Search

Cancer-associated mutations of the core splicing factor 3 B1 (SF3B1) result in selection of novel 3′ splice sites (3′SS), but precise molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis remain unclear. SF3B1 stabilizes the interaction between U2 snRNP and branch point (BP) on the pre-mRNA. It has hence been speculated that a change in BP selection is the basis for novel 3′SS selection. Direct quantitative determination of BP utilization is however technically challenging. To define BP utilization by SF3B1-mutant spliceosomes, we used an overexpression approach in human cells as well as a complementary strategy using isogenic murine embryonic stem cells with monoallelic K700E mutations constructed via CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing and a dual vector homology-directed repair methodology. A synthetic minigene library with degenerate regions in 3′ intronic regions (3.4 million individual minigenes) was used to compare BP usage of SF3B1K700E and SF3B1WT. Using this model, we show that SF3B1K700E spliceosomes utilize non-canonical sequence variants (at position −1 relative to BP adenosine) more frequently than wild-type spliceosomes. These predictions were confirmed using minigene splicing assays. Our results suggest a model of BP utilization by mutant SF3B1 wherein it is able to utilize non-consensus alternative BP sequences by stabilizing weaker U2-BP interactions.

Recurrent mutations in core splicing factors have been reported in several clonal disorders, including cancers. Mutations in SF3B1, a component of the U2 splicing complex, are the most common. SF3B1 mutations are associated with aberrant pre-mRNA splicing using cryptic 3' splice sites (3'SSs), but the mechanism of their selection is not clear. To understand how cryptic 3'SSs are selected, we performed comprehensive analysis of transcriptome-wide changes to splicing and gene expression associated with SF3B1 mutations in patient samples as well as an experimental model of inducible expression. Hundreds of cryptic 3'SS were detectable across the genome in cells expressing mutant SF3B1. These 3'SS are typically sequestered within RNA secondary structures and poorly accessible compared with their corresponding canonical 3'SS. We hypothesized that these cryptic 3'SS are inaccessible during normal splicing catalysis and that this constraint is overcome in spliceosomes containing mutant SF3B1. This model of secondary structure-dependent selection of cryptic 3'SS was found across multiple clonal processes associated with SF3B1 mutations (myelodysplastic syndrome and chronic lymphocytic leukemia). We validated our model predictions in mini-gene splicing assays. Additionally, we found deregulated expression of proteins with relevant functions in splicing factor-related diseases both in association with aberrant splicing and without corresponding splicing changes. Our results show that SF3B1 mutations are associated with a distinct splicing program shared across multiple clonal processes and define a biochemical mechanism for altered 3'SS choice.

The malaria SYBR green assay, which is used to profile in vitro drug susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum , is a reliable drug screening and surveillance tool. Malaria field surveillance efforts provide isolates with various low levels of parasitemia. To be advantageous, malaria drug sensitivity assays should perform reproducibly among various starting parasitemia levels rather than at one fixed initial value. We examined the SYBR green assay standardized procedure developed by the Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN) for its sensitivity and ability to accurately determine the drug concentration that inhibits parasite growth by 50% (IC 50 ) in samples with a range of initial parasitemia levels. The initial sensitivity determination of the WWARN procedure yielded a detection limit of 0.019% parasitemia. P. falciparum laboratory strains and field isolates with various levels of initial parasitemia were then subjected to a range of doses of common antimalarials. The IC 50 s were comparable for laboratory strains with between 0.0375% and 0.6% parasitemia and for field isolates with between 0.075% and 0.6% parasitemia for all drugs tested. Furthermore, assay quality (Z′) analysis indicated that the WWARN procedure displays high robustness, allowing for drug testing of malaria field samples within the derived range of initial parasitemia. The use of the WWARN procedure should allow for the inclusion of more malaria field samples in malaria drug sensitivity screens that would have otherwise been excluded due to low initial parasitemia levels.

Whole genome sequencing has recently revealed the prevalence of mutations in proteins directing splicing of RNA in up to half of the patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Mutations in the protein SF3B1 are particularly common in MDS patients with the phenotypic abnormality termed ring sideroblasts (dysplastic erythroid precursors with perinculear rings formed by iron-laden mitochondria). The most common SF3B1 mutation in MDS patients results in a change from lysine to glutamic acid at amino acid position 700 (K700E). Given that splicing of RNA is a ubiquitous phenomenon, it is unclear how these mutations result in clonal proliferation and dysplastic hematopoiesis; two hallmark features of MDS. Furthermore, direct experimental evidence demonstrating a causative role for SF3B1 mutations in MDS-related phenotypes is lacking. To better understand how mutations of spliceosomal proteins contribute to MDS pathogenesis, we sought to define how expression of mutant SF3B1 changes erythroid maturation in vitro and in vivo. Native SF3B1 cDNA constructs are not amenable to bacterial propagation due to toxicity of its HEAT-domain repeats. We overcame this problem by codon optimization (changing the DNA sequence while preserving the native peptide sequence). Human cord blood derived CD34+ cells were transduced with retroviral vectors to express either the wild-type or K700E mutant of SF3B1. After a week of expansion in cytokines (IL-3, SCF and IL6), cells were induced to erythroid differentiation by addition of erythropoietin (EPO) and analyzed for surface markers of erythroid differentiation (CD 71, CD117, CD105, CD45 and CD235A) at regular intervals. K700E mutant expressing cells were found to have significantly reduced expression of CD105 when compared to wild-type SF3B1-expressing cells (average 50% recuction, n =8). CD105 or endoglin is a TGF-beta receptor accessory receptor expressed at high levels during intermediate stages of erythroid maturation. A more modest reduction of CD71 expression was also noted in K700E-SF3B1 cells. MDS bone marrow is known to express low levels of both CD105 and CD71 making our results clinically relevant. To further characterize how mutant SF3B1 may cause dysplastic hematopoiesis, we studied transduced and transplanted murine progenitor cells in vivo and in colony forming assays. Murine data demonstrate significantly reduced K700E-transduced hematopoietic progenitors (as defined by flow-cytometry) in vivo and impaired erythroid colony formation in vitro. Together, our results suggest that enforced expression of K700E-SF3B1 induces aberrant erythroid maturation and impairs homeostasis of hematopoietic precursor cells. Thus, we provide direct evidence that MDS-associated SF3B1 mutations perturb normal hematopoiesis and offer rationale for using our complementary experimental approach as a platform for elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which mutations in RNA splicing factors promote hematologic disease. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.