Work

METTL3-mediated m6A modification of TP73-AS1 enhances HCC progression by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in the onset and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tumor protein 73 antisense RNA 1 (TP73-AS1), a recently identified lncRNA, has been implicated in cancer occurrence, drug resistance, and prognosis; however, its function in HCC remains unclear. Here, TP73-AS1 was found to be significantly elevated in HCC. Mechanistically, METTL3-driven m6A modification enhanced TP73-AS1 stability in a YTHDF1-dependent manner. Functionally, TP73-AS1 promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, TP73-AS1 acted as a molecular sponge for hsa-miR-1233-3p, thereby increasing CTNNB1 (β-catenin) expression and activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Taken together, this study identifies TP73-AS1 as a novel oncogenic lncRNA in HCC and reveals a METTL3–m6A–YTHDF1–TP73-AS1/miR-1233-3p/CTNNB1 axis that drives tumor progression, providing potential targets for HCC diagnosis and therapy.

Source: Discover Oncology

DOI: 10.1007/s12672-026-05756-w

Authors: Kun-peng Li, Zhou-feng Deng, Xin Jun, Wei Zhang, Jun-sheng Ni

Institutions: Tongji University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Tongren Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Yangpu Hospital of Tongji University

Language: English

Topic: Cancer-related molecular mechanisms research

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,690