N6-Methyladenosine Reader YTHDF1 Promotes ARHGEF2 Translation and RhoA Signaling in Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND & AIMS: N6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) governs the fate of RNAs through m6A readers. Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibits aberrant m6A modifications and expression of m(6)A regulators. However, how m6A readers interpret oncogenic m(6)A methylome to promote malignant transformation remains to be illustrated. METHODS: YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (Ythdf1) knockout mouse was generated to determine the effect of Ythdf1 in CRC tumorigenesis in vivo. Multiomic analysis of RNA-sequencing, m(6)A methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, YTHDF1 RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, and proteomics were performed to unravel targets of YTHDF1 in CRC. The therapeutic potential of targeting YTHDF1m6A-Rho/Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (ARHGEF2) was evaluated using small interfering RNA (siRNA) encapsulated by lipid nanoparticles (LNP). RESULTS: DNA copy number gain of YTHDF1 is a frequent event in CRC and contributes to its overexpression. High expression of YTHDF1 is significantly associated with metastatic gene signature in patient tumors. Ythdf1 knockout in mice dampened tumor growth in an inflammatory CRC model. YTHDF1 promotes cell growth in CRC cell lines and primary organoids and lung and liver metastasis in vivo. Integrative multiomics analysis identified RhoA activator ARHGEF2 as a key downstream target of YTHDF1. YTHDF1 binds to m(6)A sites of ARHGEF2 messenger RNA, resulting in enhanced translation of ARHGEF2. Ectopic expression of ARHGEF2 restored impaired RhoA signaling, cell growth, and metastatic ability both in vitro and in vivo caused by YTHDF1 loss, verifying that ARHGEF2 is a key target of YTHDF1. Finally, ARHGEF2 siRNA delivered by LNP significantly suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: We identify a novel oncogenic epitranscriptome axis of YTHDF1-m(6)A-ARHGEF2, which regulates CRC tumorigenesis and metastasis. siRNAdelivering LNP drug validated the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis in CRC.

Automated summary

The study identified a novel oncogenic epitranscriptome axis of YTHDF1-m(6)A-ARHGEF2 that regulates CRC tumorigenesis and metastasis.