ADAR1 has an oncogenic function and can be a prognostic factor in cervical cancer

Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1), a recently described epigenetic modification, is believed to play a critical oncogenic role in human cancers. However, its functional role and clinical significance in cervical cancer (CC) remain unclear. ADAR1 knockdown was performed to investigate its oncogenic functions in SiHa (HPV16), HeLa (HPV18), and Yumoto (non-HPV) CC cell lines. Cytoplasmic and nuclear ADAR1 expression were examined to clarify their correlation with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in patients with CC. This resulted in increased apoptosis and necroptosis in HPV16 type SiHa, HPV18 type HeLa, and non-HPV-type Yumoto in CC cell lines. Progression-free survival (PFS) rates of patients exhibiting high cytoplasmic and nuclear ADAR1 expression were poorer than those in the other groups (p=0.016). Multivariate analysis indicated that the combination of higher cytoplasmic and nuclear ADAR1 expression was an independent predictor of prognosis in patients with CC (P = 0.017). ADAR1 could be a potential therapeutic target in HPV-positive or -negative CC cell lines. The combination of cytoplasmic and nuclear ADAR1 provides a better prognostic factor marker in CC.