Pbp1 associates with Puf3 and promotes translation of its target mRNAs involved in mitochondrial biogenesis.

Pbp1 (poly(A)-binding protein-binding protein 1) is a cytoplasmic stress granule marker that is capable of forming condensates that function in the negative regulation of TORC1 signaling under respiratory conditions. Polyglutamine expansions in its mammalian ortholog ataxin-2 lead to spinocerebellar dysfunction due to toxic protein aggregation. Here, we show that loss of Pbp1 in S. cerevisiae leads to decreased amounts of mRNAs and mitochondrial proteins which are targets of Puf3, a member of the PUF (Pumilio and FBF) family of RNA-binding proteins. We found that Pbp1 supports the translation of Puf3-target mRNAs in respiratory conditions, such as those involved in the assembly of cytochrome c oxidase and subunits of mitochondrial ribosomes. We further show that Pbp1 and Puf3 interact through their respective low complexity domains, which is required for Puf3-target mRNA translation. Our findings reveal a key role for Pbp1-containing assemblies in enabling the translation of mRNAs critical for mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration. They may further explain prior associations of Pbp1/ataxin-2 with RNA, stress granule biology, mitochondrial function, and neuronal health.

Phase II pilot study of the prednisone to dexamethasone switch in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients with limited progression on abiraterone plus prednisone (SWITCH study).

BACKGROUND: Despite most metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients benefit from abiraterone acetate plus prednisone 5 mg bid (AA + P), resistance eventually occurs. Long-term use of prednisone has been suggested as one of the mechanisms driving resistance, which may be reversed by switching to another steroid. METHODS: SWITCH was a single-arm, open-label, single-stage phase II study. The primary objective was to evaluate the antitumour activity of abiraterone acetate plus dexamethasone 0.5 mg daily (AA + D) in mCRPC patients progressing to AA + P. Clinically stable mCRPC patients who had prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or limited radiographic progression after at least 12 weeks on AA + P, were eligible. The primary endpoint was measured as the proportion of patients achieving a PSA decline of ≥ 30% (PSA30) from baseline after 6 weeks on AA + D. Secondary endpoints included: PSA50 response rate at 12 weeks, time to biochemical and radiological progression, overall survival, safety profile evaluation, benefit from subsequent treatment lines and the identification of biomarkers of response (AR copy number, TMPRSS2-ERG status and PTEN expression). RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were enrolled. PSA30 and PSA50 were 46.2% and 34.6%, respectively. Median time to biochemical and radiological progression were 5.3 and 11.8 months, respectively. Two radiological responses were observed. Median overall survival was 20.9 months. Patients with AR gain detected in plasma circulating tumour DNA did not respond to switch, whereas patients with AR normal status benefited the most. No significant toxicities were observed and PSA50 response rate to subsequent taxane was 50%. CONCLUSIONS: In selected clinical stable mCRPC patients with limited disease progression on AA + P, a steroid switch from prednisone to dexamethasone can lead to PSA and radiological responses.