Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 6 dependent gene expression and splicing: Association with breast cancer outcomes

Protein arginine methyltransferase-6 (PRMT6) regulates steroid-dependent transcription and alternative splicing, and is implicated in endocrine system development and function, cell death, cell cycle, gene expression and cancer. Despite its role in these processes, little is known about its function and cellular targets in breast cancer. To identify novel gene targets regulated by PRMT6 in breast cancer cells, we used a combination of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and exon-specific microarray profiling in vitro, coupled to in vivo validation in normal breast and primary human breast tumours. This approach, which allows the examination of genome-wide changes in individual exon usage and total transcript levels, demonstrated PRMT6 knockdown significantly affected: (i) the transcription of 159 genes, and (ii) alternate splicing of 449 genes. Importantly, the levels of PRMT6 itself were significantly decreased in breast cancer, relative to normal breast tissue. The PRMT6 dependent transcriptional and alternative splicing targets identified in vitro, were validated in human breast tumours. Notably, expression of PRMT6 and the corresponding gene signature, correlated with decreased probability of relapse-free or distant metastasis free survival in ER+ breast cancer. These results suggest that dysregulation of PRMT6 dependent transcription and alternative splicing may be involved in breast cancer pathophysiology and the molecular consequences identifying a unique and informative biomarker profile.

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Dowhan DH, Harrison MJ, Eriksson NA, Bailey P, Pearen MA, Fuller PJ, Funder JW, Simpson ER, Leedman PJ, Tilley WD, Brown MA, Clarke CL, Muscat GE