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Updated: Jun 1, 2025

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WTAP knockdown inhibits cell migration through regulating SNAIL1 expression in colorectal cancer

Jingjing Han1, Jiankun Zhang2, Huilong Shi3

  • 1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences Jinan 250117, Shandong, China.

American Journal of Translational Research
|January 17, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

WTAP promotes colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and spread by increasing m6A modification of SNAI1. This study reveals WTAP as a potential oncogene in CRC, highlighting its role in cancer progression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a key epigenetic regulator in cancer.
  • WTAP, an m6A RNA methyltransferase, is implicated in various cancers.
  • The specific role of WTAP in colorectal cancer (CRC) is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role and mechanism of WTAP in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • To determine if WTAP functions as an oncogene in CRC progression.

Main Methods:

  • Compared WTAP expression in CRC and normal tissues using GEPIA.
  • Assessed WTAP's impact on CRC cell proliferation and migration via colony formation and transwell assays.
  • Investigated WTAP's role in m6A modification using RNA dot blot and MeRIP-PCR assays.

Main Results:

  • WTAP expression is significantly elevated in CRC tissues.
  • WTAP knockdown suppressed CRC cell proliferation and migration in vitro.
  • WTAP knockdown reduced m6A modification of SNAI1, inhibiting its expression.
  • Positive correlation observed between WTAP and SNAI1 expression in CRC.

Conclusions:

  • WTAP acts as an oncogene in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • WTAP promotes CRC progression by regulating SNAI1 expression via m6A modification.
Keywords:
CDH1SNAIL1WTAPcolorectal cancer

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