IGF2BP2 promotes colorectal cancer progression by upregulating the expression of TFRC and enhancing iron metabolism

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system, ranking third for morbidity and mortality worldwide. At present, no effective control method is available for this cancer type. In tumor cells, especially iron metabolization, is necessary for its growth and proliferation. High levels of iron are an important feature to maintain tumor growth; however, the overall mechanism remains unclear. METHODS: We used western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time quantitative PCR to analyze the expression of IGF2BP2 in cell lines and tissues. Further, RNA-sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation experiments explored the specific binding of target genes. Moreover, the RNA stability assay was performed to determine the half-life of genes downstream of IGF2BP2. In addition, the Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation assay, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the effects of IGF2BP2 on proliferation and iron metabolism. Lastly, the role of IGF2BP2 in promoting CRC growth was demonstrated in animal models. RESULTS: We observed that IGF2BP2 is associated with iron homeostasis and that TFRC is a downstream target of IGF2BP2. Further, overexpression of TFRC can rescue the growth of IGF2BP2-knockdown CRC cells. Mechanistically, we determined that IGF2BP2 regulates TFRC methylation via METTL4, thereby regulating iron metabolism and promoting CRC growth. Furthermore, using animal models, we observed that IGF2BP2 promotes CRC growth. CONCLUSION: IGF2BP2 regulates TFRC mRNA methylation via METTL4, thereby regulating iron metabolism and promoting CRC growth. Our study highlights the key roles of IGF2BP2 in CRC carcinogenesis and the iron transport pathways. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13062-023-00373-x.