Integration of network toxicology and transcriptomics reveals the potential regulatory role of the 'Arecoline/4-NQO-AKT1-m6A factor' axis in the development of OSCC

Objective The synergistic carcinogenic effect of areca nut chewing and tobacco exposure is a major risk factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the molecular mechanisms, particularly related to N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, remain unclear. This study explores the potential mechanisms by which arecoline and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) induce OSCC, focusing on m6A regulatory factors and key targets. Methods Transcriptional data were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified using the limma package. The intersection of DEGs and 21 m6A regulators was analyzed, and their prognostic relevance was validated with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. Arecoline and 4-NQO targets were identified through online databases, and compound-target and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed. Core targets were selected using Degree, MCC, and FRIENDS algorithms. Spearman analysis assessed correlations with m6A factors, and molecular docking was performed to verify binding properties. Results Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein C (HNRNPC), AlkB Homolog 5 (ALKBH5), and ELAV Like RNA Binding Protein 1 (ELAVL1) were identified as key genes. High HNRNPC expression correlated with poor prognosis. AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1 (AKT1) was the core target across algorithms, with significant correlations between AKT1 and m6A factors. Molecular docking indicated potential binding between AKT1 and the compounds. Conclusion This study establishes a regulatory network linking arecoline/4-NQO, AKT1, m6A factors, and OSCC, and identifies key molecular targets and mechanisms underlying the carcinogenic process. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the pathogenesis of OSCC and developing targeted strategies for early intervention and treatment.