ALKBH5-Mediated ITGB1 m6A Modification in Ovarian Cancer Progression and Immune Evasion

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest gynecologic malignancy, with immune evasion contributing to its poor prognosis. This study reveals that the m6A demethylase ALKBH5 enhances OC progression and immune escape by regulating ITGB1 expression. Using bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, deep learning, and co-expression network analysis, we identified ALKBH5 as a key regulator of m6A-modified ITGB1. Functional experiments showed that ALKBH5 promotes OC cell proliferation, metastasis, and immune evasion, while its knockdown enhances T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Public database validation further confirmed the diagnostic value of ALKBH5 and ITGB1. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 binds to ITGB1 mRNA and removes m6A modifications, increasing its stability and expression. Targeting the ALKBH5-ITGB1 axis may offer novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for OC.