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Updated: May 6, 2026

Using RNA-sequencing to Detect Novel Splice Variants Related to Drug Resistance in In Vitro Cancer Models
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Using RNA-sequencing to Detect Novel Splice Variants Related to Drug Resistance in In Vitro Cancer Models

Published on: December 9, 2016

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Clinical perspective on chemo-resistance and the role of RNA processing

Nancy L Krett1, Shuo Ma, Steven T Rosen

  • 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA, n-krett@northwestern.edu.

Cancer Treatment and Research
|November 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Altered RNA splicing in cancer cells creates unique transcripts that can lead to drug resistance. Understanding these splicing changes is key to developing effective cancer therapies and improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Pre-messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing alterations are hallmarks of cancer cells, producing cancer-specific transcripts.
  • These aberrant transcripts can serve as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
  • Alternative splicing contributes to chemo-resistance, complicating treatment strategies and leading to poor patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the impact of alternative splicing variants on cancer therapeutics.
  • To explore the mechanisms by which alternative splicing leads to chemo-resistance.
  • To highlight the potential of therapeutic interventions targeting splicing variants.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on alternative splicing in cancer.
  • Analysis of the role of splicing variants in drug metabolism, signaling pathways, and cell death.
  • Investigation into the mechanisms driving splicing alterations in chemo-resistant cancers.

Main Results:

  • Alternative splicing variants influence drug metabolism, activation, and interactions with cellular pathways.
  • Splicing alterations can modulate cell death pathways, contributing to therapeutic resistance.
  • Mechanisms underlying splicing changes in chemo-resistance are under active investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding alternative splicing is critical for overcoming chemo-resistance in cancer.
  • Targeting cancer-specific splicing variants offers a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Developing therapies to counteract the effects of splicing variants can significantly improve cancer treatment options.

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