RNA methylation patterns mediated by m 6 A regulators are involved in the regulation of immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Background: It has been reported that epigenetic regulation is emerging as a new regulatory pattern, especially for RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications. It has been reported to play an important biological function in immunity. However, the role of m6A on the immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In this study, we systematically evaluated the RNA modification patterns mediated by 23 m6A modulators in HCC samples using the TCGA database. Methods and results: The effects of m6A modification on the characteristics of immune microenvironment gene were investigated. Meanwhile, we characterized m6A phenotype-related immune genes. Our study further identified two distinct patterns of RNA modification mediated by 23 m6A modulators. They have different immune cell abundances, immune responses, and HLA genes. Conclusion: In a word, our findings suggest that m6A modification plays a crucial role in regulating the immune microenvironment in HCC, providing a guiding significance in the selection of immunotherapy or target for treating HCC.