Somatic Mutational Landscape of Splicing Factor Genes and Their Functional Consequences across 33 Cancer Types

Cell Rep. 2018 Apr 3;23(1):282-296.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.01.088.

Abstract

Hotspot mutations in splicing factor genes have been recently reported at high frequency in hematological malignancies, suggesting the importance of RNA splicing in cancer. We analyzed whole-exome sequencing data across 33 tumor types in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and we identified 119 splicing factor genes with significant non-silent mutation patterns, including mutation over-representation, recurrent loss of function (tumor suppressor-like), or hotspot mutation profile (oncogene-like). Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis revealed altered splicing events associated with selected splicing factor mutations. In addition, we were able to identify common gene pathway profiles associated with the presence of these mutations. Our analysis suggests that somatic alteration of genes involved in the RNA-splicing process is common in cancer and may represent an underappreciated hallmark of tumorigenesis.

Keywords: FUBP1; RBM10; SF3B1; SRSF2; U2AF1; cancer; mutation; splicing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor
  • Humans
  • Loss of Function Mutation
  • Mutation Rate*
  • Neoplasms / classification
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Oncogenes
  • RNA Splicing / genetics
  • RNA Splicing Factors / genetics*

Substances

  • RNA Splicing Factors