Long non-coding RNA DARS-AS1 promotes tumor progression by suppressing PACT-mediated PKR activation
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ABSTRACT: Cancer cells evolve various mechanisms to overcome cellular stresses and maintain progression. Protein kinase R (PKR) and its protein activator (PACT) are the initial responders in monitoring diverse stress signals and lead to cell proliferation inhibition and cell apoptosis in consequence. However, the regulation of PACT-PKR pathway in cancer cells is largely unknown. Herein, we identify that the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) aspartyl-tRNA synthetase antisense RNA 1 (DARS-AS1) is directly involved in the inhibition of the PACT-PKR pathway and promotes cancer cell proliferation. Using large-scale CRISPRi functional screening of 971 cancer-associated lncRNAs, we find that DARS-AS1 is associated with significantly enhanced cancer cell proliferation. Accordingly, knocking down DARS-AS1 inhibits cell proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines and promotes cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and significantly reduces tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, DARS-AS1 directly binds to the activator domain of PACT and prevents PACT-PKR interaction, thereby decreasing PKR activation, eIF2α phosphorylation and inhibiting apoptotic cell death. Clinically, DARS-AS1 is broadly expressed across multiple cancers and the increased expression of this lncRNA indicates poor prognosis. This study elucidates the lncRNA DARS-AS1 directed cancer-specific modulation of the PACT-PKR pathway and provides a novel target for cancer prognosis and therapeutic treatment.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE197980 | GEO | 2022/05/15
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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