Analysis of the Oncogenic Role of Methyltransferase Like 3 (METLL3) in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

Purpose This study focused on the role of methyltransferase-like 3 (METLL3) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), analysing its regulatory function in cancer progression, and its feasibility as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. Methods We performed Gene expression, Survival prognosis, Genetic alteration, Immune infiltration, and METTL3-related gene enrichment analysis of METTL3 gene in HNSCC through TIMER2.0 and GEPIA2 databases. Results We found that METTL3 expression was significantly higher in HNSCC tumour tissues compared to that in adjacent normal tissues and was associated with poorer disease-free survival, indicating a 50% increased risk of recurrence in patients with high expression. Genetic alteration analysis revealed a low frequency of METTL3 mutations, primarily missense mutations, in HNSCC, suggesting a complex relationship between METTL3expression and the biological characteristics of the tumour. Additionally, the expression of METTL3 was closely related to immune cell infiltration, particularly CD8+ T-cell infiltration, which is especially significant in the immune environment of HNSCC. Conclusion These findings not only confirm METTL3's critical role in the pathogenesis of HNSCC but also highlight its potential as a therapeutic target, providing a scientific basis for the development of treatment strategies targeting METTL3, which may help improve treatment outcomes for HNSCC patients.