Targeting SNHG3/miR-186-5p reverses the increased m6A level caused by platinum treatment through regulating METTL3 in esophageal cancer.

Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy is a mainstay for treating esophageal cancer patients. In this manuscript, we have provided clues for influence of platinum on overall m6A level and further investigated the potential regulatory mechanism.

Methods: qRT-PCR was used to measure SNHG3 and miR-186-5p expression; ELISA and western blot were used to measure the expression of METTL3. CCK8 was used to measure the cell proliferation rate. Caspase 3/7 activity was used to measure the apoptosis rate. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull down assay were used to investigate the potential crosstalk between miR-186-5p and SNHG3; and miR-186-5p and METTL3.

Results: m6A level was increased when treated with platinum (CDDP, CPB and L-OHP). Besides, SNHG3 expression was induced and miR-186-5p expression was suppressed by platinum. Furthermore, SNHG3 could promote the m6A level, however miR-186-5p inhibited the m6A level through targeting METTL3. SNHG3 interacts with miR-186-5p to negatively regulate the expression of miR-186-5p; and miR-186-5p might bind to the 3'UTR of METTL3 to regulate its expression.

Conclusion: Platinum can increase the overall m6A level of esophageal cancer. SNHG3/miR-186-5p, induced by platinum, was involved in regulating m6A level by targeting METTL3. Our manuscript has provided clues that regulating m6A level might be a novel way to enhance the platinum efficacy.