Interfering Expression of Chimeric Transcript SEPT7P2-PSPH Promotes Cell Proliferation in Patients with...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a head and neck cancer prevalent in Southern China, characterized by genetic alterations.
• The role of fusion chimeric transcripts in NPC development is not well understood.
• Genetic changes, including chromosomal translocations, are implicated in NPC pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and function of fusion chimeric transcripts in NPC.
• To identify novel molecular mechanisms contributing to NPC development.
• To explore the potential of fusion transcripts as therapeutic targets or biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• RNA sequencing was employed to detect fusion genes in ten NPC tissue samples.
• Sanger sequencing and quantitative RT-PCR were utilized to quantify the fusion chimeric transcript levels.
• In vitro functional assays (CCK8, colony formation, migration/invasion) were performed to assess the transcript's role.

Main Results:

• The chimeric transcript SEPT7P2-PSPH was identified, formed by trans-splicing of adjacent genes without chromosomal rearrangement.
• This transcript was detected in both NPC patients and cell lines.
• Low expression of SEPT7P2-PSPH correlated with increased PSPH protein levels, promoting cell proliferation, invasion, and transformation in vitro.

Conclusions:

• The SEPT7P2-PSPH chimeric transcript is a product of adjacent gene trans-splicing in NPC.
• Its low expression appears to promote malignant phenotypes in NPC cells.
• SEPT7P2-PSPH may function as a tumor suppressor gene with potential anticancer activity.