Overexpression of iASPP-SV in glioma is associated with poor prognosis by promoting cell viability and antagonizing apoptosis

Inhibitor of apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 (iASPP), encoded by PPP1R13L gene, is often overexpressed in human cancers. From the PPP1R13L gene, at least two isoforms, iASPP-L and iASPP-SV, are produced through alternative splicing. However, the role of these isoforms in glioma is still elusive. In this study, we examined the expression of iASPP-SV in astrocytic glioma tissues with different grades and normal human cerebral tissues. The result showed a higher messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level of iASPP-SV in astrocytic glioma patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade II to IV in comparison to the normal controls. Additionally, mRNA expression level of iASPP-SV was gradually increased with the raise of the grade in glioma. High mRNA expression level of iASPP-SV was significantly associated with malignant WHO grades (P < 0.001). The protein expression level of iASPP-SV was consistent with the mRNA expression level. The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that high iASPP-SV mRNA expression significantly affected overall survival and progression-free survival (both P < 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate analysis indicated that the mRNA expression of iASPP-SV was an independent prognostic marker in glioma (P < 0.001). To further explore the role of iASPP-SV in glioma, U87 cells were transfected with iASPP-SV by lentivirus and then treated with temozolomide (TMZ). Overexpression of iASPP-SV promoted the cell viability and downregulated the expression of pro-apoptosis genes (Bax, Puma, p21, and Noxa) to inhibit apoptosis induced by TMZ. Our study provides the first evidence that high iASPP-SV expression may be a novel prognostic factor and therapeutic target for glioma.