Elucidating Mechanisms of Alternative Splicing in Cancer and Cellular Stress

Elucidating Mechanisms of Alternative Splicing in Cancer and Cellular Stress PDF Author: Matias Ignacio Montes Serey
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : MicroRNA.
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Alternative splicing of the pre-mRNA is an essential post-transcriptional process in eukaryotes that generates multiple protein isoforms from a single gene. However, this process can be disrupted by mutations leading to several diseases including cancer. One such example is the oncogene and negative regulator of p53 Mouse Double Minute 2 homolog (MDM2), which undergoes alternative splicing to produce a splice isoform that has novel implications in cancer development. MDM2-Alt1 comprised of coding exons 3 and 12, is highly expressed in several cancers including those of the breast, liposarcomas, high-grade gliomas and rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS), and can be induced by genotoxic stress. Another good example of cancer-related aberrant alternative splicing, is the insulin receptor gene (INSR), comprised of 22 exons, and that skipping of the exon 11 allows the production of the IR-A splice isoform. Overexpression of the IR-A isoform compared to the full-length IR-B isoform, has been reported in several cancers including RMS, osteosarcoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding of the splicing mechanisms of these two genes is crucial to improve current cancer therapies. In this work we report that SRSF2 positively regulates the alternative splicing of MDM2 and that its binding to the exon 11 can be modulated to generate novel mouse model for cancer studies. Furthermore, we show a novel and unique regulatory mechanism of splicing wherein a nuclear microRNA, miR-29b, influences the alternative splicing of MDM2 by directly binding to the MDM2 pre-mRNA. We show that miR-29b is downregulated by genotoxic stress, a similar characteristic of cancer cells. Finally, we study the usage of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) as cancer therapies, by blocking the binding of the CUG-BP1 (CUG Binding Protein 1) splicing factor with an ASO, we promote the alternative splicing of the IR-B isoform which decreases cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Moreover, modulation of the MBNL1 (Muscleblind Like 1) intronic splicing enhancer in the intron 11 of the INSR, set the foundation for a novel mouse model to study this aberrant alternative splicing. Overall, our study underscores the importance of understanding alternative splicing in cancer research, moreover, it expands the knowledge regarding the complex splicing mechanisms involved in disease and finally set the foundations for the design of novel and effective splice-switching cancer therapies.

Elucidating Mechanisms of Alternative Splicing in Cancer and Cellular Stress

Elucidating Mechanisms of Alternative Splicing in Cancer and Cellular Stress PDF Author: Matias Ignacio Montes Serey
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : MicroRNA.
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
Alternative splicing of the pre-mRNA is an essential post-transcriptional process in eukaryotes that generates multiple protein isoforms from a single gene. However, this process can be disrupted by mutations leading to several diseases including cancer. One such example is the oncogene and negative regulator of p53 Mouse Double Minute 2 homolog (MDM2), which undergoes alternative splicing to produce a splice isoform that has novel implications in cancer development. MDM2-Alt1 comprised of coding exons 3 and 12, is highly expressed in several cancers including those of the breast, liposarcomas, high-grade gliomas and rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS), and can be induced by genotoxic stress. Another good example of cancer-related aberrant alternative splicing, is the insulin receptor gene (INSR), comprised of 22 exons, and that skipping of the exon 11 allows the production of the IR-A splice isoform. Overexpression of the IR-A isoform compared to the full-length IR-B isoform, has been reported in several cancers including RMS, osteosarcoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding of the splicing mechanisms of these two genes is crucial to improve current cancer therapies. In this work we report that SRSF2 positively regulates the alternative splicing of MDM2 and that its binding to the exon 11 can be modulated to generate novel mouse model for cancer studies. Furthermore, we show a novel and unique regulatory mechanism of splicing wherein a nuclear microRNA, miR-29b, influences the alternative splicing of MDM2 by directly binding to the MDM2 pre-mRNA. We show that miR-29b is downregulated by genotoxic stress, a similar characteristic of cancer cells. Finally, we study the usage of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) as cancer therapies, by blocking the binding of the CUG-BP1 (CUG Binding Protein 1) splicing factor with an ASO, we promote the alternative splicing of the IR-B isoform which decreases cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Moreover, modulation of the MBNL1 (Muscleblind Like 1) intronic splicing enhancer in the intron 11 of the INSR, set the foundation for a novel mouse model to study this aberrant alternative splicing. Overall, our study underscores the importance of understanding alternative splicing in cancer research, moreover, it expands the knowledge regarding the complex splicing mechanisms involved in disease and finally set the foundations for the design of novel and effective splice-switching cancer therapies.

Regulation of Alternative Splicing

Regulation of Alternative Splicing PDF Author: Philippe Jeanteur
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9783540438335
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 272

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Book Description
The discovery in 1977 that genes are split into exons and introns has done away with the one gene - one protein dogma. Indeed, the removal of introns from the primary RNA transcript is not necessarily straightforward since there may be optional pathways leading to different messenger RNAs and consequently to different proteins. Examples of such an alternative splicing mechanism cover all fields of biology. Moreover, there are plenty of occurrences where deviant splicing can have pathological effects. Despite the high number of specific cases of alternative splicing, it was not until recently that the generality and extent of this phenomenon was fully appreciated. A superficial reading of the preliminary sequence of the human genome published in 2001 led to the surprising, and even deceiving to many scientists, low number of genes (around 32,000) which contrasted with the much higher figure around 150,000 which was previously envisioned. Attempts to make a global assessment of the use of alternative splicing are recent and rely essentially on the comparison of genomic mRNA and EST sequences as reviewed by Thanaraj and Stamm in the first chapter of this volume. Most recent estimates suggest that 40-60% of human genes might be alternatively spliced, as opposed to about 22% for C. elegans.

Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis

Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis PDF Author: Elizabeth K. Weisburger
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400925263
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 210

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Book Description
but also the possibility of intervention in specific stages. In Human behavior, including stress and other factors, plays an important role in neoplasia, although too little is known addition, variables which affect cancer development as well on the reasons for such development. Carcinogens, which as some endogenous factors can be better delineated help initiate the neoplastic process, may be either synthetic through such investigations. The topics of this volume encompass premalignant non or naturally-occurring. Cancer causation may be ascribed to invasive lesions, species-specific aspects of carcinogenicity, certain chemicals, physical agents, radioactive materials, viruses, parasites, the genetic make-up of the organism, and radiation, viruses, a quantum theory of carinogenesis, onco bacteria. Humans, eumetazoan animals and vascular plants genes, and selected environmental carcinogens. are susceptible to the first six groups of cancer causes, whe reas the last group, bacteria, seems to affect only vascular plants. Neoplastic development may begin with impairment ofJmdy defenses by a toxic material (carcinogen) which acts as an initiator, followed by promotion and progression to an overt neoplastic state. Investigation of these processes Series Editor Volume Editor allows not only a better insight into the mechanism of action Hans E. Kaiser Elizabeth K. Weisburger vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Inspiration and encouragement for this wide ranging project on cancer distribution and dissemination from a comparative biological and clinical point of view, was given by my late friend E. H. Krokowski.

The Unfolded Protein Response in Cancer

The Unfolded Protein Response in Cancer PDF Author: Robert Clarke
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 303005067X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 220

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Book Description
This volume presents state-of-the-art information on each of the arms of the unfolded protein response (UPR), how their activation/repression are regulated, integrated, and coordinated, how UPR components affect cancer cell biology and responsiveness to therapeutic interventions, and how UPR components/activities offer potentially novel targets for drug discovery, repurposing, and development. The volume will provide the most recent information on the signaling and regulation of the UPR, explore examples of how the UPR and/or specific components contribute to cancer biology, and identify and explore specific examples of potently new actionable targets for drug discovery and development from within the UPR and its regulation. Unique to the volume will be a specific focus on the UPR and its role in cancer biology, as well as a discussion of the role of the UPR in drug responses and resistance in cancer.

Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment

Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309070864
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 348

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Book Description
Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment reviews advances made during the last 10-15 years in fields such as developmental biology, molecular biology, and genetics. It describes a novel approach for how these advances might be used in combination with existing methodologies to further the understanding of mechanisms of developmental toxicity, to improve the assessment of chemicals for their ability to cause developmental toxicity, and to improve risk assessment for developmental defects. For example, based on the recent advances, even the smallest, simplest laboratory animals such as the fruit fly, roundworm, and zebrafish might be able to serve as developmental toxicological models for human biological systems. Use of such organisms might allow for rapid and inexpensive testing of large numbers of chemicals for their potential to cause developmental toxicity; presently, there are little or no developmental toxicity data available for the majority of natural and manufactured chemicals in use. This new approach to developmental toxicology and risk assessment will require simultaneous research on several fronts by experts from multiple scientific disciplines, including developmental toxicologists, developmental biologists, geneticists, epidemiologists, and biostatisticians.

How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease

How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease PDF Author: United States. Public Health Service. Office of the Surgeon General
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Government publications
Languages : en
Pages : 728

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Book Description
This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.

Metallo-Drugs: Development and Action of Anticancer Agents

Metallo-Drugs: Development and Action of Anticancer Agents PDF Author: Astrid Sigel
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG
ISBN: 311047073X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 588

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Book Description
Volume 18, entitled Metallo-Drugs: Development and Action of Anticancer Agents of the series Metal Ions in Life Sciences centers on biological, medicinal inorganic chemistry. The serendipitous discovery of the antitumor activity of cis-diamminodichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) by Barnett Rosenberg in the 1960s is a landmark in metallodrug-based chemotherapy. The success of cisplatin in the clinic, followed by oxaliplatin and carboplatin, along with their drawbacks relating mainly to resistance development and severe toxicity, initiated research on polynuclear platinum complexes and on Pt(IV) complexes as prodrugs. Furthermore, the indicated shortcomings led to the exploration of other transition and main group metal ions, among them Ru(II/III), Au(I/III), Ti(IV), V(IV/V), and Ga(III) including also the essential metal ions Fe(II/III), Cu(I/II), and Zn(II). Ionic as well as covalent and non-covalent interactions between structurally very different complexes and biomolecules like nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates are studied and discussed with regard to their possible anticancer actions. Hence, MILS-18 summarizes the research at the forefront of medicinal inorganic chemistry, including studies on the next-generation, tailor-made anticancer drugs. All this and more is treated in an authoritative and timely manner in the 17 stimulating chapters of this book, written by 39 internationally recognized experts from 10 nations (from the US via Europe to China and Australia). The impact of this vibrant research area is manifested by more than 2700 references, nearly 150 illustrations (more than half in color) and several comprehensive tables. Metallo-Drugs: Development and Action of Anticancer Agents is an essential resource for scientists working in the wide range from enzymology, material sciences, analytical, organic, and inorganic biochemistry all the way through to medicine including the clinic ... not forgetting that it also provides excellent information for teaching.

Epigenetic Mechanisms of Gene Regulation

Epigenetic Mechanisms of Gene Regulation PDF Author: Vincenzo E. A. Russo
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 716

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Book Description
Many inheritable changes in gene function are not explained by changes in the DNA sequence. Such epigenetic mechanisms are known to influence gene function in most complex organisms and include effects such as transposon function, chromosome imprinting, yeast mating type switching and telomeric silencing. In recent years, epigenetic effects have become a major focus of research activity. This monograph, edited by three well-known biologists from different specialties, is the first to review and synthesize what is known about these effects across all species, particularly from a molecular perspective, and will be of interest to everyone in the fields of molecular biology and genetics.

Alternative Splicing and Disease

Alternative Splicing and Disease PDF Author: Philippe Jeanteur
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540344497
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 265

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Book Description
Splicing of primary RNA transcript is a quasi-systematic step of gene expression in higher organisms. This is the first book to highlight the medical implications, i.e. diseases, caused by alternative splicing. Alternative splicing not only vastly increases protein diversity but also offers numerous opportunities for aberrant splicing events with pathological consequences. The book also outlines possible targets for therapy.

Molecular mechanisms of cellular stress responses in cancer and their therapeutic implications

Molecular mechanisms of cellular stress responses in cancer and their therapeutic implications PDF Author: Megan Chircop
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889194965
Category : Carcinogenesis
Languages : en
Pages : 160

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Book Description
In response to stress, cells can activate a myriad of signalling pathways to bring about a specific cellular outcome, including cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, senescence and apoptosis. This response is pivotal for tumour suppression as all of these outcomes result in restriction of the growth and/or elimination of damaged and pre-malignant cells. Thus, a large number of anti-cancer agents target specific components of stress response signalling pathways with the aim of causing tumour regression by stimulating cell death. However, the efficacy of these agents is often impaired due to mutations in genes that are involved in these stress-responsive signalling pathways and instead the oncogenic potential of a cell is increased leading to the initiation and/or progression of tumourigenesis. Moreover, these genetic defects can increase or contribute to resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and/or radiotherapy. Modulating the outcome of cellular stress responses towards cell death in tumour cells without affecting surrounding normal cells is thus one of the ultimate aims in the development of new cancer therapeutics. To achieve this aim, a detailed understanding of cellular stress response pathways and their aberrations in cancer is required. This Research topic aims to reflect the broadness and complexity of this important area of cancer research.