The roles of m6A methylation in cervical cancer: functions, molecular mechanisms, and clinical applications

m6A methylation modification: Potential pathways to suppress osteosarcoma metastasis

Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive malignant bone tumor prone to metastasis, and its metastatic process is one of the main reasons for treatment failure and poor prognosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that modification of m6A methylation plays an important role in osteosarcoma metastasis, influencing both invasion and metastasis through various signaling pathways. Therefore, clarification of the specific effects of m6A methylation modification in osteosarcoma may reveal ways to improve the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. The roles of various components involved in the m6A methylation modification process in osteosarcoma have been investigated, with studies focusing more on their effects than on their mechanisms. In this review, we focus on the interactions between the "writers," "erasers," and "readers" of m6A methylation and tumor metastasis-related factors to enhance the understanding of osteosarcoma and m6A methylation modification, with the aim of identifying clinical diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for osteosarcoma metastasis.

Cross-talk between cuproptosis and ferroptosis to identify immune landscape in cervical cancer for mRNA vaccines development

Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines present a promising avenue for cancer immunotherapy; however, their application in cervical cancer remains unexplored. This study investigated the interplay between the regulated cell death pathways of cuproptosis and ferroptosis to advance the development of mRNA vaccines for cervical cancer. We identified key cuproptosis-related and ferroptosis-related genes (CFRGs) from public mRNA profiles and determined their prognostic significance, mutation frequencies, and effect on the immune landscape. Our analysis revealed two distinct subtypes of cervical cancer associated with CFRGs, with differences in prognosis and immune characteristics. Using LASSO, XGBoost, and SVM-RFE methods, we established a 4-gene prognostic signature (TSC22D3, SQLE, ZNF419, and TFRC) to stratify patients based on their risk and determine its correlation with immune microenvironment, mutation profiles, and treatment responses. RT-qPCR validation confirmed the differential expression of these genes in clinical samples. Our findings identify TSC22D3, SQLE, ZNF419, and TFRC as candidate targets for mRNA vaccine development and offer a potential prognostic tool for personalized cervical cancer treatment.

Detecting the Tumor Prognostic Factors From the YTH Domain Family Through Integrative Pan-Cancer Analysis

Objectives

Emerging evidence suggests that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation plays a critical role in cancers through various mechanisms. This work aims to reveal the essential role of m6A methylation "readers" in regulation of cancer prognosis at the pan-cancer level.

Methods

Herein, we focused on one special protein family of the "readers" of m6A methylation, YT521-B homology (YTH) domain family genes, which were observed to be frequently dysregulated in tumor tissues and closely associated with cancer prognosis. Then, a comprehensive analysis of modulation in cancer prognosis was conducted by integrating RNA sequencing (RNAseq) datasets of YTH family genes and clinical information at the pan-cancer level.

Results

YTH family genes were significantly differentially expressed in most of the cancers, particularly increased in Gastrointestinal cancers, and decreased in Endocrine and Urologic cancers. In addition, they were observed to be associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) with various extent, especially in lower grade glioma (LGG), thyroid cancer (THCA), liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) and kidney clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), so were some "writers" (METLL3, METLL14, WTAP) and "erasers" (FTO, ALKBH5). Further survival analysis illustrated that YTH family genes specifically YTHScore constructed by combining 5 YTH family genes, as well as RWEScore calculated by combining genes from "readers"-"writers"-"erasers" could dramatically distinguish tumor prognosis in 4 representative cancers. As expected, YTHScore presented an equally comparable prognostic classification with RWEScore. Finally, analysis of immune signatures and clinical characteristics implied that, the activity of the innate immune, diagnostic age, clinical stage, Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage and immune types, might play specific roles in modulating tumor prognosis.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that YTH family genes had the potential to predict tumor prognosis, in which the YTHScore illustrated equal ability to predict tumor prognosis compared to RWEScore, thus providing insights into prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets at the pan-cancer level.

METTL3 facilitates the progression of cervical cancer by m6A modification-mediated up-regulation of NEK2

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent modification found in eukaryotic RNA and played a significant role in various cancers. However, the mechanism by which m6A modification influences cervical cancer (CC) tumorigenesis remains unclear. Therefore, we aim to elucidate the role and mechanism of METTL3 in CC progression. In the present study, we observed a significant upregulation of METTL3 in CC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of METTL3 resulted in reduced growth, migration, and invasion of CC cells, as well as affected apoptosis, while overexpression of METTL3 reversed these effects. Through a combined analysis of meRIP-seq and Ribo-seq data following METTL3 knockdown, NEK2 was identified as a key target of METTL3 in CC cells. Correlation analysis, MeRIP-qPCR, and luciferase reporter assay suggested that METTL3 regulates NEK2 expression through m6A modification. NEK2 synergized with METTL3 to mediate the malignant phenotype of CC cells. The METTL3-NEK2 axis promoted CC progression by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inhibiting the apoptosis pathway. In conclusion, METTL3 facilitated the malignant progression of CC and contributed to the formation of the METTL3-NEK2 regulatory axis in an m6A-dependent manner, which represented a potential target for CC therapy.

METTL3-Mediated N 6 -Methyladenosine mRNA Modification and cGAS-STING Pathway Activity in Kidney Fibrosis

Background

Chemical modifications on RNA profoundly affect RNA function and regulation. m6A, the most abundant RNA modification in eukaryotes, plays a pivotal role in diverse cellular processes and disease mechanisms. However, its importance is understudied in human CKD samples regarding its influence on pathological mechanisms.

Methods

Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing were used to examine alterations in m6A levels and patterns in CKD samples. Overexpression of the m6A writer METTL3 in cultured kidney tubular cells was performed to confirm the effect of m6A in tubular cells and explore the biological functions of m6A modification on target genes. In addition, tubule-specific deletion of Mettl3 (Ksp-Cre Mettl3f/f) mice and antisense oligonucleotides inhibiting Mettl3 expression were used to reduce m6A modification in an animal kidney disease model.

Results

By examining 127 human CKD samples, we observed a significant increase in m6A modification and METTL3 expression in diseased kidneys. Epitranscriptomic analysis unveiled an enrichment of m6A modifications in transcripts associated with the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, particularly the cyclic guanosine monophosphate–AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway. m6A hypermethylation increased mRNA stability in cGAS and STING1 as well as elevated the expression of key proteins within the cGAS-STING pathway. Both the tubule-specific deletion of Mettl3 and the use of antisense oligonucleotides to inhibit Mettl3 expression protected mice from inflammation, reduced cytokine expression, decreased immune cell recruitment, and attenuated kidney fibrosis.

Conclusions

Our research revealed heightened METTL3-mediated m6A modification in fibrotic kidneys, particularly enriching the cGAS-STING pathway. This hypermethylation increased mRNA stability for cGAS and STING1, leading to sterile inflammation and fibrosis.

BaP/BPDE exposure causes human trophoblast cell dysfunctions and induces miscarriage by up-regulating lnc-HZ06-regulated IL1B

Exposure to environmental BaP or its metabolite BPDE causes trophoblast cell dysfunctions to induce miscarriage (abnormal early embryo loss), which might be generally regulated by lncRNAs. IL1B, a critical inflammatory cytokine, is closely associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, whether IL1B might cause dysfunctions of BaP/BPDE-exposed trophoblast cells to induce miscarriage, as well as its specific epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, is completely unexplored. In this study, we find that BPDE-DNA adducts, trophoblast cell dysfunctions, and miscarriage are closely associated. Moreover, we also identify a novel lnc-HZ06 and IL1B, both of which are highly expressed in BPDE-exposed trophoblast cells, in villous tissues of recurrent miscarriage patients, and in placental tissues of BaP-exposed mice with miscarriage. Both lnc-HZ06 and IL1B suppress trophoblast cell migration/invasion and increase apoptosis. In mechanism, lnc-HZ06 promotes STAT4-mediated IL1B mRNA transcription, enhances IL1B mRNA stability by promoting the formation of METTL3/HuR/IL1B mRNA ternary complex, and finally up-regulates IL1B expression levels. BPDE exposure promotes TBP-mediated lnc-HZ06 transcription, and thus up-regulates IL1B levels. Knockdown of either murine lnc-hz06 (which down-regulates Il1b levels) or murine Il1b could alleviate miscarriage in BaP-exposed mice. Collectively, this study not only discovers novel biological mechanisms and pathogenesis of unexplained miscarriage but also provides novel potential targets for treatment against BaP/BPDE-induced miscarriage.

Writers, readers, and erasers RNA modifications and drug resistance in cancer

Drug resistance in cancer cells significantly diminishes treatment efficacy, leading to recurrence and metastasis. A critical factor contributing to this resistance is the epigenetic alteration of gene expression via RNA modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), 7-methylguanosine (m7G), pseudouridine (Ψ), and adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing. These modifications are pivotal in regulating RNA splicing, translation, transport, degradation, and stability. Governed by "writers," "readers," and "erasers," RNA modifications impact numerous biological processes and cancer progression, including cell proliferation, stemness, autophagy, invasion, and apoptosis. Aberrant RNA modifications can lead to drug resistance and adverse outcomes in various cancers. Thus, targeting RNA modification regulators offers a promising strategy for overcoming drug resistance and enhancing treatment efficacy. This review consolidates recent research on the role of prevalent RNA modifications in cancer drug resistance, with a focus on m6A, m1A, m5C, m7G, Ψ, and A-to-I editing. Additionally, it examines the regulatory mechanisms of RNA modifications linked to drug resistance in cancer and underscores the existing limitations in this field.

The Role of m6A Methylation in Tumor Immunity and Immune-Associated Disorder

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) represents the most prevalent and significant internal modification in mRNA, with its critical role in gene expression regulation and cell fate determination increasingly recognized in recent research. The immune system, essential for defense against infections and maintaining internal stability through interactions with other bodily systems, is significantly influenced by m6A modification. This modification acts as a key post-transcriptional regulator of immune responses, though its effects on different immune cells vary across diseases. This review delineates the impact of m6A modification across major system-related cancers-including those of the respiratory, digestive, endocrine, nervous, urinary reproductive, musculoskeletal system malignancies, as well as acute myeloid leukemia and autoimmune diseases. We explore the pathogenic roles of m6A RNA modifications within the tumor immune microenvironment and the broader immune system, highlighting how RNA modification regulators interact with immune pathways during disease progression. Furthermore, we discuss how the expression patterns of these regulators can influence disease susceptibility to immunotherapy, facilitating the development of diagnostic and prognostic models and pioneering new therapeutic approaches. Overall, this review emphasizes the challenges and prospective directions of m6A-related immune regulation in various systemic diseases throughout the body.

Mechanism insights and therapeutic intervention of tumor metastasis: latest developments and perspectives

Metastasis remains a pivotal characteristic of cancer and is the primary contributor to cancer-associated mortality. Despite its significance, the mechanisms governing metastasis are not fully elucidated. Contemporary findings in the domain of cancer biology have shed light on the molecular aspects of this intricate process. Tumor cells undergoing invasion engage with other cellular entities and proteins en route to their destination. Insights into these engagements have enhanced our comprehension of the principles directing the movement and adaptability of metastatic cells. The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in facilitating the invasion and proliferation of cancer cells by enabling tumor cells to navigate through stromal barriers. Such attributes are influenced by genetic and epigenetic changes occurring in the tumor cells and their surrounding milieu. A profound understanding of the metastatic process's biological mechanisms is indispensable for devising efficacious therapeutic strategies. This review delves into recent developments concerning metastasis-associated genes, important signaling pathways, tumor microenvironment, metabolic processes, peripheral immunity, and mechanical forces and cancer metastasis. In addition, we combine recent advances with a particular emphasis on the prospect of developing effective interventions including the most popular cancer immunotherapies and nanotechnology to combat metastasis. We have also identified the limitations of current research on tumor metastasis, encompassing drug resistance, restricted animal models, inadequate biomarkers and early detection methods, as well as heterogeneity among others. It is anticipated that this comprehensive review will significantly contribute to the advancement of cancer metastasis research.

Exploring MiR-484 Regulation by Polyalthia longifolia: A Promising Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Cervical Cancer through Integrated Bioinformatics and an In Vitro Analysis

BACKGROUND

MiR-484, implicated in various carcinomas, holds promise as a prognostic marker, yet its relevance to cervical cancer (CC) remains unclear. Our prior study demonstrated the Polyalthia longifolia downregulation of miR-484, inhibiting HeLa cells. This study investigates miR-484's potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in CC through integrated bioinformatics and an in vitro analysis.

METHODS

MiR-484 levels were analyzed across cancers, including CC, from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The limma R package identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high- and low-miR-484 CC cohorts. We assessed biological functions, tumor microenvironment (TME), immunotherapy, stemness, hypoxia, RNA methylation, and chemosensitivity differences. Prognostic genes relevant to miR-484 were identified through Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses, and a prognostic model was captured via multivariate Cox regression. Single-cell RNA sequencing determined cell populations related to prognostic genes. qRT-PCR validated key genes, and the miR-484 effect on CC proliferation was assessed via an MTT assay.

RESULTS

MiR-484 was upregulated in most tumors, including CC, with DEGs enriched in skin development, PI3K signaling, and immune processes. High miR-484 expression correlated with specific immune cell infiltration, hypoxia, and drug sensitivity. Prognostic genes identified were predominantly epidermal and stratified patients with CC into risk groups, with the low-risk group showing enhanced survival and immunotherapeutic responses. qRT-PCR confirmed FGFR3 upregulation in CC cells, and an miR-484 mimic reversed the P. longifolia inhibitory effect on HeLa proliferation.

CONCLUSION

MiR-484 plays a crucial role in the CC progression and prognosis, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for targeted therapy.

A portable all-in-one microfluidic device with real-time colorimetric LAMP for HPV16 and HPV18 DNA point-of-care testing

Screening for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most important preventative measures for cervical cancer. However, fast, convenient, and low-cost HPV detection remains challenging, especially in resource-limited settings. Here, we report a portable all-in-one device (PAD) for point-of-care testing (POCT) for HPV16 and HPV18 DNA in cervical swabs. The PAD was engineered to integrate modules for extraction-free sample lysis, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with lyophilized reagent beads, and real-time colorimetric signal sensing into a single miniaturized device, considerably shortening the sample-to-result time to 15 min. The precision liquid handling in the completely sealed microfluidic chip is achieved by a uniquely designed pressure-balanced automatic liquid flow mechanism, thereby eliminating the need for manual manipulation of liquids and thus the risk of biohazards. The PAD employs an improved real-time colorimetric LAMP (rcLAMP) assay with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 copy/μL, enabled by enhanced assay chemistry to maximize the reaction kinetics. To validate this device for clinical application, we tested 206 clinical cervical swab samples and obtained a sensitivity of 92.1% and a specificity of 99.0%. This custom PAD enabled by microfluidic and electronic engineering techniques can be configured for the simultaneous detection of HPV16 and HPV18 or other pathogens in point-of-care applications.

RBM15-Mediated N6-Methyl Adenosine (m6A) Modification of EZH2 Drives the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Cervical Cancer

RBM15 functions as an oncogene in multi-type cancers. However, the reports on the roles of RBM15 in cervical cancer are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potentials of RBM15 in cervical cancer. RT-qPCR was conducted to determine mRNA levels. Western was carried out to detect protein expression. CCK-8, colony formation and EdU assays were conducted to determine cell proliferation. Scratch and transwell assays were conducted to determine cell migration and invasion. MeRIP assay was conducted to determine N6-methyl adenosine (m6A) levels. Luciferase assay was conducted to verify the m6A sites of EZH2 and binding sites between EZH2 and promoter of FN1. ChIP assay was conducted to verify the interaction between EZH2 and FN1. The results showed that RBM15 was upregulated in cervical cancer patients and cells. Moreover, high levels of RBM15 predicted poor clinical outcomes. RBM15 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cervical cancer cells. RBM15 promoted the m6A modification of EZH2 as well as its protein translation. Additionally, EZH2 bound to the promoter of fibronectin 1 (FN1) and EZH2-FN1 axis is the cascade downstream of RBM15. Overexpressed EZH2 antagonized the effects of RBM15 knockdown and promoted the aggressiveness of cervical cancer cells. In summary, RBM15/EZH2/FN1 signaling cascade induces the proliferation and EMT of cervical cancer. Therefore, RBM15/EZH2/FN1 signaling may be a promising strategy for cervical cancer.