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m6A-related genes ALKBH5 and RBMX as prognostic and progression biomarkers in Chinese oral squamous cell carcinoma patients

  • 0Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China.
Archives of Oral Biology +

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December 7, 2024

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December 7, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA levels are elevated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Upregulation of ALKBH5 and RBMX shows potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for Chinese OSCC patients.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background

  • N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification plays a critical role in cancer development.
  • Dysregulation of m6A is implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the role of m6A modification in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
  • To evaluate the potential of m6A-related genes as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in OSCC.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets for OSCC based on m6A dysregulation.

Main Methods

  • Analysis of m6A-related gene expression using TCGA database and a Chinese cohort.
  • Validation of m6A levels in OSCC tissues using a quantification kit.
  • Assessment of gene expression via quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry.
  • Survival analysis to determine the prognostic value of m6A-related genes in OSCC.

Main Results

  • Dysregulated expression of several m6A-related genes (METTL14, ALKBH5, YTHDF2, HNRNPC, LRPPRC, HNRNPA2B1, IGF2BP2, RBMX) was observed in OSCC.
  • Significantly elevated total m6A content was detected in OSCC tissues compared to normal controls.
  • Upregulation of ALKBH5 and RBMX emerged as independent prognostic factors for poor OSCC survival in the Chinese population.
  • The combined model of ALKBH5 and RBMX demonstrated improved prediction accuracy for 3- and 5-year overall survival in OSCC patients.

Conclusions

  • m6A modification is upregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
  • ALKBH5 and RBMX show promise as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for Chinese patients with OSCC.
  • Targeting m6A-related genes may offer a potential therapeutic strategy for OSCC.

Keywords:

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