Regulation of CD44 alternative splicing by SRm160 and its potential role in tumor cell invasion

Mol Cell Biol. 2006 Jan;26(1):362-70. doi: 10.1128/MCB.26.1.362-370.2006.

Abstract

The multiple isoforms of the transmembrane glycoprotein CD44 are produced by alternative RNA splicing. Expression of CD44 isoforms containing variable 5 exon (v5) correlates with enhanced malignancy and invasiveness of some tumors. Here we demonstrate that SRm160, a splicing coactivator, regulates CD44 alternative splicing in a Ras-dependent manner. Overexpression of SRm160 stimulates inclusion of CD44 v5 when Ras is activated. Conversely, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of SRm160 significantly reduces v5 inclusion. Immunoprecipitation shows association of SRm160 with Sam68, a protein that also stimulates v5 inclusion in a Ras-dependent manner, suggesting that these two proteins interact to regulate CD44 splicing. Importantly, siRNA-mediated depletion of CD44 v5 decreases tumor cell invasion. Reduction of SRm160 by siRNA transfection downregulates the endogenous levels of CD44 isoforms, including v5, and correlates with a decrease in tumor cell invasiveness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism
  • Alternative Splicing*
  • Antigens, Nuclear / genetics
  • Antigens, Nuclear / metabolism*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Exons / genetics
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / genetics*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics*
  • Nuclear Matrix-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Matrix-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • ras Proteins / genetics
  • ras Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Antigens, Nuclear
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • KHDRBS1 protein, human
  • Nuclear Matrix-Associated Proteins
  • Phosphoproteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • SRRM1 protein, human
  • ras Proteins