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Updated: Aug 20, 2025
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
Analysis of m6A methylation patterns and tumor microenvironment in endometrial cancer
Junfeng Chen1, Xiaomei Luo1, Guocheng Wang1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
Background:
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most common epigenetic modification in eukaryotic mRNA. In recent years, lots of studies have shown that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in tumor growth and development. However, there are few studies on the interaction between m6A methylation and the TME in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC).
Methods:
Three distinct m6A modification patterns were based on 21 m6A regulators of UCEC patients and tumor-free individuals. We investigated the relationship between m6A modification patterns and associated features of the TME. Differentially expressed genes were selected and the m6A score was established to evaluate the prognosis and immunotherapeutic efficacy of UCEC patients.
Results:
We identified three different m6A modification patterns. The TME infiltrating characteristics were highly consistent with tumors with three distinct immune phenotypes. Besides, our analysis showed that the m6A score was shown to be useful in predicting clinical outcomes. Patients with the low m6A score seemed to have a better prognosis, a stronger immunotherapeutic response, and a higher tumor mutation burden.
Conclusion:
Our study explored the influence of m6A modification and TME on the prognosis of cancer patients, which will contribute to the discovery of immunotherapy strategies to improve their prognosis.
Insights
This study reveals three N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification patterns in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). A low m6A score indicates better prognosis and immunotherapy response, offering new strategies for UCEC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent epigenetic modification in eukaryotic mRNA.
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial for tumor progression.
- The interplay between m6A methylation and the TME in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between m6A modification patterns and TME characteristics in UCEC.
- To establish an m6A score for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in UCEC patients.
Main Methods:
- Clustering analysis of 21 m6A regulators in UCEC patients and controls to identify distinct m6A modification patterns.
- Analysis of TME infiltrating characteristics and differentially expressed genes associated with m6A patterns.
- Development of an m6A score to assess clinical outcomes and immunotherapeutic efficacy.
Main Results:
- Identification of three distinct m6A modification patterns in UCEC.
- Correlation between m6A patterns and TME immune phenotypes.
- The m6A score effectively predicts clinical outcomes, with a low score associated with better prognosis, enhanced immunotherapy response, and higher tumor mutation burden.
Conclusions:
- m6A modification and TME significantly influence UCEC prognosis.
- The m6A score serves as a valuable prognostic and predictive biomarker.
- Findings support the development of novel immunotherapy strategies targeting m6A modification for improved UCEC patient outcomes.
