METTL14 Regulates PLAGL2/β-Catenin Signaling Axis to Promote the Development of Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant eukaryotic mRNA modification involved in regulating the formation and metastasis of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We collected clinical NSCLC tissue and paracarcinoma tissue. Then methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14), pleomorphic adenoma gene like-2 (PLAGL2), and β-catenin expressions were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. PLAGL2, and β-catenin (nuclear) expressions were increased in NSCLC tissues. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and death were examined. PLAGL2 could activate β-catenin signaling to affect cell proliferation and migration abilities. RNA immunoprecipitation assay was operated to identify m6A modification levels of PLAGL2 after knockdown and overexpression of METTL14. PLAGL2 was regulated by METTL14-mediated m6A modification. Knockdown of METTL14 repressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted cell death. Interestingly, these effects were reversed when PLAGL2 was overexpressed. Finally, tumor formation in nude mice was performed to verify the role of the METTL14/PLAGL2/β-catenin signaling axis. Tumor formation in nude mice demonstrated METTL14/PLAGL2/β-catenin axis promoted NSCLC development in vivo. In brief, METTL14 promoted NSCLC development by increasing m6A methylation of PLAGL2 to activate β-catenin signaling. Our research provided essential clues for in-depth comprehension of the mechanism of NSCLC occurrence and development and also provided the basis for NSCLC treatment.