YTHDF2 in hepatocellular carcinoma: Bridging m6A modification and cancer progression

Abstract

YTH N6‐methyladenosine RNAbinding protein F2 (YTHDF2) is an N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) reader protein that mainly regulates the stability of methylated transcripts through mRNA decay. In the liver, YTHDF2 is involved in metabolic homeostasis, oxidative stress responses, and immune regulation. Altered YTHDF2 expression has also been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where its effects appear to depend on the target transcript and cellular context. This review summarizes the molecular functions of YTHDF2 in m6A recognition, RNA stability, and hepatic metabolism. We then discuss its expression patterns in HCC and its reported roles in inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and cancer‐related signaling. The upstream factors that regulate YTHDF2 and its major downstream targets are also reviewed, together with its links to immune and metabolic pathways. Finally, we examine current evidence for YTHDF2 as a possible biomarker and therapeutic target and discuss the limitations that still need to be addressed before clinical application.