ADAR1 and AZIN1 RNA editing function as an oncogene and contributes to immortalization in endometrial cancer

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is a recently described epigenetic modification, which is believed to constitute a key oncogenic mechanism in human cancers. However, its functional role and clinical significance in endometrial cancer (EC) remain unclear.

Adenosine Deaminase family Acting on RNA1 (ADAR1) expression and Antizyme inhibitor 1 (AZIN1) RNA editing were examined to clarify the correlation with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in EC patients. The biological functions and inhibitory effects of ADAR1 knockdown were investigated in JHUCS-1 and TU-ECS-1 EC cell lines.

ADAR1 showed significant association with worse histology (P = 0.006), and lymph vascular space involvement (P = 0.049) in EC. The level of AZIN1 RNA editing was also significantly associated with worse histology (P = 0.012). ADAR1 expression was significantly correlated with AZIN1 RNA editing level (R = 0.729, R² = 0.547, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that higher ADAR1 expression along with AZIN1 RNA editing is an independent predictor of prognosis in EC patients (P = 0.015). Knockdown of ADAR1 led to increased MDA-5, RIG-I, PKR, and IRF-7 expression, which in turn resulted in increased levels of Bak and apoptosis in EC cells.

High ADAR1 expression along with AZIN1 RNA editing could be a predictor of worse prognosis in EC. ADAR1 could be a potential therapeutic target in EC patients.