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Tan Z, Hei F, Ma K, Lv Z, Zhang H, Sun N, Guo W, Song M. m 6A reader YTHDF2 orchestrates CD8 + T cell infiltration to promote pancreatic cancer progression and predicts clinical outcome. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 142:113079. [PMID: 39288628 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113079] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has emerged as one of the most lethal malignancies, characterized by rising morbidity and mortality rates. Research has demonstrated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA significantly influences RNA metabolism, and dysregulation of m6A is implicated in various human diseases. A clearer picture of how the divergent m6A methylation patterns affect immunological microenvironment in pancreatic cancer is still unknown. Based on an analysis of RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data from the TCGA, GEO, and GTEx databases, we predicted and validated the expression of YTHDF2. Apoptosis and cell cycle analyses of YTHDF2 were conducted using flow cytometry, and a subcutaneous transplantation tumor model was established in BALB/c nude mice. The immune infiltration status and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) were employed to evaluate cellular immunity and identify downstream target genes associated with the CD8+ T cell module. Additionally, machine learning-based integrative approaches were utilized to generate a predictive signature. The Western blot technique was employed to quantify YTHDF2 expression levels in PDAC cell lines and tissues. WGCNA and PPI unveiled TFG as the core gene regulation network conducting the function of the CD8+ T cell. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assays were conducted to confirm the reduction in TFG expression subsequent to YTHDF2 knockdown. Integrative analyses using large-scale genomic data sets were conducted to reveal that YTHDF2 could affect pancreatic cancer cell apoptosis and the cell cycle, promote malignant biologic processes, and gene regulation in immune cells. YTHDF2 potentially modulates crucial molecular subgroups of immune checkpoint molecules in CD8+ T cells, thereby enhancing tumor immunogenicity and promoting anti-tumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Faxian Hei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kai Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ziqiang Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haowen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Weidong Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Mengqi Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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Kanarik M, Liiver K, Norden M, Teino I, Org T, Laugus K, Shimmo R, Karelson M, Saarma M, Harro J. RNA m 6A methyltransferase activator affects anxiety-related behaviours, monoamines and striatal gene expression in the rat. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2024:1-16. [PMID: 39380240 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2024.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Modification of mRNA by methylation is involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by affecting the splicing, transport, stability and translation of mRNA. Methylation of adenosine at N6 (m6A) is one of the most common and important cellular modification occurring in the mRNA of eukaryotes. Evidence that m6A mRNA methylation is involved in regulation of stress response and that its dysregulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders is accumulating. We have examined the acute and subchronic (up to 18 days once per day intraperitoneally) effect of the first METTL3/METTL14 activator compound CHMA1004 (methyl-piperazine-2-carboxylate) at two doses (1 and 5 mg/kg) in male and female rats. CHMA1004 had a locomotor activating and anxiolytic-like profile in open field and elevated zero-maze tests. In female rats sucrose consumption and swimming in Porsolt's test were increased. Nevertheless, CHMA1004 did not exhibit strong psychostimulant-like properties: CHMA1004 had no effect on 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations except that it reduced the baseline difference between male and female animals, and acute drug treatment had no effect on extracellular dopamine levels in striatum. Subchronic CHMA1004 altered ex vivo catecholamine levels in several brain regions. RNA sequencing of female rat striata after subchronic CHMA1004 treatment revealed changes in the expression of a number of genes linked to dopamine neuron viability, neurodegeneration, depression, anxiety and stress response. Conclusively, the first-in-class METTL3/METTL14 activator compound CHMA1004 increased locomotor activity and elicited anxiolytic-like effects after systemic administration, demonstrating that pharmacological activation of RNA m6A methylation has potential for neuropsychiatric drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margus Kanarik
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Tartumaa, Estonia
| | - Kristi Liiver
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia
| | - Marianna Norden
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Indrek Teino
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Tartumaa, Estonia
| | - Tõnis Org
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Tartumaa, Estonia
| | - Karita Laugus
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Tartumaa, Estonia
| | - Ruth Shimmo
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia
| | - Mati Karelson
- Division of Molecular Technology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
| | - Jaanus Harro
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Tartumaa, Estonia
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
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Cui L, Wu Y, Chen Z, Li B, Cai J, Chang Z, Xiao W, Wang Y, Yang N, Wang Y, Yu Z, Yao L, Ma R, Wang X, Chen Y, Chen Q, Mei H, Lan Z, Yu Y, Chen R, Wu X, Yu Q, Lu J, Yu N, Zhang X, Liu J, Zhang L, Lai Y, Gao S, Gao Y, Guo C, Shi Y. N6-methyladenosine modification-tuned lipid metabolism controls skin immune homeostasis via regulating neutrophil chemotaxis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadp5332. [PMID: 39356764 PMCID: PMC11446281 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adp5332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Disrupted N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification modulates various inflammatory disorders. However, the role of m6A in regulating cutaneous inflammation remains elusive. Here, we reveal that the m6A and its methyltransferase METTL3 are down-regulated in keratinocytes in inflammatory skin diseases. Inducible deletion of Mettl3 in murine keratinocytes results in spontaneous skin inflammation and increases susceptibility to cutaneous inflammation with activation of neutrophil recruitment. Therapeutically, restoration of m6A alleviates the disease phenotypes in mice and suppresses inflammation in human biopsy specimens. We support a model in which m6A modification stabilizes the mRNA of the lipid-metabolizing enzyme ELOVL6 via the m6A reader IGF2BP3, leading to a rewiring of fatty acid metabolism with a reduction in palmitic acid accumulation and, consequently, suppressing neutrophil chemotaxis in cutaneous inflammation. Our findings highlight a previously unrecognized epithelial-intrinsic m6A modification-lipid metabolism pathway that is essential for maintaining epidermal and immune homeostasis and lay the basis for potential therapeutic targeting of m6A modulators to attenuate inflammatory skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Cui
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - You Wu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeyu Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingjie Li
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangluyi Cai
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanhe Chang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weide Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zengyang Yu
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingling Yao
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Youdong Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianyu Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Mei
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyi Lan
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingyuan Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongfen Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingbiao Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Yu
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiajing Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xilin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lingjuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yuping Lai
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yawei Gao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyuan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuling Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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4
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Deng Y, Zhou J, Li HB. The physiological and pathological roles of RNA modifications in T cells. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1578-1592. [PMID: 38986618 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
RNA molecules undergo dynamic chemical modifications in response to various external or cellular stimuli. Some of those modifications have been demonstrated to post-transcriptionally modulate the RNA transcription, localization, stability, translation, and degradation, ultimately tuning the fate decisions and function of mammalian cells, particularly T cells. As a crucial part of adaptive immunity, T cells play fundamental roles in defending against infections and tumor cells. Recent findings have illuminated the importance of RNA modifications in modulating T cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and functional activities. Therefore, understanding the epi-transcriptomic control of T cell biology enables a potential avenue for manipulating T cell immunity. This review aims to elucidate the physiological and pathological roles of internal RNA modifications in T cell development, differentiation, and functionality drawn from current literature, with the goal of inspiring new insights for future investigations and providing novel prospects for T cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Deng
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Yale Institute for Immune Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Yale Institute for Immune Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hua-Bing Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Yale Institute for Immune Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Department of Geriatrics, Medical Center on Aging of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing 401320, China.
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5
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Zhang H, Sun F, Jiang S, Yang F, Dong X, Liu G, Wang M, Li Y, Su M, Wen Z, Yu C, Fan C, Li X, Zhang Z, Yang L, Li B. METTL protein family: focusing on the occurrence, progression and treatment of cancer. Biomark Res 2024; 12:105. [PMID: 39289775 PMCID: PMC11409517 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00652-3] [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: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Methyltransferase-like protein is a ubiquitous enzyme-like protein in the human body, with binding domains for nucleic acids, proteins and other small molecules, and plays an important role in a variety of biological behaviours in normal organisms and diseases, characterised by the presence of a methyltransferase-like structural domain and a structurally conserved SAM-binding domain formed by the seven-stranded β-fold structure in the center of the protein. With the deepening of research, the METTL protein family has been found to be abnormally expressed in a variety of tumor diseases, and the clarification of its relationship with tumor diseases can be used as a molecular therapeutic target and has an important role in the prognosis of tumors. In this paper, we review the structure, biological process, immunotherapy, drug-targeted therapy, and markers of the METTL protein family to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huhu Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Fulin Sun
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Health Science Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Shuyao Jiang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Health Science Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Fanghao Yang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xiaolei Dong
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Guoxiang Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Weifang People's Hospital, 151, Guangwen Streer, Weifang, 261041, China
| | - Mengjun Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Mohan Su
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Ziyuan Wen
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Chunjuan Yu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Chenkai Fan
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Health Science Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Lina Yang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Haici Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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6
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Yang J, He Y, Kang Y, Shen L, Zhang W, Yan Y, Li X, Huang W, Xu X. Virtual Screening and Molecular Docking: Discovering Novel METTL3 Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:1491-1499. [PMID: 39291017 PMCID: PMC11403746 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.4c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is an RNA methyltransferase that catalyzes the N6 -methyladenosine (m6A) modification of mRNA in eukaryotic cells. Past studies have shown that METTL3 is highly expressed in various cancers and is closely related to tumor development. Therefore, METTL3 inhibitors have received widespread attention as effective treatments for different types of tumors. This study proposes a hybrid high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) protocol that combines structure-based methods with geometric deep learning-based DeepDock algorithms. We identified unique skeleton inhibitors of METTL3 from our self-built internal database. Among them, compound C3 showed significant inhibitory activity on METTL3, and further molecular dynamics simulations were performed to provide more details about the binding conformation. Overall, our research demonstrates the effectiveness of hybrid virtual algorithms, which is of great significance for understanding the biological functions of METTL3 and developing treatment methods for related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Yang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Yanwen He
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Youkun Kang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Liteng Shen
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Yumeng Yan
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Wenhai Huang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Xiangwei Xu
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
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7
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Yao J, Xu L, Zhao Z, Dai D, Zhan S, Cao J, Guo J, Zhong T, Wang L, Li L, Zhang H. Fat Mass- and Obesity-Associated Protein (FTO) Promotes the Proliferation of Goat Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells by Stabilizing DAG1 mRNA in an IGF2BP1-Related m 6A Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9804. [PMID: 39337293 PMCID: PMC11432635 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25189804] [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: 08/03/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle development is spotlighted in mammals since it closely relates to animal health and economic benefits to the breeding industry. Researchers have successfully unveiled many regulatory factors and mechanisms involving myogenesis. However, the effect of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, especially demethylase and its regulated genes, on muscle development remains to be further explored. Here, we found that the typical demethylase FTO (fat mass- and obesity-associated protein) was highly enriched in goats' longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles. In addition, the level of m6A modification on transcripts was negatively regulated by FTO during the proliferation of goat skeletal muscle satellite cells (MuSCs). Moreover, a deficiency of FTO in MuSCs significantly retarded their proliferation and promoted the expression of dystrophin-associated protein 1 (DAG1). m6A modifications of DAG1 mRNA were efficiently altered by FTO. Intriguingly, the results of DAG1 levels and its m6A enrichment from FB23-2 (FTO demethylase inhibitor)-treated cells were consistent with those of the FTO knockdown, indicating that the regulation of FTO on DAG1 depended on m6A modification. Further experiments showed that interfering FTO improved m6A modification at site DAG1-122, recognized by Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) and consequently stabilized DAG1 transcripts. Our study suggests that FTO promotes the proliferation of MuSCs by regulating the expression of DAG1 through m6A modification. This will extend our knowledge of the m6A-related mechanism of skeletal muscle development in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangzhen Yao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (Z.Z.); (D.D.); (S.Z.); (J.C.); (J.G.); (T.Z.); (L.W.)
| | - Liang Xu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (Z.Z.); (D.D.); (S.Z.); (J.C.); (J.G.); (T.Z.); (L.W.)
| | - Zihao Zhao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (Z.Z.); (D.D.); (S.Z.); (J.C.); (J.G.); (T.Z.); (L.W.)
| | - Dinghui Dai
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (Z.Z.); (D.D.); (S.Z.); (J.C.); (J.G.); (T.Z.); (L.W.)
| | - Siyuan Zhan
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (Z.Z.); (D.D.); (S.Z.); (J.C.); (J.G.); (T.Z.); (L.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jiaxue Cao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (Z.Z.); (D.D.); (S.Z.); (J.C.); (J.G.); (T.Z.); (L.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jiazhong Guo
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (Z.Z.); (D.D.); (S.Z.); (J.C.); (J.G.); (T.Z.); (L.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Tao Zhong
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (Z.Z.); (D.D.); (S.Z.); (J.C.); (J.G.); (T.Z.); (L.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Linjie Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (Z.Z.); (D.D.); (S.Z.); (J.C.); (J.G.); (T.Z.); (L.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Li Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (Z.Z.); (D.D.); (S.Z.); (J.C.); (J.G.); (T.Z.); (L.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Hongping Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (J.Y.); (L.X.); (Z.Z.); (D.D.); (S.Z.); (J.C.); (J.G.); (T.Z.); (L.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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8
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Nayak A, Khedri A, Chavarria A, Sanders KN, Ghalei H, Khoshnevis S. Sinefungin, a natural nucleoside analog of S-adenosyl methionine, impairs the pathogenicity of Candida albicans. NPJ ANTIMICROBIALS AND RESISTANCE 2024; 2:23. [PMID: 39268078 PMCID: PMC11391927 DOI: 10.1038/s44259-024-00040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, causes life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. Current antifungals are limited by toxicity, drug-drug interactions, and emerging resistance, underscoring the importance of identifying novel treatment approaches. Here, we elucidate the impact of sinefungin, an analog of S-adenosyl methionine, on the virulence of C. albicans strain SC5314 and clinical isolates. Our data indicate that sinefungin impairs pathogenic traits of C. albicans including hyphal morphogenesis, biofilm formation, adhesion to epithelial cells, and virulence towards Galleria mellonella, highlighting sinefungin as an avenue for therapeutic intervention. We determine that sinefungin particularly disturbs N6-methyladenosine (m6A) formation. Transcriptome analysis of C. albicans hyphae upon sinefungin treatment reveals an increase in transcripts related to the yeast form and decrease in those associated with hyphae formation and virulence. Collectively, our data propose sinefungin as a potent molecule against C. albicans and emphasize further exploration of post-transcriptional control mechanisms of pathogenicity for antifungal design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushka Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Azam Khedri
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alejandro Chavarria
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kyla N. Sanders
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Homa Ghalei
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sohail Khoshnevis
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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9
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Wang K, Wang Y, Li Y, Fang B, Li B, Cheng W, Wang K, Yang S. The potential of RNA methylation in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. iScience 2024; 27:110524. [PMID: 39165846 PMCID: PMC11334793 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation has emerged as a dynamic regulatory mechanism that impacts gene expression and protein synthesis. Among the known RNA methylation modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), 3-methylcytosine (m3C), and N7-methylguanosine (m7G) have been studied extensively. In particular, m6A is the most abundant RNA modification and has attracted significant attention due to its potential effect on multiple biological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that RNA methylation plays an important role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). To identify key pathogenic genes of CVD and potential therapeutic targets, we reviewed several common RNA methylation and summarized the research progress of RNA methylation in diverse CVDs, intending to inspire effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - YuQin Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - YingHui Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Bo Fang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Bo Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - SuMin Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
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10
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Li F, Zeng C, Liu J, Wang L, Yuan X, Yuan L, Xia X, Huang W. The YTH domain-containing protein family: Emerging players in immunomodulation and tumour immunotherapy targets. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1784. [PMID: 39135292 PMCID: PMC11319238 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The modification of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays a pivotal role in tumor by altering both innate and adaptive immune systems through various pathways, including the regulation of messenger RNA. The YTH domain protein family, acting as "readers" of m6A modifications, affects RNA splicing, stability, and immunogenicity, thereby playing essential roles in immune regulation and antitumor immunity. Despite their significance, the impact of the YTH domain protein family on tumor initiation and progression, as well as their involvement in tumor immune regulation and therapy, remains underexplored and lacks comprehensive review. CONCLUSION This review introduces the molecular characteristics of the YTH domain protein family and their physiological and pathological roles in biological behavior, emphasizing their mechanisms in regulating immune responses and antitumor immunity. Additionally, the review discusses the roles of the YTH domain protein family in immune-related diseases and tumor resistance, highlighting that abnormal expression or dysfunction of YTH proteins is closely linked to tumor resistance. KEY POINTS This review provides an in-depth understanding of the YTH domain protein family in immune regulation and antitumor immunity, suggesting new strategies and directions for immunotherapy of related diseases. These insights not only deepen our comprehension of m6A modifications and YTH protein functions but also pave the way for future research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghe Li
- Department of Gynaecology and ObstetricsSecond Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Chong Zeng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South ChinaChangshaHunanChina
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of PathologyThe Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South ChinaChangshaHunanChina
| | - Lei Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of EducationCancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Xiaorui Yuan
- Department of Gynaecology and ObstetricsSecond Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Li Yuan
- Department of Nuclear MedicineThe Third Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Xiaomeng Xia
- Department of Gynaecology and ObstetricsSecond Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of OncologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- National Clinical Research Center of Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- Research Center of Carcinogenesis and Targeted TherapyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
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11
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Liu N, Zhang C, Zhang L. WTAP-Involved the m6A Modification of lncRNA FAM83H-AS1 Accelerates the Development of Gastric Cancer. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:1883-1893. [PMID: 37477820 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00810-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The long noncoding RNA FAM83H-antisense RNA 1 (FAM83H-AS1) is involved in gastric cancer (GC) development. This study determined whether FAM83H-AS1 was regulated by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications in GC. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the expression levels of FAM83H-AS1 and Wilms' tumor 1 associated protein (WTAP). The protein content of WTAP was evaluated using western blotting. To assess the m6A alterations in FAM83H-AS1, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation was performed to identify interactions between WTAP and FAM83H-AS1. Functionally, the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells were measured using a Cell Counting Kit-8 and transwell assays, respectively. High expression levels of FAM83H-AS1 and WTAP were detected in GC samples and there was a positive correlation between them. In addition, WTAP mediates FAM83H-AS1 expression in an m6A-dependent manner. Further investigations indicated that WTAP silencing reversed the cancer-promoting role of FAM83H-AS1 overexpression in GC cell migration, proliferation, and invasion. Our results suggest that WTAP-mediated FAM83H-AS1 promotes GC development via m6A modification. Our findings provide new biomarkers for GC diagnosis and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Sixth Hospital of Wuhan, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Hongkong Rd. No. 168, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430015, Hubei, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Sixth Hospital of Wuhan, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Hongkong Rd. No. 168, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430015, Hubei, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Sixth Hospital of Wuhan, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Hongkong Rd. No. 168, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430015, Hubei, China.
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12
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Zhang W, Ruan X, Huang Y, Zhang W, Xu G, Zhao J, Hao J, Qin N, Liu J, Su Q, Liu J, Tao M, Wang Y, Wei S, Zheng X, Gao M. SETMAR Facilitates the Differentiation of Thyroid Cancer by Regulating SMARCA2-Mediated Chromatin Remodeling. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401712. [PMID: 38900084 PMCID: PMC11348079 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine cancer, and most patients have a good prognosis. However, the thyroid cancer differentiation status strongly affects patient response to conventional treatment and prognosis. Therefore, exploring the molecular mechanisms that influence the differentiation of thyroid cancer is very important for understanding the progression of this disease and improving therapeutic options. In this study, SETMAR as a key gene that affects thyroid cancer differentiation is identified. SETMAR significantly regulates the proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), thyroid differentiation-related gene expression, radioactive iodine uptake, and sensitivity to MAPK inhibitor-based redifferentiation therapies of thyroid cancer cells. Mechanistically, SETMAR methylates dimethylated H3K36 in the SMARCA2 promoter region to promote SMARCA2 transcription. SMARCA2 can bind to enhancers of the thyroid differentiation transcription factors (TTFs) PAX8, and FOXE1 to promote their expression by enhancing chromatin accessibility. Moreover, METTL3-mediated m6A methylation of SETAMR mRNA is observed and showed that this medication can affect SETMAR expression in an IGF2BP3-dependent manner. Finally, the METTL3-14-WTAP activator effectively facilitates the redifferentiation of thyroid cancer cells via the SETMAR-SMARCA2-TTF axis utilized. The research provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying thyroid cancer dedifferentiation and provides a new approach for therapeutically promoting redifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- School of MedicineNankai University300000TianjinP. R. China
- Department of Thyroid and Neck TumorTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalNational Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and TherapyTianjin's Clinical Research Center for CancerHuanhuxi Road, Ti‐Yuan‐Bei, Hexi DistrictTianjin300060P. R. China
- Department of Thyroid and Breast SurgeryTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjin300131P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of General Surgery in ConstructionTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjin300131P. R. China
| | - Xianhui Ruan
- Department of Thyroid and Neck TumorTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalNational Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and TherapyTianjin's Clinical Research Center for CancerHuanhuxi Road, Ti‐Yuan‐Bei, Hexi DistrictTianjin300060P. R. China
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of Thyroid and Neck TumorTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalNational Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and TherapyTianjin's Clinical Research Center for CancerHuanhuxi Road, Ti‐Yuan‐Bei, Hexi DistrictTianjin300060P. R. China
| | - Weiyu Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsCornell UniversityIthacaNY14851USA
| | - Guangwei Xu
- Department of Thyroid and Neck TumorTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalNational Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and TherapyTianjin's Clinical Research Center for CancerHuanhuxi Road, Ti‐Yuan‐Bei, Hexi DistrictTianjin300060P. R. China
| | - Jingzhu Zhao
- Department of Thyroid and Neck TumorTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalNational Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and TherapyTianjin's Clinical Research Center for CancerHuanhuxi Road, Ti‐Yuan‐Bei, Hexi DistrictTianjin300060P. R. China
| | - Jie Hao
- Department of Thyroid and Neck TumorTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalNational Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and TherapyTianjin's Clinical Research Center for CancerHuanhuxi Road, Ti‐Yuan‐Bei, Hexi DistrictTianjin300060P. R. China
- Department of Thyroid and Breast SurgeryTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjin300131P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of General Surgery in ConstructionTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjin300131P. R. China
| | - Nan Qin
- School of PharmacyTianjin Medical UniversityTianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics (Theragnostic)Tianjin300000P. R. China
| | - Jinjian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmacokinetics for Innovative DrugsChinese Academy of Medical SciencesTianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear MedicineInstitute of Radiation MedicineChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjin300060P. R. China
| | - Qian Su
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear MedicineTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalNational Clinical Research Center for CancerTianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and TherapyTianjin's Clinical Research Center for ChinaTianjin300000P. R. China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmacokinetics for Innovative DrugsChinese Academy of Medical SciencesTianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear MedicineInstitute of Radiation MedicineChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjin300060P. R. China
| | - Mei Tao
- Department of Thyroid and Neck TumorTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalNational Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and TherapyTianjin's Clinical Research Center for CancerHuanhuxi Road, Ti‐Yuan‐Bei, Hexi DistrictTianjin300060P. R. China
| | - Yuqi Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Neck TumorTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalNational Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and TherapyTianjin's Clinical Research Center for CancerHuanhuxi Road, Ti‐Yuan‐Bei, Hexi DistrictTianjin300060P. R. China
| | - Songfeng Wei
- Department of Thyroid and Neck TumorTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalNational Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and TherapyTianjin's Clinical Research Center for CancerHuanhuxi Road, Ti‐Yuan‐Bei, Hexi DistrictTianjin300060P. R. China
| | - Xiangqian Zheng
- Department of Thyroid and Neck TumorTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalNational Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and TherapyTianjin's Clinical Research Center for CancerHuanhuxi Road, Ti‐Yuan‐Bei, Hexi DistrictTianjin300060P. R. China
| | - Ming Gao
- School of MedicineNankai University300000TianjinP. R. China
- Department of Thyroid and Neck TumorTianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and HospitalNational Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and TherapyTianjin's Clinical Research Center for CancerHuanhuxi Road, Ti‐Yuan‐Bei, Hexi DistrictTianjin300060P. R. China
- Department of Thyroid and Breast SurgeryTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjin300131P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of General Surgery in ConstructionTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjin300131P. R. China
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13
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Sun M, Ren J, Qu X. In situ bioorthogonal-modulation of m 6A RNA methylation in macrophages for efficient eradication of intracellular bacteria. Chem Sci 2024; 15:11657-11666. [PMID: 39055012 PMCID: PMC11268468 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc03629h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) methylation plays a critical role in controlling the RNA fate. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that aberrant m6A methylation in immune cells such as macrophages could alter cell homeostasis and function, which can be a promising target for disease treatment. Despite tremendous progress in regulating the level of m6A methylation, the current methods suffer from the time-consuming operation and annoying off-target effect, which hampers the in situ manipulation of m6A methylation. Here, a bioorthogonal in situ modulation strategy of m6A methylation was proposed. Well-designed covalent organic framework (COF) dots (CIDM) could deprotect the agonist prodrug of m6A methyltransferase, resulting in a considerable hypermethylation of m6A modification. Simultaneously, the bioorthogonal catalyst CIDM showed oxidase (OXD)-mimic activity that further promoted the level of m6A methylation. Ultimately, the potential therapeutic effect of bioorthogonal controllable regulation of m6A methylation was demonstrated through intracellular bacteria eradication. The remarkable antimicrobial outcomes indicate that upregulating m6A methylation in macrophages could reprogram them into the M1 phenotype with high bactericidal activity. We believe that our bioorthogonal chemistry-controlled epigenetics regulatory strategy will provide a unique insight into the development of controllable m6A methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Sun
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Changchun Jilin 130022 China
- University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230029 China
| | - Jinsong Ren
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Changchun Jilin 130022 China
- University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230029 China
| | - Xiaogang Qu
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Changchun Jilin 130022 China
- University of Science and Technology of China Hefei Anhui 230029 China
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14
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Wu Z, Zhou R, Li B, Cao M, Wang W, Li X. Methylation modifications in tRNA and associated disorders: Current research and potential therapeutic targets. Cell Prolif 2024:e13692. [PMID: 38943267 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing has sparked increased research interest in RNA modifications, particularly tRNA methylation, and its connection to various diseases. However, the precise mechanisms underpinning the development of these diseases remain largely elusive. This review sheds light on the roles of several tRNA methylations (m1A, m3C, m5C, m1G, m2G, m7G, m5U, and Nm) in diverse biological functions, including metabolic processing, stability, protein interactions, and mitochondrial activities. It further outlines diseases linked to aberrant tRNA modifications, related enzymes, and potential underlying mechanisms. Moreover, disruptions in tRNA regulation and abnormalities in tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) contribute to disease pathogenesis, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for disease diagnosis. The review also delves into the exploration of drugs development targeting tRNA methylation enzymes, emphasizing the therapeutic prospects of modulating these processes. Continued research is imperative for a comprehensive comprehension and integration of these molecular mechanisms in disease diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijing Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ruixin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Baizao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mingyu Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenlong Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Breast Cancer in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinying Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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15
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Li Z, Feng Y, Han H, Jiang X, Chen W, Ma X, Mei Y, Yuan D, Zhang D, Shi J. A Stapled Peptide Inhibitor Targeting the Binding Interface of N6-Adenosine-Methyltransferase Subunits METTL3 and METTL14 for Cancer Therapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202402611. [PMID: 38607929 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202402611] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
METTL3, a primary methyltransferase catalyzing the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, has been identified as an oncogene in several cancer types and thus nominated as a potentially effective target for therapeutic inhibition. However, current options using this strategy are limited. In this study, we targeted protein-protein interactions at the METTL3-METTL14 binding interface to inhibit complex formation and subsequent catalysis of the RNA m6A modification. Among candidate peptides, RM3 exhibited the highest anti-cancer potency, inhibiting METTL3 activity while also facilitating its proteasomal degradation. We then designed a stapled peptide inhibitor (RSM3) with enhanced peptide stability and formation of the α-helical secondary structure required for METTL3 interaction. Functional and transcriptomic analysis in vivo indicated that RSM3 induced upregulation of programmed cell death-related genes while inhibiting cancer-promoting signals. Furthermore, tumor growth was significantly suppressed while apoptosis was enhanced upon RSM3 treatment, accompanied by increased METTL3 degradation, and reduced global RNA methylation levels in two in vivo tumor models. This peptide inhibitor thus exploits a mechanism distinct from other small-molecule competitive inhibitors to inhibit oncogenic METTL3 activity. Our findings collectively highlight the potential of targeting METTL3 in cancer therapies through peptide-based inhibition of complex formation and proteolytic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenghui Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation Institution, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yuqing Feng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hong Han
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation Institution, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xingyue Jiang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation Institution, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weiyu Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation Institution, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuezhen Ma
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Yang Mei
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Dan Yuan
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation Institution, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Dingxiao Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Junfeng Shi
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation Institution, Guangzhou, 511300, Guangdong Province, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong Province, China
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16
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Feng G, Wu Y, Hu Y, Shuai W, Yang X, Li Y, Ouyang L, Wang G. Small molecule inhibitors targeting m 6A regulators. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:30. [PMID: 38711100 PMCID: PMC11075261 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01546-5] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
As the most common form of epigenetic regulation by RNA, N6 methyladenosine (m6A) modification is closely involved in physiological processes, such as growth and development, stem cell renewal and differentiation, and DNA damage response. Meanwhile, its aberrant expression in cancer tissues promotes the development of malignant tumors, as well as plays important roles in proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, immunity and prognosis. This close association between m6A and cancers has garnered substantial attention in recent years. An increasing number of small molecules have emerged as potential agents to target m6A regulators for cancer treatment. These molecules target the epigenetic level, enabling precise intervention in RNA modifications and efficiently disrupting the survival mechanisms of tumor cells, thus paving the way for novel approaches in cancer treatment. However, there is currently a lack of a comprehensive review on small molecules targeting m6A regulators for anti-tumor. Here, we have comprehensively summarized the classification and functions of m6A regulators, elucidating their interactions with the proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and immune responses in common cancers. Furthermore, we have provided a comprehensive overview on the development, mode of action, pharmacology and structure-activity relationships of small molecules targeting m6A regulators. Our aim is to offer insights for subsequent drug design and optimization, while also providing an outlook on future prospects for small molecule development targeting m6A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guotai Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongya Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wen Shuai
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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17
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Zhang X, Ma Y, Yu J, Su R, Wang X. Internal m 6 A and m 7 G RNA modifications in hematopoietic system and acute myeloid leukemia. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1033-1043. [PMID: 38545694 PMCID: PMC11062654 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003073] [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: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Epitranscriptomics focuses on the RNA-modification-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. The past decade has witnessed tremendous progress in our understanding of the landscapes and biological functions of RNA modifications, as prompted by the emergence of potent analytical approaches. The hematopoietic system provides a lifelong supply of blood cells, and gene expression is tightly controlled during the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The dysregulation of gene expression during hematopoiesis may lead to severe disorders, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Emerging evidence supports the involvement of the mRNA modification system in normal hematopoiesis and AML pathogenesis, which has led to the development of small-molecule inhibitors that target N6-methyladenosine (m 6 A) modification machinery as treatments. Here, we summarize the latest findings and our most up-to-date information on the roles of m 6 A and N7-methylguanine in both physiological and pathological conditions in the hematopoietic system. Furthermore, we will discuss the therapeutic potential and limitations of cancer treatments targeting m 6 A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences / Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Yanni Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences / Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- The Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences / Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu,Sichuan 610052, China
- Key Laboratory of RNA and Hematopoietic Regulation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100005, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Jia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences / Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- The Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences / Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu,Sichuan 610052, China
- Key Laboratory of RNA and Hematopoietic Regulation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100005, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Xiaoshuang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences / Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
- The Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences / Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu,Sichuan 610052, China
- Key Laboratory of RNA and Hematopoietic Regulation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100005, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
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18
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Zhang Q, Li J, Wang C, Li Z, Luo P, Gao F, Sun W. N6-Methyladenosine in Cell-Fate Determination of BMSCs: From Mechanism to Applications. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 7:0340. [PMID: 38665846 PMCID: PMC11045264 DOI: 10.34133/research.0340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The methylation of adenosine base at the nitrogen-6 position is referred to as "N6-methyladenosine (m6A)" and is one of the most prevalent epigenetic modifications in eukaryotic mRNA and noncoding RNA (ncRNA). Various m6A complex components known as "writers," "erasers," and "readers" are involved in the function of m6A. Numerous studies have demonstrated that m6A plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between different cell types, hence influencing the progression of diverse physiological and pathological phenomena. In recent years, a multitude of functions and molecular pathways linked to m6A have been identified in the osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Nevertheless, a comprehensive summary of these findings has yet to be provided. In this review, we primarily examined the m6A alteration of transcripts associated with transcription factors (TFs), as well as other crucial genes and pathways that are involved in the differentiation of BMSCs. Meanwhile, the mutual interactive network between m6A modification, miRNAs, and lncRNAs was intensively elucidated. In the last section, given the beneficial effect of m6A modification in osteogenesis and chondrogenesis of BMSCs, we expounded upon the potential utility of m6A-related therapeutic interventions in the identification and management of human musculoskeletal disorders manifesting bone and cartilage destruction, such as osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, osteoarthritis, and bone defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics,
Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Junyou Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
Peking UniversityThird Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhizhuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital,
the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Pan Luo
- Department of Joint Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, China
| | - Fuqiang Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Perelman School of Medicine,
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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19
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Hu J, Wang S, Li X. A comprehensive review of m 6A research in cervical cancer. Epigenomics 2024; 16:753-773. [PMID: 38639713 PMCID: PMC11318741 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2024-0002] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) remains one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide, posing a serious threat to women's health. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, as the most abundant type of RNA methylation modification, and has been found to play a crucial role in various cancers. Current research suggests a close association between RNA m6A modification and the occurrence and progression of CC, encompassing disruptions in m6A levels and its regulatory machinery. This review summarizes the current status of m6A modification research in CC, explores the mechanisms underlying m6A levels and regulators (methyltransferases, demethylases, reader proteins) in CC and examines the application of small-molecule inhibitors of m6A regulators in disease treatment. The findings provide new insights into the future treatment of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine & Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiuting Li
- Department of Public Health, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, 210000, China
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20
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Su K, Vázquez O. Enlightening epigenetics: optochemical tools illuminate the path. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:290-304. [PMID: 38350805 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.01.003] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Optochemical tools have become potent instruments for understanding biological processes at the molecular level, and the past decade has witnessed their use in epigenetics and epitranscriptomics (also known as RNA epigenetics) for deciphering gene expression regulation. By using photoresponsive molecules such as photoswitches and photocages, researchers can achieve precise control over when and where specific events occur. Therefore, these are invaluable for studying both histone and nucleotide modifications and exploring disease-related mechanisms. We systematically report and assess current examples in the field, and identify open challenges and future directions. These outstanding proof-of-concept investigations will inspire other chemical biologists to participate in these emerging fields given the potential of photochromic molecules in research and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijun Su
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, Marburg D-35043, Germany
| | - Olalla Vázquez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, Marburg D-35043, Germany; Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), University of Marburg, Marburg D-35043, Germany.
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21
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Corbeski I, Vargas-Rosales PA, Bedi RK, Deng J, Coelho D, Braud E, Iannazzo L, Li Y, Huang D, Ethève-Quelquejeu M, Cui Q, Caflisch A. The catalytic mechanism of the RNA methyltransferase METTL3. eLife 2024; 12:RP92537. [PMID: 38470714 PMCID: PMC10932547 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92537] [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] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex of methyltransferase-like proteins 3 and 14 (METTL3-14) is the major enzyme that deposits N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications on messenger RNA (mRNA) in humans. METTL3-14 plays key roles in various biological processes through its methyltransferase (MTase) activity. However, little is known about its substrate recognition and methyl transfer mechanism from its cofactor and methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). Here, we study the MTase mechanism of METTL3-14 by a combined experimental and multiscale simulation approach using bisubstrate analogues (BAs), conjugates of a SAM-like moiety connected to the N6-atom of adenosine. Molecular dynamics simulations based on crystal structures of METTL3-14 with BAs suggest that the Y406 side chain of METTL3 is involved in the recruitment of adenosine and release of m6A. A crystal structure with a BA representing the transition state of methyl transfer shows a direct involvement of the METTL3 side chains E481 and K513 in adenosine binding which is supported by mutational analysis. Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) free energy calculations indicate that methyl transfer occurs without prior deprotonation of adenosine-N6. Furthermore, the QM/MM calculations provide further support for the role of electrostatic contributions of E481 and K513 to catalysis. The multidisciplinary approach used here sheds light on the (co)substrate binding mechanism, catalytic step, and (co)product release, and suggests that the latter step is rate-limiting for METTL3. The atomistic information on the substrate binding and methyl transfer reaction of METTL3 can be useful for understanding the mechanisms of other RNA MTases and for the design of transition state analogues as their inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Corbeski
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Rajiv Kumar Bedi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jiahua Deng
- Department of Chemistry, Boston UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Dylan Coelho
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biochimie Pharmacologiques et ToxicologiquesParisFrance
| | - Emmanuelle Braud
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biochimie Pharmacologiques et ToxicologiquesParisFrance
| | - Laura Iannazzo
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biochimie Pharmacologiques et ToxicologiquesParisFrance
| | - Yaozong Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Danzhi Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Mélanie Ethève-Quelquejeu
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biochimie Pharmacologiques et ToxicologiquesParisFrance
| | - Qiang Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Boston UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Physics, Boston UniversityBostonUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Amedeo Caflisch
- Department of Biochemistry, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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22
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Wang H. The RNA m6A writer RBM15 contributes to the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating miR-3605-5p/KRT4 pathway. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24459. [PMID: 38312624 PMCID: PMC10835169 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression can be modulated by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. RNA binding motif protein 15 (RBM15) is an essential RNA m6A writer that influences carcinogenesis, however its significance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is uncertain. This research is intended to examine how RBM15 regulates the development of ESCC. We performed qRT-PCR analysis to evaluate the expression of RBM15, microRNA (miR-3605-5p) as well as keratin 4 (KRT4) in ESCC. Target relationship between miR-3605-5p and KRT4 was validated by dual luciferase reporter assay. Western blotting analyzed the protein levels of KRT4, p53, and p21. To demonstrate that RBM15 is responsible for the m6A alteration of miR-3605-5p, RIP and Me-RIP experiments were carried out concurrently. m6A content was measured by m6A quantification assay. Cell growth and migration were assessed using the CCK-8 and transwell assays. In addition, the role of RBM15 in vivo was examined using a mouse tumor xenograft model. RBM15 and miR-3605-5p were both substantially expressed in ESCC, however KRT4 was not expressed highly. Overexpressed RBM15 triggered cell proliferation and migration in ESCC. Besides, RBM15/m6A could mediate pri-3605-5p to form the mature miR-3605-5p, and miR-3605-5p further targeted KRT4. Further investigations showed that upregulation of KRT4 overturned the promoting impact of RBM15 overexpression on cell proliferation as well as on cell migration in ESCC by activating p53 signaling pathway. This work implied the carcinogenic activity of RBM15/m6A in ESCC via miR-3605-5p/KRT4 pathway, providing a novel m6A modification pattern in the tumorigenesis of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- General practice section, Wuhan University of Science and Technology Hospital, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
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23
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Phillips S, Mishra T, Huang S, Wu L. Functional Impacts of Epitranscriptomic m 6A Modification on HIV-1 Infection. Viruses 2024; 16:127. [PMID: 38257827 PMCID: PMC10820791 DOI: 10.3390/v16010127] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Epitranscriptomic RNA modifications play a crucial role in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification of eukaryotic RNA and plays a pivotal role in RNA fate. RNA m6A modification is regulated by a group of cellular proteins, methyltransferases (writers) and demethylases (erasers), which add and remove the methyl group from adenosine, respectively. m6A modification is recognized by a group of cellular RNA-binding proteins (readers) that specifically bind to m6A-modified RNA, mediating effects on RNA stability, splicing, transport, and translation. The functional significance of m6A modification of viral and cellular RNA is an active area of virology research. In this review, we summarize and analyze the current literature on m6A modification of HIV-1 RNA, the multifaceted functions of m6A in regulating HIV-1 replication, and the role of viral RNA m6A modification in evading innate immune responses to infection. Furthermore, we briefly discuss the future directions and therapeutic implications of mechanistic studies of HIV-1 epitranscriptomic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Li Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (S.P.); (T.M.); (S.H.)
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24
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Sun Y, Jin D, Zhang Z, Ji H, An X, Zhang Y, Yang C, Sun W, Zhang Y, Duan Y, Kang X, Jiang L, Zhao X, Lian F. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation in kidney diseases: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194967. [PMID: 37553065 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is regulated by methylases, commonly referred to as "writers," and demethylases, known as "erasers," leading to a dynamic and reversible process. Changes in m6A levels have been implicated in a wide range of cellular processes, including nuclear RNA export, mRNA metabolism, protein translation, and RNA splicing, establishing a strong correlation with various diseases. Both physiologically and pathologically, m6A methylation plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of kidney disease. The methylation of m6A may also facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases, according to accumulating research. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential role and mechanism of m6A methylation in kidney diseases, as well as its potential application in the treatment of such diseases. There will be a thorough examination of m6A methylation mechanisms, paying particular attention to the interplay between m6A writers, m6A erasers, and m6A readers. Furthermore, this paper will elucidate the interplay between various kidney diseases and m6A methylation, summarize the expression patterns of m6A in pathological kidney tissues, and discuss the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting m6A in the context of kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Sun
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - De Jin
- Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziwei Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Hangyu Ji
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuedong An
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehong Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cunqing Yang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Duan
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomin Kang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Jiang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefei Zhao
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fengmei Lian
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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25
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Wei Y, Guo X, Li L, Xue W, Wang L, Chen C, Sun S, Yang Y, Yao W, Wang W, Zhao J, Duan X. The role of N6-methyladenosine methylation in PAHs-induced cancers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:118078-118101. [PMID: 37924411 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30710-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are a wide range of environmental toxicants, may act on humans through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact, resulting in a range of toxic reactions. Epidemiological studies showed that long-term exposure to PAHs in the occupational and living environment results in a substantial rise in the incidence rate of many cancers in the population, so the prevention and treatment of these diseases have become a major worldwide public health problem. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification greatly affects the metabolism of RNA and is implicated in the etiopathogenesis of many kinds of diseases. In addition, m6A-binding proteins have an important role in disease development. The abnormal expression of these can cause the malignant proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis of cancers. Furthermore, a growing number of studies revealed that environmental toxicants are one of the cancer risk factors and are related to m6A modifications. Exposure to environmental toxicants can alter the methylation level of m6A and the expression of the m6A-binding protein, thus promoting the occurrence and development of cancers through diverse mechanisms. m6A may serve as a biomarker for early environmental exposure. Through the study of m6A, we can find the health injury early, thus providing a new sight for preventing and curing environmental health-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Wei
- National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaona Guo
- Medical School, Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lifeng Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Wenhua Xue
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Longhao Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Chengxin Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shilong Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yaqi Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Wu Yao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoran Duan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Medical School, Huanghe Science and Technology University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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26
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Yu Y, Lu S, Jin H, Zhu H, Wei X, Zhou T, Zhao M. RNA N6-methyladenosine methylation and skin diseases. Autoimmunity 2023; 56:2167983. [PMID: 36708146 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2023.2167983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Skin diseases are global health issues caused by multiple pathogenic factors, in which epigenetics plays an invaluable role. Post-transcriptional RNA modifications are important epigenetic mechanism that regulate gene expression at the genome-wide level. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent modification that occurs in the messenger RNAs (mRNA) of most eukaryotes, which is installed by methyltransferases called "writers", removed by demethylases called "erasers", and recognised by RNA-binding proteins called "readers". To date, m6A is emerging to play essential part in both physiological processes and pathological progression, including skin diseases. However, a systematic summary of m6A in skin disease has not yet been reported. This review starts by illustrating each m6A-related modifier specifically and their roles in RNA processing, and then focus on the existing research advances of m6A in immune homeostasis and skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China.,Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Shuang Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China.,Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China.,Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China.,Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Xingyu Wei
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China.,Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Tian Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China.,Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Research Unit of Key Technologies of Diagnosis and Treatment for Immune-related Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Changsha, China.,Clinical Medical Research Center of Major Skin Diseases and Skin Health of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
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27
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Ren Y, Li Z, Li J, Liang R, Wang Z, Bai Y, Yang Y, Tang Q, Fu Y, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Yu Y, Xiong Y. m 6 A mRNA methylation: Biological features, mechanisms, and therapeutic potentials in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Obes Rev 2023; 24:e13639. [PMID: 37732463 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
As the most common internal post-transcriptional RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) performs a dynamic and reversible role in a variety of biological processes mediated by methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and m6 A binding proteins (readers). M6 A methylation enables transcriptome conversion in different signals that regulate various physiological activities and organ development. Over the past few years, emerging studies have identified that mRNA m6 A regulators defect in β-cell leads to abnormal regulation of the target mRNAs, thereby resulting in β-cell dysfunction and loss of β-cell identity and mass, which are strongly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pathogenesis. Also, mRNA m6 A modification has been implicated with insulin resistance in muscles, fat, and liver cells/tissues. In this review, we elaborate on the biological features of m6 A methylation; provide a comprehensive overview of the underlying mechanisms that how it controls β-cell function, identity, and mass as well as insulin resistance; highlight its connections to glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism linking to T2DM; and further discuss its role in diabetes complications and its therapeutic potentials for T2DM diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Ren
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zi Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiaoyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rui Liang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yiduo Bai
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yafang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qian Tang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaolei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuyan Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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28
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Huang Y, Xia W, Dong Z, Yang CG. Chemical Inhibitors Targeting the Oncogenic m 6A Modifying Proteins. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:3010-3022. [PMID: 37889223 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics is brought to RNA, introducing a new dimension to gene expression regulation. Among numerous RNA modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant internal modification on eukaryote mRNA first identified in the 1970s. However, the significance of m6A modification in mRNA had been long neglected until the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) enzyme was identified as the first m6A demethylase almost 40 years later. The m6A modification influences nearly every step of RNA metabolism and thus broadly affects gene expression at multiple levels, playing a critical role in many biological processes, including cancer progression, metastasis, and immune evasion. The m6A level is dynamically regulated by RNA epigenetic machinery comprising methyltransferases such as methyltransferase-like protein 3 (METTL3), demethylases FTO and AlkB human homologue 5 (ALKBH5), and multiple reader proteins. The understanding of the biology of RNA epigenetics and its translational drug discovery is still in its infancy. It is essential to further develop chemical probes and lead compounds for an in-depth investigation into m6A biology and the translational discovery of anticancer drugs targeting m6A modifying oncogenic proteins.In this Account, we present our work on the development of chemical inhibitors to regulate m6A in mRNA by targeting the FTO demethylase, and the elucidation of their mode of action. We reported rhein to be the first substrate competitive FTO inhibitor. Due to rhein's poor selectivity, we identified meclofenamic acid (MA) that selectively inhibits FTO compared with ALKBH5. Based on the structural complex of MA bound with FTO, we designed MA analogs FB23-2 and Dac51, which exhibit significantly improved activities compared with MA. For example, FB23-2 is specific to FTO inhibition in vitro among over 400 other oncogenic proteins, including kinases, proteases, and DNA and histone epigenetic proteins. Mimicking FTO depletion, FB23-2 promotes the differentiation/apoptosis of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and inhibits the progression of primary cells in xenotransplanted mice. Dac51 treatment impairs the glycolytic activity of tumor cells and restores the function of CD8+ T cells, thereby inhibiting the growth of solid tumors in vivo. These FTO inhibitors were and will continue to be used as probes to promote biological studies of m6A modification and as lead compounds to target FTO in anticancer drug discovery.Toward the end, we also include a brief review of ALKBH5 demethylase inhibitors and METTL3 methyltransferase modulators. Collectively, these small-molecule modulators that selectively target RNA epigenetic proteins will promote in-depth studies on the regulation of gene expression and potentially accelerate anticancer target discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenyang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ze Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Cai-Guang Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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29
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Huang C, Zhang K, Guo Y, Shen C, Liu X, Huang H, Dou X, Yu B. The crucial roles of m 6A RNA modifications in cutaneous cancers: Implications in pathogenesis, metastasis, drug resistance, and targeted therapies. Genes Dis 2023; 10:2320-2330. [PMID: 37554186 PMCID: PMC10404882 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification on RNA. It is a dynamical and reversible process, which is regulated by m6A methyltransferase and m6A demethylase. The m6A modified RNA can be specifically recognized by the m6A reader, leading to RNA splicing, maturation, degradation or translation. The abnormality of m6A RNA modification is closely related to a variety of biological processes, especially the occurrence and development of tumors. Recent studies have shown that m6A RNA modification is involved in the pathogenesis of skin cancers. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of m6A-mediated cutaneous tumorigenesis have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this review will summarize the biological characteristics of m6A modification, its regulatory role and mechanism in skin cancers, and the recent research progress of m6A-related molecular drugs, aiming to provide new ideas for clinical diagnosis and targeted therapy of cutaneous cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, China
| | - Kaoyuan Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, China
| | - Yang Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, China
| | - Changbing Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, China
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, China
| | - Haiyan Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, China
| | - Xia Dou
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, China
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30
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Wang D, Zhang Y, Li Q, Zhang A, Xu J, Li Y, Li W, Tang L, Yang F, Meng J. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in cancer therapeutic resistance: Potential mechanisms and clinical implications. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115477. [PMID: 37696088 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapy resistance (CTR) is the development of cancer resistance to multiple therapeutic strategies, which severely affects clinical response and leads to cancer progression, recurrence, and metastasis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been identified as the most common, abundant, and conserved internal transcriptional alterations of RNA modifications, regulating RNA splicing, translation, stabilization, degradation, and gene expression, and is involved in the development and progression of a variety of diseases, including cancer. Recent studies have shown that m6A modifications play a critical role in both cancer development and progression, especially in reversing CTR. Although m6A modifications have great potential in CTR, the specific molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this review, we summarize the potential molecular mechanisms of m6A modification in CTR. In addition, we update recent advances in natural products from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) and small-molecule lead compounds targeting m6A modifications, and discuss the great potential and clinical implications of these inhibitors targeting m6A regulators and combinations with other therapies to improve clinical efficacy and overcome CTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Qingbo Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jingxuan Xu
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yu Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Wen Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Lin Tang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Fan Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Jingyan Meng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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31
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Nayak A, Chavarria A, Sanders KN, Ghalei H, Khoshnevis S. Sinefungin, a natural nucleoside analog of S-adenosyl methionine, impairs the pathogenicity of Candida albicans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.12.562127. [PMID: 37873365 PMCID: PMC10592816 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.12.562127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal human pathogen, is a major threat to the healthcare system due to both infections in immunocompromised individuals and the emergence of antifungal resistance. Fungal infection caused by C. albicans, candidiasis, is a life-threatening condition in immunocompromised patients and the current treatments are mostly restricted to polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins. Use of these antifungals is limited by toxicity, drug-drug interactions, and the emergence of resistance, underscoring the importance of identifying novel therapeutic targets and the need for new treatment approaches. C. albicans can undergo a morphological transition from yeast to hyphae and this transition is central to C. albicans virulence. Here, we determine the impact of sinefungin, a natural nucleoside analog of S-adenosyl methionine, on the virulence of C. albicans strain SC5314 by evaluating treatment effects on the morphological transition, human epithelial cell adhesion, and biofilm formation. Our data indicate that sinefungin impairs pathogenic traits of C. albicans including hyphal lengthening, biofilm formation and the adhesion to the human epithelial cell lines, without adversely affecting human cells, therefore highlighting sinefungin as a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention. We determine that the formation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is particularly disturbed by sinefungin. More broadly, this study underscores the importance of considering the post-transcriptional control mechanisms of pathogenicity when designing therapeutic solutions to fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushka Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Alejandro Chavarria
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kyla N. Sanders
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Homa Ghalei
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sohail Khoshnevis
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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Breger K, Kunkler CN, O'Leary NJ, Hulewicz JP, Brown JA. Ghost authors revealed: The structure and function of human N 6 -methyladenosine RNA methyltransferases. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 15:e1810. [PMID: 37674370 PMCID: PMC10915109 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the discovery of modified nucleic acids nearly 75 years ago, their biological functions are still being elucidated. N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most abundant modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) and has also been detected in non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNA, ribosomal RNA, and small nuclear RNA. In general, m6 A marks can alter RNA secondary structure and initiate unique RNA-protein interactions that can alter splicing, mRNA turnover, and translation, just to name a few. Although m6 A marks in human RNAs have been known to exist since 1974, the structures and functions of methyltransferases responsible for writing m6 A marks have been established only recently. Thus far, there are four confirmed human methyltransferases that catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the N6 position of adenosine, producing m6 A: methyltransferase-like protein (METTL) 3/METTL14 complex, METTL16, METTL5, and zinc-finger CCHC-domain-containing protein 4. Though the methyltransferases have unique RNA targets, all human m6 A RNA methyltransferases contain a Rossmann fold with a conserved SAM-binding pocket, suggesting that they utilize a similar catalytic mechanism for methyl transfer. For each of the human m6 A RNA methyltransferases, we present the biological functions and links to human disease, RNA targets, catalytic and kinetic mechanisms, and macromolecular structures. We also discuss m6 A marks in human viruses and parasites, assigning m6 A marks in the transcriptome to specific methyltransferases, small molecules targeting m6 A methyltransferases, and the enzymes responsible for hypermodified m6 A marks and their biological functions in humans. Understanding m6 A methyltransferases is a critical steppingstone toward establishing the m6 A epitranscriptome and more broadly the RNome. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurtis Breger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Charlotte N Kunkler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Nathan J O'Leary
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jacob P Hulewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica A Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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Deacon S, Walker L, Radhi M, Smith S. The Regulation of m6A Modification in Glioblastoma: Functional Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3307. [PMID: 37444417 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most prevalent primary brain tumour and invariably confers a poor prognosis. The immense intra-tumoral heterogeneity of glioblastoma and its ability to rapidly develop treatment resistance are key barriers to successful therapy. As such, there is an urgent need for the greater understanding of the tumour biology in order to guide the development of novel therapeutics in this field. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant of the RNA modifications in eukaryotes. Studies have demonstrated that the regulation of this RNA modification is altered in glioblastoma and may serve to regulate diverse mechanisms including glioma stem-cell self-renewal, tumorigenesis, invasion and treatment evasion. However, the precise mechanisms by which m6A modifications exert their functional effects are poorly understood. This review summarises the evidence for the disordered regulation of m6A in glioblastoma and discusses the downstream functional effects of m6A modification on RNA fate. The wide-ranging biological consequences of m6A modification raises the hope that novel cancer therapies can be targeted against this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Deacon
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Lauryn Walker
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Masar Radhi
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Stuart Smith
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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34
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Piperi C, Markouli M, Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Deciphering glioma epitranscriptome: focus on RNA modifications. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02746-y. [PMID: 37322070 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02746-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Gliomas are highly malignant tumors accounting for the majority of brain neoplasms. They are characterized by nuclear atypia, high mitotic rate and cellular polymorphism that often contributes to aggressiveness and resistance to standard therapy. They often associate with challenging treatment approaches and poor outcomes. New treatment strategies or regimens to improve the efficacy of glioma treatment require a deeper understanding of glioma occurrence and development as well as elucidation of their molecular biological characteristics. Recent studies have revealed RNA modifications as a key regulatory mechanism involved in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, immune regulation, and response to therapy. The present review discusses research advances on several RNA modifications involved in glioma progression and tumor microenvironment (TME) immunoregulation as well as in the development of adaptive drug resistance, summarizing current progress on major RNA modification targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Mariam Markouli
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios N Gargalionis
- Department of Biopathology, 'Eginition' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas A Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, 'Sotiria' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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35
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Bougras-Cartron G, Nadaradjane A, Joalland MP, Lalier-Bretaudeau L, Raimbourg J, Cartron PF. Adenosine Methylation Level of miR-125a-5p Promotes Anti-PD-1 Therapy Escape through the Regulation of IGSF11/VSIG3 Expression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3188. [PMID: 37370798 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite encouraging anti-tumour activity in lung cancer, anti-PD-1 therapy has encountered increasing resistance to treatment. Several companion diagnostic assays have been performed to identify patients who may benefit from this immunotherapy and to adapt this therapy in case of acquired resistance. METHODS A large panel of methods was used for the analysis of expression and methylation levels of miRNAs (qPCR, MemiRIP, …), protein/miRNA interactions (CLIP, oligo pull-down, …), and protein-protein interactions (CoIP) in cells and/or blood samples. RESULTS Our work highlights that the saturation of PD-1 by anti-PD1 therapies induces an immune escape phenomenon due to the overexpression of IGSF11 following adenosine methylation of miR-125a-5p. Mechanistically, we identify METTL3/KHDRBS3 and HuR as two crucial players in the methylation and the loss of the repressive function of this miRNA. Finally, our work shows that the adenosine methylation of miR-125a-5p is analyzable from EVs/exosomes from longitudinal blood samples and that such EVs/exosomes modulate the IGSF11/VSIG3 expression in lung cancer cells to promote an immune escape phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide a biomarker (m6A-miR-125a-5p level) and two therapeutic solutions (anti-IGSF11 antibody and METTL3 inhibitor) that could potentially address the anti-PD1 therapy failure in the context of precision and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenola Bougras-Cartron
- CRCI2NA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, 44805 Saint-Herblain, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Arulraj Nadaradjane
- CRCI2NA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Joalland
- CRCI2NA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, 44805 Saint-Herblain, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Lisenn Lalier-Bretaudeau
- CRCI2NA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, 44805 Saint-Herblain, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Judith Raimbourg
- CRCI2NA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, 44805 Saint-Herblain, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Pierre-François Cartron
- CRCI2NA, INSERM, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, 44805 Saint-Herblain, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, 44000 Nantes, France
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Pan Q, Lou J, Yan P, Kang X, Li P, Huang Z. WTAP contributes to the tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma via modulating ALB in an m6A-dependent manner. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:1455-1465. [PMID: 36988233 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Osteosarcoma (OS) is a prevalent bone malignancy mainly occurred in adolescents. WTAP/N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is confirmed to be involved in OS progression. This study is conducted to bring some novel insights to the action mechanism of WTAP/m6A under the hidden pathogenesis of OS. METHODS qRT-PCR was executed to evaluate the expression levels of WTAP and ALB. ALB protein level in OS cells was measured by western blotting. The content of m6A in total RNA was assessed by m6A quantification assay. Me-RIP, dual luciferase reporter, and mRNA stability assays confirmed the target relationship of WTAP with ALB. With the use of the wound healing, CCK-8, and transwell invasion assays, the functional relationship between WTAP and ALB in OS cells was confirmed. The influences of WTAP on tumor growth in vivo were performed in the xenograft model of mouse. RESULTS WTAP was increased but ALB was diminished in OS tissues and/or cell lines. WTAP modulated ALB expression in an m6A-dependent manner. Silencing of WTAP retarded the development of OS via inhibiting cell viability, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. Knockdown of ALB exerted the opposite effects on OS progression. Additionally, ALB deficiency partially eliminated the inhibiting effects of WTAP silencing on cellular processes in OS. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report to clarify the interaction of WTAP/m6A with ALB in OS progression. These experimental data to some extent broadened the horizons of WTAP/m6A in the development of OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyong Pan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jigang Lou
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Penghui Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaobiao Kang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zongqiang Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Agius DR, Kapazoglou A, Avramidou E, Baranek M, Carneros E, Caro E, Castiglione S, Cicatelli A, Radanovic A, Ebejer JP, Gackowski D, Guarino F, Gulyás A, Hidvégi N, Hoenicka H, Inácio V, Johannes F, Karalija E, Lieberman-Lazarovich M, Martinelli F, Maury S, Mladenov V, Morais-Cecílio L, Pecinka A, Tani E, Testillano PS, Todorov D, Valledor L, Vassileva V. Exploring the crop epigenome: a comparison of DNA methylation profiling techniques. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1181039. [PMID: 37389288 PMCID: PMC10306282 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1181039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play a vital role in the preservation of genome integrity and in the regulation of gene expression. DNA methylation, one of the key mechanisms of epigenetic control, impacts growth, development, stress response and adaptability of all organisms, including plants. The detection of DNA methylation marks is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying these processes and for developing strategies to improve productivity and stress resistance of crop plants. There are different methods for detecting plant DNA methylation, such as bisulfite sequencing, methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism, genome-wide DNA methylation analysis, methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, reduced representation bisulfite sequencing, MS and immuno-based techniques. These profiling approaches vary in many aspects, including DNA input, resolution, genomic region coverage, and bioinformatics analysis. Selecting an appropriate methylation screening approach requires an understanding of all these techniques. This review provides an overview of DNA methylation profiling methods in crop plants, along with comparisons of the efficacy of these techniques between model and crop plants. The strengths and limitations of each methodological approach are outlined, and the importance of considering both technical and biological factors are highlighted. Additionally, methods for modulating DNA methylation in model and crop species are presented. Overall, this review will assist scientists in making informed decisions when selecting an appropriate DNA methylation profiling method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Rita Agius
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Biology Department, Ġ.F.Abela Junior College, Msida, Malta
| | - Aliki Kapazoglou
- Department of Vitis, Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Crops and Viticulture (IOSV), Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA (ELGO-DIMITRA), Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Avramidou
- Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA (ELGO-DIMITRA), Athens, Greece
| | - Miroslav Baranek
- Mendeleum-Insitute of Genetics, Faculty of Horticulture, Mendel University in Brno, Lednice, Czechia
| | - Elena Carneros
- Center for Biological Research (CIB) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Caro
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefano Castiglione
- Department of Chemistry and Biology ‘A. Zambelli’, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Angela Cicatelli
- Department of Chemistry and Biology ‘A. Zambelli’, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Aleksandra Radanovic
- Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jean-Paul Ebejer
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Daniel Gackowski
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Francesco Guarino
- Department of Chemistry and Biology ‘A. Zambelli’, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Andrea Gulyás
- Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Nyíregyháza, Hungary
| | - Norbert Hidvégi
- Centre for Agricultural Genomics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Nyíregyháza, Hungary
| | - Hans Hoenicka
- Genomic Research Department, Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics, Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - Vera Inácio
- BioISI – BioSystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Frank Johannes
- Plant Epigenomics, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Freising, Germany
| | - Erna Karalija
- Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Michal Lieberman-Lazarovich
- Department of Vegetables and Field Crops, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Institute of Plant Sciences, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | | | - Stéphane Maury
- Laboratoire de Biologie des Ligneux et des Grandes Cultures EA1207 USC1328, INRAE, Université d’Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Velimir Mladenov
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Leonor Morais-Cecílio
- Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF), Institute of Agronomy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ales Pecinka
- Centre of Plant Structural and Functional Genomics, Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Eleni Tani
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pilar S. Testillano
- Center for Biological Research (CIB) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitar Todorov
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Luis Valledor
- Plant Physiology, Department of Organisms and Systems Biology and University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Valya Vassileva
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Yang D, Zhao G, Zhang HM. m 6A reader proteins: the executive factors in modulating viral replication and host immune response. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1151069. [PMID: 37325513 PMCID: PMC10266107 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1151069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most abundant covalent modification of RNA. It is a reversible and dynamic process induced by various cellular stresses including viral infection. Many m6A methylations have been discovered, including on the genome of RNA viruses and on RNA transcripts of DNA viruses, and these methylations play a positive or negative role on the viral life cycle depending on the viral species. The m6A machinery, including the writer, eraser, and reader proteins, achieves its gene regulatory role by functioning in an orchestrated manner. Notably, data suggest that the biological effects of m6A on target mRNAs predominantly depend on the recognition and binding of different m6A readers. These readers include, but are not limited to, the YT521-B homology (YTH) domain family, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (HNRNPs), insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs), and many others discovered recently. Indeed, m6A readers have been recognized not only as regulators of RNA metabolism but also as participants in a variety of biological processes, although some of these reported roles are still controversial. Here, we will summarize the recent advances in the discovery, classification, and functional characterization of m6A reader proteins, particularly focusing on their roles and mechanisms of action in RNA metabolism, gene expression, and viral replication. In addition, we also briefly discuss the m6A-associated host immune responses in viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Decheng Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Guangze Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Huifang Mary Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Liu Y, Yang D, Liu T, Chen J, Yu J, Yi P. N6-methyladenosine-mediated gene regulation and therapeutic implications. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:454-467. [PMID: 37068987 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is the most abundant form of mRNA modification in eukaryotes and is at the front line of biological and biomedical research. This dynamic and reversible m6A RNA modification determines the fates of modified RNA molecules at the post-transcriptional level, affecting almost all important biological processes. Notably, m6A is also involved in chromatin and transcriptional regulation, while m6A dysregulation is implicated in various diseases. Here, we review current knowledge of post-transcriptional and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms involving m6A modification. We also discuss their involvement in the occurrence and development of diseases, including cancer, as well as potential theranostic targets, in hope of facilitating the translation of preclinical findings to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China.
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Sikorski V, Selberg S, Lalowski M, Karelson M, Kankuri E. The structure and function of YTHDF epitranscriptomic m 6A readers. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:335-353. [PMID: 37069041 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Specific RNA sequences modified by a methylated adenosine, N6-methyladenosine (m6A), contribute to the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. The quantity of m6A in RNA is orchestrated by enzymes that write and erase it, while its effects are mediated by proteins that bind to read this modification. Dysfunction of this post-transcriptional regulatory process has been linked to human disease. Although the initial focus has been on pharmacological targeting of the writer and eraser enzymes, interest in the reader proteins has been challenged by a lack of clear understanding of their functional roles and molecular mechanisms of action. Readers of m6A-modified RNA (m6A-RNA) - the YTH (YT521-B homology) domain-containing protein family paralogs 1-3 (YTHDF1-3, referred to here as DF1-DF3) - are emerging as therapeutic targets as their links to pathological processes such as cancer and inflammation and their roles in regulating m6A-RNA fate become clear. We provide an updated understanding of the modes of action of DF1-DF3 and review their structures to unlock insights into drug design approaches for DF paralog-selective inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilbert Sikorski
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Simona Selberg
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maciej Lalowski
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Meilahti Clinical Proteomics Core Facility, Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mati Karelson
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Esko Kankuri
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
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Shen LT, Che LR, He Z, Lu Q, Chen DF, Qin ZY, Wang B. Aberrant RNA m 6A modification in gastrointestinal malignancies: versatile regulators of cancer hallmarks and novel therapeutic opportunities. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:236. [PMID: 37015927 PMCID: PMC10072051 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05736-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is one of the most common malignancies, and a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. However, molecular targeted therapies are still lacking, leading to poor treatment efficacies. As an important layer of epigenetic regulation, RNA N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification is recently linked to various biological hallmarks of cancer by orchestrating RNA metabolism, including RNA splicing, export, translation, and decay, which is partially involved in a novel biological process termed phase separation. Through these regulatory mechanisms, m6A dictates gene expression in a dynamic and reversible manner and may play oncogenic, tumor suppressive or context-dependent roles in GI tumorigenesis. Therefore, regulators and effectors of m6A, as well as their modified substrates, represent a novel class of molecular targets for cancer treatments. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent advances in this field and highlight research findings that documented key roles of RNA m6A modification in governing hallmarks of GI cancers. From a historical perspective, milestone findings in m6A machinery are integrated with a timeline of developing m6A targeting compounds. These available chemical compounds, as well as other approaches that target core components of the RNA m6A pathway hold promises for clinical translational to treat human GI cancers. Further investigation on several outstanding issues, e.g. how oncogenic insults may disrupt m6A homeostasis, and how m6A modification impacts on the tumor microenvironment, may dissect novel mechanisms underlying human tumorigenesis and identifies next-generation anti-cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss advances in our understanding of m6A RNA modification since its discovery in the 1970s to the latest progress in defining its potential clinic relevance. We summarize the molecular basis and roles of m6A regulators in the hallmarks of GI cancer and discuss their context-dependent functions. Furthermore, the identification and characterization of inhibitors or activators of m6A regulators and their potential anti-cancer effects are discussed. With the rapid growth in this field there is significant potential for developing m6A targeted therapy in GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ting Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Zhejiang Armed Police (PAP), Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Lin-Rong Che
- Department of Gastroenterology & Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Zongsheng He
- Department of Gastroenterology & Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Qian Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology & Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Dong-Feng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Zhong-Yi Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology & Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of Ministry of Education of China, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology & Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China.
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of Ministry of Education of China, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
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Kumari S, Kumar S, Muthuswamy S. RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in regulating cancer stem cells and tumor immune microenvironment and its implication for cancer therapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:1621-1633. [PMID: 35796777 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04158-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Therapy resistance is a well-known phenomenon in cancer treatment. It can be intrinsic or acquired, accountable for frequent tumor relapse and death worldwide. The interplay between cancer cells and their neighboring environment can activate complex signaling mechanisms influencing epigenetic changes and maintain cancer cell survival leading to the malignant phenotype. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumor-initiating cells (TICs) and constitute the primary source of drug resistance and tumor recurrence. Studies have shown that cancer cells exhibit dysregulated RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) "writers," "erasers," and "readers" levels after acquiring drug resistance. The present review provides novel insight into the role of m6A modifiers involved in CSC generation, cancer cell proliferation, and therapy resistance. m6A RNA modifications in the cross-talk between CSC and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) have also been highlighted. Further, we have discussed the therapeutic potential of targeting m6A machinery for cancer diagnosis and the development of new therapies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhadra Kumari
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, India
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Zhu X, Fu H, Sun J, Xu Q. Interaction between N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and environmental chemical-induced diseases in various organ systems. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 373:110376. [PMID: 36736874 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A wide variety of chemicals are ubiquitous in the environment and thus exposure to these environmental chemicals poses a serious threat to public health. Particularly, environmental factors such as air pollution, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can lead to diseases in various organ systems. Recent research in environmental epigenetics has demonstrated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a key mechanism of environment-related diseases. m6A modification is the most abundant chemical modification in mRNAs, which can specifically regulate gene expression by affecting RNA translation, stability, processing, and nuclear export. In this review, we discussed how environmental chemicals affected m6A modification and mediated environment-related disease occurrence by classifying the diseases of various systems. Here, we conclude that environmental chemicals alter the levels of m6A and its modulators, which then participate in the occurrence of diseases in various systems by regulating gene expression and downstream signaling pathways such as METTL3/m6A ZBTB4/YTHDF2/EZH2, Foxo3a/FTO/m6A ephrin-B2/YTHDF2, and HIF1A/METTL3/m6A BIRC5/IGF2BP3/VEGFA. Considering the significant role of m6A and its modulators in response to environmental chemicals, they are expected to be used as biomarkers of environment-related diseases. Additionally, targeting m6A modulators using small molecule inhibitors and activators is expected to be a new method for the treatment of environment-related diseases. This review systematically and comprehensively clarifies the important role of m6A in diseases caused by environmental chemicals, thus establishing a scientific basis for the treatment of diseases in various organ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding jia qiao Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Haowei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding jia qiao Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jiahui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding jia qiao Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, No. 87 Ding jia qiao Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Wang C, Danli Ma, Yu H, Zhuo Z, Ye Z. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) as a regulator of carcinogenesis and drug resistance by targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14001. [PMID: 36915498 PMCID: PMC10006539 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Emergence of drug resistance to chemotherapeutic agents is the principal obstacle towards curative cancer treatment in human cancer patients. It is in an urgent to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms to overcome the drug resistance. N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is the most abundant reversible RNA modification and has emerged in recent years to regulate gene expression in eukaryotes. Recent evidence has identified m6A is associated with cancer pathogenesis and drug resistance, contributing to the self-renewal and differentiation of cancer stem cell, tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor metastasis. Here we reviewed up-to-date knowledge of the relationship between m6A modulation and drug resistance. Furthermore, we illustrated the underlying mechanisms of m6A modulation in drug resistance. Lastly, we discussed the regulation of m6A modulation in EMT and cancer stem cells. Hence, it will help to provide significant therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance for cancer patients by changing m6A-related proteins via targeting cancer stem cells and EMT-phenotypic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuhan Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 31500, China.,Medical School of NingBo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 31500, China
| | - Danli Ma
- Department of Gynecology, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 31500, China
| | - Huimin Yu
- Department of Gynecology, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 31500, China
| | - Zhihong Zhuo
- Department of Gynecology, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 31500, China
| | - Zhiying Ye
- Department of Gynecology, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 31500, China
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Ge X, Ye W, Zhu Y, Cui M, Zhou J, Xiao C, Jiang D, Tang P, Wang J, Wang Z, Ji C, Zhou X, Cao X, Liu W, Cai W. USP1/UAF1-Stabilized METTL3 Promotes Reactive Astrogliosis and Improves Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury through m 6A Modification of YAP1 mRNA. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1456-1474. [PMID: 36653190 PMCID: PMC10008067 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1209-22.2023] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is involved in diverse biological processes. However, its role in spinal cord injury (SCI) is poorly understood. The m6A level increases in injured spinal cord, and METTL3, which is the core subunit of methyltransferase complex, is upregulated in reactive astrocytes and further stabilized by the USP1/UAF1 complex after SCI. The USP1/UAF1 complex specifically binds to and subsequently removes K48-linked ubiquitination of the METTL3 protein to maintain its stability after SCI. Moreover, conditional knockout of astrocytic METTL3 in both sexes of mice significantly suppressed reactive astrogliosis after SCI, thus resulting in widespread infiltration of inflammatory cells, aggravated neuronal loss, hampered axonal regeneration, and impaired functional recovery. Mechanistically, the YAP1 transcript was identified as a potential target of METTL3 in astrocytes. METTL3 could selectively methylate the 3'-UTR region of the YAP1 transcript, which subsequently maintains its stability in an IGF2BP2-dependent manner. In vivo, YAP1 overexpression by adeno-associated virus injection remarkably contributed to reactive astrogliosis and partly reversed the detrimental effects of METTL3 knockout on functional recovery after SCI. Furthermore, we found that the methyltransferase activity of METTL3 plays an essential role in reactive astrogliosis and motor repair, whereas METTL3 mutant without methyltransferase function failed to promote functional recovery after SCI. Our study reveals the previously unreported role of METTL3-mediated m6A modification in SCI and might provide a potential therapy for SCI.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Spinal cord injury is a devastating trauma of the CNS involving motor and sensory impairments. However, epigenetic modification in spinal cord injury is still unclear. Here, we propose an m6A regulation effect of astrocytic METTL3 following spinal cord injury, and we further characterize its underlying mechanism, which might provide promising strategies for spinal cord injury treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Ge
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Wu Ye
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yufeng Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Min Cui
- Department of Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Jiawen Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chenyu Xiao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Dongdong Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210006, China
| | - Pengyu Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Zhuanghui Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Chengyue Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Xuhui Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Xiaojian Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Weihua Cai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
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Zhou X, Li C, Chen T, Li W, Wang X, Yang Q. Targeting RNA N6-methyladenosine to synergize with immune checkpoint therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:36. [PMID: 36810108 PMCID: PMC9942356 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01746-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint therapy, has revolutionized therapeutic options by reactivating the host immune system. However, the efficacy varies, and only a small portion of patients develop sustained antitumor responses. Hence, illustrating novel strategies that improve the clinical outcome of immune checkpoint therapy is urgently needed. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been proved to be an efficient and dynamic posttranscriptional modification process. It is involved in numerous RNA processing, such as splicing, trafficking, translation and degradation. Compelling evidence emphasizes the paramount role of m6A modification in the regulation of immune response. These findings may provide a foundation for the rational combination of targeting m6A modification and immune checkpoints in cancer treatment. In the present review, we summarize the current landscape of m6A modification in RNA biology, and highlight the latest findings on the complex mechanisms by which m6A modification governs immune checkpoint molecules. Furthermore, given the critical role of m6A modification in antitumor immunity, we discuss the clinical significance of targeting m6A modification to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy for cancer control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyong Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, Shandong China ,grid.476866.dDepartment of Breast Surgery, Binzhou People’s Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Wenhao Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Qifeng Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, Shandong, China. .,Department of Pathology Tissue Bank, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Xi Road No. 107, Shandong, Jinan, China. .,Research Institute of Breast Cancer, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Liu WW, Zhang ZY, Wang F, Wang H. Emerging roles of m6A RNA modification in cancer therapeutic resistance. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:21. [PMID: 36810281 PMCID: PMC9942381 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00386-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Marvelous advancements have been made in cancer therapies to improve clinical outcomes over the years. However, therapeutic resistance has always been a major difficulty in cancer therapy, with extremely complicated mechanisms remain elusive. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification, a hotspot in epigenetics, has gained growing attention as a potential determinant of therapeutic resistance. As the most prevalent RNA modification, m6A is involved in every links of RNA metabolism, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, translation and stability. Three kinds of regulators, "writer" (methyltransferase), "eraser" (demethylase) and "reader" (m6A binding proteins), together orchestrate the dynamic and reversible process of m6A modification. Herein, we primarily reviewed the regulatory mechanisms of m6A in therapeutic resistance, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Then we discussed the clinical potential of m6A modification to overcome resistance and optimize cancer therapy. Additionally, we proposed existing problems in current research and prospects for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wei Liu
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhong-Yuan Zhang
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Neurosurgical Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China. .,Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Hefei, China.
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m6A Modification-Association with Oxidative Stress and Implications on Eye Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020510. [PMID: 36830067 PMCID: PMC9952187 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) refers to a state of imbalance between oxidation and antioxidation. OS is considered to be an important factor leading to aging and a range of diseases. The eyes are highly oxygen-consuming organs. Due to its continuous exposure to ultraviolet light, the eye is particularly vulnerable to the impact of OS, leading to eye diseases such as corneal disease, cataracts, glaucoma, etc. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most investigated RNA post-transcriptional modification and participates in a variety of cellular biological processes. In this study, we review the role of m6A modification in oxidative stress-induced eye diseases and some therapeutic methods to provide a relatively overall understanding of m6A modification in oxidative stress-related eye diseases.
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Li H, Zhang Q, Feng Q, You Q, Guo X. The development of small molecules targeting methyltransferase-like 3. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103513. [PMID: 36736582 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is thought to be the most common and conserved mRNA modification. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is the primary regulator of m6A methyl-transformed modification. Small molecules targeting METTL3 could be effective therapeutics for many disorders, given that a large body of research has linked METTL3 dysregulation with a variety of diseases and altered physiological states, especially with the growth and initiation of cancer. Here, we systematically reviewed the discovery of small molecules targeting METTL3, as well as their future development, for researchers studying in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Li
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Qinglan Feng
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Qidong You
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiaoke Guo
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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50
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Yth m 6A RNA-Binding Protein 1 Regulates Osteogenesis of MC3T3-E1 Cells under Hypoxia via Translational Control of Thrombospondin-1. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021741. [PMID: 36675257 PMCID: PMC9863954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Peri-implantitis is a major factor affecting implant prognosis, and the specific anatomy of the peri-implant area makes it more vulnerable to the local hypoxic environment caused by inflammation. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays a vital role in a multitude of biological processes, and its main "reader" Yth m6A RNA-binding protein 1 (YTHDF1) is suggested to affect osteogenic differentiation. However, the mechanism underlying the effect of YTHDF1 on osteogenic differentiation under hypoxic conditions remains unclear. To address this question, we examined the expression of YTHDF1 under hypoxia and observed that hypoxia suppressed osteogenic differentiation but promoted the expression of YTHDF1. Then we knocked down YTHDF1 and found decreased levels of osteogenic-related markers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and alizarin red staining (ARS) under normoxia or hypoxia treatment. Bioinformatics analysis identified Thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) might be a downstream factor of YTHDF1. The results revealed that YTHDF1 enhanced the stability of THBS1 mRNA, and immunofluorescence assays found co-localization with YTHDF1 and THBS1 under hypoxia. Loss of function studies showed knocking down YTHDF1 or THBS1 exacerbated the osteogenic inhibition caused by hypoxia. All data imply that hypoxia suppresses osteogenic differentiation and promotes the expression of YTHDF1, which translationally regulates THBS1 in an m6A-dependent manner, potentially counteracting hypoxia-induced osteogenic inhibition through the YTHDF1/THBS1 pathway. The results of this study reveal for the first time the molecular mechanism of the regulation of osteogenic differentiation by YTHDF1 under hypoxia and suggest that YTHDF1, together with its downstream factor THBS1, may be critical targets to counteract osteogenic inhibition under hypoxic conditions, providing promising therapeutic strategy for the hypoxia-induced bone loss in peri-implantitis.
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