The study of METTL3 and METTL14 expressions in childhood ETV6/RUNX1‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to explore the METTL3 and METTL14 expressions in children with ETV6/RUNX1(E/R)‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and investigate the relation between the METTL3 and METTL14 expressions with clinical features. METHODS: Thirty‐seven newly diagnosed E/R‐positive ALL children and six controls were included in this study. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression level of METTL3 and METTL14. RESULTS: Among the 37 cases, 51.35% (n = 19) were boys and 48.65% (n = 18) were girls and the median age was 4.72 (1.72–11.99) years. Among the six controls, 50% (n = 3) were boys and 50% (n = 3) were girls and the median age was 5.24 (1.53–13.17) years. The expression level of METTL3 and METTL14 in E/R‐positive ALL patients were lower than in controls (p < .05). Although failed to achieve statistical significance, the expression level of METTL3 and METTL14 in relapse patients were lower than nonrelapse patients (p = .171, p = .150, respectively). CONCLUSION: The reduced levels of METTL3 and METTL14 suggest a possible role in the pathogenesis and course of E/R‐positive ALL. METTL3 and METTL14 may become new prognostic factors, and rationalize specific treatment intensification in possible E/R‐positive relapse patients.