METTL3-stabilized lncRNA SNHG7 accelerates glycolysis in prostate cancer via SRSF1/c-Myc axis.

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as novel players in cancer metabolism. lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 7 (SNHG7) plays an oncogenic role in prostate cancer (PCa). However, the role and mechanism of SNHG7 in PCa metabolism remain largely undefined.

Methods: A cohort of 30 PCa tumors and their counterparts were collected. qRT-PCR was employed to detect target gene expression and RNA stability. CCK-8 assay was used to assess cell viability. N-methyladenosine (mA) level was measured by a commercial kit. Cell glycolysis was evaluated by measuring glucose uptake, lactate, ATP production and Extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). Bioinformatics analysis and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were used to verify the interactions among SNHG7, serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) and c-Myc.

Results: SNHG7 and c-Myc were highly expressed in PCa tissues and cells. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3)-mediated mA modification of SNHG7 and enhanced its stability. Silencing of SNHG7 suppressed proliferation and glycolysis in PCa cells. Mechanistically, SNHG7 regulated c-Myc via interacting with SRSF1. Gain- and loss-of function experiments revealed that SNHG7 promoted glycolysis via SRSF1/c-Myc axis in PC-3 and DU-145 cells.

Conclusion: METTL3-stabilized lncRNA SNHG7 accelerates glycolysis in PCa via SRSF1/c-Myc axis and inspires the understanding of mA roles in lncRNA metabolism and tumor progression.