YTHDF1 Promotes Gastric Carcinogenesis by Controlling Translation of FZD7

N-6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) is the most prevalent internal RNA modification in mammals that regulates homeostasis and function of modified RNA transcripts. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of YTH m(6)A RNA-binding protein 1 (YTHDF1), a key regulator of m(6)A methylation in gastric cancer tumorigenesis. Multiple bioinformatic analyses of different human cancer databases identified key m(6)A-associated genetic mutations that regulated gastric tumorigenesis. YTHDF1 was mutated in about 7% of patients with gastric cancer, and high expression of YTHDF1 was associated with more aggressive tumor progression and poor overall survival. Inhibition of YTHDF1 attenuated gastric cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, YTHDF1 promoted the translation of a key Wnt receptor frizzled7 (FZD7) in an m(6)A-dependent manner, and mutated YTHDF1 enhanced expression of FZD7, leading to hyperactivation of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and promotion of gastric carcinogenesis. Our results demonstrate the oncogenic role of YTHDF1 and its m(6)A-mediated regulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in gastric cancer, providing a novel approach of targeting such epigenetic regulators in this disease. Significance: This study provides a rationale for controlling translation of key oncogenic drivers in cancer by manipulating epigenetic regulators, representing a novel and efficient strategy for anticancer treatment. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

This study reveals the oncogenic role of YTHDF1 in gastric cancer, showing its regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway through m(6)A modification. Inhibition of YTHDF1 can reduce gastric cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, suggesting a new approach for targeting epigenetic regulators in cancer treatment.