ABSTRACT: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common type of lung cancer, characterized by a poor prognosis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) emerges as one of the most important modification of RNA, and m6A modifier METTL14 were reported to play pivotal role in multiple cancer types. However, there are limited number of studies of METTL14 in lung cancer and there still lacks systematic investigation of the function, clinical significance and targets of METTL14 in NSCLC. Here, we first conducted comprehensive N6-methyladenosine profiling of non-small cell lung cancer patients, and acquired m6A RNA modification atlas and differentially methylated RNAs in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Then we focused on RNA methyl-transferase METTL14, and investigated its clinical significance and function in NSCLC. As a result, METTL14 was correlated with clinical pathological parameters of differentiation and M stage. Addionally, METTL14 promotes NSCLC growth, induces cell death, and enhances cell migration and invasion, in vitro. Finally, to identify potential targets of METTL14, RNA sequencing, METTL14 RIP-Sequencing, and METTL14 MeRIP-Sequencing were conducted. Five genes were commonly identified, including four protein coding genes (PPIEL, AKR1C1, SARS2 and CSF1R) and one lncRNA ASAP1-IT2. After validation with TCGA dataset, Colony Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor (CSF1R) showed significant positive coefficient with METTL14, and was presumed to be the target of METTl14 in lung cancer. In conclusion, this study, uncovered an m6A RNA modification atlas, and revealed the clinical significance, in vitro function and molecular targets CSF1R of METTL14 in NSCLC.
