Identification of long non-coding RNAs in advanced prostate cancer associated with androgen receptor splicing factors

Commun Biol. 2020 Jul 23;3(1):393. doi: 10.1038/s42003-020-01120-y.

Abstract

The molecular and cellular mechanisms of development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remain elusive. Here, we analyzed the comprehensive and unbiased expression profiles of both protein-coding and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) using RNA-sequencing to reveal the clinically relevant molecular signatures in CRPC tissues. For protein-coding genes upregulated in CRPC, we found that mitochondria-associated pathway, androgen receptor (AR), and spliceosome associated genes were enriched. Moreover, we discovered AR-regulated lncRNAs, CRPC-Lncs, that are highly expressed in CRPC tissues. Notably, silencing of two lncRNAs (CRPC-Lnc #6: PRKAG2-AS1 and #9: HOXC-AS1) alleviated CRPC tumor growth, showing repression of AR and AR variant expression. Mechanistically, subcellular localization of the splicing factor, U2AF2, with an essential role in AR splicing machinery was modulated dependent on the expression level of CRPC-Lnc #6. Thus, our investigation highlights a cluster of lncRNAs which could serve as AR regulators as well as potential biomarkers in CRPC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • RNA Splicing Factors / genetics
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics*
  • Receptors, Androgen / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Splicing Factor U2AF / genetics*

Substances

  • AR protein, human
  • RNA Splicing Factors
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • Receptors, Androgen
  • Splicing Factor U2AF
  • U2AF2 protein, human
  • PRKAG3 protein, human
  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinases