Protamine 1 as a secreted colorectal cancer-specific antigen facilitating G1/S phase transition under nutrient stress conditions

Abstract

Purpose Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) are optimal tumor diagnostic markers and involved in carcinogenesis. However, colorectal cancer (CRC) related CTAs are less reported with impressive diagnostic capability or relevance with tumor metabolism rewiring. Herein, we demonstrated CRC-related CTA, Protamine 1 (PRM1), as a promising diagnostic marker and involved in regulation of cellular growth under nutrient deficiency. Methods Transcriptomics of five paired CRC tissues was used to screen CRC-related CTAs. Capability of PRM1 to distinguish CRC was studied by detection of clinical samples through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cellular functions were investigated in CRC cell lines through in vivo and in vitro assays. Results By RNA-seq and detection in 824 clinical samples from two centers, PRM1 expression were upregulated in CRC tissues and patients` serum. Serum PRM1 showed impressive accuracy to diagnose CRC from healthy controls and benign gastrointestinal disease patients, particularly more sensitive for early-staged CRC. Furthermore, we reported that when cells were cultured in serum-reduced medium, PRM1 secretion was upregulated, and secreted PRM1 promoted CRC growth in culture and in mice. Additionally, G1/S phase transition of CRC cells was facilitated by PRM1 protein supplementation and overexpression via activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in serum deficient medium. Conclusions In general, our research presented PRM1 as a specific CRC antigen and illustrated the importance of PRM1 in CRC metabolism rewiring. The new vulnerability of CRC cells was also provided with the potential to be targeted in future. Graphical abstract Diagnostic value and grow factor-like biofunction of PRM1 A represents the secretion process of PRM1 regulated by nutrient deficiency. B represents activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway of secreted PRM1.

CircANXA4 (hsa_circ_0055087) regulates the miR-1256/PRM1 axis to promote tumor progression in colorectal cancer

“…Moreover, we observed that PRM1 expression positively correlates with circANXA4 expression, while inversely correlates with miR-1256 expression. This echoes the study reporting that PRM1 is secreted antigen to facilitate G1/S phase transition to respond to nutrient stress in CRC cells [ 14 ].…”

“…How these critical cancer-related factors interact to regulate CRC progression is unexplored. Furthermore, protamine1 (PRM1) facilitates G1/S phase transition in CRC cells by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway [ 14 ].…”