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Chokkalla AK, Arruri V, Mehta SL, Vemuganti R. Loss of Epitranscriptomic Modification N 6-Methyladenosine (m 6A) Reader YTHDF1 Exacerbates Ischemic Brain Injury in a Sexually Dimorphic Manner. Transl Stroke Res 2024:10.1007/s12975-024-01267-4. [PMID: 38869772 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-024-01267-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is a neuronal-enriched, reversible post-transcriptional modification that regulates RNA metabolism. The m6A-modified RNAs recruit various m6A-binding proteins that act as readers. Differential m6A methylation patterns are implicated in ischemic brain damage, yet the precise role of m6A readers in propagating post-stroke m6A signaling remains unclear. We presently evaluated the functional significance of the brain-enriched m6A reader YTHDF1, in post-stroke pathophysiology. Focal cerebral ischemia significantly increased YTHDF1 mRNA and protein expression in adult mice of both sexes. YTHDF1-/- male, but not female, mice subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) showed worsened motor function recovery and increased infarction compared to sex-matched YTHDF1+/+ mice. YTHDF1-/- male, but not female, mice subjected to transient MCAO also showed significantly perturbed expression of genes related to inflammation, and increased infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the peri-infarct cortex, compared with sex-matched YTHDF1+/+ mice. Thus, this study demonstrates a sexual dimorphism of YTHDF1 in regulating post-ischemic inflammation and pathophysiology. Hence, post-stroke epitranscriptomic regulation might be sex-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K Chokkalla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vijay Arruri
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Suresh L Mehta
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veteran Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.
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Yang Y, Zhang M, Li N, Wang C, Yang H, Hou X, Yang J, Fan K, Yang L, Wu K. Hirschsprung's disease: m6A methylase VIRMA suppresses cell migration and proliferation by regulating GSK3β. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03136-0. [PMID: 38658662 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03136-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA modification in mammals, participating in various biological processes. VIRMA is a key methyltransferase involved in m6A modification. However, the role of VIRMA in Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the function of VIRMA in HSCR and identify its corresponding regulatory mechanisms. METHODS The expression of VIRMA and GSK3β in colon tissues of HSCR was examined using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and Immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence detected localization of VIRMA and GSK3β. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK8 and EdU assays, and cell migration was evaluated via cell migration and wound healing assays. The stability of GSK3β mRNA was assessed using the actinomycin D assay and the overall level of m6A in cells was assessed by colorimetric assay. RESULTS VIRMA was significantly downregulated in narrow-segment colon tissue. Silencing of VIRMA inhibited cell proliferation and migration. VIRMA can inhibit the degradation of GSK3β mRNA and increase the expression of GSK3β. GSK3β was significantly upregulated in narrow-segment colon tissues. Accordingly, our findings showed that GSK3β mediated the VIRMA-driven cell migration and proliferation. CONCLUSION VIRMA can inhibit cell migration and proliferation by upregulating the expression of GSK3β, contributing to the onset of HSCR. IMPACT The expressions of VIRMA were significantly reduced in HSCR, while GSK3β expression was increased in HSCR, and can be used as a molecular marker. VIRMA overexpression promoted the proliferation and migration of SH-SY5Y and HEK-293T cells. VIRMA can inhibit the degradation of GSK3β mRNA and increase the expression of GSK3β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengzhen Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Huirong Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinwei Hou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaming Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaisi Fan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Liucheng Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China.
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Bai X, Huang J, Jin Y, Chen J, Zhou S, Dong L, Han X, He X. M6A RNA methylation in biliary tract cancer: the function roles and potential therapeutic implications. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:83. [PMID: 38365891 PMCID: PMC10873351 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01849-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are relatively rare malignancies with a poor prognosis. For advanced BTCs, the efficacy of current chemotherapeutic approaches is limited. Consequently, there is an urgent need to deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BTC tumorigenesis and development for the exploration of effective targeted therapies. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant RNA modifications in eukaryotes, is found usually dysregulated and involved in tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance in tumors. Numerous studies have confirmed that aberrant m6A regulators function as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors in BTCs by the reversible regulation of RNA metabolism, including splicing, export, degradation and translation. In this review, we summarized the current roles of the m6A regulators and their functional impacts on RNA fate in BTCs. The improved understanding of m6A modification in BTCs also provides a reasonable outlook for the exploration of new diagnostic strategies and efficient therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Bai
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhao Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiqun Jin
- Department of Ultrasound, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School Of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiemin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shengnan Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liangbo Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xianlin Han
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaodong He
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Yuan R, Wu C. YTHDF1-mediated sphingosine kinase 2 upregulation alleviates bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity via the PI3K/AKT axis. Hum Exp Toxicol 2024; 43:9603271231218707. [PMID: 38487884 DOI: 10.1177/09603271231218707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bupivacaine (BUP), a long-acting local anesthetic, has been widely used in analgesia and anesthesia. However, evidence strongly suggests that excessive application of BUP may lead to neurotoxicity in neurons. Sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) has been reported to exert neuroprotective effects. In this study, we intended to investigate the potential role and mechanism of SPHK2 in BUP-induced neurotoxicity in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. METHODS DRG neurons were cultured with BUP to simulate BUP-induced neurotoxicity in vitro. CCK-8, LDH, and flow cytometry assays were performed to detect the viability, LDH activity, and apoptosis of DRG neurons. RT-qPCR and western blotting was applied to measure gene and protein expression. Levels. MeRIP-qPCR was applied for quantification of m6A modification. RIP-qPCR was used to analyze the interaction between SPHK2 and YTHDF1. RESULTS SPHK2 expression significantly declined in DRG neurons upon exposure to BUP. BUP challenge substantially reduced the cell viability and increased the apoptosis rate in DRG neurons, which was partly abolished by SPHK2 upregulation. YTHDF1, an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader, promoted SPHK2 expression in BUP-treated DRG neurons in an m6A-dependent manner. YTHDF1 knockdown partly eliminated the increase in SPHK2 protein level and the protection against BUP-triggered neurotoxicity in DRG neurons mediated by SPHK2 overexpression. Moreover, SPHK2 activated the PI3K/AKT signaling to protect against BUP-induced cytotoxic effects on DRG neurons. CONCLUSIONS In sum, YTHDF1-mediated SPHK2 upregulation ameliorated BUP-induced neurotoxicity in DRG neurons via promoting activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou, China
- The Wujin Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Chunxia Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou, China
- The Wujin Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Changzhou, China
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Chen X, Lu T, Ding M, Cai Y, Yu Z, Zhou X, Wang X. Targeting YTHDF2 inhibits tumorigenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma through ACER2-mediated ceramide catabolism. J Adv Res 2023:S2090-1232(23)00314-4. [PMID: 37865189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epigenetic alterations play crucial roles in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Disturbances in lipid metabolism contribute to tumor progression. However, studies in epigenetics, especially its critical regulator YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2), on lipid metabolism regulation in DLBCL are unidentified. OBJECTIVES Elucidate the prognostic value and biological functions of YTHDF2 in DLBCL and illuminate the underlying epigenetic regulation mechanism of lipid metabolism by YTHDF2 in DLBCL development. METHODS The expression and clinical value of YTHDF2 in DLBCL were performed in public databases and clinical specimens. The biological functions of YTHDF2 in DLBCL were determined in vivo and in vitro through overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of YTHDF2. RNA sequencing, lipidomics, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR, luciferase activity assay, and RNA stability experiments were used to explore the potential mechanism by which YTHDF2 contributed to DLBCL progression. RESULTS YTHDF2 was highly expressed in DLBCL, and related to poor prognosis. YTHDF2 overexpression exerted a tumor-promoting effect in DLBCL, and knockdown of YTHDF2 restricted DLBCL cell proliferation, arrested cell cycle in the G2/M phase, facilitated apoptosis, and enhanced drug sensitivity to ibrutinib and venetoclax. In addition, YTHDF2 knockout drastically suppressed tumor growth in xenograft DLBCL models. Furthermore, a regulatory role of YTHDF2 in ceramide metabolism was identified in DLBCL cells. Exogenous ceramide effectively inhibited the malignant phenotype of DLBCL cells in vitro. The binding of YTHDF2 to m6A sites on alkaline ceramidase 2 (ACER2) mRNA promoted its stability and expression. Enhanced ACER2 expression hydrolyzed ceramides, disrupting the balance between ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), activating the ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways, and leading to DLBCL tumorigenesis. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that YTHDF2 contributed to the progression of DLBCL by regulating ACER2-mediated ceramide metabolism in an m6A-dependent manner, providing novel insights into targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Chen
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Tiange Lu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Mengfei Ding
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Yiqing Cai
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Zhuoya Yu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Xiangxiang Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 251006, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China; National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 251006, China.
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Zhang W, Wu T, Zhang Y, Kang W, Du C, You Q, Chen X, Jiang Z. Targeting m 6A binding protein YTHDFs for cancer therapy. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117373. [PMID: 37329678 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common mRNA modification in mammalians. The function and dynamic regulation of m6A depends on the "writer", "readers" and "erasers". YT521-B homology domain family (YTHDF) is a class of m6A binding proteins, including YTHDF1, YTHDF2 and YTHDF3. In recent years, the modification of m6A and the molecular mechanism of YTHDFs have been further understood. Growing evidence has shown that YTHDFs participate in multifarious bioprocesses, particularly tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarized the structural characteristics of YTHDFs, the regulation of mRNA by YTHDFs, the role of YTHDF proteins in human cancers and inhibition of YTHDFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikun Zhang
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tingting Wu
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuejiao Zhang
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wenjing Kang
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chenyu Du
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xuetao Chen
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Liu X, Feng M, Hao X, Gao Z, Wu Z, Wang Y, Du L, Wang C. m6A methylation regulates hypoxia-induced pancreatic cancer glycolytic metabolism through ALKBH5-HDAC4-HIF1α positive feedback loop. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02704-8. [PMID: 37149664 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02704-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most hypoxic cancer type among solid tumors. The dynamic changes of RNA N6-methyl-adenosine (m6A) contribute to tumor cells adaption to hypoxic microenvironmental. However, the regulatory mechanisms of hypoxia response in PC remains elusive. Here, we reported that the m6A demethylase ALKBH5 mediated a decrease of total mRNA m6A modification during hypoxia. Subsequently, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) combined with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed transcriptome-wide gene expression alteration and identified histone deacetylase type 4 (HDAC4) as a key target gene of m6A modification under hypoxic conditionds. Mechanistically, m6A methylation recognized by m6A reader-YTHDF2 enhanced the stability of HDAC4, and then promoted glycolytic metabolism and migration of PC cells. Our assays also demonstrated that hypoxia-induced HDAC4 enhanced HIF1a protein stability, and overexpressed HIF1a promoted transcription of ALKBH5 in hypoxic pancreatic cancer cells. Together, these results found a ALKBH5/HDAC4/HIF1α positive feedback loop for cellular response to hypoxia in pancreatic cancer. Our studies uncover the crosstalk between histone acetylation and RNA methylation modification on layer of epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China
| | - Maoxiao Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China
| | - Xiaodong Hao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China
| | - Zihan Gao
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Zhaoxin Wu
- School of pharmacy, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, shandong,, 266071, China
| | - Yuli Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China
| | - Lutao Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China.
| | - Chuanxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 247 Beiyuan Street, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China.
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Mitsuhashi H, Nagy C. Potential Roles of m6A and FTO in Synaptic Connectivity and Major Depressive Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076220. [PMID: 37047192 PMCID: PMC10093820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications known as epitranscriptomics have emerged as a novel layer of transcriptomic regulation. Like the well-studied epigenetic modifications characterized in DNA and on histone-tails, they have been shown to regulate activity-dependent gene expression and play a vital role in shaping synaptic connections in response to external stimuli. Among the hundreds of known RNA modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA modification in eukaryotes. Through recognition of its binding proteins, m6A can regulate various aspects of mRNA metabolism and is essential for maintaining higher brain functions. Indeed, m6A is highly enriched in synapses and is involved in neuronal plasticity, learning and memory, and adult neurogenesis. m6A can also respond to environmental stimuli, suggesting an important role in linking molecular and behavioral stress. This review summarizes key findings from fields related to major depressive disorder (MDD) including stress and learning and memory, which suggest that activity-dependent m6A changes may, directly and indirectly, contribute to synaptic connectivity changes underlying MDD. Furthermore, we will highlight the roles of m6A and FTO, a m6A eraser, in the context of depressive-like behaviors. Although we have only begun to explore m6A in the context of MDD and psychiatry, elucidating a link between m6A and MDD presents a novel molecular mechanism underlying MDD pathogenesis.
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Chen L, Gao Y, Xu S, Yuan J, Wang M, Li T, Gong J. N6-methyladenosine reader YTHDF family in biological processes: Structures, roles, and mechanisms. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1162607. [PMID: 36999016 PMCID: PMC10043241 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1162607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most abundant and conserved internal modification in eukaryote RNAs, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. The YT521-B homology (YTH) domain-containing family proteins (YTHDFs), including YTHDF1, YTHDF2, and YTHDF3, are a class of cytoplasmic m6A-binding proteins defined by the vertebrate YTH domain, and exert extensive functions in regulating RNA destiny. Distinct expression patterns of the YTHDF family in specific cell types or developmental stages result in prominent differences in multiple biological processes, such as embryonic development, stem cell fate, fat metabolism, neuromodulation, cardiovascular effect, infection, immunity, and tumorigenesis. The YTHDF family mediates tumor proliferation, metastasis, metabolism, drug resistance, and immunity, and possesses the potential of predictive and therapeutic biomarkers. Here, we mainly summary the structures, roles, and mechanisms of the YTHDF family in physiological and pathological processes, especially in multiple cancers, as well as their current limitations and future considerations. This will provide novel angles for deciphering m6A regulation in a biological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Simiao Xu
- Division of Endocrinology, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinxiong Yuan
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianyu Li
- Trauma Center/Department of Emergency and Traumatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Gong
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Gong,
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Zhuang M, Geng X, Han P, Che P, Liang F, Liu C, Yang L, Yu J, Zhang Z, Dong W, Ji SJ. YTHDF2 in dentate gyrus is the m 6A reader mediating m 6A modification in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1679-1691. [PMID: 36670199 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-01953-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been demonstrated to regulate learning and memory in mice. To investigate the mechanism by which m6A modification exerts its function through its reader proteins in the hippocampus, as well as to unveil the specific subregions of the hippocampus that are crucial for memory formation, we generated dentate gyrus (DG)-, CA3-, and CA1-specific Ythdf1 and Ythdf2 conditional knockout (cKO) mice, respectively. Surprisingly, we found that only the DG-specific Ythdf2 cKO mice displayed impaired memory formation, which is inconsistent with the previous report showing that YTHDF1 was involved in this process. YTHDF2 controls the stability of its target transcripts which encode proteins that regulate the elongation of mossy fibers (MF), the axons of DG granule cells. DG-specific Ythdf2 ablation caused MF overgrowth and impairment of the MF-CA3 excitatory synapse development and transmission in the stratum lucidum. Thus, this study identifies the m6A reader YTHDF2 in dentate gyrus as the only regulator that mediates m6A modification in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengru Zhuang
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.,SUSTech-HKUST Joint PhD Program, Division of Life Science and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoqi Geng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Peng Han
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Pengfei Che
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Fanghao Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Lixin Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Jun Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Zhuxia Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China. .,Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China.
| | - Sheng-Jian Ji
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
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11
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Ren W, Yuan Y, Li Y, Mutti L, Peng J, Jiang X. The function and clinical implication of YTHDF1 in the human system development and cancer. Biomark Res 2023; 11:5. [PMID: 36650570 PMCID: PMC9847098 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00452-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
YTHDF1 is a well-characterized m6A reader protein that is essential for protein translation, stem cell self-renewal, and embryonic development. YTHDF1 regulates target gene expression by diverse molecular mechanisms, such as promoting protein translation or modulating the stability of mRNA. The cellular levels of YTHDF1 are precisely regulated by a complicated transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational network. Very solid evidence supports the pivotal role of YTHDF1 in embryonic development and human cancer progression. In this review, we discuss how YTHDF1 influences both the physiological and pathological biology of the central nervous, reproductive and immune systems. Therefore we focus on some relevant aspects of the regulatory role played by YTHDF1 as gene expression, complex cell networking: stem cell self-renewal, embryonic development, and human cancers progression. We propose that YTHDF1 is a promising future cancer biomarker for detection, progression, and prognosis. Targeting YTHDF1 holds therapeutic potential, as the overexpression of YTHDF1 is associated with tumor resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Ren
- grid.414918.1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province/The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Yixiao Yuan
- grid.452206.70000 0004 1758 417XKey Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongwu Li
- grid.414918.1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province/The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Luciano Mutti
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA ,grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Jun Peng
- grid.414918.1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province/The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Xiulin Jiang
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
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12
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Han P, She Y, Yang Z, Zhuang M, Wang Q, Luo X, Yin C, Zhu J, Jaffrey SR, Ji SJ. Cbln1 regulates axon growth and guidance in multiple neural regions. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001853. [PMID: 36395107 PMCID: PMC9671368 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The accurate construction of neural circuits requires the precise control of axon growth and guidance, which is regulated by multiple growth and guidance cues during early nervous system development. It is generally thought that the growth and guidance cues that control the major steps of axon development have been defined. Here, we describe cerebellin-1 (Cbln1) as a novel cue that controls diverse aspects of axon growth and guidance throughout the central nervous system (CNS) by experiments using mouse and chick embryos. Cbln1 has previously been shown to function in late neural development to influence synapse organization. Here, we find that Cbln1 has an essential role in early neural development. Cbln1 is expressed on the axons and growth cones of developing commissural neurons and functions in an autocrine manner to promote axon growth. Cbln1 is also expressed in intermediate target tissues and functions as an attractive guidance cue. We find that these functions of Cbln1 are mediated by neurexin-2 (Nrxn2), which functions as the Cbln1 receptor for axon growth and guidance. In addition to the developing spinal cord, we further show that Cbln1 functions in diverse parts of the CNS with major roles in cerebellar parallel fiber growth and retinal ganglion cell axon guidance. Despite the prevailing role of Cbln1 as a synaptic organizer, our study discovers a new and unexpected function for Cbln1 as a general axon growth and guidance cue throughout the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Han
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanchu She
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuoxuan Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengru Zhuang
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingjun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaopeng Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Chaoqun Yin
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Junda Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Samie R. Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SRJ); (SJJ)
| | - Sheng-Jian Ji
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Biology, Brain Research Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (SRJ); (SJJ)
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13
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Yu Z, Huang L, Xia Y, Cheng S, Yang C, Chen C, Zou Z, Wang X, Tian X, Jiang X, Zhou L. Analysis of m6A modification regulators in the substantia nigra and striatum of MPTP-induced Parkinson’s disease mice. Neurosci Lett 2022; 791:136907. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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14
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Liu D, Fan B, Li J, Sun T, Ma J, Zhou X, Feng S. N6-methyladenosine modification: A potential regulatory mechanism in spinal cord injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:989637. [PMID: 36212687 PMCID: PMC9539101 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.989637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an essential post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotes, is closely related to the development of pathological processes in neurological diseases. Notably, spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious traumatic disease of the central nervous system, with a complex pathological mechanism which is still not completely understood. Recent studies have found that m6A modification levels are changed after SCI, and m6A-related regulators are involved in the changes of the local spinal cord microenvironment after injury. However, research on the role of m6A modification in SCI is still in the early stages. This review discusses the latest progress in the dynamic regulation of m6A modification, including methyltransferases (“writers”), demethylases (“erasers”) and m6A -binding proteins (“readers”). And then analyses the pathological mechanism relationship between m6A and the microenvironment after SCI. The biological processes involved included cell death, axon regeneration, and scar formation, which provides new insight for future research on the role of m6A modification in SCI and the clinical transformation of strategies for promoting recovery of spinal cord function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derong Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Baoyou Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinze Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianhu Zhou
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Xianhu Zhou,
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Shiqing Feng,
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15
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m 6A regulation of cortical and retinal neurogenesis is mediated by the redundant m 6A readers YTHDFs. iScience 2022; 25:104908. [PMID: 36039295 PMCID: PMC9418916 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
m6A modification plays an important role in regulating mammalian neurogenesis. However, whether and how the major cytoplasmic m6A readers, YTHDF1, YTHDF2, and YTHDF3 mediate this process is still not clear. Here, we demonstrate that Ythdf1 and Ythdf2 double deletion but not individual knockout recapitulates the phenotype of Mettl14 knockout in cortex. In addition, we find that Mettl14 knockout in retina causes protracted proliferation of retinal progenitors, decreased numbers of retinal neurons, and disturbed laminar structure. This phenotype is only reproduced when Ythdf1, Ythdf2, and Ythdf3 are knocked out simultaneously in retina. Analysis of YTHDF target mRNAs in mouse cortex and retina reveals abundant overlapping mRNAs related to neurogenesis that are recognized and regulated by both YTHDF1 and YTHDF2. Together our results demonstrate that the functionally redundant YTHDFs mediate m6A regulation of cortical and retinal neurogenesis.
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16
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Shafik AM, Allen EG, Jin P. Epitranscriptomic dynamics in brain development and disease. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3633-3646. [PMID: 35474104 PMCID: PMC9596619 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01570-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Distinct cell types are generated at specific times during brain development and are regulated by epigenetic, transcriptional, and newly emerging epitranscriptomic mechanisms. RNA modifications are known to affect many aspects of RNA metabolism and have been implicated in the regulation of various biological processes and in disease. Recent studies imply that dysregulation of the epitranscriptome may be significantly associated with neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disorders. Here we review the current knowledge surrounding the role of the RNA modifications N6-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytidine, pseudouridine, A-to-I RNA editing, 2'O-methylation, and their associated machinery, in brain development and human diseases. We also highlight the need for the development of new technologies in the pursuit of directly mapping RNA modifications in both genome- and single-molecule-level approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Shafik
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Emily G Allen
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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17
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Jiang L, Li X, Wang S, Yuan Z, Cheng J. The role and regulatory mechanism of m6A methylation in the nervous system. Front Genet 2022; 13:962774. [PMID: 36118889 PMCID: PMC9474891 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.962774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification regulates RNA translation, splicing, transport, localization, and stability at the post-transcriptional level. The m6A modification has been reported to have a wide range of effects on the nervous system, including neurogenesis, cerebellar development, learning, cognition, and memory, as well as the occurrence and development of neurological disorders. In this review, we aim to summarize the findings on the role and regulatory mechanism of m6A modification in the nervous system, to reveal the molecular mechanisms of neurodevelopmental processes, and to promote targeted therapy for nervous system-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Jiang
- Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zengqiang Yuan
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jinbo Cheng, ; Zengqiang Yuan, ,
| | - Jinbo Cheng
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life & Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jinbo Cheng, ; Zengqiang Yuan, ,
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18
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The Progression of N6-methyladenosine Study and Its Role in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115922. [PMID: 35682599 PMCID: PMC9180340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epitranscriptomic modifications can affect every aspect of RNA biology, including stability, transport, splicing, and translation, participate in global intracellular mRNA metabolism, and regulate gene expression and a variety of biological processes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) as the most prevalent modification contributes to normal embryonic brain development and memory formation. However, changes in the level of m6A modification and the expression of its related proteins cause abnormal nervous system functions, including brain tissue development retardation, axon regeneration disorders, memory changes, and neural stem cell renewal and differentiation disorders. Recent studies have revealed that m6A modification and its related proteins play key roles in the development of various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In this review, we summarize the research progresses of the m6A modification regulation mechanism in the central nervous system and discuss the effects of gene expression regulation mediated by m6A modification on the biological functions of the neuropsychiatric disorders, thereby providing some insight into new research targets and treatment directions for human diseases.
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19
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Huang H, Zhang G, Ruan GX, Li Y, Chen W, Zou J, Zhang R, Wang J, Ji SJ, Xu S, Ou X. Mettl14-Mediated m6A Modification Is Essential for Germinal Center B Cell Response. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:1924-1936. [PMID: 35365563 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2101071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The germinal center (GC) response is essential for generating memory B and long-lived Ab-secreting plasma cells during the T cell-dependent immune response. In the GC, signals via the BCR and CD40 collaboratively promote the proliferation and positive selection of GC B cells expressing BCRs with high affinities for specific Ags. Although a complex gene transcriptional regulatory network is known to control the GC response, it remains elusive how the positive selection of GC B cells is modulated posttranscriptionally. In this study, we show that methyltransferase like 14 (Mettl14)-mediated methylation of adenosines at the position N 6 of mRNA (N 6-methyladenosine [m6A]) is essential for the GC B cell response in mice. Ablation of Mettl14 in B cells leads to compromised GC B cell proliferation and a defective Ab response. Interestingly, we unravel that Mettl14-mediated m6A regulates the expression of genes critical for positive selection and cell cycle regulation of GC B cells in a Ythdf2-dependent but Myc-independent manner. Furthermore, our study reveals that Mettl14-mediated m6A modification promotes mRNA decay of negative immune regulators, such as Lax1 and Tipe2, to upregulate genes requisite for GC B cell positive selection and proliferation. Thus, our findings suggest that Mettl14-mediated m6A modification plays an essential role in the GC B cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengjun Huang
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gaopu Zhang
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gui-Xin Ruan
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuxing Li
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenjing Chen
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jia Zou
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sheng-Jian Ji
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China;
| | - Shengli Xu
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore; and.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xijun Ou
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China;
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20
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Liao J, Wei Y, Liang J, Wen J, Chen X, Zhang B, Chu L. Insight into the structure, physiological function, and role in cancer of m6A readers—YTH domain-containing proteins. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:137. [PMID: 35351856 PMCID: PMC8964710 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-00947-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
YT521-B homology (YTH) domain-containing proteins (YTHDF1-3, YTHDC1-2) are the most crucial part of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) readers and play a regulatory role in almost all stages of methylated RNA metabolism and the progression of various cancers. Since m6A is identified as an essential post-transcriptional type, YTH domain-containing proteins have played a key role in the m6A sites of RNA. Hence, it is of great significance to study the interaction between YTH family proteins and m6A-modified RNA metabolism and tumor. In this review, their basic structure and physical functions in RNA transcription, splicing, exporting, stability, and degradation as well as protein translation are introduced. Then we discussed the expression regulation of YTH domain-containing proteins in cancers. Furthermore, we introduced the role of the YTH family in cancer biology and systematically demonstrated their functions in various aspects of tumorigenesis and development. To provide a more institute understanding of the role of YTH family proteins in cancers, we summarized their functions and specific mechanisms in various cancer types and presented their involvement in cancer-related signaling pathways.
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21
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Niu F, Han P, Zhang J, She Y, Yang L, Yu J, Zhuang M, Tang K, Shi Y, Yang B, Liu C, Peng B, Ji SJ. The m 6A reader YTHDF2 is a negative regulator for dendrite development and maintenance of retinal ganglion cells. eLife 2022; 11:75827. [PMID: 35179492 PMCID: PMC8906807 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise control of growth and maintenance of the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dendrite arborization is critical for normal visual functions in mammals. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we find that the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader YTHDF2 is highly expressed in the mouse RGCs. Conditional knockout (cKO) of Ythdf2 in the retina leads to increased RGC dendrite branching, resulting in more synapses in the inner plexiform layer. Interestingly, the Ythdf2 cKO mice show improved visual acuity compared with control mice. We further demonstrate that Ythdf2 cKO in the retina protects RGCs from dendrite degeneration caused by the experimental acute glaucoma model. We identify the m6A-modified YTHDF2 target transcripts which mediate these effects. This study reveals mechanisms by which YTHDF2 restricts RGC dendrite development and maintenance. YTHDF2 and its target mRNAs might be valuable in developing new treatment approaches for glaucomatous eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fugui Niu
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peng Han
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanchu She
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lixin Yang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengru Zhuang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kezhen Tang
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuwei Shi
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Baisheng Yang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunqiao Liu
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Jian Ji
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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22
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Li L, Yu J, Ji SJ. Axonal mRNA localization and translation: local events with broad roles. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:7379-7395. [PMID: 34698881 PMCID: PMC11072051 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03995-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) can be transported and targeted to different subcellular compartments and locally translated. Local translation is an evolutionally conserved mechanism that in mammals, provides an important tool to exquisitely regulate the subcellular proteome in different cell types, including neurons. Local translation in axons is involved in processes such as neuronal development, function, plasticity, and diseases. Here, we summarize the current progress on axonal mRNA transport and translation. We focus on the regulatory mechanisms governing how mRNAs are transported to axons and how they are locally translated in axons. We discuss the roles of axonally synthesized proteins, which either function locally in axons, or are retrogradely trafficked back to soma to achieve neuron-wide gene regulation. We also examine local translation in neurological diseases. Finally, we give a critical perspective on the remaining questions that could be answered to uncover the fundamental rules governing local translation, and discuss how this could lead to new therapeutic targets for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Li
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Biology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Biology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Sheng-Jian Ji
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Biology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, Brain Research Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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