Srsf7, or serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 7, is an essential RNA-binding protein. It is involved in multiple RNA processing aspects such as alternative splicing, mRNA nuclear export, stability, and translation [2,5]. Srsf7 has been associated with pathways related to cell growth, death, and immune response [4,6]. Genetic models, like gene knockout (KO) mouse models, are valuable for studying its functions.

Knockdown of Srsf7 in senescent cells leads to p53-mediated senescence through generation of MDM2 variants, suggesting its role in cell senescence [2]. In glioblastoma, Srsf7 acts as a novel m6A regulator, promoting cell proliferation and migration by facilitating m6A methylation near its binding sites on relevant mRNAs [1]. In colon and lung cancer cells, Srsf7 knockdown inhibits proliferation and enhances apoptosis, and it regulates the splicing of the apoptosis regulator Fas [5]. In murine diabetic kidney disease, diabetes downregulates Srsf7 in the proximal tubule, and in vitro knockdown induces a pro-inflammatory phenotype [3].

In summary, Srsf7 is crucial in various biological processes including cell growth, senescence, and apoptosis. Its misregulation is associated with diseases such as glioblastoma, colon and lung cancer, and diabetic kidney disease. Studies using KO or knockdown models have been instrumental in uncovering its role in these disease conditions, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets.

References:

1. Cun, Yixian, An, Sanqi, Zheng, Haiqing, Wang, Jinkai, Li, Jun. 2021. Specific Regulation of m6A by SRSF7 Promotes the Progression of Glioblastoma. In Genomics, proteomics & bioinformatics, 21, 707-728. doi:10.1016/j.gpb.2021.11.001. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34954129/

2. Hong, Jiwon, Min, Seongki, Yoon, Gyesoon, Lim, Su Bin. 2023. SRSF7 downregulation induces cellular senescence through generation of MDM2 variants. In Aging, 15, 14591-14606. doi:10.18632/aging.205420. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38159247/

3. Wu, Haojia, Gonzalez Villalobos, Romer, Yao, Xiang, Breyer, Matthew D, Humphreys, Benjamin D. 2022. Mapping the single-cell transcriptomic response of murine diabetic kidney disease to therapies. In Cell metabolism, 34, 1064-1078.e6. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2022.05.010. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35709763/

4. Zhao, Lingcai, Li, Shengmin, Deng, Lulu, Xia, Jun, Ping, Jihui. 2024. Host-specific SRSF7 regulates polymerase activity and replication of influenza A virus. In Microbes and infection, 26, 105401. doi:10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105401. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39134172/

5. Fu, Yu, Wang, Yingze. 2018. SRSF7 knockdown promotes apoptosis of colon and lung cancer cells. In Oncology letters, 15, 5545-5552. doi:10.3892/ol.2018.8072. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29556298/

6. Shen, Wei, Yuan, Lebin, Cheng, Fei, Wu, Zhao, Li, Xiaodong. 2023. SRSF7 is a promising prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma and is associated with immune infiltration. In Genes & genomics, 46, 49-64. doi:10.1007/s13258-023-01463-w. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37985547/