journal article·2026-03Open access

m 1 A‐Dependent TRMT6/61A‐ARG2 Axis Drives Protumorigenic Senescence by Remodeling the Tumor Microenvironment

Tuoyang Li, Mingzhe Huang, Jinlin Cai, Xuan Li, Yaokang Xing, Rongzhao He, Zixiao Wan, Yingguo Gan, Ziming Li, Jingrong Weng, Yumo Xie, Yuanhui Wu, Xiaoxia Liu, Xiaolin Wang, Yanxin Luo, Meijin Huang, Jinxin Lin, Huichuan Yu

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 13

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cellular senescence, a fundamental hallmark of aging, plays a paradoxical, often pro‐tumorigenic role in cancer. This malignancy is largely driven by the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), yet the mechanisms that govern the production of a pro‐tumorigenic SASP remain poorly understood. This study uncovers an epitranscriptomic axis in colorectal cancer (CRC) where the TRMT6/TRMT61A tRNA N 1 ‐methyladenosine (m 1 A) methyltransferase complex is aberrantly elevated, driving a senescent state in malignant cells. Mechanistically, TRMT6/61A‐dependent m 1 A deposition on specific tRNAs enhances the translational efficiency of their cognate codons. This codon‐biased translational control selectively boosts the synthesis of ARG2. Accumulation of ARG2 subsequently activates mTOR and NF‐κB signaling and thereby establishes a robust SASP, which actively reprograms the tumor microenvironment by promoting the growth and invasiveness of neighboring cancer cells, activating cancer‐associated fibroblasts, and polarizing immunosuppressive M2 macrophages. Collectively, these findings define the TRMT6/61A‐ARG2 pathway as a driver for pro‐tumorigenic senescence in an m 1 A‐dependent manner, revealing a new layer of translational control in aging‐associated pathology and offering a compelling rationale for developing senomorphic therapies.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Cancer-related gene regulation · RNA modifications and cancer · Protein Degradation and Inhibitors

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery) The Sixth Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China

Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology Guangzhou China

Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases The Sixth Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China

Biomedical Innovation Center The Sixth Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China

Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat‐sen University) Ministry of Education Guangzhou China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province

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