H19 recruited m6A reader YTHDF1 to promote SCARB1 translation and facilitate angiogenesis in gastric cancer

Examining the evidence for mutual modulation between m6A modification and circular RNAs: current knowledge and future prospects

The resistance of cancer cells to treatment significantly impedes the success of therapy, leading to the recurrence of various types of cancers. Understanding the specific mechanisms of therapy resistance may offer novel approaches for alleviating drug resistance in cancer. Recent research has shown a reciprocal relationship between circular RNAs (circRNAs) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, and their interaction can affect the resistance and sensitivity of cancer therapy. This review aims to summarize the latest developments in the m6A modification of circRNAs and their importance in regulating therapy resistance in cancer. Furthermore, we explore their mutual interaction and exact mechanisms and provide insights into potential future approaches for reversing cancer resistance.

A novel lncRNA LOC101928222 promotes colorectal cancer angiogenesis by stabilizing HMGCS2 mRNA and increasing cholesterol synthesis

BACKGROUND

Metastasis is the leading cause of mortality in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and angiogenesis is a crucial factor in tumor invasion and metastasis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play regulatory functions in various biological processes in tumor cells, however, the roles of lncRNAs in CRC-associated angiogenesis remain to be elucidated in CRC, as do the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We used bioinformatics to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs from TCGA database. LOC101928222 expression was assessed by qRT-PCR. The impact of LOC101928222 in CRC tumor development was assessed both in vitro and in vivo. The regulatory mechanisms of LOC101928222 in CRC were investigated by cellular fractionation, RNA-sequencing, mass spectrometric, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA stability, and gene-specific m6A assays.

RESULTS

LOC101928222 expression was upregulated in CRC and was correlated with a worse outcome. Moreover, LOC101928222 was shown to promote migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in CRC. Mechanistically, LOC101928222 synergized with IGF2BP1 to stabilize HMGCS2 mRNA through an m6A-dependent pathway, leading to increased cholesterol synthesis and, ultimately, the promotion of CRC development.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, these findings demonstrate a novel, LOC101928222-based mechanism involved in the regulation of cholesterol synthesis and the metastatic potential of CRC. The LOC101928222-HMGCS2-cholesterol synthesis pathway may be an effective target for diagnosing and managing CRC metastasis.

Emerging function of main RNA methylation modifications in the immune microenvironment of digestive system tumors

Digestive system tumors have been reported in more than 25% of all cancer cases worldwide, bringing a huge burden on the healthcare system. RNA methylation modification-an important post-transcriptional modification-has become an active research area in gene regulation. It is a dynamic and reversible process involving several enzymes, such as methyltransferases, demethylases, and methylation reader proteins. This review provides insights into the role of three major methylation modifications, namely m6A, m5C, and m1A, in the development of digestive system tumors, specifically in the development of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of these malignancies. Abnormal methylation modification affects immunosuppression and antitumor immune response by regulating the recruitment of immune cells and the release of immune factors. Understanding the mechanisms by which RNA methylation regulates digestive system tumors will be helpful in exploring new therapeutic targets.

YTHDF1 in Tumor Cell Metabolism: An Updated Review

With the advancement of research on m6A-related mechanisms in recent years, the YTHDF protein family within m6A readers has garnered significant attention. Among them, YTHDF1 serves as a pivotal member, playing a crucial role in protein translation, tumor proliferation, metabolic reprogramming of various tumor cells, and immune evasion. In addition, YTHDF1 also exerts regulatory effects on tumors through multiple signaling pathways, and numerous studies have confirmed its ability to assist in the reprogramming of the tumor cell-related metabolic processes. The focus of research on YTHDF1 has shifted in recent years from its m6A-recognition and -modification function to the molecular mechanisms by which it regulates tumor progression, particularly by exploring the regulatory factors that interact with YTHDF1 upstream and downstream. In this review, we elucidate the latest signaling pathway mechanisms of YTHDF1 in various tumor cells, with a special emphasis on its distinctive characteristics in tumor cell metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, we summarize the latest pathological and physiological processes involving YTHDF1 in tumor cells, and analyze potential therapeutic approaches that utilize YTHDF1. We believe that YTHDF1 represents a highly promising target for future tumor treatments and a novel tumor biomarker.