Open Access

ARTICLE

CYMP-AS1 Promotes Ovarian Cancer Progression by Enhancing the Intracellular Translocation of hnRNPM and Reducing the Stability of AXIN2 mRNA

Yuhan Wang, Yimei Meng, Wanqiu Xia, Yusen Liang, Yaru Wang, Peiling Li^*, Lei Fang^*

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China

* Corresponding Authors: Peiling Li. Email: ; Lei Fang. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Novel Biomarkers and Treatment Strategies in Solid Tumor Diagnosis, Progression, and Prognosis)

Oncology Research 2025, 33(8), 2141-2159. https://doi.org/10.32604/or.2025.064367

Received 13 February 2025; Accepted 22 May 2025; Issue published 18 July 2025

Abstract

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is a representative malignancy of the female reproductive system, with a poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) crucially affect tumor development. This study aimed to identify lncRNAs that potentially participated in OC. Methods: LncRNA expression in cells and tissues was quantified using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, while fluorescence in situ hybridization determined their cellular localization. Various in vitro assays, together with a mouse xenograft model, were employed to elucidate the function of CYMP antisense RNA 1 (CYMP-AS1) in OC. The molecular mechanisms underlying CYMP-AS1 regulation were investigated through RNA pull-down and immunoprecipitation assays, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and mRNA stability assays. Results: This study identified a previously unreported lncRNA, CYMP-AS1, which exhibits increased expression in the cytoplasm of OC tissues and cells. Knockout of CYMP-AS1 reduced the OC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CYMP-AS1 directly interacts with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein M (hnRNPM), inducing its intracellular translocation and reducing the stability of Axis inhibition protein 2 (AXIN2) mRNA. This process ultimately elevated the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins. Conclusion: This study confirms CYMP-AS1 as a novel biomarker in OC progression and suggests that the CYMP-AS1/hnRNPM/AXIN2 axis may offer an innovative strategy for OC treatment.

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Supplementary Material

Supplementary Material File

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