Abstract
As the most prominent RNA modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) participates in the regulation of tumour initiation and progression. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) also play crucial roles in ubiquitous life processes. Whether circRNAs are required for m6 A regulation in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unclear. Meta-analysis and bioinformatics identified that IGF2BP3 was upregulated in RCC and indicated a worse prognosis. IGF2BP3 significantly promoted RCC progression in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circRARS bound to KH1-KH2 domains of IGF2BP3 to enhance m6 A modification recognition. A 12-nt sequence (GUCUUCCAGCAA) was proven to be the IGF2BP3-binding site of circRARS. Additionally, CAPN15, CD44, HMGA2, TNRC6A and ZMIZ2 were screened to be the target genes regulated by the IGF2BP3/circRARS complex in an m6 A-dependent manner. Stabiliser proteins, including HuR, Matrin3 and pAbPC1, were recruited by circRARS, thereby increasing the mRNA stability of the forementioned five target genes. Consequently, the IGF2BP3/circRARS complex facilitated the lipid accumulation of RCC cells and promoted sunitinib resistance via target genes. circRARS synergised with IGF2BP3 to facilitate m6 A recognition, thereby promoting RCC progression. Thus, IGF2BP3 could be a potential biomarker for RCC diagnosis and prognosis and a therapeutic target.