FTO enhances OSCC progression via m⁶A-dependent stabilization of PKM2 mRNA through YTHDF2 modulation.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification represents a pivotal layer of epitranscriptomic regulation in cancer. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), an m⁶A demethylase, has been implicated in several malignancies. While FTO's involvement in OSCC is emerging, its regulation of glycolytic metabolism remains uncharacterized. This study aimed to investigate the biological function of FTO in OSCC and determine whether it modulates PKM2 expression through an m⁶A-dependent mechanism involving YTHDF2.

Materials and methods

FTO expression was analyzed in OSCC tissues by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Functional assays wer

SUBMITTER: Wu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12542365 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature