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Qin X, Huo X, Dong J, Liu X, Wei X, Chen S, Gu W. METTL14 depletion induces trophoblast cell dysfunction by inhibiting miR-21-5p processing in an m6A-dependent manner. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 142:113200. [PMID: 39332090 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113200] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 09/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
Spontaneous abortion (SA) is a devastating, but common outcome for expectant parents and their families. However, the mechanism of SA occurrence remains mostly unknown. Herein, we examined human SA villi samples and found decreased N6-methyladenosine (m6A) levels and methyltransferase-like protein 14 (METTL14) expression compared with those in healthy women. Knockdown of METTL14 in trophoblast HTR8 cells induced cellular dysfunction. We identified candidate differentially expressed microRNAs and found that METTL14 accelerated miR-21-5p processing by modulating its m6A modification level. Exogenous miR-21-5p expression attenuated METTL14 knockdown-induced cellular dysfunction. Subsequently, we found that SMAD family member 7 (SMAD7) expression is inhibited by miR-21-5p and that knockdown of SMAD7 rescued the trophoblast cell dysfunction induced by miR-21-5p inhibitors. Then, we revealed that METTL14 can regulate the SMAD7 pathway by modulating miR-21-5p. Finally, we found that exposing pregnant mice to an m6A inhibitor caused embryo loss and reduced expression levels of Mettl14 and miR-21-5p while increasing Smad7 levels. Taken together, this study establishes the involvement of m6A in SA and identified a novel SA signaling pathway. These results reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms of trophoblast cell dysfunction induced by m6A modification and provide new strategies to identify and mitigate SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Qin
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty Project, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaona Huo
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty Project, Shanghai, China
| | - Junpeng Dong
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty Project, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueqing Liu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty Project, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Wei
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty Project, Shanghai, China
| | - Shufang Chen
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty Project, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wei Gu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty Project, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Wang T, Zhang L, Gao W, Liu Y, Yue F, Ma X, Liu L. Transcriptome-wide N6-methyladenosine modification profiling of long non-coding RNAs in patients with recurrent implantation failure. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:251. [PMID: 39394578 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-02013-3] [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: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in most biological processes and actively participates in the regulation of reproduction. According to recent research, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their m6A modifications are involved in reproductive diseases. In the present study, using m6A-modified RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (m6A-seq), we established the m6A methylation transcription profiles in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) for the first time. There were 1443 significantly upregulated m6A peaks and 425 significantly downregulated m6A peaks in RIF. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed that genes associated with differentially methylated lncRNAs are involved in the p53 signalling pathway and amino acid metabolism. The competing endogenous RNA network revealed a regulatory relationship between lncRNAs, microRNAs and messenger RNAs. We verified the m6A methylation abundances of lncRNAs by using m6A-RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP)-real-time polymerase chain reaction. This study lays a foundation for further exploration of the potential role of m6A modification in the pathogenesis of RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- The Reproductive Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wenxin Gao
- School of Nursing, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yidan Liu
- The Basic Medical Sciences College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Feng Yue
- The Reproductive Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- The Reproductive Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lin Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
- The Reproductive Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
- The Basic Medical Sciences College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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3
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He J, Hao F, Song S, Zhang J, Zhou H, Zhang J, Li Y. METTL Family in Healthy and Disease. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:33. [PMID: 39155349 PMCID: PMC11330956 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00194-y] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription, RNA splicing, RNA translation, and post-translational protein modification are fundamental processes of gene expression. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, RNA modifications, and protein modifications, play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. The methyltransferase-like protein (METTL) family, a constituent of the 7-β-strand (7BS) methyltransferase subfamily, is broadly distributed across the cell nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria. Members of the METTL family, through their S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) binding domain, can transfer methyl groups to DNA, RNA, or proteins, thereby impacting processes such as DNA replication, transcription, and mRNA translation, to participate in the maintenance of normal function or promote disease development. This review primarily examines the involvement of the METTL family in normal cell differentiation, the maintenance of mitochondrial function, and its association with tumor formation, the nervous system, and cardiovascular diseases. Notably, the METTL family is intricately linked to cellular translation, particularly in its regulation of translation factors. Members represent important molecules in disease development processes and are associated with patient immunity and tolerance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Moreover, future research directions could include the development of drugs or antibodies targeting its structural domains, and utilizing nanomaterials to carry miRNA corresponding to METTL family mRNA. Additionally, the precise mechanisms underlying the interactions between the METTL family and cellular translation factors remain to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiejie He
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, Qinghai Province, China
| | - Fengchen Hao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, Qinghai Province, China
| | - Shiqi Song
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, Qinghai Province, China
| | - Junli Zhang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, Qinghai Province, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, 810000, Qinghai Province, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Urology Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, No. 29, Tongren Road, West of the City, Xining, 810000, Qinghai Province, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University & Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University, No. 29, Tongren Road, West of the City, Xining, 810000, Qinghai Province, China.
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4
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Li L, Xia X, Yang T, Sun Y, Liu X, Xu W, Lu M, Cui D, Wu Y. RNA methylation: A potential therapeutic target in autoimmune disease. Int Rev Immunol 2024; 43:160-177. [PMID: 37975549 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2023.2280544] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are caused by the body's immune response to autoantigens. The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases is unclear. Numerous studies have demonstrated that RNA methylation plays a key role in disease progression, which is essential for post-transcriptional regulation and has gradually become a broad regulatory mechanism that controls gene expression in various physiological processes, including RNA nuclear output, translation, splicing, and noncoding RNA processing. Here, we outline the writers, erasers, and readers of RNA methylation, including N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 2'-O-methylation (Nm), 2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 5-methylcytidine (m5C) and N7-methylguanosine (m7G). As the role of RNA methylation modifications in the immune system and diseases is explained, the potential treatment value of these modifications has also been demonstrated. This review reports the relationship between RNA methylation and autoimmune diseases, highlighting the need for future research into the therapeutic potential of RNA modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Li
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Xiaoping Xia
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Tian Yang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Yuchao Sun
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Xueke Liu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Wei Xu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Mei Lu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Dawei Cui
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingping Wu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
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5
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Hua R, Mo Y, Lin X, Zhang B, He M, Huang C, Huang Y, Li J, Wan J, Qin H, Xie Q, Zeng D, Sun Y. EGR1 modulates EPHB4-induced trophoblast dysfunction in recurrent spontaneous abortion†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:476-489. [PMID: 38091979 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion, defined as at least three unexplained abortions occurring before the 20-24 week of pregnancy, has a great impact on women's quality of life. Ephrin receptor B4 has been associated with trophoblast function in preeclampsia. The present study aimed to verify the hypothesis that ephrin receptor B4 regulates the biological functions of trophoblasts in recurrent spontaneous abortion and to explore the upstream mechanism. Ephrin receptor B4 was overexpressed in mice with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Moreover, ephrin receptor B4 inhibited trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis. Downregulation of early growth response protein 1 expression in mice with recurrent spontaneous abortion led to ephrin receptor B4 overexpression. Poor expression of WT1-associated protein in mice with recurrent spontaneous abortion reduced the modification of early growth response protein 1 mRNA methylation, resulting in decreased early growth response protein 1 mRNA stability and expression. Overexpression of WT1-associated protein reduced the incidence of recurrent spontaneous abortion in mice by controlling the phenotype of trophoblasts, which was reversed by early growth response protein 1 knockdown. All in all, our findings demonstrate that dysregulation of WT1-associated protein contributes to the instability of early growth response protein 1, thereby activating ephrin receptor B4-induced trophoblast dysfunction in recurrent spontaneous abortion. Our study provides novel insights into understanding the molecular pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Hua
- Department of Science and Education, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Yi Mo
- Department of Science and Education, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Xiu Lin
- Department of Gynecology, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Min He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Chun Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Yujie Huang
- Department of Gynecology, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Jiangfan Wan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Huamei Qin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Qinshan Xie
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Donggui Zeng
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
| | - Yan Sun
- Administrative Office, The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R. China
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6
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Liu H, Liang J, Dai X, Peng Y, Xiong W, Zhang L, Li X, Li W, Liu K, Bi S, Wang X, Zhang W, Liu Y. Transcriptome-wide N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation profiling of long non-coding RNAs in ovarian endometriosis. Genomics 2024; 116:110803. [PMID: 38290592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the most prevalent internal epigenetic posttranscriptional mechanism for regulating mammalian RNA. Despite recent advances in determining the biological functions of m6A methylation, its association with the pathology of ovarian endometriosis remains uncertain. Herein, we performed m6A transcriptome-wide profiling to identify key lncRNAs with m6A modification involved in ovarian endometriosis development by bioinformatics analysis. We found the total m6A level was lower in ovarian endometriosis than in normal endometrium samples, with 9663 m6A peaks associated with 8989 lncRNAs detected in ovarian endometriosis and 9902 m6A peaks associated with 9210 lncRNAs detected in normal endometrium samples. These m6A peaks were primarily enriched within AAACU motifs. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that pathways involving the regulation of adhesion and development were significantly enriched in these differentially methylated lncRNAs. The regulatory relationships among lncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and mRNAs were identified by competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) analysis and determination of the network regulating lncRNA-mRNA expression. Several specific lncRNA, including LINC00665, LINC00937, FZD10-AS1, DIO3OS and GATA2-AS1 which were differently expressed and modified by m6A, were validated using qRT-PCR and its interaction with infiltrating immune cells was explored. Furthermore, we found LncRNA DIO3OS promotes the invasion and migration of Human endometrial stromal cells (THESCs) and ALKBH5 regulates the expression of the lncRNA DIO3OS through m6A modification in vitro. Our study firstly revealed the transcriptome-wide map of m6A modification in lncRNAs of ovarian endometriosis. These findings may enable the determination of the underlying mechanism governing the pathogenesis of ovarian endometriosis and provide theoretical basis for further deeper research on the role of m6A in the development of ovarian endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengwei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jiaxin Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xin Dai
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wenqian Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaoou Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wenyuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060 Wuhan, China
| | - Keyi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Siyi Bi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiwen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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7
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Zhao S, Dong Y, Li Y, Wang Z, Chen Y, Dong Y. Melatonin Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Abnormal Pregnancy through MTNR1B Regulation of m6A. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:733. [PMID: 38255808 PMCID: PMC10815701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020733] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a highly intricate and delicate process, where inflammation during early stages may lead to pregnancy loss or defective implantation. Melatonin, primarily produced by the pineal gland, exerts several pharmacological effects. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent mRNA modification in eukaryotes. This study aimed to investigate the association between melatonin and m6A during pregnancy and elucidate the underlying protective mechanism of melatonin. Melatonin was found to alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reductions in the number of implantation sites. Additionally, it mitigated the activation of inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis pathways, thereby protecting the pregnancy process in mice. The study also revealed that melatonin regulates uterine m6A methylation levels and counteracts abnormal changes in m6A modification of various genes following LPS stimulation. Furthermore, melatonin was shown to regulate m6A methylation through melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B) and subsequently modulate inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis through m6A. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that melatonin protects pregnancy by influencing inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis pathways in an m6A-dependent manner via MTNR1B. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying melatonin's protective effects during pregnancy and may have implications for potential therapeutic strategies in managing pregnancy-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shisu Zhao
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Yanjun Dong
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Zixu Wang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Yaoxing Chen
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
| | - Yulan Dong
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (S.Z.); (Y.D.); (Y.L.); (Z.W.)
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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8
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Deng K, Li X, Liu Z, Su Y, Sun X, Wei W, Fan Y, Zhang Y, Wang F. IGF2BP2 regulates the proliferation and migration of endometrial stromal cells through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in Hu sheep. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae129. [PMID: 38727196 PMCID: PMC11151927 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae129] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2), a significant member of the conserved RNA-binding protein family, plays various roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes. However, the specific function of IGF2BP2 in regulating endometrial function in sheep remains largely unknown. In this study, we observed a significant upregulation in IGF2BP2 mRNA abundance in the endometrium during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase in Hu sheep. The knockdown of IGF2BP2 resulted in accelerated cell proliferation and migration of Hu sheep endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Moreover, RNA sequencing analysis revealed that genes with significantly altered expression in IGF2BP2 knockdown cells were predominantly enriched in endometrial receptivity-related signaling pathways, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, NOD-like receptor, PI3K-AKT, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Additionally, the knockdown of IGF2BP2 significantly increased the expression of matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP9), vascular endothelial growth factor, and prolactin (PRL) in ESCs. The knockdown of IGF2BP2 was also observed to stimulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by upregulating integrin β4 (ITGB4) expression. Notably, the downregulation of ITGB4 attenuates IGF2BP2 knockdown-induced facilitation of proliferation and migration of Hu sheep ESCs by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Collectively, these findings highlight the important role of IGF2BP2 in regulating endometrial function, particularly through the modulation of ESC proliferation and migration via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiping Deng
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zhipeng Liu
- Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yalong Su
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xuan Sun
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wurilege Wei
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot, 010000, China
| | - Yixuan Fan
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
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9
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Zhang M, Huang N, Gao Y, Feng Z, Kang B, Guo H, Jiang J, Liao S, Wang H. HNRNPC mediated m 6A methylation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase and involved in the occurrence of RSA. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 160:104160. [PMID: 37857158 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104160] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine methylated modification has been shown to play roles in recurrent spontaneous abortion. We aimed to explore role of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C in the occurrence of recurrent spontaneous abortion. We collected embryonic villous tissues from 3 patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA group) and 3 normal control pregnancy patients. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, RNA sequencing, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR were conducted to detect the differentially expressed m6A methylation modification gene and regulatory gene in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing results showed that the mRNA expression level of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C significantly decreased in RSA group and mRNA expression level of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase increased. Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed the differential expression of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR result showed that mRNA m6A modification level of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase decreased in RSA group. The results of western blotting, real-time quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, matrigel invasion and wound healing assays indicated that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C might regulate the expression of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase by mediating m6A modification, thereby reducing the proliferation and migration of trophoblast cell line, ultimately leading to the occurrence of recurrent spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Zhang
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Nana Huang
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhanqi Feng
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bing Kang
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Han Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jincheng Jiang
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shixiu Liao
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Hongdan Wang
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Population Defects Prevention, Zhengzhou, China.
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10
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Zhang H, Yin M, Huang H, Zhao G, Lu M. METTL16 in human diseases: What should we do next? Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230856. [PMID: 38045858 PMCID: PMC10693013 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
METTL16 is a class-I methyltransferase that is responsible for depositing a vertebrate-conserved S-adenosylmethionine site. Since 2017, there has been a growing body of research focused on METTL16, particularly in the field of structural studies. However, the role of METTL16 in cell biogenesis and human diseases has not been extensively studied, with limited understanding of its function in disease pathology. Recent studies have highlighted the complex and sometimes contradictory role that METTL16 plays in various diseases. In this work, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the current research on METTL16 in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wuhan Tongji Aerospace City Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430000, China
| | - Mengqi Yin
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430000, China
| | - Hua Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 665000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Gongfang Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 665000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Mingliang Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 101149, PR China
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11
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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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12
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Wu S, Xie H, Su Y, Jia X, Mi Y, Jia Y, Ying H. The landscape of implantation and placentation: deciphering the function of dynamic RNA methylation at the maternal-fetal interface. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1205408. [PMID: 37720526 PMCID: PMC10499623 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1205408] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal-fetal interface is defined as the interface between maternal tissue and sections of the fetus in close contact. RNA methylation modifications are the most frequent kind of RNA alterations. It is effective throughout both normal and pathological implantation and placentation during pregnancy. By influencing early embryo development, embryo implantation, endometrium receptivity, immune microenvironment, as well as some implantation and placentation-related disorders like miscarriage and preeclampsia, it is essential for the establishment of the maternal-fetal interface. Our review focuses on the role of dynamic RNA methylation at the maternal-fetal interface, which has received little attention thus far. It has given the mechanistic underpinnings for both normal and abnormal implantation and placentation and could eventually provide an entirely novel approach to treating related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Xie
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Su
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinrui Jia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yabing Mi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanhui Jia
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Ying
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Kobayashi R, Kawabata-Iwakawa R, Terakawa J, Sugiyama M, Morita S, Horii T, Hatada I. Aberrant activation of estrogen receptor-α signaling in Mettl14-deficient uteri impairs embryo implantation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23093. [PMID: 37440278 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300735r] [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: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The precise control of endometrial receptivity is crucial for successful embryo implantation, which is strictly regulated by the ovarian steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone. Despite our improved understanding of the genetic regulation of implantation downstream of the action of hormones, we do not know much about the epigenetic regulation that occurs during early pregnancy. To investigate the role of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in embryo implantation, we generated mice with conditional deletion of Mettl14, a core component of the m6A writer complex, in the uterus. These mice were infertile due to implantation failure. We showed that Mettl14-deficient uteri had aberrant upregulation of estrogen receptor α (ERα) signaling and ERα phosphorylation, but progesterone receptor (PGR) signaling was largely unaffected. Additionally, Mettl14 deletion led to abnormal activation of the innate immune pathway in Mettl14-deficient uteri. This effect was accompanied by the infiltration of immune cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, into the basal region of the endometrial epithelium. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) showed that genes involved in the innate immune response had decreased m6A peaks in Mettl14-deficient mice. These results suggest that Mettl14 plays a crucial role in successful implantation by precisely regulating both ERα signaling and innate immunity in the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Reika Kawabata-Iwakawa
- Division of Integrated Oncology Research, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Jumpei Terakawa
- Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Makoto Sugiyama
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine, Aomori, Japan
| | - Sumiyo Morita
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Takuro Horii
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Izuho Hatada
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
- Viral Vector Core, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Maebashi, Japan
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14
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Wan S, Sun Y, Zong J, Meng W, Yan J, Chen K, Wang S, Guo D, Xiao Z, Zhou Q, Yin Z, Yang M. METTL3-dependent m 6A methylation facilitates uterine receptivity and female fertility via balancing estrogen and progesterone signaling. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:349. [PMID: 37270544 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05866-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is a worldwide reproductive health problem and there are still many unknown etiologies of infertility. In recent years, increasing evidence emerged and confirmed that epigenetic regulation played a leading role in reproduction. However, the function of m6A modification in infertility remains unknown. Here we report that METTL3-dependent m6A methylation plays an essential role in female fertility via balancing the estrogen and progesterone signaling. Analysis of GEO datasets reveal a significant downregulation of METTL3 expression in the uterus of infertile women with endometriosis or recurrent implantation failure. Conditional deletion of Mettl3 in female reproductive tract by using a Pgr-Cre driver results in infertility due to compromised uterine endometrium receptivity and decidualization. m6A-seq analysis of the uterus identifies the 3'UTR of several estrogen-responsive genes with METTL3-dependent m6A modification, like Elf3 and Celsr2, whose mRNAs become more stable upon Mettl3 depletion. However, the decreased expression levels of PR and its target genes, including Myc, in the endometrium of Mettl3 cKO mice indicate a deficiency in progesterone responsiveness. In vitro, Myc overexpression could partially compensate for uterine decidualization failure caused by Mettl3 deficiency. Collectively, this study reveals the role of METTL3-dependent m6A modification in female fertility and provides insight into the pathology of infertility and pregnancy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Germ-free animals and Microbiota Application, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education, International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yadong Sun
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Germ-free animals and Microbiota Application, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jinbao Zong
- Clinical Laboratory and Central Laboratory, the Affiliated Qingdao Hiser Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266033, China
| | - Wanqing Meng
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Germ-free animals and Microbiota Application, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jiacong Yan
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, 650021, China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, 650021, China
| | - Sanfeng Wang
- Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Daji Guo
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, 510123, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Xiao
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Germ-free animals and Microbiota Application, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Germ-free animals and Microbiota Application, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Zhinan Yin
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Germ-free animals and Microbiota Application, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
| | - Meixiang Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Germ-free animals and Microbiota Application, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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15
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Zhao Y, Sun J, Jin L. The N6-Methyladenosine Regulator ALKBH5 Mediated Stromal Cell-Macrophage Interaction via VEGF Signaling to Promote Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion: A Bioinformatic and In Vitro Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415819. [PMID: 36555463 PMCID: PMC9785252 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful conception requires the synchrony of multiple systems and organs. Dysregulation of stromal cell-immune cell interactions has been proposed to be associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion. However, the mechanism of this regulation has not been well elucidated. N6-methyladenosine is one of the most common RNA modifications, and is involved in many pathological processes. Our group has demonstrated that abnormal patterns of m6A modification inhibit trophoblast invasion and contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The association between m6A regulators and stromal cell-immune cell interactions is unclear. We obtained RNA-seq profiles from a GEO dataset and identified differentially expressed m6A regulators between healthy controls and patients with a recurrent spontaneous abortion history. ROC curves, functional enrichment and subclassification analysis were applied to elucidate the role of m6A regulators in pregnancy. We verified the expression of m6A regulators and constructed an overexpression cell line in a coculture system to reveal ALKBH5 function in stromal cell-macrophage interactions. We identified 11 differentially expressed m6A regulators between healthy controls and patients with a recurrent spontaneous abortion history. Then, we identified the correlation between "eraser" genes and "writer" genes. We tested the predictive abilities of the 11 m6A regulators based on another dataset and verified their expression in primary human endometrial stromal cells. We then subclassified three distinct patterns using the 11 genes and visualized genes related to immune infiltration and macrophage function in each cluster. ALKBH5 was proven to be correlated with recurrent spontaneous abortion. To verify the role of ALKBH5 in RSA, we constructed an ALKBH5-overexpression cell line. Finally, we cocultured the overexpression cell line with THP-1 cells. A decrease in M2 differentiation was observed, and this bias could be attributed to the hyposecretion of VEGF in stromal cells. N6-methyladenosine regulators play a pivotal role in stromal cell-immune cell interactions at the maternal-fetal interface. Overexpression of the m6A "eraser" gene ALKBH5 in stromal cells resulted in the hyposecretion of VEGF. Dysregulation of VEGF might impair macrophage recruitment and M2 differentiation, which could be the potential cause of recurrent spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbo Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiani Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Liping Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Correspondence:
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16
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Zhang Y, Gu P, Xie Y, Fan L, You X, Yang S, Yao Y, Chen W, Ma J. Insights into the mechanism underlying crystalline silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis via transcriptome-wide m 6A methylation profile. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 247:114215. [PMID: 36306621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Silicosis is one of the most severe interstitial lung fibrosis diseases worldwide, caused by crystalline silica exposure. While the mechanisms and pathogenesis underlying silicosis remained unknown. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation has received significant attention in a variety of human diseases. However, whether m6A methylation is involved in silicosis has not been clarified. In this study, we conducted methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) to profile the m6A modification in normal and silicosis mouse models (n = 3 pairs). The global levels of m6A methylation were further assessed by m6A RNA methylation quantification kits, and the major regulators of m6A RNA methylation were verified by qRT-PCR. Our results showed that long-term exposure to crystalline silica led to silicosis, accompanied by increasing levels of m6A methylation. Upregulation of METTL3 and downregulation of ALKBH5, FTO, YTHDF1, and YTHDF3 might contribute to aberrant m6A modification. Compared with controls, 359 genes showed differential m6A methylation peaks in silicosis (P < 0.05 and FC ≥ 2). Among them, 307 genes were hypermethylated, and 52 genes were hypomethylated. RNA-Seq analysis revealed 1091 differentially expressed genes between the two groups, 789 genes were upregulated and 302 genes were downregulated in the lungs of silicosis mice (P < 0.05 and FC ≥ 2). In the conjoint analysis of MeRIP-Seq and RNA-Seq, we identified that 18 genes showed significant changes in both m6A modification and mRNA expression. The functional analysis further noted that these 18 m6A-mediated mRNAs regulated pathways that were closely related to "phagosome", "antigen processing and presentation", and "apoptosis". All findings suggested that m6A methylation played an essential role in the formation of silicosis. Our discovery with multi-omics approaches not only gives clues for the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of silicosis but also provides novel and viable strategies for the prevention and treatment of silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingdie Zhang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Pei Gu
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yujia Xie
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Lieyang Fan
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xiaojie You
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Shiyu Yang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Weihong Chen
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jixuan Ma
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
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17
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Zhu W, Gu Y, Li M, Zhang Z, Liu J, Mao Y, Zhu Q, Zhao L, Shen Y, Chen F, Xia L, He L, Du J. Integrated single-cell RNA-seq and DNA methylation reveal the effects of air pollution in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:105. [PMID: 35999615 PMCID: PMC9400245 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01327-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal air pollutants exposure is associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. The present study aimed to understand the mechanism of RSA and its relationship with air pollution exposure. We compared data of decidual tissue from individuals with induced abortions and those with RSA by bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were verified using RT-qPCR and pyrosequencing. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between air pollutants exposure and RSA. Results We identified 98 DEGs with aberrant methylation by overlapping the RRBS and RNA-seq data. Nineteen immune cell subsets were identified. Compared with normal controls, NK cells and macrophages accounted for different proportions in the decidua of patients with RSA. We observed that the methylation and expression of IGF2BP1 were different between patients with RSA and controls. Furthermore, we observed significant positive associations between maternal air pollutants exposure during the year prior to pregnancy and in early pregnancy and the risk of RSA. Mediation analyses suggested that 24.5% of the effects of air pollution on the risk of RSA were mediated through IGF2BP1 methylation. Conclusion These findings reveal a comprehensive cellular and molecular mechanism of RSA and suggest that air pollution might cause pregnancy loss by affecting the methylation level of the IGF2BP1 promoter. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-022-01327-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Zhu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Gu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Outpatient, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhaofeng Zhang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Junwei Liu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanyan Mao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qianxi Zhu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yupei Shen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fujia Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lingjin Xia
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin He
- Bio-X Center, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jing Du
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Zhu B, Chen HX, Li S, Tan JH, Xie Y, Zou MX, Wang C, Xue JB, Li XL, Cao Y, Yan YG. Comprehensive analysis of N6-methyladenosine (m 6A) modification during the degeneration of lumbar intervertebral disc in mice. J Orthop Translat 2022; 31:126-138. [PMID: 34976732 PMCID: PMC8685911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification pattern of nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue during intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Methods A standing mouse model was generated, and staining and imaging methods were used to evaluate the IDD model. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation with next-generation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) was used to analyze m6A methylation-associated transcripts in the NP, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of methylation-related enzymes and conduct bio-informatics analysis. Results The standing mouse model caused IDD. Continuous axial pressure changed the expression of related methylases in degenerated NP tissue. Relative to the control group, the expression levels of KIAA1429, METTL14, METTL3, METTL4, WTAP, DGCR8, EIF3A and YTHDC1 in the experimental group were higher, while those of FTO, ELAVL1, HNRNPC1 and SRSF2 were lower. We identified 985 differentially expressed genes through MeRIP-Seq, among which 363 genes were significantly up-regulated, and 622 genes were significantly down-regulated. In addition, among the 9648 genes counted, 1319 m6A peaks with significant differences in methylation were identified, among which 933 were significantly up-regulated, and 386 were significantly down-regulated. Genes and pathways that were enriched in IDD have been identified. Conclusion The results of this study elucidated the m6A methylation pattern of NP tissue in degenerated lumbar intervertebral disc of mice and provided new perspectives and clues for research on and the treatment of lumbar disc degeneration. The Translational potential of this article As one of the important causes of low back and leg pain, intervertebral disc degeneration brings a huge economic burden to the society, family and medical system. Therefore, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration is of great significance for guiding clinical treatment. In this study, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation with next-generation sequencing on mice lumbar nucleus pulposus tissues found that differentially expressed genes and changes in the expression of related methylases, confirming that RNA methylation is involved in intervertebral disc degeneration. The process provides new vision and clues for future research on intervertebral disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hao-xiang Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jing-hua Tan
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yong Xie
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming-xiang Zou
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jing-bo Xue
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xue-lin Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Corresponding author. Department of Spine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Yi-guo Yan
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Corresponding author. Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, 69 Chuanshan Road, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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