PRMT5 prognostic value in cancer

Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) catalyze the methylation of arginine residues on both histones and non-histone proteins. PRMT5, a member of the PRMT family, is overexpressed in a wide variety of cancers and its activity is associated with cell transformation. Moreover, its expression is associated with a decrease in patient survival in several cancers, a rationale for developing highly potent inhibitors of its enzymatic activity. However, most studies do not take into account the subcellular localization of PRMT5, which can modify its properties. Indeed, our team recently showed that PRMT5 nuclear expression is associated with prolonged survival. These results corroborated findings in prostate cancer, in which the nuclear fraction of PRMT5 was responsible for inhibiting cell growth, while the cytoplasmic fraction promoted cell growth. In conclusion, this criterion should be evaluated prior to administering PRMT5 inhibitors, which may have adverse effects.