FOXD2-AS1 is modulated by METTL3 with the assistance of YTHDF1 to affect proliferation and apoptosis in esophageal cancer

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of METTL3, YTHDF1, and the long non-coding RNA FOXD2-AS1 in the proliferation and apoptosis of esophageal cancer, with the goal of providing a basis for molecular diagnosis and targeted therapies. Gene expression was evaluated using qRT-PCR (METTL3/14) and Western blot analysis. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, and Transwell assay were employed to assess cell proliferation and apoptosis. The EpiQuik m6A RNA Methylation Quantification Kit was utilized to quantify total m6A levels. The interaction between YTHDF1, FOXD2-AS1, and METTL3 was confirmed using RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation (RIP), Co-Immunoprecipitation (CO-IP), and RNA pull-down assays. Methylated RNA Immuno preci pitation (MeRIP) was employed to assess the m6A modification levels of FOXD2-AS1. Tissue samples from animal models were analyzed via Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) staining and immunohisto-chemistry to assess METTL3 expression.

Keywords

• esophageal cancer
• foxd2-as1
• mettl3
• ythdf1