promotes acidification of the TME, which further drives cancer progression. In this review, we summarized the remarkable role of circRNAs in regulating glucose metabolism in CRC in recent years, which might be useful for finding new targets for the clinical treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, The People's Republic of China
| | - Chenjun Jiang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, The People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, The People's Republic of China
| | - Runchun Huang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, The People's Republic of China
| | - Mancai Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, The People's Republic of China
- General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiaohu Guo
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, The People's Republic of China.
- General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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7
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A critical update on the strategies towards small molecule inhibitors targeting Serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins and Serine/arginine-rich proteins related kinases in alternative splicing. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 70:116921. [PMID: 35863237 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
>90% of genes in the human body undergo alternative splicing (AS) after transcription, which enriches protein species and regulates protein levels. However, there is growing evidence that various genetic isoforms resulting from dysregulated alternative splicing are prevalent in various types of cancers. Dysregulated alternative splicing leads to cancer generation and maintenance of cancer properties such as proliferation differentiation, apoptosis inhibition, invasion metastasis, and angiogenesis. Serine/arginine-rich proteins and SR protein-associated kinases mediate splice site recognition and splice complex assembly during variable splicing. Based on the impact of dysregulated alternative splicing on disease onset and progression, the search for small molecule inhibitors targeting alternative splicing is imminent. In this review, we discuss the structure and specific biological functions of SR proteins and describe the regulation of SR protein function by SR protein related kinases meticulously, which are closely related to the occurrence and development of various types of cancers. On this basis, we summarize the reported small molecule inhibitors targeting SR proteins and SR protein related kinases from the perspective of medicinal chemistry. We mainly categorize small molecule inhibitors from four aspects, including targeting SR proteins, targeting Serine/arginine-rich protein-specific kinases (SRPKs), targeting Cdc2-like kinases (CLKs) and targeting dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinases (DYRKs), in terms of structure, inhibition target, specific mechanism of action, biological activity, and applicable diseases. With this review, we are expected to provide a timely summary of recent advances in alternative splicing regulated by kinases and a preliminary introduction to relevant small molecule inhibitors.
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8
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Liu Y, Zeng S, Wu M. Novel insights into noncanonical open reading frames in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188755. [PMID: 35777601 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
With technological advances, previously neglected noncanonical open reading frames (nORFs) are drawing ever-increasing attention. However, the translation potential of numerous putative nORFs remains elusive, and the functions of noncanonical peptides have not been systemically summarized. Moreover, the relationship between noncanonical peptides and their counterpart protein or RNA products remains elusive and the clinical implementation of noncanonical peptides has not been explored. In this review, we highlight how recent technological advances such as ribosome profiling, bioinformatics approaches and CRISPR/Cas9 facilitate the research of noncanonical peptides. We delineate the features of each nORF category and the evolutionary process underneath the nORFs. Most importantly, we summarize the diversified functions of noncanonical peptides in cancer based on their subcellular location, which reflect their extensive participation in key pathways and essential cellular activities in cancer cells. Meanwhile, the equilibrium between noncanonical peptides and their corresponding transcripts or counterpart products may be dysregulated under pathological states, which is essential for their roles in cancer. Lastly, we explore their underestimated potential in clinical application as diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Liu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
| | - Minghua Wu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
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9
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Wei N, Song H. Circ‐0002814 participates in proliferation and migration through miR‐210 and FUS/VEGF pathway of preeclampsia. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2022; 48:1698-1709. [PMID: 35644449 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Na Wei
- Department of Obstetrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital Guiyang Guizhou China
| | - Hongbi Song
- Department of Obstetrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital Guiyang Guizhou China
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10
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Chen Z, Chen H, Yang L, Li X, Wang Z. CircPLCE1 facilitates the malignant progression of colorectal cancer by repressing the SRSF2-dependent PLCE1 pre-RNA splicing. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:7244-7256. [PMID: 34173324 PMCID: PMC8335689 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in various types of cancer; however, the mechanisms of circRNAs located in the nucleus have rarely been explored. Here, we report a novel circular RNA circPLCE1 (hsa_circ_0019230) that facilitates the malignant progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) by repressing serine/arginine‐rich splicing factor 2 (SRSF2)‐dependent phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE1) pre‐RNA splicing. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of circPLCE1 in CRC tissues and cells. Cell Counting Kit‐8, Transwell and flow cytometric assays were used to assess the role of circPLE1 in CRC cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis, respectively. An animal study was conducted to test the role of circPLCE1 in vivo. Furthermore, catRAPID and RPISeq were used to predict the possible binding proteins of circPLCE1. RNA fractionation and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to confirm the RNA‐protein interaction. In this study, we found that circPLCE1 was more significantly down‐regulated in CRC tissues compared with that in adjacent normal tissues. However, circPLCE1 knockdown suppressed CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and increased apoptosis. Nude mouse experiments showed that ectopic expression of circPLCE1 dramatically increased tumour growth in vivo. Mechanistically, circPLCE1 directly bound to the SRSF2 protein, repressing SRSF2‐dependent PLCE1 pre‐RNA splicing, resulting in the progression of CRC. Individually mutating the binding sites of circPLCE1 abolished the inhibition of PLCE1 mRNA production. Our study revealed a novel molecular mechanism in the regulation of PLCE1 and suggested a new function of circular RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilei Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangnan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenjun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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