Analysis and verification of N6-methyladenosine-modified genes as novel biomarkers for clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been involved in diverse biological processes in cancer, but its function and clinical value in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that 1453 m6A-modified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of ccRCC were mainly enriched in cell cycle, PI3K-AKT, and p53 signaling pathways. Then we constructed a co-expression network of the 1453 m6A-modified DEGs and identified a most clinically relevant module, where NUF2, CDCA3, CKAP2L, KIF14, and ASPM were hub genes. NUF2, CDCA3, and KIF14 could combine with a major RNA m6A methyltransferase METTL14, serving as biomarkers for ccRCC. Real-time quantitative PCR assay confirmed that NUF2, CDCA3, and KIF14 were highly expressed in ccRCC cell lines and ccRCC tissues. Furthermore, these three genes were modified by m6A and negatively regulated by METTL14. This study revealed that NUF2, CDCA3, and KIF14 were m6A-modified biomarkers, representing a potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic target for ccRCC.