Abstract
Purpose :
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a universal mRNA modification which can regulate gene expression through control of mRNA translation and degradation. Emerging evidence indicates that such modification contributes to regulating diverse biological processes. However, it is unclear whether RNA m6A methylation affects uveal melanoma development. In this study, we investigated the role of m6A methylation in regulating uveal melanoma cell proliferation and migration.
Methods :
Dot blot determined m6A methylation levels in uveal melanoma cells and uveal melanocytes. M6A methylation inhibitor-cycloleucine, was used to evaluate the effects of m6A methylation on uveal melanoma cell proliferation and migration. These responses were measured by MTS and transwell assay, respectively. Western blot analysis was carried out to detect c-Met expression levels in uveal melanoma cells.
Results :
RNA m6A methylation level was dramatically upregulated in uveal melanoma cells as compared with uveal melanocytes. M6A inhibitor significantly suppressed uveal melanoma cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, inhibition of m6A methylation downregulated c-Met expression in uveal melanoma cells.
Conclusions :
Our results demonstrate that RNA m6A methylation can modulate uveal melanoma cell proliferation and migration through targeting c-Met. Targeting m6A methylation may be a promising avenue to treat uveal melanoma.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2018 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29 - May 3, 2018.