Deregulation of N6-Methyladenosine RNA Modification and Its Erasers FTO/ALKBH5 among the Main Renal Cell Tumor Subtypes

Abstract

(1) Background: Methylation of N6-adenosine (m6A) is the most abundant messenger RNA (mRNA) modification in eukaryotes. We assessed the expression profiles of m6A regulatory proteins in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and their clinical relevance, namely, as potential biomarkers. (2) Methods: In silico analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was use for evaluating the expression of the m6A regulatory proteins among RCC subtypes and select the most promising candidates for further validation. ALKBH5 and FTO transcript and protein expression were evaluated in a series of primary RCC (n = 120) and 40 oncocytomas selected at IPO Porto. (3) Results: In silico analysis of TCGA dataset disclosed altered expression of the major m6A demethylases among RCC subtypes, particularly FTO and ALKBH5. Furthermore, decreased FTO mRNA levels associated with poor prognosis in ccRCC and pRCC. In IPO Porto’s cohort, FTO and ALKBH5 transcript levels discriminated ccRCC from oncocytomas. Furthermore, FTO and ALKBH5 immunoexpression differed among RCC subtypes, with higher expression levels found in ccRCC comparatively to the other RCC subtypes and oncocytomas. (4) Conclusion: We conclude that altered expression of m6A RNA demethylases is common in RCC and seems to be subtype specific. Specifically, FTO and ALKBH5 might constitute new candidate biomarkers for RCC patient management, aiding in differential diagnosis of renal masses and prognostication.