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Shen C, Jiang Y, Lin J, Guo Q, Fang D. METTL3 silencing inhibits ferroptosis to suppress ovarian fibrosis in PCOS by upregulating m6A modification of GPX4. J Mol Histol 2024:10.1007/s10735-024-10257-7. [PMID: 39261364 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-024-10257-7] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is extensively reported to be involved in organ fibrosis. Ovarian fibrosis is a main characteristic of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the reaction mechanism of METTL3 in PCOS is poorly investigated. This paper was intended to reveal the role and the mechanism of METTL3 in PCOS. Animal and cell models of PCOS were induced by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). H&E staining was performed to detect the pathological alterations in ovary tissues. Masson staining, immunofluorescence, along with western blot measured fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo. To evaluate estrous cycle, vaginal smear was performed. Lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis were evaluated by MDA assay kits, GSH assay kits, immunohistochemistry, Prussian blue staining and western blot. qRT-PCR and western blot were adopted to estimate METTL3 and GPX4 expression. The m6A and hormone secretion levels were respectively assessed by m6A RNA Methylation Quantitative Kit and corresponding kits. The interaction between METTL3 and GPX4 was testified by immunoprecipitation. The fibrosis and ferroptosis were aggravated and m6A and METTL3 expression were increased in ovarian tissues of DHEA-induced PCOS mice. METTL3 silencing alleviated pathological changes, affected hormone secretion level, and repressed fibrosis, lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in the ovarian tissues of PCOS mice. In vitro, DHEA stimulation increased m6A and METTL3 expression and induced ferroptosis and fibrosis. METTL3 knockdown promoted GPX4 expression in DHEA-induced granulosa cells by m6A modification and restrained DHEA-induced fibrosis, lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in granulosa cells via elevating GPX4. METTL3 silence inhibited ovarian fibrosis in PCOS, which was mediated through suppressing ferroptosis by upregulating GPX4 in m6A-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Shen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Lu, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongmei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Lu, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiwei Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Lu, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingzhi Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Section 3, Ren Min Nan Lu, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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Cai Y, Zhou J, Xu A, Huang J, Zhang H, Xie G, Zhong K, Wu Y, Ye P, Wang H, Niu H. N6-methyladenosine triggers renal fibrosis via enhancing translation and stability of ZEB2 mRNA. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107598. [PMID: 39059495 PMCID: PMC11381876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107598] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a surge in studies investigating N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in human diseases has occurred. However, the specific roles and mechanisms of m6A in kidney disease remain incompletely understood. This study revealed that m6A plays a positive role in regulating renal fibrosis (RF) by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal phenotypic transition (EMT) in renal tubular cells. Through comprehensive analyses, including m6A sequencing, RNA-seq, and functional studies, we confirmed the pivotal involvement of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) in m6A-mediated RF and EMT. Notably, the m6A-modified coding sequence of ZEB2 mRNA significantly enhances its translational elongation and mRNA stability by interacting with the YTHDF1/eEF-2 complex and IGF2BP3, respectively. Moreover, targeted demethylation of ZEB2 mRNA using the dm6ACRISPR system substantially decreases ZEB2 expression and disrupts the EMT process in renal tubular epithelial cells. In vivo and clinical data further support the positive influence of m6A/ZEB2 on RF progression. Our findings highlight the m6A-mediated regulation of RF through ZEB2, revealing a novel therapeutic target for RF treatment and enhancing our understanding of the impact of mRNA methylation on kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Cai
- Department of Nephrology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawang Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Abai Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinchang Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haisheng Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoyou Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - You Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Ye
- Department of Nephrology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongsheng Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hongxin Niu
- Department of General Practice, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Special Medical Service Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Long Y, Song D, Xiao L, Xiang Y, Li D, Sun X, Hong X, Hou FF, Fu H, Liu Y. m 6A RNA methylation drives kidney fibrosis by upregulating β-catenin signaling. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:3185-3200. [PMID: 38904026 PMCID: PMC11186362 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.96233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation plays a crucial role in various biological processes and the pathogenesis of human diseases. However, its role and mechanism in kidney fibrosis remain elusive. In this study, we show that the overall level of m6A methylated RNA was upregulated and the m6A methyltransferase METTL3 was induced in kidney tubular epithelial cells in mouse models and human kidney biopsies of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Proximal tubule-specific knockout of METTL3 in mice protected kidneys against developing fibrotic lesions after injury. Conversely, overexpression of METTL3 aggravated kidney fibrosis in vivo. Through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we identified β-catenin mRNA as a major target of METTL3-mediated m6A modification, which could be recognized by a specific m6A reader, the insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3). METTL3 stabilized β-catenin mRNA, increased β-catenin protein and induced its downstream profibrotic genes, whereas either knockdown of IGF2BP3 or inhibiting β-catenin signaling abolished its effects. Collectively, these results indicate that METTL3 promotes kidney fibrosis by stimulating the m6A modification of β-catenin mRNA, leading to its stabilization and its downstream profibrotic genes expression. Our findings suggest that targeting METTL3/IGF2BP3/β-catenin pathway may be a novel strategy for the treatment of fibrotic CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinyi Long
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongyan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liuyan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yadie Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dier Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Fan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
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He X, Tang B, Zou P, Song Z, Liu J, Pi Z, Xiao Y, Xiao R. m6A RNA methylation: The latent string-puller in fibrosis. Life Sci 2024; 346:122644. [PMID: 38614300 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122644] [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] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological phenomenon characterized by the aberrant accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissues. Fibrosis is a universally age-related disease involving that many organs and is the final stage of many chronic inflammatory diseases, which often threaten the patient's health. Undoubtedly, fibrosis has become a serious economic and health burden worldwide, However, the pathogenesis of fibrosis is complex. Further, the key molecules still remain to be unraveled. Hence, so far, there have been no effective treatments designed against the key targets of fibrosis. The methylation modification on the nitrogen atom at position 6 of adenine (m6A) is the most common mRNA modification in mammals. There is increasing evidence that m6A is actively involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. This review aims to highlight m6A-associated mechanisms and functions in several organic fibrosis, which implies that m6A is universal and critical for fibrosis and summarize the outlook of m6A in the treatment of fibrosis. This may light up the unknown aspects of this condition for researchers interested to explore fibrosis further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglan He
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Bingsi Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Puyu Zou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Zehong Song
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Jiani Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Zixin Pi
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yangfan Xiao
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan.
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Ma N, Lu H, Li N, Ni W, Zhang W, Liu Q, Wu W, Xia S, Wen J, Zhang T. CHOP-mediated Gasdermin E expression promotes pyroptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial damage in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:163. [PMID: 38388468 PMCID: PMC10883957 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06525-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
In clinical practice, renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), often leading to acute renal failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The current understanding of renal IRI mechanisms remains unclear, and effective therapeutic strategies and clear targets are lacking. Therefore, the need to find explicit and effective ways to reduce renal IRI remains a scientific challenge. The current study explored pyroptosis, a type of inflammation-regulated programmed cell death, and the role of Gasdermins E (GSDME)-mediated pyroptosis, mitochondrial damage, and inflammation in renal IRI. The analysis of human samples showed that the expression levels of GSDME in normal human renal tissues were higher than those of GSDMD. Moreover, our study demonstrated that GSDME played an important role in mediating pyroptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial damage in renal IRI. Subsequently, GSDME-N accumulated in the mitochondrial membrane, leading to mitochondrial damage and activation of caspase3, which generated a feed-forward loop of self-amplification injury. However, GSDME knockout resulted in the amelioration of renal IRI. Moreover, the current study found that the transcription factor CHOP was activated much earlier in renal IRI. Inhibition of BCL-2 by CHOP leaded to casapse3 activation, resulting in mitochondrial damage and apoptosis; not only that, but CHOP positively regulated GSDME thereby causing pyroptosis. Therefore, this study explored the transcriptional mechanisms of GSDME during IRI development and the important role of CHOP/Caspase3/GSDME mechanistic axis in regulating pyroptosis in renal IRI. This axis might serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Ma
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Lu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Nephropathy, The Zhongda Affilicated Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijian Ni
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pharmacy, Centre for Leading Medicine and Advanced Technologies of IHM, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Pharmaceutical Preparations and Clinical Pharmacy, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenzheng Wu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Shichao Xia
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiagen Wen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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Ye W, Lv X, Gao S, Li Y, Luan J, Wang S. Emerging role of m6A modification in fibrotic diseases and its potential therapeutic effect. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115873. [PMID: 37884198 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115873] [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] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis can occur in a variety of organs such as the heart, lung, liver and kidney, and its pathological changes are mainly manifested by an increase in fibrous connective tissue and a decrease in parenchymal cells in organ tissues, and continuous progression can lead to structural damage and organ hypofunction, or even failure, seriously threatening human health and life. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, as one of the most common types of internal modifications of RNA in eukaryotes, exerts a multifunctional role in physiological and pathological processes by regulating the metabolism of RNA. With the in-depth understanding and research of fibrosis, we found that m6A modification plays an important role in fibrosis, and m6A regulators can further participate in the pathophysiological process of fibrosis by regulating the function of specific cells. In our review, we summarized the latest research advances in m6A modification in fibrosis, as well as the specific functions of different m6A regulators. In addition, we focused on the mechanisms and roles of m6A modification in cardiac fibrosis, liver fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis, retinal fibrosis and oral submucosal fibrosis, with the aim of providing new insights and references for finding potential therapeutic targets for fibrosis. Finally, we discussed the prospects and challenges of targeted m6A modification in the treatment of fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wufei Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Liver Disease of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Songsen Gao
- Department of Orthopedics (Spinal Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yueran Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jiajie Luan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China.
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Ni W, Zhou H, Lu H, Ma N, Hou B, Li W, Kong F, Yu J, Hou R, Jin J, Wen J, Zhang T, Meng X. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of METTL3 alleviates renal fibrosis by reducing EVL m6A modification through an IGF2BP2-dependent mechanism. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1359. [PMID: 37537731 PMCID: PMC10400756 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6 -methyladenosine (m6A) is of great importance in renal physiology and disease progression, but its function and mechanism in renal fibrosis remain to be comprehensively and extensively explored. Hence, this study will explore the function and potential mechanism of critical regulator-mediated m6A modification during renal fibrosis and thereby explore promising anti-renal fibrosis agents. METHODS Renal tissues from humans and mice as well as HK-2 cells were used as research subjects. The profiles of m6A modification and regulators in renal fibrosis were analysed at the protein and RNA levels using Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and other methods. Methylation RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing coupled with methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) conditional knockout were used to explore the function of METTL3 and potential targets. Gene silencing and overexpression combined with RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to investigate the underlying mechanism by which METTL3 regulates the Ena/VASP-like (EVL) m6A modification that promotes renal fibrosis. Molecular docking and virtual screening with in vitro and in vivo experiments were applied to screen promising traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers and explore their mechanism of regulating the METTL3/EVL m6A axis and anti-renal fibrosis. RESULTS METTL3 and m6A modifications were hyperactivated in both the tubular region of fibrotic kidneys and HK-2 cells. Upregulated METTL3 enhanced the m6A modification of EVL mRNA to improve its stability and expression in an insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2)-dependent manner. Highly expressed EVL binding to Smad7 abrogated the Smad7-induced suppression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1)/Smad3 signal transduction, which conversely facilitated renal fibrosis progression. Molecular docking and virtual screening based on the structure of METTL3 identified a TCM monomer named isoforsythiaside, which inhibited METTL3 activity together with the METTL3/EVL m6A axis to exert anti-renal fibrosis effects. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the overactivated METTL3/EVL m6A axis is a potential target for renal fibrosis therapy, and the pharmacological inhibition of METTL3 activity by isoforsythiaside suggests that it is a promising anti-renal fibrosis agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Jian Ni
- Department of PharmacyAnhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of PharmacyAnhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Hao Lu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Nan‐Nan Ma
- Department of UrologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Bing‐Bing Hou
- Department of UrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Fan‐Xu Kong
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
- Department of PharmacyThe Second People's Hospital of HefeiHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Ju‐Tao Yu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Rui Hou
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Juan Jin
- Research Center for Translational MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
- School of Basic MedicineAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jia‐Gen Wen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of UrologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xiao‐Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
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