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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Novel RNA-Binding Proteins Isolation by the RaPID Methodology
Published on: September 30, 2016
The oncogenic RNA-binding protein SRSF1 regulates LIG1 in non-small cell lung cancer
Elena Martínez-Terroba1,2, Teresa Ezponda1,2, Cristina Bértolo1,3
1Program in Solid Tumors, CIMA, Pamplona, Spain.
Abstract:
In recent years, the relevance of RNA metabolism has been increasingly recognized in a variety of diseases. Modifications in the levels of RNA-binding proteins elicit changes in the expression of cancer-related genes. Here we evaluate whether SRSF1 regulates the expression of DNA repair genes, and whether this regulation has a relevant role in lung carcinogenesis. An in silico analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the expression of SRSF1 and DNA repair genes. In vitro functional analyses were conducted in SRSF1 or DNA ligase 1 (LIG1)-downregulated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. In addition, the prognostic value of LIG1 was evaluated in NSCLC patients by immunohistochemistry. We found a significant correlation between the DNA repair gene LIG1 and SRSF1 in NSCLC cell lines. Moreover, SRSF1 binds to LIG1 mRNA and regulates its expression by increasing its mRNA stability and enhancing its translation in an mTOR-dependent manner. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated LIG1 inhibition reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Finally, the expression of LIG1 was an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC, as confirmed in a series of 210 patients. These results show that LIG1 is regulated by the oncoprotein SRSF1 and plays a relevant role in lung cancer cell proliferation and progression. LIG1 is associated with poor prognosis in non-small lung cancer patients.
Insights
The oncoprotein SRSF1 regulates DNA repair gene LIG1, impacting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. LIG1 expression is linked to poor prognosis in NSCLC patients, highlighting its role in lung cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- RNA Metabolism
Background:
- RNA metabolism and RNA-binding proteins are increasingly implicated in various diseases, including cancer.
- Alterations in RNA-binding protein levels can affect cancer-related gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if SRSF1 regulates DNA repair genes, specifically DNA ligase 1 (LIG1).
- To determine the role of SRSF1-mediated regulation of LIG1 in lung carcinogenesis.
- To assess the prognostic value of LIG1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Main Methods:
- In silico analysis to correlate SRSF1 and DNA repair gene expression.
- In vitro functional assays using SRSF1 or LIG1-downregulated NSCLC cell lines.
- Immunohistochemistry to evaluate LIG1 prognostic value in 210 NSCLC patients.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between SRSF1 and the DNA repair gene LIG1 in NSCLC cell lines.
- SRSF1 binds to LIG1 mRNA, increasing its stability and translation via an mTOR-dependent pathway.
- LIG1 inhibition reduced NSCLC cell proliferation and increased apoptosis.
- LIG1 expression was identified as an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC.
Conclusions:
- The oncoprotein SRSF1 regulates LIG1 expression, influencing lung cancer cell proliferation and progression.
- LIG1 plays a significant role in lung carcinogenesis.
- Elevated LIG1 expression is associated with a poor prognosis in NSCLC patients.
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