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Fluke KA, Fuchs RT, Tsai YL, Talbott V, Elkins L, Febvre HP, Dai N, Wolf EJ, Burkhart BW, Schiltz J, Brett Robb G, Corrêa IR, Santangelo TJ. The extensive m 5C epitranscriptome of Thermococcus kodakarensis is generated by a suite of RNA methyltransferases that support thermophily. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7272. [PMID: 39179532 PMCID: PMC11344067 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51410-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
RNAs are often modified to invoke new activities. While many modifications are limited in frequency, restricted to non-coding RNAs, or present only in select organisms, 5-methylcytidine (m5C) is abundant across diverse RNAs and fitness-relevant across Domains of life, but the synthesis and impacts of m5C have yet to be fully investigated. Here, we map m5C in the model hyperthermophile, Thermococcus kodakarensis. We demonstrate that m5C is ~25x more abundant in T. kodakarensis than human cells, and the m5C epitranscriptome includes ~10% of unique transcripts. T. kodakarensis rRNAs harbor tenfold more m5C compared to Eukarya or Bacteria. We identify at least five RNA m5C methyltransferases (R5CMTs), and strains deleted for individual R5CMTs lack site-specific m5C modifications that limit hyperthermophilic growth. We show that m5C is likely generated through partial redundancy in target sites among R5CMTs. The complexity of the m5C epitranscriptome in T. kodakarensis argues that m5C supports life in the extremes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin A Fluke
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Ryan T Fuchs
- New England Biolabs Inc., Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | | | - Victoria Talbott
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Liam Elkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Hallie P Febvre
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Nan Dai
- New England Biolabs Inc., Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | - Eric J Wolf
- New England Biolabs Inc., Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | - Brett W Burkhart
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Jackson Schiltz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - G Brett Robb
- New England Biolabs Inc., Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | | | - Thomas J Santangelo
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
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Yang K, Zhao Y, Hu J, Gao R, Shi J, Wei X, Chen J, Hu K, Sun A, Ge J. ALKBH5 induces fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation during hypoxia to protect against cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction. J Adv Res 2024; 61:193-209. [PMID: 37689242 PMCID: PMC11258655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.09.004] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation produces a marked effect on cardiovascular diseases. The m6A demethylase AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), as an m6A "eraser", is responsible for decreased m6A modification. However, its role in cardiac fibroblasts during the post-myocardial infarction (MI) healing process remains elusive. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of ALKBH5 in cardiac fibroblasts during infarct repair. METHODS MI was mimicked by permanent left anterior descending artery ligation in global ALKBH5-knockout, ALKBH5-knockin, and fibroblast-specific ALKBH5-knockout mice to study the function of ALKBH5 during post-MI collagen repair. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing was performed to explore potential ALKBH5 targets. RESULTS Dramatic alterations in ALKBH5 expression were observed during the early stages post-MI and in hypoxic fibroblasts. Global ALKBH5 knockin reduced infarct size and ameliorated cardiac function after MI. The global and fibroblast-specific ALKBH5-knockout mice both exhibited low survival rates along with poor collagen repair, impaired cardiac function, and cardiac rupture. Both in vivo and in vitro ALKBH5 loss resulted in impaired fibroblast activation and decreased collagen deposition. Additionally, hypoxia, but not TGF-β1 or Ang II, upregulated ALKBH5 expression in myofibroblasts by HIF-1α-dependent transcriptional regulation. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 promoted the stability of ErbB4 mRNA and the degradation of ST14 mRNA via m6A demethylation. Fibroblast-specific ErbB4 overexpression ameliorated the impaired fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation and poor post-MI repair due to ALKBH5 knockout. CONCLUSION Fibroblast ALKBH5 positively regulates post-MI healing by stabilization of ErbB4 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner. ALKBH5/ErbB4 might be potential therapeutic targets for post-MI cardiac rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, China
| | - Yongchao Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, China; Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Jingjing Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, China; Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Rifeng Gao
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaran Shi
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiang Wei
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juntao Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, China
| | - Aijun Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Junbo Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, China; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, National Health Commission, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Yao Y, Liu P, Li Y, Wang W, Jia H, Bai Y, Yuan Z, Yang Z. Regulatory role of m 6A epitranscriptomic modifications in normal development and congenital malformations during embryogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116171. [PMID: 38394844 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116171] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation and its role in translation has led to the emergence of a new field of research. Despite accumulating evidence suggesting that m6A methylation is essential for the pathogenesis of cancers and aging diseases by influencing RNA stability, localization, transformation, and translation efficiency, its role in normal and abnormal embryonic development remains unclear. An increasing number of studies are addressing the development of the nervous and gonadal systems during embryonic development, but only few are assessing that of the immune, hematopoietic, urinary, and respiratory systems. Additionally, these studies are limited by the requirement for reliable embryonic animal models and the difficulty in collecting tissue samples of fetuses during development. Multiple studies on the function of m6A methylation have used suitable cell lines to mimic the complex biological processes of fetal development or the early postnatal phase; hence, the research is still in the primary stage. Herein, we discuss current advances in the extensive biological functions of m6A methylation in the development and maldevelopment of embryos/fetuses and conclude that m6A modification occurs extensively during fetal development. Aberrant expression of m6A regulators is probably correlated with single or multiple defects in organogenesis during the intrauterine life. This comprehensive review will enhance our understanding of the pivotal role of m6A modifications involved in fetal development and examine future research directions in embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Yao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Peiqi Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Huimin Jia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuzuo Bai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Zhonghua Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Kordowitzki P, Graczyk S, Haghani A, Klutstein M. Oocyte Aging: A Multifactorial Phenomenon in A Unique Cell. Aging Dis 2024; 15:5-21. [PMID: 37307833 PMCID: PMC10796106 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0527] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The oocyte is considered to be the largest cell in mammalian species. Women hoping to become pregnant face a ticking biological clock. This is becoming increasingly challenging as an increase in life expectancy is accompanied by the tendency to conceive at older ages. With advancing maternal age, the fertilized egg will exhibit lower quality and developmental competence, which contributes to increased chances of miscarriage due to several causes such as aneuploidy, oxidative stress, epigenetics, or metabolic disorders. In particular, heterochromatin in oocytes and with it, the DNA methylation landscape undergoes changes. Further, obesity is a well-known and ever-increasing global problem as it is associated with several metabolic disorders. More importantly, both obesity and aging negatively affect female reproduction. However, among women, there is immense variability in age-related decline of oocytes' quantity, developmental competence, or quality. Herein, the relevance of obesity and DNA-methylation will be discussed as these aspects have a tremendous effect on female fertility, and it is a topic of continuous and widespread interest that has yet to be fully addressed for the mammalian oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Kordowitzki
- Department of Preclinical and Basic Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
| | - Szymon Graczyk
- Department of Preclinical and Basic Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Michael Klutstein
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Upadhyaya P, Milillo C, Bruno A, Anaclerio F, Buccolini C, Dell’Elice A, Angilletta I, Gatta M, Ballerini P, Antonucci I. Nicotine-induced Genetic and Epigenetic Modifications in Primary Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:1995-2006. [PMID: 38867535 PMCID: PMC11348467 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128305232240607084420] [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: 11/08/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking during pregnancy has been linked to adverse health outcomes in offspring, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. To date, the effect of maternal smoking has been tested in primary tissues and animal models, but the scarcity of human tissues limits experimental studies. Evidence regarding smoking-related molecular alteration and gene expression profiles in stem cells is still lacking. METHODS We developed a cell culture model of human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs) of nicotine (NIC) exposure to examine the impact of maternal smoking on epigenetic alterations of the fetus. RESULTS NIC 0.1 μM (equivalent to "light" smoking, i.e., 5 cigarettes/day) did not significantly affect cell viability; however, significant alterations in DNA methylation and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation in hAFSCs occurred. These epigenetic changes may influence the gene expression and function of hAFSCs. Furthermore, NIC exposure caused time-dependent alterations of the expression of pluripotency genes and cell surface markers, suggesting enhanced cell stemness and impaired differentiation potential. Furthermore, NICtreated cells showed reduced mRNA levels of key adipogenic markers and hypomethylation of the promoter region of the imprinted gene H19 during adipogenic differentiation, potentially suppressing adipo/lipogenesis. Differential expression of 16 miRNAs, with predicted target genes involved in various metabolic pathways and linked to pathological conditions, including cognitive delay and fetal growth retardation, has been detected. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight multi-level effects of NIC on hAFSCs, including epigenetic modifications, altered gene expression, and impaired cellular differentiation, which may contribute to long-term consequences of smoking in pregnancy and its potential impact on offspring health and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabin Upadhyaya
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Cristina Milillo
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bruno
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Federico Anaclerio
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Carlotta Buccolini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Anastasia Dell’Elice
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Ilaria Angilletta
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Marco Gatta
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ballerini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Ivana Antonucci
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
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Wang C, Xu J, Luo S, Huang J, Ji D, Qiu X, Song X, Cao X, Niu C, Zeng X, Zhang Z, Ma Y, Chen J, Chen D, Zhong X, Wei Y. Parental Exposure to Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Bisphenol-A Bis(diphenyl phosphate) Impairs Vascular Development in Offspring through DNA/RNA Methylation-Dependent Transmission. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16176-16189. [PMID: 37847870 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol-A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP) has been increasingly detected in indoor environmental and human samples. Little is known about its developmental toxicity, particularly the intergenerational effects of parental exposure. In this study, adult zebrafish were exposed to BDP at 30-30,000 ng/L for 28 days, with results showing that exposure did not cause a transfer of BDP or its metabolites to offspring. Vascular morphometric profiling revealed that parental exposure to BDP at 30 and 300 ng/L exerted significant effects on the vascular development of offspring, encompassing diverse alterations in multiple types of blood vessels. N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing of larvae in the 300 ng/L group revealed 378 hypomethylated and 350 hypermethylated m6A peaks that were identified in mRNA transcripts of genes crucial for vascular development, including the Notch/Vegf signaling pathway. Concomitant changes in 5 methylcytosine (m5C) DNA methylation and gene expression of m6A modulators (alkbh5, kiaa1429, and ythdf1) were observed in both parental gonads and offspring exposed to BDP. These results reveal that parental exposure to low concentrations of BDP caused offspring vascular disorders by interfering with DNA and RNA methylation, uncovering a unique DNA-RNA modification pattern in the intergenerational transmission of BDP's developmental toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Jinkun Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shili Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiajing Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Di Ji
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xuelin Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xin Song
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaolian Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Congying Niu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiangyu Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhuyi Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ya Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Junzhou Chen
- School of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiali Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yanhong Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Zhang M, Nie J, Chen Y, Li X, Chen H. Connecting the Dots: N6-Methyladenosine (m 6 A) Modification in Spermatogenesis. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300068. [PMID: 37353958 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300068] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most common RNA modification found in eukaryotes and is involved in multiple biological processes, including neuronal development, tumorigenesis, and gametogenesis. It is well known that methylation-modifying enzymes (classified into writers, erasers, and readers) mediate catalysis, clearance, and recognition of m6 A. Recent studies suggest that these genes may be associated with spermatogenesis. Numerous studies have revealed the m6 A role during spermatogenesis. However, the expression patterns and relationships of these m6 A enzymes during various stages of spermatogenesis remain unknown. In this review, it is aimed to provide an overview of m6 A enzyme functions and elucidate their potential mechanisms and regulatory relationships at a specific phase during spermatogenesis, providing new insights into the m6 A modification underlying the spermatogenesis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengya Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Junyu Nie
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Yufei Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Lianhua Road No. 1120, Futian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
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8
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Leseva MN, Buttari B, Saso L, Dimitrova PA. Infection Meets Inflammation: N6-Methyladenosine, an Internal Messenger RNA Modification as a Tool for Pharmacological Regulation of Host-Pathogen Interactions. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1060. [PMID: 37509095 PMCID: PMC10377384 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071060] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of internal mRNA modifications for the modulation of transcript stability, for regulation of nuclear export and translation efficiency, and their role in suppressing innate immunity is well documented. Over the years, the molecular complexes involved in the dynamic regulation of the most prevalent modifications have been characterized-we have a growing understanding of how each modification is set and erased, where it is placed, and in response to what cues. Remarkably, internal mRNA modifications, such as methylation, are emerging as an additional layer of regulation of immune cell homeostasis, differentiation, and function. A fascinating recent development is the investigation into the internal modifications of host/pathogen RNA, specifically N6-methyladenosine (m6A), its abundance and distribution during infection, and its role in disease pathogenesis and in shaping host immune responses. Low molecular weight compounds that target RNA-modifying enzymes have shown promising results in vitro and in animal models of different cancers and are expanding the tool-box in immuno-oncology. Excitingly, such modulators of host mRNA methyltransferase or demethylase activity hold profound implications for the development of new broad-spectrum therapeutic agents for infectious diseases as well. This review describes the newly uncovered role of internal mRNA modification in infection and in shaping the function of the immune system in response to invading pathogens. We will also discuss its potential as a therapeutic target and identify pitfalls that need to be overcome if it is to be effectively leveraged against infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena N Leseva
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunotherapy, Department of Immunology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Brigitta Buttari
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Petya A Dimitrova
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunotherapy, Department of Immunology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Yu H, Gao Q, Wang W, Liu D, He J, Tian Y. Comprehensive Analysis of YTH Domain-Containing Genes, Encoding m 6A Reader and Their Response to Temperature Stresses and Yersinia ruckeri Infection in Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119348. [PMID: 37298300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119348] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
YTH domain-containing genes are important readers of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications with ability to directly affect the fates of distinct RNAs in organisms. Despite their importance, little is known about YTH domain-containing genes in teleosts until now. In the present study, a total of 10 YTH domain-containing genes have been systematically identified and functionally characterized in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). According to the phylogenetic tree, gene structure and syntenic analysis, these YTH domain-containing genes could be classified into three evolutionary subclades, including YTHDF, YTHDC1 and YTHDC2. Of them, the copy number of OmDF1, OmDF2, OmDF3, and OmDC1 were duplicated or even triplicated in rainbow trout due to the salmonid-specific whole-genome duplication event. The three-dimensional protein structure analysis revealed that there were similar structures and the same amino acid residues that were associated with cage formation between humans and rainbow trout, implying their similar manners in binding to m6A modification. Additionally, the results of qPCR experiment indicated that the expression patterns of a few YTH domain-containing genes, especially OmDF1b, OmDF3a and OmDF3b, were significantly different in liver tissue of rainbow trout under four different temperatures (7 °C, 11 °C, 15 °C, and 19 °C). The expression levels of OmDF1a, OmDF1b and OmDC1a were obviously repressed in spleen tissue of rainbow trout at 24 h after Yersinia ruckeri infection, while increased expression was detected in OmDF3b. This study provides a systemic overview of YTH domain-containing genes in rainbow trout and reveals their biological roles in responses to temperature stress and bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Qinfeng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Dazhi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jinghong He
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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Chuong NN, Doan PPT, Wang L, Kim JH, Kim J. Current Insights into m 6A RNA Methylation and Its Emerging Role in Plant Circadian Clock. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:624. [PMID: 36771711 PMCID: PMC9920239 DOI: 10.3390/plants12030624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
N6-adenosine methylation (m6A) is a prevalent form of RNA modification found in the expressed transcripts of many eukaryotic organisms. Moreover, m6A methylation is a dynamic and reversible process that requires the functioning of various proteins and their complexes that are evolutionarily conserved between species and include methylases, demethylases, and m6A-binding proteins. Over the past decade, the m6A methylation process in plants has been extensively studied and the understanding thereof has drastically increased, although the regulatory function of some components relies on information derived from animal systems. Notably, m6A has been found to be involved in a variety of factors in RNA processing, such as RNA stability, alternative polyadenylation, and miRNA regulation. The circadian clock in plants is a molecular timekeeping system that regulates the daily and rhythmic activity of many cellular and physiological processes in response to environmental changes such as the day-night cycle. The circadian clock regulates the rhythmic expression of genes through post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA. Recently, m6A methylation has emerged as an additional layer of post-transcriptional regulation that is necessary for the proper functioning of the plant circadian clock. In this review, we have compiled and summarized recent insights into the molecular mechanisms behind m6A modification and its various roles in the regulation of RNA. We discuss the potential role of m6A modification in regulating the plant circadian clock and outline potential future directions for the study of mRNA methylation in plants. A deeper understanding of the mechanism of m6A RNA regulation and its role in plant circadian clocks will contribute to a greater understanding of the plant circadian clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Nguyen Chuong
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology & Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 690756, Republic of Korea
| | - Phan Phuong Thao Doan
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology & Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 690756, Republic of Korea
| | - Lanshuo Wang
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology & Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 690756, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hee Kim
- Subtropical Horticulture Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 690756, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongsik Kim
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology & Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 690756, Republic of Korea
- Subtropical Horticulture Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 690756, Republic of Korea
- Faculty of Science Education, Jeju National University, Jeju 690756, Republic of Korea
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11
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Maimaiti A, Turhon M, Cheng X, Su R, Kadeer K, Axier A, Ailaiti D, Aili Y, Abudusalamu R, Kuerban A, Wang Z, Aisha M. m6A regulator–mediated RNA methylation modification patterns and immune microenvironment infiltration characterization in patients with intracranial aneurysms. Front Neurol 2022; 13:889141. [PMID: 35989938 PMCID: PMC9389407 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.889141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe role of epigenetic modulation in immunity is receiving increased recognition—particularly in the context of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications. Nevertheless, it is still uncertain whether m6A methylation plays a role in the onset and progression of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). This study aimed to establish the function of m6A RNA methylation in IA, as well as its correlation with the immunological microenvironment.MethodsOur study included a total of 97 samples (64 IA, 33 normal) in the training set and 60 samples (44 IA, 16 normal) in the validation set to systematically assess the pattern of RNA modifications mediated by 22 m6A regulators. The effects of m6A modifications on immune microenvironment features, i.e., immune response gene sets, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, and infiltrating immune cells were explored. We employed Lasso, machine learning, and logistic regression for the purpose of identifying an m6A regulator gene signature of IA with external data validation. For the unsupervised clustering analysis of m6A modification patterns in IA, consensus clustering methods were employed. Enrichment analysis was used to assess immune response activity along with other functional pathways. The identification of m6A methylation markers was identified based on a protein–protein interaction network and weighted gene co-expression network analysis.ResultsWe identified an m6A regulator signature of IGFBP2, IGFBP1, IGF2BP2, YTHDF3, ALKBH5, RBM15B, LRPPRC, and ELAVL1, which could easily distinguish individuals with IA from healthy individuals. Unsupervised clustering revealed three m6A modification patterns. Gene enrichment analysis illustrated that the tight junction, p53 pathway, and NOTCH signaling pathway varied significantly in m6A modifier patterns. In addition, the three m6A modification patterns showed significant differences in m6A regulator expression, immune microenvironment, and bio-functional pathways. Furthermore, macrophages, activated T cells, and other immune cells were strongly correlated with m6A regulators. Eight m6A indicators were discovered—each with a statistically significant correlation with IA—suggesting their potential as prognostic biological markers.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that m6A RNA methylation and the immunological microenvironment are both intricately correlated with the onset and progression of IA. The novel insight into patterns of m6A modification offers a foundation for the development of innovative treatment approaches for IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aierpati Maimaiti
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Mirzat Turhon
- Department of Neurointerventional Surgery, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurointerventional Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojiang Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Riqing Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Kaheerman Kadeer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Aximujiang Axier
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Dilimulati Ailaiti
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yirizhati Aili
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Rena Abudusalamu
- Department of Neurology, Neurology Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ajimu Kuerban
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Kashgar Prefecture, Kashgar, China
| | - Zengliang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Zengliang Wang
| | - Maimaitili Aisha
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- *Correspondence: Maimaitili Aisha
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12
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Yu B, Liu J, Zhang J, Mu T, Feng X, Ma R, Gu Y. Regulatory role of RNA N6-methyladenosine modifications during skeletal muscle development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:929183. [PMID: 35990615 PMCID: PMC9389409 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.929183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional cells in embryonic myogenesis and postnatal muscle development undergo multiple stages of proliferation and differentiation, which are strict procedural regulation processes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant RNA modification that regulates gene expression in specific cell types in eukaryotes and regulates various biological activities, such as RNA processing and metabolism. Recent studies have shown that m6A modification-mediated transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation plays an essential role in myogenesis. This review outlines embryonic and postnatal myogenic differentiation and summarizes the important roles played by functional cells in each developmental period. Furthermore, the key roles of m6A modifications and their regulators in myogenesis were highlighted, and the synergistic regulation of m6A modifications with myogenic transcription factors was emphasized to characterize the cascade of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation during myogenesis. This review also discusses the crosstalk between m6A modifications and non-coding RNAs, proposing a novel mechanism for post-transcriptional regulation during skeletal muscle development. In summary, the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms mediated by m6A and their regulators may help develop new strategies to maintain muscle homeostasis, which are expected to become targets for animal muscle-specific trait breeding and treatment of muscle metabolic diseases.
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13
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Nakano M, Nakajima M. A-to-I RNA editing and m6A modification modulating expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Drug Metab Dispos 2022; 50:624-633. [DOI: 10.1124/dmd.121.000390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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14
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Predicting RNA 5-Methylcytosine Sites by Using Essential Sequence Features and Distributions. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:4035462. [PMID: 35071593 PMCID: PMC8776474 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4035462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Methylation is one of the most common and considerable modifications in biological systems mediated by multiple enzymes. Recent studies have shown that methylation has been widely identified in different RNA molecules. RNA methylation modifications have various kinds, such as 5-methylcytosine (m5C). However, for individual methylation sites, their functions still remain to be elucidated. Testing of all methylation sites relies heavily on high-throughput sequencing technology, which is expensive and labor consuming. Thus, computational prediction approaches could serve as a substitute. In this study, multiple machine learning models were used to predict possible RNA m5C sites on the basis of mRNA sequences in human and mouse. Each site was represented by several features derived from
-mers of an RNA subsequence containing such site as center. The powerful max-relevance and min-redundancy (mRMR) feature selection method was employed to analyse these features. The outcome feature list was fed into incremental feature selection method, incorporating four classification algorithms, to build efficient models. Furthermore, the sites related to features used in the models were also investigated.
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15
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Qi M, Sun H, Guo Y, Zhou Y, Gu X, Jin J, Chen X, Wang F, Ma H, Guo X, Chen H, Shen B. m 6 A reader protein YTHDF2 regulates spermatogenesis by timely clearance of phase-specific transcripts. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13164. [PMID: 34850470 PMCID: PMC8780898 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Accumulating evidences show that the regulatory network of m6 A modification is essential for mammalian spermatogenesis. However, as an m6 A reader, the roles of YTHDF2 remain enigmatic due to the lack of a proper model. Here, we employed the germ cell conditional knockout mouse model and explored the function of YTHDF2 in spermatogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ythdf2 germ cell conditional knockout mice were obtained by crossing Ythdf2-floxed mice with Vasa-Cre and Stra8-Cre mice. Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting were used for phenotyping. CASA, IVF and ICSI were applied for sperm function analysis. RNA-seq, YTHDF2-RIP-seq and quantitative real-time PCR were used to explore transcriptome changes and molecular mechanism analysis. RESULTS Our results showed that YTHDF2 was highly expressed in spermatogenic cells. The germ cell conditional knockout males were sterile, and their sperm displayed malformation, impaired motility, and lost fertilization ability. During differentiated spermatogonia transiting to pachytene spermatocyte, most m6 A-modified YTHDF2 targets that were degraded in control germ cells persisted in pachytene spermatocytes of Ythdf2-vKO mice. These delayed mRNAs were mainly enriched in pathways related to the regulation of transcription, and disturbed the transcriptome of round spermatid and elongated spermatid subsequently. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that YTHDF2 facilitates the timely turnover of phase-specific transcripts to ensure the proper progression of spermatogenesis, which highlights a critical role of YTHDF2 in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijie Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Center for Reproductive MedicineDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Haifeng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xueying Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jiachuan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xiaoxu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Fangzhu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine CenterGansu Provincial Maternity and Child‐Care HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Honghui Ma
- Department of CardiologyShanghai East HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Human Cell Biology and GeneticsSchool of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Bin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Gusu SchoolNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Center for Global HealthSchool of Public HealthNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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16
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Nair L, Zhang W, Laffleur B, Jha MK, Lim J, Lee H, Wu L, Alvarez NS, Liu ZP, Munteanu EL, Swayne T, Hanna JH, Ding L, Rothschild G, Basu U. Mechanism of noncoding RNA-associated N 6-methyladenosine recognition by an RNA processing complex during IgH DNA recombination. Mol Cell 2021; 81:3949-3964.e7. [PMID: 34450044 PMCID: PMC8571800 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus-associated G-rich long noncoding RNA (SμGLT) is important for physiological and pathological B cell DNA recombination. We demonstrate that the METTL3 enzyme-catalyzed N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification drives recognition and 3' end processing of SμGLT by the RNA exosome, promoting class switch recombination (CSR) and suppressing chromosomal translocations. The recognition is driven by interaction of the MPP6 adaptor protein with nuclear m6A reader YTHDC1. MPP6 and YTHDC1 promote CSR by recruiting AID and the RNA exosome to actively transcribe SμGLT. Direct suppression of m6A modification of SμGLT or of m6A reader YTHDC1 reduces CSR. Moreover, METTL3, an essential gene for B cell development in the bone marrow and germinal center, suppresses IgH-associated aberrant DNA breaks and prevents genomic instability. Taken together, we propose coordinated and central roles for MPP6, m6A modification, and m6A reader proteins in controlling long noncoding RNA processing, DNA recombination, and development in B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lekha Nair
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Wanwei Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Brice Laffleur
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Mukesh K Jha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Junghyun Lim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Heather Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Lijing Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Nehemiah S Alvarez
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Zhi-Ping Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Control Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China
| | - Emilia L Munteanu
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Theresa Swayne
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jacob H Hanna
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Lei Ding
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gerson Rothschild
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Uttiya Basu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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17
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Liu X, Wang H, Liu B, Qi Z, Li J, Xu B, Liu W, Xu Z, Deng Y. The Latest Research Progress of m 6A Modification and Its Writers, Erasers, Readers in Infertility: A Review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:681238. [PMID: 34568313 PMCID: PMC8461070 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.681238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic messenger mRNAs contain many RNA methyl chemical modifications, in which N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays a very important role. The modification process of RNA methylation is a dynamic reversible regulatory process that is mainly catalyzed by "Writer" m6A methyltransferase, removed by "Eraser" m6A demethylase, and recognized by the m6A binding protein, thereby, linking m6A modification with other mRNA pathways. At various stages of the life cycle, m6A modification plays an extremely important role in regulating mRNA splicing, processing, translation, as well as degradation, and is associated with gametogenesis and fertility for both sexes. Normal gametogenesis is a basic guarantee of fertility. Infertility leads to trauma, affects harmony in the family and seriously affects the quality of life. We review the roles and mechanisms of RNA m6A methylation modification in infertility and provide a potential target for infertility treatment, which can be used for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuda Liu
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bingchen Liu
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhipeng Qi
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiashuo Li
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhaofa Xu
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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18
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Takemoto S, Nakano M, Fukami T, Nakajima M. m 6A modification impacts hepatic drug and lipid metabolism properties by regulating carboxylesterase 2. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114766. [PMID: 34536357 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Methylation of adenosine at the N6 position to form N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent epitranscriptomic modification of mammalian mRNA. This modification is catalyzed by a methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3)-METTL14 complex and is erased by demethylases such as fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) or AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5). m6A modification regulates mRNA stability, nuclear export, splicing, and/or protein translation via recognition by reader proteins such as members of YT521-B homology (YTH) family. Carboxylesterase 2 (CES2) is a serine esterase responsible for the hydrolysis of drugs and endogenous substrates, such as triglycerides and diacylglycerides. Here, we examined the potential regulation of human CES2 expression by m6A modification. CES2 mRNA level was significantly increased by double knockdown of METTL3 and METTL14 but was decreased by knockdown of FTO or ALKBH5 in HepaRG and HepG2 cells, leading to changes in its protein level and hydrolase activity for 7-ethyl-10-[4-(1-piperidino)-1-piperidino]carbonyloxycamptothecin (CPT-11), suggesting that m6A modification negatively regulates CES2 expression. Consistent with the changes in CES2 expression, lipid accumulation in the cells was decreased by double knockdown of METTL3 and METTL14 but was increased by knockdown of FTO or ALKBH5. RNA immunoprecipitation assays using an anti-m6A antibody showed that adenosines in the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) and the last exon of CES2 are methylated. Luciferase assays revealed that YTHDC2, which degrades m6A-containing mRNA, downregulates CES2 expression by recognition of m6A in the 5'-UTR of CES2. Collectively, we demonstrated that m6A modification has a great impact on the regulation of CES2, affecting pharmacokinetics, drug response and lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiya Takemoto
- DrugMetabolism and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Masataka Nakano
- DrugMetabolism and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan; WPINano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Fukami
- DrugMetabolism and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan; WPINano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Miki Nakajima
- DrugMetabolism and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan; WPINano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
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19
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Zhong S, Lin Z, Chen H, Mao L, Feng J, Zhou S. The m 6A-related gene signature for predicting the prognosis of breast cancer. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11561. [PMID: 34141492 PMCID: PMC8183431 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification has been shown to participate in tumorigenesis and metastasis of human cancers. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of m6A RNA methylation regulators in breast cancer. We used LASSO regression to identify m6A-related gene signature predicting breast cancer survival with the datasets downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). RNA-Seq data of 3409 breast cancer patients from GSE96058 and 1097 from TCGA were used in present study. A 10 m6A-related gene signature associated with prognosis was identified from 22 m6A RNA methylation regulators. The signature divided patients into low- and high-risk group. High-risk patients had a worse prognosis than the low-risk group. Further analyses indicated that IGF2BP1 may be a key m6A RNA methylation regulator in breast cancer. Survival analysis showed that IGF2BP1 is an independent prognostic factor of breast cancer, and higher expression level of IGF2BP1 is associated with shorter overall survival of breast cancer patients. In conclusion, we identified a 10 m6A-related gene signature associated with overall survival of breast cancer. IGF2BP1 may be a key m6A RNA methylation regulator in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanliang Zhong
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Science, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenzhong Lin
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Huanwen Chen
- Xinglin laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Mao
- Department of Thyroid Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Jifeng Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Siying Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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20
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Fang F, Wang X, Li Z, Ni K, Xiong C. Epigenetic regulation of mRNA N6-methyladenosine modifications in mammalian gametogenesis. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6212059. [PMID: 33823008 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent epigenetic modification of mRNAs and broadly influences various biological processes by regulating post-transcriptional gene expression in eukaryotes. The reversible m6A modification is catalyzed by methyltransferases, METTL3 and METTL14 (writers), removed by the demethylases FTO and ALKBH5 (erasers) and recognized by m6A-binding proteins, namely the YTH domain-containing family of proteins (readers). Both m6A modification and the related enzymes are involved in the regulation of normal gametogenesis and embryonic development in many species. Recent studies showed that loss of m6A compromises gamete maturation, sex hormone synthesis, fertility and early embryonic development. In this review, we have summarized the most recent findings on the role of mRNA m6A modification in mammalian gametogenesis to emphasize the epigenetic regulation of mRNA in the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zili Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ke Ni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Chengliang Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430013, China
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21
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Luo H, Liu W, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Jiang X, Wu S, Shao L. METTL3-mediated m 6A modification regulates cell cycle progression of dental pulp stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:159. [PMID: 33648590 PMCID: PMC7923612 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02223-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a promising cell source in endodontic regeneration and tissue engineering with limited self-renewal and pluripotency capacity. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent, reversible internal modification in RNAs associated with stem cell fate determination. In this study, we aim to explore the biological effect of m6A methylation in DPSCs. Methods m6A immunoprecipitation with deep sequencing (m6A RIP-seq) demonstrated the features of m6A modifications in DPSC transcriptome. Lentiviral vectors were constructed to knockdown or overexpress methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3). Cell morphology, viability, senescence, and apoptosis were analyzed by β-galactosidase, TUNEL staining, and flow cytometry. Bioinformatic analysis combing m6A RIP and shMETTL3 RNA-seq functionally enriched overlapped genes and screened target of METTL3. Cell cycle distributions were assayed by flow cytometry, and m6A RIP-qPCR was used to confirm METTL3-mediated m6A methylation. Results Here, m6A peak distribution, binding area, and motif in DPSCs were first revealed by m6A RIP-seq. We also found a relatively high expression level of METTL3 in immature DPSCs with superior regenerative potential and METTL3 knockdown induced cell apoptosis and senescence. A conjoint analysis of m6A RIP and RNA sequencing showed METTL3 depletion associated with cell cycle, mitosis, and alteration of METTL3 resulted in cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, the protein interaction network of differentially expressed genes identified Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), a critical cycle modulator, as the target of METTL3-mediated m6A methylation in DPSCs. Conclusions These results revealed m6A methylated hallmarks in DPSCs and a regulatory role of METTL3 in cell cycle control. Our study shed light on therapeutic approaches in vital pulp therapy and served new insight into stem cell-based tissue engineering. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02223-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Luo
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, 528308, China.,Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Yeqing Yang
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Xiao Jiang
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Shiqing Wu
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, 528308, China.
| | - Longquan Shao
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China.
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22
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Aluru N, Karchner SI. PCB126 Exposure Revealed Alterations in m6A RNA Modifications in Transcripts Associated With AHR Activation. Toxicol Sci 2021; 179:84-94. [PMID: 33064826 PMCID: PMC8453794 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical modifications of proteins, DNA, and RNA moieties play critical roles in regulating gene expression. Emerging evidence suggests the RNA modifications (epitranscriptomics) have substantive roles in basic biological processes. One of the most common modifications in mRNA and noncoding RNAs is N6-methyladenosine (m6A). In a subset of mRNAs, m6A sites are preferentially enriched near stop codons, in 3' UTRs, and within exons, suggesting an important role in the regulation of mRNA processing and function including alternative splicing and gene expression. Very little is known about the effect of environmental chemical exposure on m6A modifications. As many of the commonly occurring environmental contaminants alter gene expression profiles and have detrimental effects on physiological processes, it is important to understand the effects of exposure on this important layer of gene regulation. Hence, the objective of this study was to characterize the acute effects of developmental exposure to PCB126, an environmentally relevant dioxin-like PCB, on m6A methylation patterns. We exposed zebrafish embryos to PCB126 for 6 h starting from 72 h post fertilization and profiled m6A RNA using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (MeRIP-seq). Our analysis revealed 117 and 217 m6A peaks in the DMSO and PCB126 samples (false discovery rate 5%), respectively. The majority of the peaks were preferentially located around the 3' UTR and stop codons. Statistical analysis revealed 15 m6A marked transcripts to be differentially methylated by PCB126 exposure. These include transcripts that are known to be activated by AHR agonists (eg, ahrra, tiparp, nfe2l2b) as well as others that are important for normal development (vgf, cebpd, sned1). These results suggest that environmental chemicals such as dioxin-like PCBs could affect developmental gene expression patterns by altering m6A levels. Further studies are necessary to understand the functional consequences of exposure-associated alterations in m6A levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelakanteswar Aluru
- Biology Department and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543
| | - Sibel I Karchner
- Biology Department and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543
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23
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Feng C, Huang X, Li X, Mao J. The Roles of Base Modifications in Kidney Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:580018. [PMID: 33282735 PMCID: PMC7691527 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.580018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications including histone modifications and DNA and RNA modifications are involved in multiple biological processes and human diseases. One disease, kidney cancer, includes a common type of tumor, accounts for about 2% of all cancers, and usually has poor prognosis. The molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategy of kidney cancer are still under intensive study. Understanding the roles of epigenetic modifications and underlying mechanisms in kidney cancer is critical to its diagnosis and clinical therapy. Recently, the function of DNA and RNA modifications has been uncovered in kidney tumor. In the present review, we summarize recent findings about the roles of epigenetic modifications (particularly DNA and RNA modifications) in the incidence, progression, and metastasis of kidney cancer, especially the renal cell carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyue Feng
- The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuekun Li
- The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Translational Medicine of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Mao
- The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
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24
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Zhao X, Tian GG, Fang Q, Pei X, Wang Z, Wu J. Comparison of RNA m 6A and DNA methylation profiles between mouse female germline stem cells and STO cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 23:431-439. [PMID: 33473328 PMCID: PMC7803632 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification is the most prevalent and abundant internal modification of eukaryotic mRNAs. Increasing evidence has shown that mRNA m6A plays important roles in the development of stem cells. However, to the best of our knowledge, no reports about the roles of mRNA m6A in mouse female germline stem cells (mFGSCs) have been published. In this study, we compared the genome-wide profiles of mRNA m6A methylation and DNA methylation between FGSCs and sandosinbred mice (SIM) embryo-derived thioguanine and ouabain-resistant (STO) cells. qRT-PCR revealed that the expression levels of mRNA m6A-related genes (Mettl3, Alkbh5, Ythdf1, Ythdf2, Ythdc1, and Ythdc2) in FGSCs were significantly higher than those in STO cells. m6A RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) data further showed that the unique m6A-methylated mRNAs in FGSCs and STO cells were related to cell population proliferation and somatic development, respectively. Additionally, knockdown of Ythdf1 inhibited FGSC self-renewal. Comparison of methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-seq) results between FGSCs and STO cells identified that DNA methylation contributed to FGSC proliferation by suppressing the somatic program. These results suggested that m6A regulated FGSC self-renewal possibly through m6A binding protein YTHDF1, and DNA methylation repressed somatic programs in FGSCs to maintain FGSC characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Geng G Tian
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qian Fang
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiuying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Instrumental Analysis Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ji Wu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.,Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, China
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25
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Song T, Yang Y, Jiang S, Peng J. Novel Insights into Adipogenesis from the Perspective of Transcriptional and RNA N6-Methyladenosine-Mediated Post-Transcriptional Regulation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2001563. [PMID: 33173729 PMCID: PMC7610318 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202001563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a critical risk factor causing the development of metabolic diseases and cancers. Its increasing prevalence worldwide has aroused great concerns of the researchers on adipose development and metabolic function. During adipose expansion, adipogenesis is a way to store lipids as well as to avoid lipotoxicity in other tissues, and may be an approach to offset the negative metabolic effects of obesity. In this Review, the transcriptional regulation of adipogenesis is outlined to characterize numerous biological processes in research on the determination of adipocyte fate and regulation of adipogenic differentiation. Notably, one of the post-transcriptional modifications of mRNA, namely, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), has been recently found to play a role in adipogenesis. Here, the roles of m6A-related enzymes and proteins in adipogenesis, with a particular focus on how these m6A-related proteins function at different stages of adipogenesis, are mainly discussed. The Review also highlights the coordination role of the transcriptional and post-transcriptional (RNA m6A methylation) regulation in adipogenesis and related biological processes. In this context, a better understanding of adipogenesis at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels may facilitate the development of novel strategies to improve metabolic health in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongxing Song
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed ScienceCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan430070China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig ProductionWuhan430070China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed ScienceCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan430070China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig ProductionWuhan430070China
| | - Siwen Jiang
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig ProductionWuhan430070China
- Key Laboratory of Animal GeneticsBreeding and Reproduction Ministry of EducationCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan430070China
| | - Jian Peng
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed ScienceCollege of Animal Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan430070China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig ProductionWuhan430070China
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26
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Lasman L, Krupalnik V, Viukov S, Mor N, Aguilera-Castrejon A, Schneir D, Bayerl J, Mizrahi O, Peles S, Tawil S, Sathe S, Nachshon A, Shani T, Zerbib M, Kilimnik I, Aigner S, Shankar A, Mueller JR, Schwartz S, Stern-Ginossar N, Yeo GW, Geula S, Novershtern N, Hanna JH. Context-dependent functional compensation between Ythdf m 6A reader proteins. Genes Dev 2020; 34:1373-1391. [PMID: 32943573 PMCID: PMC7528697 DOI: 10.1101/gad.340695.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most prevalent post-transcriptional mRNA modification, regulating mRNA decay and splicing. It plays a major role during normal development, differentiation, and disease progression. The modification is regulated by a set of writer, eraser, and reader proteins. The YTH domain family of proteins consists of three homologous m6A-binding proteins, Ythdf1, Ythdf2, and Ythdf3, which were suggested to have different cellular functions. However, their sequence similarity and their tendency to bind the same targets suggest that they may have overlapping roles. We systematically knocked out (KO) the Mettl3 writer, each of the Ythdf readers, and the three readers together (triple-KO). We then estimated the effect in vivo in mouse gametogenesis, postnatal viability, and in vitro in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). In gametogenesis, Mettl3-KO severity is increased as the deletion occurs earlier in the process, and Ythdf2 has a dominant role that cannot be compensated by Ythdf1 or Ythdf3, due to differences in readers' expression pattern across different cell types, both in quantity and in spatial location. Knocking out the three readers together and systematically testing viable offspring genotypes revealed a redundancy in the readers' role during early development that is Ythdf1/2/3 gene dosage-dependent. Finally, in mESCs there is compensation between the three Ythdf reader proteins, since the resistance to differentiate and the significant effect on mRNA decay occur only in the triple-KO cells and not in the single KOs. Thus, we suggest a new model for the Ythdf readers function, in which there is profound dosage-dependent redundancy when all three readers are equivalently coexpressed in the same cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lior Lasman
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Vladislav Krupalnik
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Sergey Viukov
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Nofar Mor
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | | | - Dan Schneir
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Jonathan Bayerl
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Orel Mizrahi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Shani Peles
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Shadi Tawil
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Shashank Sathe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Aharon Nachshon
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Tom Shani
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Mirie Zerbib
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Itay Kilimnik
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Stefan Aigner
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Archana Shankar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Jasmine R Mueller
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Schraga Schwartz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Noam Stern-Ginossar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Shay Geula
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Noa Novershtern
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Jacob H Hanna
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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27
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Dermentzaki G, Lotti F. New Insights on the Role of N 6-Methyladenosine RNA Methylation in the Physiology and Pathology of the Nervous System. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:555372. [PMID: 32984403 PMCID: PMC7492240 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.555372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications termed epitranscriptomics represent an additional layer of gene regulation similar to epigenetic mechanisms operating on DNA. The dynamic nature and the increasing number of RNA modifications offer new opportunities for a rapid fine-tuning of gene expression in response to specific environmental cues. In cooperation with a diverse and versatile set of effector proteins that "recognize" them, these RNA modifications have the ability to mediate and control diverse fundamental cellular functions, such as pre-mRNA splicing, nuclear export, stability, and translation. N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant of these RNA modifications, particularly in the nervous system, where recent studies have highlighted it as an important post-transcriptional regulator of physiological functions from development to synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Here we review recent findings surrounding the role of m6A modification in regulating physiological responses of the mammalian nervous system and we discuss its emerging role in pathological conditions such as neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Dermentzaki
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Francesco Lotti
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
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28
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Zhai J, Li S, Sen S, Opoku-Anane J, Du Y, Chen ZJ, Giudice LC. m 6A RNA Methylation Regulators Contribute to Eutopic Endometrium and Myometrium Dysfunction in Adenomyosis. Front Genet 2020; 11:716. [PMID: 32719721 PMCID: PMC7350935 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis is a prevalent, estrogen-dependent uterine disorder wherein endometrial cells are abnormally present in the myometrium and are surrounded by hyperplastic/hypertrophic smooth muscle. Its etiology is unclear, although endometrial cell invasion into the myometrium has been postulated. RNA methylation, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A), plays an important role in regulating various physiological processes and invasive disorders. The goal of this in silico and lab-based experimental study was to explore a possible role for m6A in adenomyosis. Gene expression profiles of both the endometrium and myometrium of women with adenomyosis (cases) and without disease (controls) were obtained from the publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In the endometrium, STRING database analysis revealed that METTL3 functions as a "hub" gene of m6A RNA methylation regulators, and the genes involved in m6A regulation, including METTL3, FTO, ZC3H13, and YTHDC1 expression, were significantly decreased in cases versus controls. Functional, co-expression, and correlational analyses of endometrium from cases versus controls revealed decreased total m6A levels, induced by METTL3, and the downstream elevated insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF1) and D-Dopachrome Tautomerase (DDT), with the latter two having known functions in epithelial proliferation and cell migration, which are important processes in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis in endometrium. m6A RNA methylation regulators, including RBM15/15B, ALKBH5, FTO, YTHDF1/2, KIAA1429, HNRNPC, METTL3, ZC3H13, and YTHDC2, were also differentially expressed in the myometrium from cases versus controls. We validated decreased total m6A levels and differential expression of m6A RNA methylation regulators in the myometrium of patients with adenomyosis using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and tissues available from our biorepository. Possible target genes, including cadherin 3(CDH3), sodium channelβ-subunit 4 (SCN4B), and placenta-specific protein 8 (PLAC8), which are involved in cell adhesion, muscle contraction and immune response in the myometrium of adenomyosis patients were also validated. Thus, through extensive public database mining and validation of select genes, this study, for the first time, implicates m6A and its methylation regulators in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Follow on functional studies are anticipated to elucidate mechanisms involving m6A and its regulators and down-stream effectors in the pathogenesis of this enigmatic reproductive disorder and potentially identify druggable targets to control its associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Zhai
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Shang Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Sushmita Sen
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jessica Opoku-Anane
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Yanzhi Du
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Linda C. Giudice
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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29
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Heck AM, Russo J, Wilusz J, Nishimura EO, Wilusz CJ. YTHDF2 destabilizes m 6A-modified neural-specific RNAs to restrain differentiation in induced pluripotent stem cells. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 26:739-755. [PMID: 32169943 PMCID: PMC7266156 DOI: 10.1261/rna.073502.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant post-transcriptional modification that can impact RNA fate via interactions with m6A-specific RNA binding proteins. Despite accumulating evidence that m6A plays an important role in modulating pluripotency, the influence of m6A reader proteins in pluripotency is less clear. Here, we report that YTHDF2, an m6A reader associated with mRNA degradation, is highly expressed in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and down-regulated during neural differentiation. Through RNA sequencing, we identified a group of m6A-modified transcripts associated with neural development that are directly regulated by YTDHF2. Depletion of YTHDF2 in iPSCs leads to stabilization of these transcripts, loss of pluripotency, and induction of neural-specific gene expression. Collectively, our results suggest YTHDF2 functions to restrain expression of neural-specific mRNAs in iPSCs and facilitate their rapid and coordinated up-regulation during neural induction. These effects are both achieved by destabilization of the targeted transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Heck
- Program in Cell & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology
| | - Joseph Russo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology
| | - Jeffrey Wilusz
- Program in Cell & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology
| | - Erin Osborne Nishimura
- Program in Cell & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
| | - Carol J Wilusz
- Program in Cell & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology
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30
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Role of m 6A in Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation and in Gametogenesis. EPIGENOMES 2020; 4:epigenomes4010005. [PMID: 34968239 PMCID: PMC8594681 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes4010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising field of RNA modifications is stimulating massive research nowadays. m6A, the most abundant mRNA modification is highly conserved during evolution. Through the last decade, the essential components of this dynamic mRNA modification machinery were found and classified into writer, eraser and reader proteins. m6A modification is now known to take part in diverse biological processes such as embryonic development, cell circadian rhythms and cancer stem cell proliferation. In addition, there is already firm evidence for the importance of m6A modification in stem cell differentiation and gametogenesis, both in males and females. This review attempts to summarize the important results of recent years studying the mechanism underlying stem cell differentiation and gametogenesis processes.
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31
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Methylation of adenosine at the N6 position post-transcriptionally regulates hepatic P450s expression. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 171:113697. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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