Abstract 1727: Silencing of novel m6A reader PRRC2A as a therapeutic strategy for oral cancer

Abstract Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) poses a substantial global health challenge characterized by limited treatment options and unfavorable prognoses. Recent research has illuminated the pivotal role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and its regulators in cancer biology. However, the precise involvement of a novel m6A regulator (m6A reader), PRCC2A in OSCC remains inadequately understood. Objective: This study aims to unravel the role of PRCC2A in OSCC and ascertain its potential as both a diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutic target. Methods: We collected 76 OSCC tumor samples and 38 adjacent non-tumor samples from OSCC patients. Comprehensive analyses, including RT-qPCR, western blotting, histopathological examination, and associations with clinicopathological features, were performed to assess PRRC2A expression in cancer tissues. Furthermore, we explored its links with key factors like metastasis and its implications for patient prognosis. In vitro experiments were conducted using OSCC cell lines and human normal oral keratinocytes (NOKs). PRCC2A knockdown in OSCC cell lines was assessed for its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, invasion, and sphere-forming abilities. The study also delved into its impact on immune cell infiltration and involvement in biological pathways. Results: Our investigation unveiled significant overexpression of PRCC2A in OSCC tissue samples and cell lines, relative to adjacent non-tumor tissues and NOKs (P < 0.001). These findings were further validated by the Cancer Genome Atlas - Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (TCGA-HNSC) dataset. PRCC2A expression displayed significant correlations with nodal metastasis, higher tumor grades, and advanced cancer stages in OSCC samples, suggesting its crucial role in driving cancer progression and aggressiveness. Silencing PRCC2A in vitro led to reduced metastasis, diminished tumor colony formation, and increased apoptosis in oral cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the study uncovered PRCC2A intricate connections with immune regulatory genes, highlighting its potential to influence the tumor immune microenvironment. Conclusion: PRCC2A emerges as a promising candidate for both diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in OSCC. Its pronounced overexpression in oral cancer tissues, coupled with its associations with metastasis and intricate interactions with immune regulatory networks, underscores its significance in the context of oral cancer malignancies. This research offers valuable insights into the multifaceted role of PRCC2A in OSCC and lays the groundwork for future investigations and potential clinical applications. Citation Format: Balachander Kannan, Vijayashree Priyadharsini Jayaseelan, Senthil MuruganM, Paramasivam Arumugam. Silencing of novel m6A reader PRRC2A as a therapeutic strategy for oral cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1727.