Splice isoforms as therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer

Carcinogenesis. 2012 Dec;33(12):2311-9. doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgs347. Epub 2012 Nov 1.

Abstract

Alternative pre-mRNA splicing allows exons of pre-mRNA to be spliced in different arrangements to produce functionally distinct mRNAs. More than 95% of human genes encode splice isoforms, some of which exert antagonistic functions. Recent studies revealed that alterations of the splicing machinery can cause the development of neoplasms, and understanding the splicing machinery is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies for malignancies. Colorectal cancer patients need novel strategies not only to enhance the efficacy of the currently available agents but also to utilize newly identified therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the splice isoforms of VEGFA, UGT1A, PXR, cyclin D1, BIRC5 (survivin), DPD, K-RAS, SOX9, SLC39A14 and other genes, which may be possible therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer. Among them, the VEGFA splice isoforms are classified into VEGFAxxx and VEGFAxxxb, which have proangiogenic and antiangiogenic properties, respectively; UGT1A is alternatively spliced into UGT1A1 and other isoforms, which are regulated by pregnane X receptor isoforms and undergo further splicing modifications. Recently, the splicing machinery has been extensively investigated and novel discoveries in this research field are being reported at a rapid pace. The information contained in this review also provides suggestions for how therapeutic strategies targeting alternative splicing can be further developed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alternative Splicing* / drug effects
  • Camptothecin / analogs & derivatives
  • Camptothecin / pharmacology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Cyclin D1 / genetics
  • Dihydrouracil Dehydrogenase (NADP) / genetics
  • Glucuronosyltransferase / genetics
  • Humans
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins / genetics
  • Irinotecan
  • Pregnane X Receptor
  • Protein Isoforms / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Steroid / genetics
  • Survivin
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics

Substances

  • BIRC5 protein, human
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Pregnane X Receptor
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Receptors, Steroid
  • Survivin
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Cyclin D1
  • Irinotecan
  • Dihydrouracil Dehydrogenase (NADP)
  • UGT1A1 enzyme
  • Glucuronosyltransferase
  • Camptothecin