The role of a novel m6A reader CSTF2 amplification and overexpression in head and neck cancer development

Objective

This study examines the oncogenic role of cleavage stimulation factor subunit 2 (CSTF2), a newly identified N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-binding protein in the pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We also explored its amplification-driven overexpression, its prognostic significance, and its mechanistic contributions to tumor aggressiveness.

Method

A dataset of patients with HNSCC was used from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), which included information on clinical characteristics. Moreover, mRNA and protein expression data of CSTF2 were obtained from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database. Additionally, CSTF2 mRNA levels were validated in an independent cohort of HNSCC patient tissues and cell lines using real-time PCR. The prognostic significance of CSTF2 was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival plots. Additionally, protein-protein interaction networks of CSTF2 were established using the GeneMANIA database, and functional enrichment analysis was performed with Metascape.

Result

The study demonstrated that the CSTF2 gene was significantly amplified, which correlated with elevated mRNA expression. Moreover, independent cohort analysis confirmed that CSTF2 was overexpressed in HNSCC tissues and cell lines compared to non-tumorous tissues and normal cells. In addition, protein levels were markedly higher in HNSCC tissues, and elevated CSTF2 mRNA expression was associated with poorer overall survival. Functional enrichment analysis showed that CSTF2 is involved in regulating oncogenic processes and the progression of HNSCC.

Conclusion

These data indicate that the CSTF2 gene is amplified and overexpressed in HNSCC, indicating that this gene could be a significant prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for HNSCC.