Abstract
The interaction between tumor cells and stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in cancer progression. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are important tumor stromal cells that exhibit pro-oncogenic activities when reprogrammed by the tumor. However, the precise mechanisms underlying MSC reprogramming in gastric cancer remain not well understood. QRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to examine gene and protein expression levels. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to assess the biological functions of gastric cancer cells. RNA-sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and meRIP assays were performed to investigate underlying molecular mechanisms. We found a significant increase in the expression and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification levels of colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) in gastric cancer MSCs. CSF2 gene overexpression induced the reprogramming of normal MSCs into cancer-promoting MSCs, thereby enhancing the proliferation, migration, and drug resistance of gastric cancer cells through the secretion of various pro-inflammatory factors. Additionally, we demonstrated that the m6A reader IGF2BP2 bound to and stabilized CSF2 mRNA in gastric cancer MSCs. Notably, overexpression of IGF2BP2 mimicked the effect of CSF2 on MSCs, promoting gastric cancer progression. Finally, we unveiled that CSF2 induced the ubiquitination of Notch1 to reprogram MSCs. Our study highlights a critical role of IGF2BP2-mediated m6A modification of CSF2 in reprogramming MSCs, which presents a promising therapeutic target for gastric cancer.