Methyltransferase like 3 gene (METTL3) Expression and Prognostic Impact in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Patients

Abstract

DNA methylation is involved in pathogenesis of AML. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of mRNA, mediated by Methyltransferase Like 3 (METTL3), is one of the well identified mRNA modifiers associated with pathogenesis of AML. High level of METTL3 mRNA is detected in AML cells, thus can be a potential target therapy for AML. This study aimed at measuring METTL3 mRNA expression level in de novo AML patients and correlating its expression with clinicopathological, laboratory and prognostic markers. Pretreatment METTL3 gene expression level was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 40 adult newly diagnosed AML patients and was reassessed (post treatment) in 15 cases who expressed higher pretreatment gene levels between the 2nd and 4th month of chemotherapy. Patients' response to chemotherapy was followed up to 6 months post induction therapy.