RBX1 regulates PKM alternative splicing to facilitate anaplastic thyroid carcinoma metastasis and aerobic glycolysis by destroying the SMAR1/HDAC6 complex

BACKGROUND: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies, frequently accompanied by metastasis and aerobic glycolysis. Cancer cells adjust their metabolism by modulating the PKM alternative splicing and facilitating PKM2 isoform expression. Therefore, identifying factors and mechanisms that control PKM alternative splicing is significant for overcoming the current challenges in ATC treatment. RESULTS: In this study, the expression of RBX1 was largely enhanced in the ATC tissues. Our clinical tests suggested that high RBX1 expression was significantly related to poor survival. The functional analysis indicated that RBX1 facilitated the metastasis of ATC cells by enhancing the Warburg effect, and PKM2 played a key role in RBX1-mediated aerobic glycolysis. Furthermore, we confirmed that RBX1 regulates PKM alternative splicing and promotes the PKM2-mediated Warburg effect in ATC cells. Moreover, ATC cell migration and aerobic glycolysis induced by RBX1-mediated PKM alternative splicing are dependent on the destruction of the SMAR1/HDAC6 complex. RBX1, as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, degrades SMAR1 in ATC through the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. CONCLUSION: Overall, our study identified the mechanism underlying the regulation of PKM alternative splicing in ATC cells for the first time and provides evidence about the effect of RBX1 on cellular adaptation to metabolic stress. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-023-00987-8.