microRNA-mediated regulation of splicing factors SRSF1, SRSF2 and hnRNP A1 in context of their alternatively spliced 3′UTRs

SRSF1, SRSF2 and hnRNP A1 are splicing factors that regulate the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. SRSF1 and SRSF2 contribute to the carcinogenesis in the kidney. Despite their importance, the mechanisms regulating their expression in cancer are not entirely understood. Here, we investigated the microRNA-mediated regulation of SRSF1, SRSF2 and hnRNP A1 in renal cancer. The expression of microRNAs predicted to target SRSF1, SRSF2 and hnRNP A1 was disturbed in renal tumors compared with controls. Using qPCR, Western blot/ICC and luciferase reporter system assays we identified microRNAs that contribute to the regulation of expression of SRSF1 (miR-10b-5p, miR-203a-3p), SRSF2 (miR-183-5p, miR-200c-3p), and hnRNP A1 (miR-135a-5p, miR-149-5p). Silencing of SRSF1 and SRSF2 enhanced the expression of their targeting microRNAs. miR-183-5p and miR-200c-3p affected the expression of SRSF2-target genes, TNFRSF1B, TNFRSF9, CRADD and TP53. 3′UTR variants of SRSF1 and SRSF2 differed by the presence of miRNA-binding sites. In conclusion, we identified a group of microRNAs that contribute to the regulation of expression of SRSF1, SRSF2 and hnRNP A1. The microRNAs targeting SRSF1 and SRSF2 are involved in a regulatory feedback loop. microRNAs miR-183-5p and miR-200c-3p that target SRSF2, affect the expression of genes involved in apoptotic regulation. [Display omitted] •A group of microRNAs contributes to the regulation of SRSF1, SRSF2 and hnRNP A1.•microRNAs targeting SRSF1 and SRSF2 are involved in a regulatory feedback loop.•microRNAs that regulate SRSF2 affect also the expression of apoptotic genes.•3′UTR variants of SRSF1 and SRSF2 differ by the presence of miRNA-binding sites.