Epitranscriptomic Regulation via m⁶A: The Roles of METTL3 and YTHDF1 in Cervical Cancer Progression and Prognosis
Keywords:
METTL3, YTHDF1, m⁶A, Epitranscriptomics, Cervical CancerAbstract
Background: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of female morbidity and mortality globally, with the greatest burden in low- and middle-income countries. The limitations of conventional biomarkers in reflecting tumor molecular dynamics drive the search for more precise prognostic biomarkers. Epitranscriptomic modification of N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is a promising molecular approach in uncovering post-transcriptional regulation of RNAs that play an important role in cancer progression.
Objective: This article aims to explore the role of METTL3 and YTHDF1, two key components in the m⁶A system as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in cervical cancer.
Methods: This review utilized a narrative and structured literature review approach. Literature was obtained from scientific databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar, with inclusion criteria including articles within the last 10 years relevant to METTL3, YTHDF1, m⁶A, and cervical cancer.
Results: METTL3 acts as a major m⁶A writer that enhances the stability and translation of oncogenic mRNAs, and activates proliferative and EMT pathways, thus enhancing tumor aggressiveness. Meanwhile, YTHDF1 as an m⁶A reader facilitates the translation of pro-tumor proteins and immunosuppressive factors that suppress antitumor immune responses. Co-expression of METTL3 and YTHDF1 showed significant correlation with tumor progression, therapy resistance, and decreased patient survival.
Conclusion: Epitranscriptomic regulation through m⁶A modification mediated by METTL3 and YTHDF1 plays an important role in cervical cancer progression with cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Elevated levels of METTL3 and YTHDF1 lead to poor prognosis in cervical cancer
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