ALKBH5 suppresses tumor progression via an m(6)A-dependent epigenetic silencing of pre-miR-181b-1/YAP signaling axis in osteosarcoma

ALKBH5 is the main enzyme for m(6)A-based demethylation of RNAs and it has been implicated in many biological and pathophysiological processes. Here, we aimed to explore the potential involvement of ALKBH5 in osteosarcoma and decipher the underlying cellular/molecular mechanisms. We discovered downregulated levels of demethylase ALKBH5 were correlated with increased m(6)A methylation in osteosarcoma cells/tissues compared with normal osteoblasts cells/tissues. ALKBH5 overexpression significantly suppressed osteosarcoma cell growth, migration, invasion, and trigged cell apoptosis. In contrast, inhibition of ALKBH5 produced the opposite effects. Whereas ALKBH5 silence enhanced m(6)A methylations of pre-miR-181b-1 and YAP-mRNA exerting oncogenic functions in osteosarcoma. Moreover, upregulation of YAP or downregulation of mature miR-181b-5p displayed a remarkable attenuation of anti-tumor activities caused by ALKBH5. Further results revealed that m(6)A methylated pre-miR-181b-1 was subsequently recognized by m(6)A-binding protein YTHDF2 to mediate RNA degradation. However, methylated YAP transcripts were recognized by YTHDF1 to promote its translation. Therefore, ALKBH5-based m(6)A demethylation suppressed osteosarcoma cancer progression through m(6)A-based direct/indirect regulation of YAP. Thus, ALKBH5 overexpression might be considered a new approach of replacement therapy for osteosarcoma treatment.