N6-Methyladenosine RNA Methylation Regulators Have Clinical Prognostic Values in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Although it is widely accepted that N6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) RNA methylation plays critical roles in tumorigenesis and progression, the values of m(6)A modification are less known in hepatocellular carcinoma. The major purpose of our current studies is to investigate the role of m(6)A regulators in hepatocellular carcinoma and whether it can affect the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Here we demonstrate that most of the m(6)A regulators are highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, we cluster hepatocellular carcinoma into two subgroups (cluster 1/2) by applying consensus clustering to m(6)A regulators. Compared with the cluster 1 subgroup, the cluster 2 subgroup was significantly associated with a higher pathological grade and survival. Based on these findings, we reveal a risk signature by using three m(6)A regulators, which are not only an independent prognostic marker but also a predictor of the clinicopathological features in hepatocellular carcinoma. In conclusion, m(6)A regulators are crucial participants in the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and are potential targets for prognosis.