SAM68-specific splicing is required for proper selection of alternative 3'UTR isoforms in the nervous system

Neuronal alternative splicing is dynamically regulated in a spatiotemporal fashion. We previously found that STAR family proteins (SAM68, SLM1, SLM2) regulate spatiotemporal alternative splicing in the nervous system. However, the whole aspect of alternative splicing programs governed by STARs remains unclear. We deciphered the alternative splicing programs of SAM68 and SLM1 proteins using transcriptomics. We reveal that SAM68 and SLM1 encode distinct alternative splicing programs; SAM68 preferentially controls alternative last exon (ALE) splicing. Interleukin 1-receptor accessory protein (Il1rap) is a novel target for SAM68. The usage of Il1rap ALEs results in mainly two variants encoding two functionally different isoforms, a membrane-bound (mIL1RAcP) and a soluble (sIL1RAcP) type. The brain exclusively expresses mIL1RAcP. SAM68 knockout results in remarkable conversion into sIL1RAcP in the brain, which significantly disturbs IL1RAcP neuronal function. Thus, we uncover the critical role of proper neuronal isoform selection through ALE choice by the SAM68-specific splicing program. To decipher alternative splicing programs controlled by neural RNA binding proteins SAM68 and SLM1, candidate RNA substrates were screened using the midbrain of three wild-type, three SLM1 single knockout (Slm1 KO) and three SAM68/SLM1 double-knockout (Sam68/Slm1 DKO) mice.