Spliceosome-regulated RSRP1-dependent NF-κB activation promotes the glioblastoma mesenchymal phenotype

Background: The glioblastoma (GBM) mesenchymal (MES) phenotype, induced by NF-κB activation, is characterized by aggressive tumor progression and poor clinical outcomes. Our previous analysis indicated that MES GBM has a unique alternative splicing (AS) pattern; however, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. We aimed to reveal how splicing regulation contributes to MES phenotype promotion in GBM.

Methods: We screened novel candidate splicing factors that participate in NF-κB activation and MES phenotype promotion in GBM. In vitro and in vivo assays were used to explore the function of RSRP1 in MES GBM.

Results: Here, we identified that arginine/serine-rich protein 1 (RSRP1) promotes the MES phenotype by facilitating GBM cell invasion and apoptosis resistance. Proteomic, transcriptomic, and functional analyses confirmed that RSRP1 regulates AS in MES GBM through mediating spliceosome assembly. One RSRP1-regulated AS event resulted in skipping PARP6 exon 18 to form truncated, oncogenic PARP6-s. This isoform was unable to effectively suppress NF-κB. Cotreatment of cultured GBM cells and GBM tumor-bearing mice with spliceosome and NF-κB inhibitors exerted a synergistic effect on MES GBM growth.

Conclusion: We identified a novel mechanism through which RSRP1-dependent splicing promotes the GBM MES phenotype. Targeting AS via RSRP1-related spliceosomal factors might constitute a promising treatment for GBM.