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BackgroundGlioblastoma is one of the most devastating cancer worldwide based on its locally aggressive behavior and because it cannot be cured by current therapies. Defects in alternative splicing process are frequent in cancer. Recently, we demonstrated that dysregulation of the spliceosome is directly associated with glioma development, progression, and aggressiveness.MethodsDifferent human cohorts and a dataset from different glioma mouse models were analyzed to determine the mutation frequency as well as the gene and protein expression levels between tumor and control samples of the splicing-factor-3B-subunit-1 (SF3B1), an essential and druggable spliceosome component. SF3B1 expression was also explored at the single-cell level across all cell subpopulations and transcriptomic programs. The association of SF3B1 expression with relevant clinical data (e.g., overall survival) in different human cohorts was also analyzed. Different functional (proliferation/migration/tumorspheres and colonies formation/VEGF secretion/apoptosis) and mechanistic (gene expression/signaling pathways) assays were performed in three different glioblastomas cell models (human primary cultures and cell lines) in response to SF3B1 blockade (using pladienolide B treatment). Moreover, tumor progression and formation were monitored in response to SF3B1 blockade in two preclinical xenograft glioblastoma mouse models.ResultsOur data provide novel evidence demonstrating that the splicing-factor-3B-subunit-1 (SF3B1, an essential and druggable spliceosome component) is low-frequency mutated in human gliomas (~ 1 %) but widely overexpressed in glioblastoma compared with control samples from the different human cohorts and mouse models included in the present study, wherein SF3B1 levels are associated with key molecular and clinical features (e.g., overall survival, poor prognosis and/or drug resistance). Remarkably, in vitro and in vivo blockade of SF3B1 activity with pladienolide B drastically altered multiple glioblastoma pathophysiological processes (i.e., reduction in proliferation, migration, tumorspheres formation, VEGF secretion, tumor initiation and increased apoptosis) likely by suppressing AKT/mTOR/ß-catenin pathways, and an imbalance of BCL2L1 splicing.ConclusionsTogether, we highlight SF3B1 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and an efficient pharmacological target in glioblastoma, offering a clinically relevant opportunity worth to be explored in humans.

Glioblastomas remain the deadliest brain tumour, with a dismal ∼12-16-month survival from diagnosis. Therefore, identification of new diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tools to tackle glioblastomas is urgently needed. Emerging evidence indicates that the cellular machinery controlling the splicing process (spliceosome) is altered in tumours, leading to oncogenic splicing events associated with tumour progression and aggressiveness. Here, we identify for the first time a profound dysregulation in the expression of relevant spliceosome components and splicing factors (at mRNA and protein levels) in well characterized cohorts of human high-grade astrocytomas, mostly glioblastomas, compared to healthy brain control samples, being SRSF3, RBM22, PTBP1 and RBM3 able to perfectly discriminate between tumours and control samples, and between proneural-like or mesenchymal-like tumours versus control samples from different mouse models with gliomas. Results were confirmed in four additional and independent human cohorts. Silencing of SRSF3, RBM22, PTBP1 and RBM3 decreased aggressiveness parameters in vitro (e.g. proliferation, migration, tumorsphere-formation, etc.) and induced apoptosis, especially SRSF3. Remarkably, SRSF3 was correlated with patient survival and relevant tumour markers, and its silencing in vivo drastically decreased tumour development and progression, likely through a molecular/cellular mechanism involving PDGFRB and associated oncogenic signalling pathways (PI3K-AKT/ERK), which may also involve the distinct alteration of alternative splicing events of specific transcription factors controlling PDGFRB (i.e. TP73). Altogether, our results demonstrate a drastic splicing machinery-associated molecular dysregulation in glioblastomas, which could potentially be considered as a source of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets for glioblastomas. Remarkably, SRSF3 is directly associated with glioblastoma development, progression, aggressiveness and patient survival and represents a novel potential therapeutic target to tackle this devastating pathology.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal cancer, characterized by late diagnosis and poor treatment response. Surgery is the only curative approach, only available to early‐diagnosed patients. Current therapies have limited effects, cause severe toxicities, and minimally improve overall survival. Understanding of splicing machinery alterations in PDAC remains incomplete. Here, we comprehensively examined 59 splicing machinery components, uncovering dysregulation in pre‐mRNA processing factor 8 (PRPF8) and RNA‐binding motif protein X‐linked (RBMX). Their downregulated expression was linked to poor prognosis and malignancy features, including tumor stage, invasion and metastasis, and associated with poorer survival and the mutation of key PDAC genes. Experimental modulation of these splicing factors in pancreatic cancer cell lines reverted their expression to non‐tumor levels and resulted in decreased key tumor‐related features. These results provide evidence that the splicing machinery is altered in PDAC, wherein PRPF8 and RBMX emerge as candidate actionable therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men. Consequently, the identification of novel molecular targets for treatment is urgently needed to improve patients' outcomes. Our group recently reported that some elements of the cellular machinery controlling alternative-splicing might be useful as potential novel therapeutic tools against advanced PCa. However, the presence and functional role of RBM22, a key spliceosome component, in PCa remains unknown. Therefore, RBM22 levels were firstly interrogated in 3 human cohorts and 2 preclinical mouse models (TRAMP/Pbsn-Myc). Results were validated in in silico using 2 additional cohorts. Then, functional effects in response to RBM22 overexpression (proliferation, migration, tumorspheres/colonies formation) were tested in PCa models in vitro (LNCaP, 22Rv1, and PC-3 cell-lines) and in vivo (xenograft). High throughput methods (ie, RNA-seq, nCounter PanCancer Pathways Panel) were performed in RBM22 overexpressing cells and xenograft tumors. We found that RBM22 levels were down-regulated (mRNA and protein) in PCa samples, and were inversely associated with key clinical aggressiveness features. Consistently, a gradual reduction of RBM22 from non-tumor to poorly differentiated PCa samples was observed in transgenic models (TRAMP/Pbsn-Myc). Notably, RBM22 overexpression decreased aggressiveness features in vitro , and in vivo. These actions were associated with the splicing dysregulation of numerous genes and to the downregulation of critical upstream regulators of cell-cycle (i.e., CDK1/CCND1/EPAS1). Altogether, our data demonstrate that RBM22 plays a critical pathophysiological role in PCa and invites to suggest that targeting negative regulators of RBM22 expression/activity could represent a novel therapeutic strategy to tackle this disease. RBM22 is downregulated in PCa, and its levels (RNA and protein) are inversely associated with tumor-aggressiveness features in human cohorts and transgenic mice models. RBM22 overexpression reduces aggressiveness features in PCa models in vitro and in vivo, through the dysregulation of the splicing process (i.e., increasing alternative first exon and exon skipping splicing events) and downregulation of CDK1, EPAS1 and ATR genes [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysregulation of the splicing machinery is emerging as a hallmark in cancer due to its association with multiple dysfunctions in tumor cells. Inappropriate function of this machinery can generate tumor-driving splicing variants and trigger oncogenic actions. However, its role in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) is poorly defined. In this study we aimed to characterize the expression pattern of a set of splicing machinery components in PanNETs, and their relationship with aggressiveness features. A qPCR-based array was first deployed to determine the expression levels of components of the major (n = 13) and minor spliceosome (n = 4) and associated splicing factors (n = 27), using a microfluidic technology in 20 PanNETs and non-tumoral adjacent samples. Subsequently, in vivo and in vitro models were applied to explore the pathophysiological role of NOVA1. Expression analysis revealed that a substantial proportion of splicing machinery components was altered in tumors. Notably, key splicing factors were overexpressed in PanNETs samples, wherein their levels correlated with clinical and malignancy features. Using in vivo and in vitro assays, we demonstrate that one of those altered factors, NOVA1 , is tightly related to cell proliferation, alters pivotal signaling pathways and interferes with responsiveness to drug treatment in PanNETs, suggesting a role for this factor in the aggressiveness of these tumors and its suitability as therapeutic target. Altogether, our results unveil a severe alteration of the splicing machinery in PanNETs and identify the putative relevance of NOVA1 in tumor development/progression, which could provide novel avenues to develop diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic tools for this pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatostatin receptor subtype 5 (SST5) is an emerging biomarker and actionable target in pituitary (PitNETs) and pancreatic (PanNETs) neuroendocrine tumors. Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of SSTR5 gene expression and mRNA biogenesis is poorly understood. Recently, an overlapping natural antisense transcript, SSTR5‐AS1, potentially regulating SSTR5 expression, was identified. We aimed to elucidate whether epigenetic processes contribute to the regulation of SSTR5 expression in PitNETs (somatotropinomas) and PanNETs. We analyzed the SSTR5/SSTR5‐AS1 human locus in silico to identify CpG islands. SSTR5 and SSTR5‐AS1 expression was assessed by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) in 27 somatotropinomas, 11 normal pituitaries (NPs), and 15 PanNETs/paired adjacent (control) samples. We evaluated methylation grade in four CpG islands in the SSTR5/SSTR5‐AS1 genes. Results revealed that SSTR5 and SSTR5‐AS1 were directly correlated in NP, somatotropinoma, and PanNET samples. Interestingly, selected CpG islands were differentially methylated in somatotropinomas compared with NPs. In PanNETs cell lines, SSTR5‐AS1 silencing downregulated SSTR5 expression, altered aggressiveness features, and influenced pasireotide response. These results provide evidence that SSTR5 expression in PitNETs and PanNETs can be epigenetically regulated by the SSTR5‐AS1 antisense transcript and, indirectly, by DNA methylation, which may thereby impact tumor behavior and treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers types among men. Development and progression of PCa is associated with aberrant expression of oncogenic splicing-variants (eg, AR-v7), suggesting that dysregulation of the splicing process might represent a potential actionable target for PCa. Expression levels (mRNA and protein) of SF3B1, one of the main components of the splicing machinery, were analyzed in different cohorts of PCa patients (clinically localized [n = 84], highly aggressive PCa [n = 42], and TCGA dataset [n = 497]). Functional and mechanistic assays were performed in response to pladienolide-B in nontumor and tumor-derived prostate cells. Our results revealed that SF3B1 was overexpressed in PCa tissues and its levels were associated with clinically relevant PCa-aggressive features (eg, metastasis/AR-v7 expression). Moreover, inhibition of SF3B1 activity by pladienolide-B reduced functional parameters of aggressiveness (proliferation/migration/tumorspheres-formation/apoptosis) in PCa cell lines, irrespective of AR-v7 expression, and reduced viability of primary PCa cells. Antitumor actions of pladienolide-B involved: (1) inhibition of PI3K/AKT and JNK signaling pathways, (2) modulation of tumor markers and splicing variants (AR-v7/In1-ghrelin), and (3) regulation of key components of mRNA homeostasis-associated machineries (spliceosome/SURF/EJC). Altogether, our results demonstrated that SF3B1 is overexpressed and associated with malignant features in PCa, and its inhibition reduces PCa aggressiveness, suggesting that SF3B1 could represent a novel prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target in PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular fragments derived from plasma membrane receptors can play relevant roles in the development/progression of tumor pathologies, thereby offering novel diagnostic or therapeutic opportunities. The truncated variant of somatostatin receptor subtype-5, SST5TMD4, is an aberrantly spliced receptor with 4 transmembrane domains, highly overexpressed in several tumor types, whose C-terminal tail is exposed towards the extracellular matrix, and could therefore be the substrate for proteolytic enzymes. In silico analysis implemented herein predicted 2 possible cleavage sites for metalloproteases MMP2, 9, 14, and 16 in its sequence, which could generate 3 releasable peptides. Of note, expression of those MMPs was directly correlated with SST5TMD4 in several cancer-derived cell lines (ie neuroendocrine tumors and prostate, breast, and liver cancers). Moreover, incubation with SST5TMD4-derived peptides enhanced malignancy features in all cancer cell types tested (ie proliferation, migration, etc.) and blunted the antiproliferative response to somatostatin in QGP-1 cells, acting probably through PI3K/AKT and/or MEK/ERK signaling pathways and the modulation of key cancer-associated genes (eg MMPs, MKI67, ACTR2/3, CD24/44). These results suggest that SST5TMD4-derived peptides could contribute to the strong oncogenic role of SST5TMD4 observed in multiple tumor pathologies, and, therefore, represent potential candidates to identify novel diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic targets in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cortistatin is a neuropeptide originally identified in cortical brain regions, which displays a high structural and functional homology with somatostatin. However, cortistatin possesses distinct, unique functions, in the immune and central nervous systems, and it also shows specific endocrine effects, particularly on pituitary growth hormone, prolactin and adrenocorticotropin axes. Somatostatin and cortistatin bind similarly to the five native somatostatin receptors, sst1-sst5, whereas both compounds bind differentially to the recently discovered truncated variants of the sst subtype 5 (sst5TMD4, sst5TMD5); moreover, only cortistatin is able to bind other non-sst receptors (GHS-R and MrgX2). The non-overlapping tissue-specific distribution of each neuropeptide, together with the differential receptor binding profile, may be the cause of the singular effects of cortistatin. In this review we have provided and overview of the role of cortistatin on pituitary function by summarizing: 1) Its direct effect on pituitary cells using in vitro primary cultures derived from different species (from chicken to human); 2) Its putative physiological role revealed by in vivo assays, enabling to explore cortistatin effects on growth hormone, prolactin and adrenocorticotropin axes; and 3) The information provided by studying cortistatin knock-out mice. Altogether, these studies provide compelling evidence that cortistatin is a singular regulator of endocrine function, distinct from somatostatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone released from pituitary somatotrope cells that promotes growth, cell division and regeneration by acting directly through the GH receptor (GHR), or indirectly via hepatic insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) production. GH deficiency (GHD) can cause severe consequences, such as growth failure, changes in body composition and altered insulin sensitivity, depending of the origin, time of onset (childhood or adulthood) or duration of GHD. The highly variable clinical phenotypes of GHD can now be better understood through research on transgenic and naturally-occurring animal models, which are widely employed to investigate the origin, phenotype, and consequences of GHD, and particularly the underlying mechanisms of metabolic disorders associated to GHD. Here, we reviewed the most salient aspects of GH biology, from somatotrope development to GH actions, linked to certain GHD types, as well as the animal models employed to reproduce these GHD-associated alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]