NSUN2 promotes the progression of cervical cancer through SFRP4-Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis

Cervical cancer represents one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms in females, with its pathogenesis intricately linked to dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms. NSUN2, a RNA methyltransferase (MTase), has been implicated in conferring oncogenic properties across a spectrum of cancer types; however, its precise molecular underpinnings in cervical carcinogenesis remain poorly elucidated. The expression levels of NSUN2 and SFRP4 in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines were assessed using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. The effects of NSUN2 on the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer cells were evaluated through Transwell migration and wound healing assays. The expression changes of key genes in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were also analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism of the NSUN2-SFRP4-Wnt/β-catenin regulatory axis was validated through gene knockdown experiments. Our findings indicate that NSUN2 is highly expressed in cervical cancer. NSUN2 activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by downregulating SFRP4 expression, thereby promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Additionally, the knockdown of SFRP4 expression can reverse the pro-oncogenic effects associated with NSUN2. NSUN2 enhances the progression of cervical cancer by inhibiting SFRP4 expression and activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study elucidates the critical role of the NSUN2-SFRP4-Wnt/β-catenin axis in cervical cancer and offers new insights for targeted therapeutic strategies. Clinical Trial Number MR-34-25-050440.