microRNAs target SRSF7 splicing factor to modulate the expression of osteopontin splice variants in renal cancer cells

Gene. 2016 Dec 31;595(2):142-149. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.09.031. Epub 2016 Sep 21.

Abstract

SRSF7 is a SR splicing factor involved in the regulation of splicing and mRNA export of cancer-related genes. The mechanisms regulating the expression of SRSF7 are unknown. This study shows that SRSF7 expression in cancer cells is regulated by microRNAs: short, non-coding RNAs that bind to 3'UTR of target genes and downregulate their expression. We show that microRNAs miR-30a-5p and miR-181a-5p together with SRSF7 form regulatory feedback loop in which the expression of microRNAs is recurrently regulated by its target. Finally, we demonstrate that silencing of SRSF7 affects the expression of osteopontin splice variants and decreases proliferation rate of renal cancer cells.

Keywords: Alternative splicing; Osteopontin; Renal cancer; SPP1; SRSF7; microRNA.

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Alternative Splicing
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Feedback, Physiological
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Gene Silencing
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Osteopontin / genetics*
  • Osteopontin / metabolism
  • Serine-Arginine Splicing Factors / genetics
  • Serine-Arginine Splicing Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • MIRN-181 microRNA, human
  • MIRN30b microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • SPP1 protein, human
  • SRSF7 protein, human
  • Osteopontin
  • Serine-Arginine Splicing Factors