METTL3-modified lncRNA DSCAM-AS1 promotes breast cancer progression through inhibiting ferroptosis

Numerous studies have indicated that N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) and lncRNAs play pivotal roles in human cancer. However, the underlying functions and mechanisms of m⁶A-lncRNA in the physiological processes of breast cancer remain unclear. Here, we found that DSCAM-AS1 is an m⁶A-modified lncRNA that was overexpressed in breast cancer tissues and cells, indicating poor clinical prognosis. Gain/loss functional assays suggested that DSCAM-AS1 inhibited erastin-induced ferroptosis in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, there were remarkable m⁶A modification sites on both the 3'-UTR of DSCAM-AS1 and the endogenous antioxidant factor SLC7A11. M⁶A methyltransferase methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) methylated both SLC7A11 and DSCAM-AS1. Moreover, DSCAM-AS1 recognized m⁶A sites on the SLC7A11 mRNA, thereby enhancing its stability. Taken together, these findings indicated a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer ferroptosis in an m⁶A-dependent manner.