TUT1 promotes PDAC progression through Alternative Splicing [RNA-seq]

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignant cancer with high lethality rate. In this study, we identify that terminal Uridylyl Transferase 1 (TUT1), a specific terminal uridylyltransferase for U6 snRNA, is required for survival of PDAC, but not for that of normal adult pancreas. Mechanistically, TUT1 uridylylation activity promotes tri-snRNP assembly though facilitating the binding of LSM protein to U6 snRNA. TUT1 deletion leads to global alternative splicing (AS) changes which in turn triggers PDAC cell cycle dysregulation. Here, we reveal a novel function of TUT1 in regulating AS by modulating tri-snRNP levels and identify TUT1 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PDAC. Examination of transcriptome of TUT1 knockdown in mouse pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Examination of transcriptome of TUT1 knockout in mouse healthy pancreas.