PSF-lncRNA interaction as a target for novel targeted anticancer therapies

The Polypyrimidine Tract-Binding Protein-Associated Splicing Factor (PSF), a component of the Drosophila Behavior/Human Splicing (DBHS) complex, plays a pivotal role in cancer pathogenesis. The epigenetic regulation mediated by PSF and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), along with PSF's alternative splicing activity, has been implicated in promoting cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance in various human cancers. Recent research highlights the therapeutic promise of targeting the PSF-lncRNA interaction to combat aggressive malignancies, making it a compelling target for cancer therapy. This review offers a detailed synthesis of the current understanding of PSF's role in oncogenic pathways and recent progress in identifying inhibitors of PSF-lncRNA interactions. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of using these inhibitors in cancer treatment strategies, especially as adjuncts to immune checkpoint blockade therapies to improve the efficacy of anti-PD-(L)1 treatments in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). By outlining the interaction patterns of existing PSF-lncRNA inhibitors, this article aims to guide the development and refinement of future pharmacological interventions.