Analysis of the mRNA modification machinery alterations in breast cancer through the SCAN-B cohort.

Abstract

Epitranscriptomic modifications regulate gene expression and have been implicated in cancer, including breast cancer. Using the SCAN-B cohort, we analyzed 49 messenger RNA modification regulators (mRMPs) across breast cancer subtypes. In the basal subtype, we found significant overexpression of m⁶A readers (IGF2BP1-3), m⁵C regulators (NSUN5, ALYREF, YBX1, YBX2), pseudouridine [PUS1, MARS (or MetRS), RPUSD2], and RNA editing enzymes [APOBEC3A (A3A), A3G, ADAR1], all linked to poor survival. Conversely, the m⁶A writer METTL14 was downregulated. Our findings highlight key mRMPs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, underscoring the role of RNA modifications in breast cancer progression.