Overexpression of splicing factor poly(rC)-binding protein 1 elicits cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and p73 splicing in human cervical carcinoma cells

Background Splicing factor poly(rC)-binding protein 1 (PCBP1) is a novel tumor suppressor that is downregulated in many cancers thereby regulates tumor formation and metastasis. However, to date, little information has been available on the molecular mechanisms by which PCBP1 evokes apoptosis.Results Here, we explored the molecular mechanism by which PCBP1 triggers apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells. We testified that overexpression of PCBP1 greatly repressed proliferation of HeLa cells in time-dependent manner. It also induced a significant increase in G2 / M phase arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, it was shown that overexpression of PCBP1 caused p73 splicing, and thus efficiently downregulated the ratio of Bax / Bcl-2, the release of cytochrome c and the expression of caspase-3.Conclusion Our results revealed that PCBP1 played a vital role in cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and p73 splicing in human cervical carcinoma cells and targeting PCBP1 may be a promising approach in cervical cancer therapy.