The methyltransferase KIAA1429 potentiates cervical cancer tumorigenesis via modulating LARP1 mRNA m6A modification and stability

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies in the world and poses a great threat to public health. There is inadequate knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying CC. This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of KIAA1429 (VIRMA, vir-Like m6A methyltransferase associated) in patients with CC and analyze its molecular mechanisms. The level of KIAA1429 in tumor specimens was tested using RT-qPCR and western blotting. Cellular biological processes were assessed using CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Xenograft experiments were used to verify the function of KIAA1429 in CC in vivo. The results manifested that KIAA1429 expression was enhanced in CC. Downregulation of KIAA1429 hindered the viability, migration, and invasion of CC cells. Moreover, LARP1 (La-related protein 1) was uncovered to be positively modulated by KIAA1429. Further, the anti-tumor impacts of KIAA1429 depletion on the phenotype of CC cells were counteracted by LARP1 amplification. Additionally, KIAA1429 deficiency suppressed the stability of LARP1 through methylating LARP1. Collectively, KIAA1429 can boost the tumorigenesis of CC via modifying LARP1 through m6A methylation to promote its stability. This work highlights the promoting effects of KIAA1429 on CC development and presents new targets for its treatment.