Description
Splicing factor 3B subunit 3 is a crucial component of the 17S U2 SnRNP complex within the spliceosome, a large ribonucleoprotein complex responsible for removing introns from transcribed pre-mRNAs. The 17S U2 SnRNP complex is directly involved in the early assembly of the spliceosome and plays a role in identifying the intron branch site during pre-mRNA splicing by facilitating the selection of the pre-mRNA branch-site adenosine, which acts as the nucleophile for the first step of splicing. In mouse models, both overexpression and knockout of SF3B3 significantly influence tumor initiation and progression. For instance, SF3B3 has been shown to enhance tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion in a mouse model of colorectal cancer (CRC). Conversely, knocking out SF3B3 can inhibit the growth and spread of CRC, indicating that SF3B3 may serve as a potential therapeutic target