CPEB3 suppresses gastric cancer progression by inhibiting ADAR1-mediated RNA editing via localizing ADAR1 mRNA to P bodies

Deciphering the crosstalk between RNA-binding proteins and corresponding RNAs will provide a better understanding of gastric cancer (GC) progression. The comprehensive bioinformatics study identified cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein 3 (CPEB3) might play a vital role in GC progression. Then we found CPEB3 was downregulated in GC and correlated with prognosis. In addition, CPEB3 suppressed GC cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro, as well as tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistic study demonstrated CPEB3 interacted with 3′-UTR of ADAR1 mRNA through binding to CPEC nucleotide element, and then inhibited its translation by localizing it to processing bodies (P bodies), eventually leading to the suppression of ADAR1-mediated RNA editing. Microscale thermophoresis assay further revealed that the direct interaction between CPEB3 and GW182, the P-body’s major component, was through the 440-698AA region of CPEB3 binding to the 403-860AA region of GW182. Finally, AAV9-CPEB3 was developed and administrated in mouse models to assess its potential value in gene therapy. We found AAV9-CPEB3 inhibited GC growth and metastasis. Besides, AAV9-CPEB3 induced hydropic degeneration in mouse liver, but did not cause kidney damage. These findings concluded that CPEB3 suppresses GC progression by inhibiting ADAR1-mediated RNA editing via localizing ADAR1 mRNA to P bodies.