SNRPA upregulation promotes mitochondrial function and drives CRPC aggressiveness

Identifying novel molecular targets for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is crucial. This study examines the expression and functional role of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide A (SNRPA), a core component of the U1 snRNP complex, in CRPC. Bioinformatics analyses indicate a positive correlation between SNRPA overexpression and the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, with high levels linked to poor outcomes. Single-cell RNA data further shows increased SNRPA expression in prostate cancer cells. Expression of SNRPA is also elevated in both locally-treated CRPC tissues and various CRPC cells. Knockdown via shRNA or knockout using CRISPR/Cas9 significantly reduced cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion in CRPC cells, while inducing apoptosis. SNRPA depletion decreased complex I activity, ATP production, and mitochondrial membrane potential, increased reactive oxygen species levels, and downregulated NDUFB8/NDUFS9 expression. In contrast, SNRPA overexpression enhanced the aggressive phenotype of CRPC cells, boosting mitochondrial complex I activity and ATP generation, while upregulating NDUFB8/NDUFS9. In vivo studies using xenograft models further validated the therapeutic potential of targeting SNRPA. SNRPA knockdown significantly inhibited CRPC xenograft growth, reduced ATP levels, and altered redox balance, as evidenced by decreased glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio and increased lipid peroxidation. These effects were accompanied by decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis and downregulated NDUFB8/NDUFS9. Our findings collectively suggest that SNRPA plays a crucial role in driving CRPC progression and represents a promising therapeutic target.