The utility of splicing factor SRSF1 in gliomas grading: A meta-analysis.

Introduction: The grading of glial tumors is based on morphological and sometimes on molecular features. Many markers have been assessed in order to grade the glial tumours without a real consensus. Some authors reported that SRSF1, a spiling factor, presents an expression correlated to the tumours grades.

Aim: In this study, we aimed to assess the utility of the SRSF1 into the grading of gliomas based on its immunohistochemical expression.

Methods: The authors conducted a meta-analysis under the PRISMA guidelines during a 10-year-period (2013-2023). The Meta-Disc software 5.4 (free version) was used. Q test and I2 statistics were carried out to explore the heterogeneity among studies. Meta-regression was performed in case of significant heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using the funnel plot test and the Egger's test (free version JASP).

Results: According to the inclusion criteria, 4 studies from 193 articles were included. The pooled SEN, SPE and DOR accounted respectively for 0.592, 0.565 and 1.852. The AUC was estimated to 0.558 suggesting a bad diagnostic accuracy. The heterogeneity in the pooled SEN and SPE was statistically significant. The meta-regression analysis focusing on the technique used, the clones, the dilution, the interpretation technique revealed no covariate factors (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Even if this meta-analysis highlighted the absence of a real diagnostic utility of the SRSF1 in grading the glial tumours, the heterogeneity revealed reinforces the need for more prospective studies performed according to the quality assessment criteria.