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Splice isoforms as therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer

Koh Miura1, Wataru Fujibuchi, Michiaki Unno

  • 1Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan. k-miura@surg1.med.tohoku.ac.jp

Carcinogenesis
|November 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Alternative splicing in cancer generates distinct mRNA variants. Targeting these splice isoforms offers new therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancer, improving treatment efficacy and identifying novel targets.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Alternative pre-mRNA splicing produces functionally distinct messenger RNAs (mRNAs) from over 95% of human genes.
  • Aberrations in splicing machinery are linked to neoplasm development, highlighting its importance in cancer therapy.
  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) requires novel therapeutic strategies beyond current agents, necessitating the identification of new targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on splice isoforms of key genes in colorectal cancer.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer based on alternative splicing.
  • To provide insights into developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting alternative splicing.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on alternative splicing in colorectal cancer.
  • Analysis of splice isoforms of genes including VEGFA, UGT1A, PXR, cyclin D1, BIRC5 (survivin), DPD, K-RAS, SOX9, and SLC39A14.
  • Classification and functional characterization of identified splice isoforms.

Main Results:

  • Identified splice isoforms of VEGFA (VEGFAxxx, VEGFAxxxb) with opposing angiogenic functions.
  • Described alternative splicing of UGT1A isoforms regulated by pregnane X receptor (PXR) isoforms.
  • Highlighted several genes whose splice isoforms represent potential therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Alternative splicing plays a critical role in colorectal cancer pathogenesis.
  • Targeting specific splice isoforms, such as VEGFA variants, offers promising therapeutic avenues.
  • Further research into splicing machinery alterations can lead to the development of innovative colorectal cancer treatments.

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