METTL3 participates in glioma development by regulating the methylation level of COL4A1.

Purpose: The role of RNA methylation in human cancers has emerged. Its biological function in glioma development is explored in the present study.

Methods: Differential levels and prognostic potentials of COL4A1 and METTL3 in glioma were analyzed by bioinformatic method. The regulatory effect of METTL3 on COL4A1 was assessed through qRT-PCR, MeRIP and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Their biological functions in influencing proliferative and metastatic capacities of glioma cells were examined by EdU, colony formation and Transwell assay, respectively.

Results: COL4A1 was upregulated in glioma tissues, and METTL3 was downregulated. Knockdown of METTL3 in U87 and U251 cells could reduce the methylation level of COL4A1 and upregulate its expression level. Intervention of COL4A1 suppressed proliferative and metastatic capacities of glioma cells, while intervention of METTL3 yielded the opposite results.

Conclusion: METTL3 reduces the methylation level of COL4A1 and upregulates its expression level, which further stimulates the malignant development of glioma. METTL3/COL4A1 can be potential therapeutic targets of glioma.