The m6A reader HNRNPC predicts adverse prognosis and promotes the progression of colorectal cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: As a critical m6A RNA methylation regulator, HNRNPC has been revealed to serve as potential biomarkers in various human cancers. The specific expression and significance of HNRNPC in colorectal cancer remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to confirm HNRNPC expression level and evaluate its function in colorectal cancer progression. METHODS: 101 paired tissue samples were collected from colorectal cancer patients. HNRNPC levels in colorectal cancer were detected using PCR. CCK8 and transwell assays were conducted to estimate the effect of HNRNPC on cell growth and metastasis with the regulation of HNRNPC by cell transfection. RESULTS: Upregulated HNRNPC was observed in colorectal cancer compared with normal tissues and cells. The higher HNRNPC levels in tumor tissues were associated with the advanced TNM stage and positive lymph node metastasis. Meanwhile, HNRNPC upregulation could indicate adverse outcomes of colorectal cancer patients. In vitro, the knockdown of HNRNPC significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Upregulated HNRNPC served as a biomarker for the prognosis and development of colorectal cancer, which provides a novel therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.