Stabilization of OLFML1 via m6A Reader IGF2BP3 Drives CSC Characteristics Through Hedgehog Pathway Activation in CRC.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is closely associated with cancer stemness, which contributes to poor prognosis and therapeutic resistance. This study identifies OLFML1 as a key target accounting for CRC progression. High expression of OLFML1 promotes CRC cell proliferation and cancer stemness. As for mechanism study, we further revealed that IGF2BP3 as a critical up-stream regulator of OLFML1. Our study indicated that IGF2BP3 stabilizes OLFML1 mRNA through m⁶A modification, thereby enhancing its expression. In addition, IGF2BP3 prevents OLFML1 degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Clinically, this study demonstrated a positive association between IGF2BP3 and OLFML1 in CRC patient samples. High co-expression of IGF2BP3 and OLFML1 was significantly correlated with larger tumor size and advanced T stage. These findings highlight the IGF2BP3/OLFML1 axis as a potential driver of CRC stemness and Hedgehog pathway activation, offering promising prognostic and therapeutic targets for CRC management.