GPSM2 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Progression Through METTL3-Mediated m6A Modification of YAP1 mRNA
Jiajun Xiu1,2, Li Qiao2, Miaomiao Li3
1Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
|June 2, 2026
Summary
G-protein signalling modulator 2 (GPSM2) promotes pancreatic cancer growth by stabilizing Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) mRNA. This discovery offers new therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer intervention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Genomics
Background:
- Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose and treat.
- G-protein signalling modulator 2 (GPSM2) is upregulated in tumors but its role in pancreatic cancer is unclear.
- Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a key growth promoter in pancreatic cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of GPSM2 in pancreatic cancer progression.
- To determine if GPSM2 regulates YAP1 in pancreatic cancer.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking GPSM2, YAP1, and pancreatic cancer.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset.
- Functional assays assessing colony formation and invasion.
- Molecular investigations of mRNA modification and protein expression.
Main Results:
- GPSM2 was identified as a survival-associated gene in pancreatic cancer.
- GPSM2 promotes pancreatic cancer cell colony formation and invasion.
- GPSM2 upregulates YAP1 mRNA via METTL3-dependent m6A modification, stabilizing YAP1 and increasing protein levels.
Conclusions:
- GPSM2 drives pancreatic cancer progression by stabilizing YAP1 mRNA through m6A modification.
- IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3 recognize m6A-modified YAP1, enhancing its stability and promoting cancer cell growth.
- Targeting the GPSM2-YAP1 axis presents a potential therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer.
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