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Liu C, Yu M, Wang M, Yang S, Fu Y, Zhang L, Zhu C, Zhang H. PCAF-mediated acetylation of METTL3 impairs mRNA translation efficiency in response to oxidative stress. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-023-2535-x. [PMID: 39096338 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2535-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
METTL3 methylates RNA and regulates the fate of mRNA through its methyltransferase activity. METTL3 enhances RNA translation independently of its catalytic activity. However, the underlying mechanism is still elusive. Here, we report that METTL3 is both interacted with and acetylated at lysine 177 by the acetyltransferase PCAF and deacetylated by SIRT3. Neither the methyltransferase activity nor the stability of METTL3 is affected by its acetylation at K177. Importantly, acetylation of METTL3 blocks its interaction with EIF3H, a subunit of the translation initiation factor, thereby reducing mRNA translation efficiency. Interestingly, acetylation of METTL3 responds to oxidative stress. Mechanistically, oxidative stress enhances the interaction of PCAF with METTL3, increases METTL3 acetylation, and suppresses the interaction of METTL3 with EIF3H, thereby decreasing the translation efficiency of ribosomes and inhibiting cell proliferation. Altogether, we suggest a mechanism by which oxidative stress regulates RNA translation efficiency by the modulation of METTL3 acetylation mediated by PCAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Liu
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University International Cancer Institute, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University International Cancer Institute, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Mengyuan Wang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University International Cancer Institute, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Siyuan Yang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University International Cancer Institute, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yenan Fu
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University International Cancer Institute, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University International Cancer Institute, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhu
- Department of General Surgery and Urological Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, 100084, China.
| | - Hongquan Zhang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University International Cancer Institute, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Xia X, Qu R. The Roles of RNA N6-methyladenosine Modifications in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01464-w. [PMID: 39095568 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01464-w] [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] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most widespread RNA internal modification involved in RNA metabolism. M6A regulators consist of writers, erasers and readers. They exert their function by methylation, demethylation and recognization respectively, participating in cell biology and immune responses. Previously, the focus of m6A modification is its effect on tumor progress. Currently, extensive m6A-related studies have been performed in autoimmune diseases, such as RA, IBD and SLE, revealing that the unique influence of m6A modification in autoimmunity is undeniable. In this review, we summarize the function of m6A regulators, analyze their roles in pathogenic immune cells, summarize the m6A modification in SLE, and provide the potential m6A-targeting therapies for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xia
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China
| | - Rui Qu
- Faculty of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China.
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Wang A, Zeng Y, Zhang W, Zhao J, Gao L, Li J, Zhu J, Liu Z, Huang JA. N 6-methyladenosine-modified SRPK1 promotes aerobic glycolysis of lung adenocarcinoma via PKM splicing. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:106. [PMID: 39095708 PMCID: PMC11295518 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00622-5] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification has become an essential hotspot in epigenetic modulation. Serine-arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1) is associated with the pathogenesis of various cancers. However, the m6A modification of SRPK1 and its association with the mechanism of in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. METHODS Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were carried out to identify gene and protein expression. m6A epitranscriptomic microarray was utilized to the assess m6A profile. Loss and gain-of-function assays were carried out elucidate the impact of METTL3 and SRPK1 on LUAD glycolysis and tumorigenesis. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), m6A RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP), and RNA stability tests were employed to elucidate the SRPK1's METTL3-mediated m6A modification mechanism in LUAD. Metabolic quantification and co-immunoprecipitation assays were applied to investigate the molecular mechanism by which SRPK1 mediates LUAD metabolism. RESULTS The epitranscriptomic microarray assay revealed that SRPK1 could be hypermethylated and upregulated in LUAD. The main transmethylase METTL3 was upregulated and induced the aberrant high m6A levels of SRPK1. Mechanistically, SRPK1's m6A sites were directly methylated by METTL3, which also stabilized SRPK1 in an IGF2BP2-dependent manner. Methylated SRPK1 subsequently promoted LUAD progression through enhancing glycolysis. Further metabolic quantification, co-immunoprecipitation and western blot assays revealed that SRPK1 interacts with hnRNPA1, an important modulator of PKM splicing, and thus facilitates glycolysis by upregulating PKM2 in LUAD. Nevertheless, METTL3 inhibitor STM2457 can reverse the above effects in vitro and in vivo by suppressing SRPK1 and glycolysis in LUAD. CONCLUSION It was revealed that in LUAD, aberrantly expressed METTL3 upregulated SRPK1 levels via an m6A-IGF2BP2-dependent mechanism. METTL3-induced SRPK1 fostered LUAD cell proliferation by enhancing glycolysis, and the small-molecule inhibitor STM2457 of METTL3 could be an alternative novel therapeutic strategy for individuals with LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zeng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Weijie Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Jian Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Lirong Gao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Jianjun Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Jianjie Zhu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Zeyi Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, Suzhou, 215006, China.
| | - Jian-An Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
- Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, Suzhou, 215006, China.
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Zhang L, Mao Z, Yin K, Wang S. Review of METTL3 in colorectal cancer: From mechanisms to the therapeutic potential. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134212. [PMID: 39069066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134212] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant modification in mRNAs, affects the fate of the modified RNAs at the post-transcriptional level and participants in various biological and pathological processes. Increasing evidence shows that m6A modification plays a role in the progression of many malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC). As the only catalytic subunit in methyltransferase complex, methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is essential to the performance of m6A modification. It has been found that METTL3 is associated with the prognosis of CRC and significantly influences various aspects of CRC, such as cell proliferation, invasion, migration, metastasis, metabolism, tumor microcirculation, tumor microenvironment, and drug resistance. The relationship between METTL3 and gut-microbiota is also involved into the progression of CRC. Furthermore, METTL3 might be a viable target for CRC treatment to prolong survival. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the function of METTL3 in CRC and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We aim to deepen understanding and offer new ideas for diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexuan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhenwei Mao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Kai Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China.
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Angelo M, Bhargava Y, Aoki ST. A primer for junior trainees: Recognition of RNA modifications by RNA-binding proteins. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39037148 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The complexity of RNA cannot be fully expressed with the canonical A, C, G, and U alphabet. To date, over 170 distinct chemical modifications to RNA have been discovered in living systems. RNA modifications can profoundly impact the cellular outcomes of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), transfer and ribosomal RNAs, and noncoding RNAs. Additionally, aberrant RNA modifications are associated with human disease. RNA modifications are a rising topic within the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology. The role of RNA modifications in gene regulation, disease pathogenesis, and therapeutic applications increasingly captures the attention of the scientific community. This review aims to provide undergraduates, junior trainees, and educators with an appreciation for the significance of RNA modifications in eukaryotic organisms, alongside the skills required to identify and analyze fundamental RNA-protein interactions. The pumilio RNA-binding protein and YT521-B homology (YTH) family of modified RNA-binding proteins serve as examples to highlight the fundamental biochemical interactions that underlie the specific recognition of both unmodified and modified ribonucleotides, respectively. By instilling these foundational, textbook concepts through practical examples, this review contributes an analytical toolkit that facilitates engagement with RNA modifications research at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murphy Angelo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yash Bhargava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Scott Takeo Aoki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Cui J, Sendinc E, Liu Q, Kim S, Fang JY, Gregory RI. m 3C32 tRNA modification controls serine codon-biased mRNA translation, cell cycle, and DNA-damage response. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5775. [PMID: 38982125 PMCID: PMC11233606 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50161-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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The epitranscriptome includes a diversity of RNA modifications that influence gene expression. N3-methylcytidine (m3C) mainly occurs in the anticodon loop (position C32) of certain tRNAs yet its role is poorly understood. Here, using HAC-Seq, we report comprehensive METTL2A/2B-, METTL6-, and METTL2A/2B/6-dependent m3C profiles in human cells. METTL2A/2B modifies tRNA-arginine and tRNA-threonine members, whereas METTL6 modifies the tRNA-serine family. However, decreased m3C32 on tRNA-Ser-GCT isodecoders is only observed with combined METTL2A/2B/6 deletion. Ribo-Seq reveals altered translation of genes related to cell cycle and DNA repair pathways in METTL2A/2B/6-deficient cells, and these mRNAs are enriched in AGU codons that require tRNA-Ser-GCT for translation. These results, supported by reporter assays, help explain the observed altered cell cycle, slowed proliferation, and increased cisplatin sensitivity phenotypes of METTL2A/2B/6-deficient cells. Thus, we define METTL2A/2B/6-dependent methylomes and uncover a particular requirement of m3C32 tRNA modification for serine codon-biased mRNA translation of cell cycle, and DNA repair genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Cui
- Stem Cell Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Erdem Sendinc
- Stem Cell Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Qi Liu
- Stem Cell Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 510640, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, 510640, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sujin Kim
- Stem Cell Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jaden Y Fang
- Stem Cell Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Richard I Gregory
- Stem Cell Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
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He M, Zhi Y, Li C, Zhao C, Yang G, Lv J, You H, Huang H, Cao X. Consensus clustering and novel risk score model construction based on m6A methylation regulators to evaluate the prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:11318-11338. [PMID: 39028290 PMCID: PMC11315395 DOI: 10.18632/aging.206004] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between m6A methylation regulators and cell infiltration characteristics in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), so as to help understand the immune mechanism of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). METHODS The expression and consensus cluster analyses of m6A methylation regulators in early-stage LUAD were performed. The clinicopathological features, immune cell infiltration, survival and functional enrichment in different subtypes were analyzed. We also constructed a prognostic model. Clinical tissue samples were used to validate the expression of model genes through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, cell scratch assay and Transwell assay were also performed. RESULTS Expression of m6A methylation regulators was abnormal in early-stage LUAD. According to the consensus clustering of m6A methylation regulators, patients with early-stage LUAD were divided into two subtypes. Two subtypes showed different infiltration levels of immune cell and survival time. A prognostic model consisting of HNRNPC, IGF2BP1 and IGF2BP3 could be used to predict the survival of early-stage LUAD. RT-PCR results showed that HNRNPC, IGF2BP1 and IGF2BP3 were significantly up-regulated in early-stage LUAD tissues. The results of cell scratch assay and Transwell assay showed that overexpression of HNRNPC promotes the migration and invasion of NCI-H1299 cells, while knockdown HNRNPC inhibits the migration and invasion of NCI-H1299 cells. CONCLUSIONS This work reveals that m6A methylation regulators may be potential biomarkers for prognosis in patients with early-stage LUAD. Our prognostic model may be of great value in predicting the prognosis of early-stage LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, People’s Hospital of Deyang, Deyang 618000, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Yuxue Zhi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, People’s Hospital of Deyang, Deyang 618000, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, People’s Hospital of Deyang, Deyang 618000, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Changming Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, People’s Hospital of Deyang, Deyang 618000, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Guangquan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, People’s Hospital of Deyang, Deyang 618000, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Jing Lv
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, People’s Hospital of Deyang, Deyang 618000, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Hong You
- Department of Radiation Oncology, People’s Hospital of Deyang, Deyang 618000, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Hai Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, People’s Hospital of Deyang, Deyang 618000, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, People’s Hospital of Deyang, Deyang 618000, Sichuan, P.R. China
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Hong L, Herjan T, Chen X, Zagore LL, Bulek K, Wang H, Yang CFJ, Licatalosi DD, Li X, Li X. Act1 drives chemoresistance via regulation of antioxidant RNA metabolism and redox homeostasis. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20231442. [PMID: 38861022 PMCID: PMC11167376 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20231442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The IL-17 receptor adaptor molecule Act1, an RNA-binding protein, plays a critical role in IL-17-mediated cancer progression. Here, we report a novel mechanism of how IL-17/Act1 induces chemoresistance by modulating redox homeostasis through epitranscriptomic regulation of antioxidant RNA metabolism. Transcriptome-wide mapping of direct Act1-RNA interactions revealed that Act1 binds to the 5'UTR of antioxidant mRNAs and Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP), a key regulator in m6A methyltransferase complex. Strikingly, Act1's binding sites are located in proximity to m6A modification sites, which allows Act1 to promote the recruitment of elF3G for cap-independent translation. Loss of Act1's RNA binding activity or Wtap knockdown abolished IL-17-induced m6A modification and translation of Wtap and antioxidant mRNAs, indicating a feedforward mechanism of the Act1-WTAP loop. We then developed antisense oligonucleotides (Wtap ASO) that specifically disrupt Act1's binding to Wtap mRNA, abolishing IL-17/Act1-WTAP-mediated antioxidant protein production during chemotherapy. Wtap ASO substantially increased the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin, demonstrating a potential therapeutic strategy for chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzi Hong
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tomasz Herjan
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Leah L. Zagore
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Katarzyna Bulek
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Donny D. Licatalosi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Computer and Data Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Zhu DH, Su KK, Ou-Yang XX, Zhang YH, Yu XP, Li ZH, Ahmadi-Nishaboori SS, Li LJ. Mechanisms and clinical landscape of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in gastrointestinal tract cancers. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1553-1570. [PMID: 38856795 PMCID: PMC11254988 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-05040-x] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetics encompasses reversible and heritable chemical modifications of non-nuclear DNA sequences, including DNA and RNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA modifications, and chromatin rearrangements. In addition to well-studied DNA and histone methylation, RNA methylation has emerged as a hot topic in biological sciences over the past decade. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common and abundant modification in eukaryotic mRNA, affecting all RNA stages, including transcription, translation, and degradation. Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies made it feasible to identify the chemical basis and biological functions of m6A RNA. Dysregulation of m6A levels and associated modifying proteins can both inhibit and promote cancer, highlighting the importance of the tumor microenvironment in diverse biological processes. Gastrointestinal tract cancers, including gastric, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, are among the most common and deadly malignancies in humans. Growing evidence suggests a close association between m6A levels and the progression of gastrointestinal tumors. Global m6A modification levels are substantially modified in gastrointestinal tumor tissues and cell lines compared to healthy tissues and cells, possibly influencing various biological behaviors such as tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Exploring the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of m6A-related proteins is critical from a clinical standpoint. Developing more specific and effective m6A modulators offers new options for treating these tumors and deeper insights into gastrointestinal tract cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Hua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Kun-Kai Su
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Ou-Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yan-Hong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xiao-Peng Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Zu-Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | | | - Lan-Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Zhou X, Yang X, Huang S, Lin G, Lei K, Wang Q, Lin W, Li H, Qi X, Seriwatanachai D, Yang S, Shao B, Yuan Q. Inhibition of METTL3 Alleviates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via Increasing Ubiquitination of NEK7. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308786. [PMID: 38696610 PMCID: PMC11234428 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308786] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, installed by METTL3-METTL14 complex, is abundant and critical in eukaryotic mRNA. However, its role in oral mucosal immunity remains ambiguous. Periodontitis is a special but prevalent infectious disease characterized as hyperinflammation of oral mucosa and bone resorption. Here, it is reported that genetic deletion of Mettl3 alleviates periodontal destruction via suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Mechanistically, the stability of TNFAIP3 (also known as A20) transcript is significantly attenuated upon m6A modification. When silencing METTL3, accumulated TNFAIP3 functioning as a ubiquitin-editing enzyme facilitates the ubiquitination of NEK7 [NIMA (never in mitosis gene a)-related kinase 7], and subsequently impairs NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. Furtherly, Coptisine chloride, a natural small-molecule, is discovered as a novel METTL3 inhibitor and performs therapeutic effect on periodontitis. The study unveils a previously unknown pathogenic mechanism of METTL3-mediated m6A modifications in periodontitis and indicates METTL3 as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
- Department of ProsthodonticsShanghai Ninth People's HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineCollege of StomatologyNational Center for StomatologyNational Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesShanghai Key Laboratory of StomatologyShanghai Research Institute of StomatologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200011China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Shenzhen Huang
- Henan Eye InstituteHenan Eye Hospital and Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual ScienceHenan Provincial People's HospitalPeople's Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityPeople's Hospital of Henan UniversityZhengzhou450003China
| | - Guifeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Kexin Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Weimin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Hanwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Xingying Qi
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration & Tongji Research Institute of Stomatology & Department of oral implantologyStomatological Hospital and Dental SchoolTongji UniversityShanghai200072China
| | | | - Shengyong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuan610041China
| | - Bin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral DiseasesWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengdu610041China
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11
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Jin C, Gao J, Zhu J, Ao Y, Shi B, Li X. Exosomal NAT10 from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells modulates macrophage lipid metabolism and polarization through ac4C modification of FASN. Transl Oncol 2024; 45:101934. [PMID: 38692194 PMCID: PMC11070927 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101934] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) is acknowledged as a tumor promoter in various cancers due to its role as a regulator of acetylation modification. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a pivotal role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the intercellular communication between esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells and TAMs involving NAT10 remains poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of NAT10 in modulating macrophage lipid metabolism and polarization. Experimental evidence was derived from in vitro and in vivo analyses. We explored the association between upregulated NAT10 in ESCC tissues, macrophage polarization, and the therapeutic efficacy of PD-1. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of methyltransferase 3 (METTL3)-induced m6A modification on the increased expression of NAT10 in ESCC cells. Additionally, we examined the role of exosomal NAT10 in stabilizing the expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and promoting macrophage M2 polarization through mediating the ac4C modification of FASN. Results indicated that NAT10, packaged by exosomes derived from ESCC cells, promotes macrophage M2 polarization by facilitating lipid metabolism. In vivo animal studies demonstrated that targeting NAT10 could enhance the therapeutic effect of PD-1 on ESCC by mediating macrophage reprogramming. Our findings offer novel insights into improving ESCC treatment through NAT10 targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Jin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), No.168 Changhai Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), No.168 Changhai Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqiang Ao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bowen Shi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), No.168 Changhai Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University (Naval Medical University), No.168 Changhai Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China.
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12
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Shi K, Chen Y, Liu R, Fu X, Guo H, Gao T, Wang S, Dou L, Wang J, Wu Y, Yu J, Yu H. NFIC mediates m6A mRNA methylation to orchestrate transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation to represses malignant phenotype of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:223. [PMID: 38943137 PMCID: PMC11212411 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03414-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple genetic and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms are crucial in the development and tumorigenesis process. Transcriptional regulation often involves intricate relationships and networks with post-transcriptional regulatory molecules, impacting the spatial and temporal expression of genes. However, the synergistic relationship between transcription factors and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in regulating gene expression, as well as their influence on the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), requires further investigation. The present study aimed to investigate the synergistic relationship between transcription factors and m6A modification on NSCLC. METHODS The transcription factor NFIC and its potential genes was screened by analyzing publicly available datasets (ATAC-seq, DNase-seq, and RNA-seq). The association of NFIC and its potential target genes were validated through ChIP-qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Additionally, the roles of NFIC and its potential genes in NSCLC were detected in vitro and in vivo through silencing and overexpression assays. RESULTS Based on multi-omics data, the transcription factor NFIC was identified as a potential tumor suppressor of NSCLC. NFIC was significantly downregulated in both NSCLC tissues and cells, and when NFIC was overexpressed, the malignant phenotype and total m6A content of NSCLC cells was suppressed, while the PI3K/AKT pathway was inactivated. Additionally, we discovered that NFIC inhibits the expression of METTL3 by directly binding to its promoter region, and METTL3 regulates the expression of KAT2A, a histone acetyltransferase, by methylating the m6A site in the 3'UTR of KAT2A mRNA in NSCLC cells. Intriguingly, NFIC was also found to negatively regulate the expression of KAT2A by directly binding to its promoter region. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that NFIC suppresses the malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells by regulating gene expression at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. A deeper comprehension of the genetic and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in tumorigenesis would be beneficial for the development of personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kesong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yani Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Ruihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xinyao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Hua Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Tian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Shu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Le Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jiemin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jiale Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Haiquan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, Inner Mongolia, China.
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13
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Bove G, Crepaldi M, Amin S, Megchelenbrink WL, Nebbioso A, Carafa V, Altucci L, Del Gaudio N. The m 6A-independent role of epitranscriptomic factors in cancer. Int J Cancer 2024. [PMID: 38935523 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.35067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Protein function alteration and protein mislocalization are cancer hallmarks that drive oncogenesis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) deposition mediated by METTL3, METTL16, and METTL5 together with the contribution of additional subunits of the m6A system, has shown a dramatic impact on cancer development. However, the cellular localization of m6A proteins inside tumor cells has been little studied so far. Interestingly, recent evidence indicates that m6A methyltransferases are not always confined to the nucleus, suggesting that epitranscriptomic factors may also have multiple oncogenic roles beyond m6A that still represent an unexplored field. To date novel epigenetic drugs targeting m6A modifiers, such as METTL3 inhibitors, are entering into clinical trials, therefore, the study of the potential onco-properties of m6A effectors beyond m6A is required. Here we will provide an overview of methylation-independent functions of the m6A players in cancer, describing the molecular mechanisms involved and the future implications for therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guglielmo Bove
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Crepaldi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sajid Amin
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Wouter Leonard Megchelenbrink
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Prinses Máxima Centrum, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Angela Nebbioso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Program of Medical Epigenetics, Vanvitelli Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Carafa
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- BIOGEM, Via Camporeale, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Prinses Máxima Centrum, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- BIOGEM, Via Camporeale, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- IEOS-CNR Institute for Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzio Del Gaudio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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14
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Burns D, Khatiwada B, Singh A, Purslow JA, Potoyan DA, Venditti V. An α-ketoglutarate conformational switch controls iron accessibility, activation, and substrate selection of the human FTO protein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2404457121. [PMID: 38865275 PMCID: PMC11194561 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2404457121] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The fat mass and obesity-associated fatso (FTO) protein is a member of the Alkb family of dioxygenases and catalyzes oxidative demethylation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 3-methylthymine (m3T), and 3-methyluracil (m3U) in single-stranded nucleic acids. It is well established that the catalytic activity of FTO proceeds via two coupled reactions. The first reaction involves decarboxylation of alpha-ketoglutarate (αKG) and formation of an oxyferryl species. In the second reaction, the oxyferryl intermediate oxidizes the methylated nucleic acid to reestablish Fe(II) and the canonical base. However, it remains unclear how binding of the nucleic acid activates the αKG decarboxylation reaction and why FTO demethylates different methyl modifications at different rates. Here, we investigate the interaction of FTO with 5-mer DNA oligos incorporating the m6A, m1A, or m3T modifications using solution NMR, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and enzymatic assays. We show that binding of the nucleic acid to FTO activates a two-state conformational equilibrium in the αKG cosubstrate that modulates the O2 accessibility of the Fe(II) catalyst. Notably, the substrates that provide better stabilization to the αKG conformation in which Fe(II) is exposed to O2 are demethylated more efficiently by FTO. These results indicate that i) binding of the methylated nucleic acid is required to expose the catalytic metal to O2 and activate the αKG decarboxylation reaction, and ii) the measured turnover of the demethylation reaction (which is an ensemble average over the entire sample) depends on the ability of the methylated base to favor the Fe(II) state accessible to O2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Burns
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA50011
| | | | - Aayushi Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA50011
| | | | - Davit A. Potoyan
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA50011
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA50011
| | - Vincenzo Venditti
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA50011
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA50011
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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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Zhao R, Chen J, Wang Y, Xiao H, Mei P, Lin W, Diao M, He S, Liao Y, Meng W. Prognostic roles of dysregulated METTL3 protein expression in cancers and potential anticancer value by inhibiting METTL3 function. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38849971 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.13020] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have demonstrated the relationship between METTL3 protein expression and clinical outcomes in various cancers and elucidated the mechanism by which METTL3 disrupts the behavior of cancer cells. Here, we attempted to define the prognostic value of METTL3 protein in patients with cancer via systematic analysis and explored the potential effect of inhibiting METTL3 using its specific inhibitor. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science databases for studies that elucidated the prognostic value of METTL3 protein expression in all cancer types and then calculated the pooled hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for the overall survival (OS) of all cancer types and subgroups. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset were used to study METTL3 mRNA expression in cancers. Further, the effects of a METTL3-specific inhibitor were studied in cancer cells via the colony formation assay, the cell proliferation assay, and apoptosis detection. RESULTS Meta-analysis of the 33 cohorts in 32 studies (3666 patients in total) revealed that higher METTL3 protein expression indicated poor OS in the majority of cancers. Bioinformatics analysis of METTL3 mRNA expression and cancer prognosis did not show the extremely prominent prognostic value of METTL3 mRNA. Nevertheless, the METTL3-specific inhibitor attenuated cell proliferation and cell cloning formation and promoted apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS METTL3 protein expression is associated with poor prognosis in most cancer types and could be a biomarker for OS. Further, METTL3 inhibition might be a potential treatment strategy for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaping Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital), Kunming, China
| | - Yangwei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peiyuan Mei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingxin Diao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiwen He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongde Liao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wangyang Meng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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17
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Khan FA, Nsengimana B, Awan UA, Ji XY, Ji S, Dong J. Regulatory roles of N6-methyladenosine (m 6A) methylation in RNA processing and non-communicable diseases. Cancer Gene Ther 2024:10.1038/s41417-024-00789-1. [PMID: 38839892 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00789-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional RNA modification is an emerging epigenetic control mechanism in cells that is important in many different cellular and organismal processes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most prevalent, prolific, and ubiquitous internal transcriptional alterations in eukaryotic mRNAs, making it an important topic in the field of Epigenetics. m6A methylation acts as a dynamical regulatory process that regulates the activity of genes and participates in multiple physiological processes, by supporting multiple aspects of essential mRNA metabolic processes, including pre-mRNA splicing, nuclear export, translation, miRNA synthesis, and stability. Extensive research has linked aberrations in m6A modification and m6A-associated proteins to a wide range of human diseases. However, the impact of m6A on mRNA metabolism and its pathological connection between m6A and other non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, liver diseases, and cancer remains in fragmentation. Here, we review the existing understanding of the overall role of mechanisms by which m6A exerts its activities and address new discoveries that highlight m6A's diverse involvement in gene expression regulation. We discuss m6A deposition on mRNA and its consequences on degradation, translation, and transcription, as well as m6A methylation of non-coding chromosomal-associated RNA species. This study could give new information about the molecular process, early detection, tailored treatment, and predictive evaluation of human non-communicable diseases like cancer. We also explore more about new data that suggests targeting m6A regulators in diseases may have therapeutic advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiz Ali Khan
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Bernard Nsengimana
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Usman Ayub Awan
- Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Xin-Ying Ji
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Shaoping Ji
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Chen XY, Yang YL, Yu Y, Chen ZY, Fan HN, Zhang J, Zhu JS. CircUGGT2 downregulation by METTL14-dependent m 6A modification suppresses gastric cancer progression and cisplatin resistance through interaction with miR-186-3p/MAP3K9 axis. Pharmacol Res 2024; 204:107206. [PMID: 38729588 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Chemoresistance is a major therapeutic challenge in advanced gastric cancer (GC). N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification has been shown to play fundamental roles in cancer progression. However, the underlying mechanisms by which m6A modification of circRNAs contributes to GC and chemoresistance remain unknown. We found that hsa_circ_0030632 (circUGGT2) was a predominant m6A target of METTL14, and METTL14 knockdown (KD) reduced circUGGT2 m6A levels but increased its mRNA levels. The expression of circUGGT2 was markedly increased in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant GC cells. CircUGGT2 KD impaired cell growth, metastasis and DDP-resistance in vitro and in vivo, but circUGGT2 overexpression prompted these effects. Furthermore, circUGGT2 was validated to sponge miR-186-3p and upregulate MAP3K9 and could abolish METTL14-caused miR-186-3p upregulation and MAP3K9 downregulation in GC cells. circUGGT2 negatively correlated with miR-186-3p expression and harbored a poor prognosis in patients with GC. Our findings unveil that METTL14-dependent m6A modification of circUGGT2 inhibits GC progression and DDP resistance by regulating miR-186-3p/MAP3K9 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Yan-Ling Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Yi Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Zhao-Yu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Hui-Ning Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Jin-Shui Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China.
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19
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Ma T, Zhang Q, Zhang S, Yue D, Wang F, Ren Y, Zhang H, Wang Y, Wu Y, Liu LE, Yu F. Research progress of human key DNA and RNA methylation-related enzymes assay. Talanta 2024; 273:125872. [PMID: 38471421 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125872] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Gene methylation-related enzymes (GMREs) are disfunction and aberrantly expressed in a variety of cancers, such as lung, gastric, and pancreatic cancers and have important implications for human health. Therefore,it is critical for early diagnosis and therapy of tumor to develop strategies that allow rapid and sensitive quantitative and qualitative detection of GMREs. With the development of modern analytical techniques and the application of various biosensors, there are numerous methods have been developed for analysis of GMREs. Therefore, this paper provides a systematic review of the strategies for level and activity assay of various GMREs including methyltransferases and demethylase. The detection methods mainly involve immunohistochemistry, colorimetry, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, electrochemistry, etc. Then, this review also addresses the coordinated role of various detection probes, novel nanomaterials, and signal amplification methods. The aim is to highlight potential challenges in the present field, to expand the analytical application of GMREs detection strategies, and to meet the urgent need for future disease diagnosis and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Ma
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qiongwen Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shuying Zhang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Dan Yue
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fanting Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yujie Ren
- School of Information Management, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hengmiao Zhang
- School of Information Management, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yinuo Wang
- Zhengzhou Foreign Language School, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yongjun Wu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Li-E Liu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fei Yu
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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20
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Xu W, Shen H. m 6A regulates heterochromatin in mammalian embryonic stem cells. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 86:102196. [PMID: 38669774 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102196] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
As the most well-studied modification in mRNA, m6A has been shown to regulate multiple biological processes, including RNA degradation, processing, and translation. Recent studies showed that m6A modification is enriched in chromatin-associated RNAs and nascent RNAs, suggesting m6A might play regulatory roles in chromatin contexts. Indeed, in the past several years, a number of studies have clarified how m6A and its modulators regulate different types of chromatin states. Specifically, in the past 2-3 years, several studies discovered the roles of m6A and/or its modulators in regulating constitutive and facultative heterochromatin, shedding interesting lights on RNA-dependent heterochromatin formation in mammalian cells. This review will summarize and discuss the mechanisms underlying m6A's regulation in different types of heterochromatin, with a specific emphasis on the regulation in mammalian embryonic stem cells, which exhibit distinct features of multiple heterochromatin marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Xu
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongjie Shen
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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21
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Hwang HJ, Kim YK. Molecular mechanisms of circular RNA translation. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:1272-1280. [PMID: 38871818 PMCID: PMC11263353 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01220-3] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed single-stranded RNAs without a 5' cap structure and a 3' poly(A) tail typically present in linear mRNAs of eukaryotic cells. CircRNAs are predominantly generated through a back-splicing process within the nucleus. CircRNAs have long been considered non-coding RNAs seemingly devoid of protein-coding potential. However, many recent studies have challenged this idea and have provided substantial evidence that a subset of circRNAs can associate with polysomes and indeed be translated. Therefore, in this review, we primarily highlight the 5' cap-independent internal initiation of translation that occurs on circular RNAs. Several molecular features of circRNAs, including the internal ribosome entry site, N6-methyladenosine modification, and the exon junction complex deposited around the back-splicing junction after back-splicing event, play pivotal roles in their efficient internal translation. We also propose a possible relationship between the translatability of circRNAs and their stability, with a focus on nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and nonstop decay, both of which are well-characterized mRNA surveillance mechanisms. An in-depth understanding of circRNA translation will reshape and expand our current knowledge of proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jung Hwang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Ki Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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22
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Mehmood R. Ramifications of m6A Modification on ncRNAs in Cancer. Curr Genomics 2024; 25:158-170. [PMID: 39087001 PMCID: PMC11288162 DOI: 10.2174/0113892029296712240405053201] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an RNA modification wherein the N6-position of adenosine is methylated. It is one of the most prevalent internal modifications of RNA and regulates various aspects of RNA metabolism. M6A is deposited by m6A methyltransferases, removed by m6A demethylases, and recognized by reader proteins, which modulate splicing, export, translation, and stability of the modified mRNA. Recent evidence suggests that various classes of non- coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long con-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are also targeted by this modification. Depending on the ncRNA species, m6A may affect the processing, stability, or localization of these molecules. The m6A- modified ncRNAs are implicated in a number of diseases, including cancer. In this review, the author summarizes the role of m6A modification in the regulation and functions of ncRNAs in tumor development. Moreover, the potential applications in cancer prognosis and therapeutics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashid Mehmood
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science and General Studies, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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23
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Yang W, Zhao Y, Yang Y. Dynamic RNA methylation modifications and their regulatory role in mammalian development and diseases. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-023-2526-2. [PMID: 38833084 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2526-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Among over 170 different types of chemical modifications on RNA nucleobases identified so far, RNA methylation is the major type of epitranscriptomic modifications existing on almost all types of RNAs, and has been demonstrated to participate in the entire process of RNA metabolism, including transcription, pre-mRNA alternative splicing and maturation, mRNA nucleus export, mRNA degradation and stabilization, mRNA translation. Attributing to the development of high-throughput detection technologies and the identification of both dynamic regulators and recognition proteins, mechanisms of RNA methylation modification in regulating the normal development of the organism as well as various disease occurrence and developmental abnormalities upon RNA methylation dysregulation have become increasingly clear. Here, we particularly focus on three types of RNA methylations: N6-methylcytosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), and N7-methyladenosine (m7G). We summarize the elements related to their dynamic installment and removal, specific binding proteins, and the development of high-throughput detection technologies. Then, for a comprehensive understanding of their biological significance, we also overview the latest knowledge on the underlying mechanisms and key roles of these three mRNA methylation modifications in gametogenesis, embryonic development, immune system development, as well as disease and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yongliang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yungui Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China.
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
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24
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Cao M, Yuan C, Chen X, He G, Chen T, Zong J, Shen C, Wang N, Zhao Y, Zhang B, Li C, Zhou X. METTL3 deficiency leads to ovarian insufficiency due to IL-1β overexpression in theca cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 222:72-84. [PMID: 38825211 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.05.048] [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] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a clinical syndrome characterised by a decline in ovarian function in women before 40 years of age and is associated with oestradiol deficiency and a complex pathogenesis. However, the aetiology of POI is still unclear and effective preventative and treatment strategies are still lacking. Methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) is an RNA methyltransferase that is involved in spermatogenesis, oocyte development and maturation, early embryonic development, and embryonic stem cell differentiation and formation, but its role in POI is unknown. In the present study, METTL3 deficiency in follicular theca cells was found to lead to reduced fertility in female mice, with a POI-like phenotype, and METTL3 knockout promoted ovarian inflammation. Further, a reduction in METTL3 in follicular theca cells led to a decrease in the m6A modification of pri-miR-21, which further reduced pri-miR-21 recognition and binding by DGCR8 proteins, leading to a decrease in the synthesis of mature miR-21-5p. Decrease of miR-21-5p promoted the secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) from follicular theca cells. Acting in a paracrine manner, IL-1β inhibited the cAMP-PKA pathway and activated the NF-κB pathway in follicular granulosa cells. This activation increased the levels of reactive oxygen species in granulosa cells, causing disturbances in the intracellular Ca2+ balance and mitochondrial damage. These cellular events ultimately led to granulosa cell apoptosis and a decrease in oestradiol synthesis, resulting in POI development. Collectively, these findings reveal how METTL3 deficiency promotes the expression and secretion of IL-1β in theca cells, which regulates ovarian functions, and proposes a new theory for the development of POI disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maosheng Cao
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Chenfeng Yuan
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xue Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Guitian He
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Tong Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jinxin Zong
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Caomeihui Shen
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Nan Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Boqi Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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25
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Su X, Feng Y, Qu Y, Mu D. Association between methyltransferase-like 3 and non-small cell lung cancer: pathogenesis, therapeutic resistance, and clinical applications. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2024; 13:1121-1136. [PMID: 38854947 PMCID: PMC11157379 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-24-85] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a malignant cancer that with high incidence, recurrence, and mortality rates in human beings, posing significant threats to human health. Moreover, effective early diagnosis of NSCLC remains limited primarily by the lack of accurate biomarkers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the mechanisms underlying NSCLC pathogenesis and treatment failure. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is a prototypical member of a family of which its members transfer methyl groups. It has been implicated in modulating the pathogenesis of NSCLC, as well as conferring resistance to NSCLC therapeutics. The targeting of METTL3 for NSCLC treatment has been reported. However, the relationship between METTL3 and NSCLC remains to be demonstrated. In this review, we discuss relevant interrelationships by summarising the studies on METTL3 in NSCLC pathogenesis, therapeutic resistance, and clinical applications. Current research suggests that the upregulation of METTL3 expression propels the tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment resistance of NSCLC. Therefore, we propose that METTL3 is an excellent candidate biomarker for NSCLC diagnosis and prognosis. Therapeutic targeting of METTL3 has significant potential for NSCLC treatment. This review provides a summary of the association between METTL3 and NSCLC, which would be a valuable reference for both basic and clinical research.
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26
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Mansfield KD. RNA Binding by the m6A Methyltransferases METTL16 and METTL3. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:391. [PMID: 38927271 PMCID: PMC11200852 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Methyltransferases are a wide-ranging, yet well-conserved, class of molecules that have been found to modify a wide variety of substrates. Interest in RNA methylation has surged in recent years with the identification of the major eukaryotic mRNA m6A methyltransferase METTL3. METTL16 has also been identified as an RNA m6A methyltransferase; however, much less is known about its targets and actions. Interestingly, in addition to their catalytic activities, both METTL3 and METTL16 also have "methylation-independent" functions, including translational regulation, which have been discovered. However, evidence suggests that METTL16's role as an RNA-binding protein may be more significant than is currently recognized. In this review, we will introduce RNA methylation, specifically m6A, and the enzymes responsible for its deposition. We will discuss the varying roles that these enzymes perform and delve deeper into their RNA targets and possible roles as methylation-independent RNA binding proteins. Finally, we will touch upon the many open questions still remaining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D Mansfield
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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27
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Pomaville M, Chennakesavalu M, Wang P, Jiang Z, Sun HL, Ren P, Borchert R, Gupta V, Ye C, Ge R, Zhu Z, Brodnik M, Zhong Y, Moore K, Salwen H, George RE, Krajewska M, Chlenski A, Applebaum MA, He C, Cohn SL. Small-molecule inhibition of the METTL3/METTL14 complex suppresses neuroblastoma tumor growth and promotes differentiation. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114165. [PMID: 38691450 PMCID: PMC11181463 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114165] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is an important regulator of gene expression. m6A is deposited by a methyltransferase complex that includes methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) and methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14). High levels of METTL3/METTL14 drive the growth of many types of adult cancer, and METTL3/METTL14 inhibitors are emerging as new anticancer agents. However, little is known about the m6A epitranscriptome or the role of the METTL3/METTL14 complex in neuroblastoma, a common pediatric cancer. Here, we show that METTL3 knockdown or pharmacologic inhibition with the small molecule STM2457 leads to reduced neuroblastoma cell proliferation and increased differentiation. These changes in neuroblastoma phenotype are associated with decreased m6A deposition on transcripts involved in nervous system development and neuronal differentiation, with increased stability of target mRNAs. In preclinical studies, STM2457 treatment suppresses the growth of neuroblastoma tumors in vivo. Together, these results support the potential of METTL3/METTL14 complex inhibition as a therapeutic strategy against neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Pomaville
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Pingluan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Zhiwei Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hui-Lung Sun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Peizhe Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ryan Borchert
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Varsha Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Chang Ye
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ruiqi Ge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Zhongyu Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mallory Brodnik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yuhao Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kelley Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Helen Salwen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rani E George
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Malgorzata Krajewska
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alexandre Chlenski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mark A Applebaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Il 60637 USA
| | - Susan L Cohn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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28
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Pinello N, Song R, Lee Q, Calonne E, Duan KL, Wong E, Tieng J, Mehravar M, Rong B, Lan F, Roediger B, Ma CJ, Yuan BF, Rasko JEJ, Larance M, Ye D, Fuks F, Wong JJL. Dynamic changes in RNA m 6A and 5 hmC influence gene expression programs during macrophage differentiation and polarisation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:229. [PMID: 38780787 PMCID: PMC11116364 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05261-9] [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] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
RNA modifications are essential for the establishment of cellular identity. Although increasing evidence indicates that RNA modifications regulate the innate immune response, their role in monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and polarisation is unclear. While m6A has been widely studied, other RNA modifications, including 5 hmC, remain poorly characterised. We profiled m6A and 5 hmC epitranscriptomes, transcriptomes, translatomes and proteomes of monocytes and macrophages at rest and pro- and anti-inflammatory states. Transcriptome-wide mapping of m6A and 5 hmC reveals enrichment of m6A and/or 5 hmC on specific categories of transcripts essential for macrophage differentiation. Our analyses indicate that m6A and 5 hmC modifications are present in transcripts with critical functions in pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophages. Notably, we also discover the co-occurrence of m6A and 5 hmC on alternatively-spliced isoforms and/or opposing ends of the untranslated regions (UTR) of mRNAs with key roles in macrophage biology. In specific examples, RNA 5 hmC controls the decay of transcripts independently of m6A. This study provides (i) a comprehensive dataset to interrogate the role of RNA modifications in a plastic system (ii) a resource for exploring different layers of gene expression regulation in the context of human monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and polarisation, (iii) new insights into RNA modifications as central regulators of effector cells in innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Pinello
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, 11400, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Renhua Song
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
| | - Quintin Lee
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
| | - Emilie Calonne
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Faculty of Medicine, ULB Cancer Research Center (U-CRC), Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kun-Long Duan
- The Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Emilie Wong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
| | - Jessica Tieng
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
| | - Majid Mehravar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
| | - Bowen Rong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fei Lan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ben Roediger
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
- Skin Inflammation Group, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
- Autoimmunity, Transplantation and Inflammation (ATI) Disease Area, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cheng-Jie Ma
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Bi-Feng Yuan
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - John E J Rasko
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, 2050, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Larance
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia
| | - Dan Ye
- The Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - François Fuks
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Faculty of Medicine, ULB Cancer Research Center (U-CRC), Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Justin J-L Wong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia.
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, Australia.
- Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, Australia.
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Zhang YQ, Li J, Qin Z, Li DM, Ye FZ, Bei SH, Zhang XH, Feng L. METTL5 promotes gastric cancer progression via sphingomyelin metabolism. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1925-1946. [PMID: 38764837 PMCID: PMC11099429 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.1925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of gastric cancer (GC) has caused an enormous social burden worldwide. Accumulating studies have reported that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is closely related to tumor progression. METTL5 is a m6A methyltransferase that plays a pivotal role in maintaining the metabolic stability of cells. However, its aberrant regulation in GC has not been fully elucidated. AIM To excavate the role of METTL5 in the development of GC. METHODS METTL5 expression and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed via The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and further verified via immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in tissue microarrays and clinical samples. The tumor-promoting effect of METTL5 on HGC-27 and AGS cells was explored in vitro by Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, colony formation assays, scratch healing assays, transwell assays and flow cytometry. The tumor-promoting role of METTL5 in vivo was evaluated in a xenograft tumor model. The EpiQuik m6A RNA Methylation Quantification Kit was used for m6A quantification. Next, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the association between METTL5 and sphingomyelin metabolism, which was confirmed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and rescue tests. In addition, we investigated whether METTL5 affects the sensitivity of GC cells to cisplatin via colony formation and transwell experiments. RESULTS Our research revealed substantial upregulation of METTL5, which suggested a poor prognosis of GC patients. Increased METTL5 expression indicated distant lymph node metastasis, advanced cancer stage and pathological grade. An increased level of METTL5 correlated with a high degree of m6A methylation. METTL5 markedly promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells in vitro. METTL5 also promotes the growth of GC in animal models. METTL5 knockdown resulted in significant changes in sphingomyelin metabolism, which implies that METTL5 may impact the development of GC via sphingomyelin metabolism. In addition, high METTL5 expression led to cisplatin resistance. CONCLUSION METTL5 was found to be an oncogenic driver of GC and may be a new target for therapy since it facilitates GC carcinogenesis through sphingomyelin metabolism and cisplatin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Qiong Zhang
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Jian Li
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Zhe Qin
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - De-Ming Li
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Fang-Zhou Ye
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Song-Hua Bei
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Zhang
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Li Feng
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
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30
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Zhou Q, Song W, Li X, Lin J, Zhu C, Cao L, Li W, Lin S. N6-Methyladenosine reader HNRNPC-mediated downregulation of circITCH prevents miR-224-3p sequestering and contributes to tumorigenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:2893-2907. [PMID: 38299319 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24139] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation modulators are implicated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) stimulate/inhibit the development of NPC by sponging microRNAs (miRNAs). Herein, m6A modifications affecting the circRNA/miRNA axis in NPC were explored. METHODS Twenty prognostic m6A RNA methylation regulators were identified from 504 head/neck squamous cell carcinoma and 44 normal samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Differentially expressed miRNAs were screened from the TCGA and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. RNA-binding protein (RBP)-circRNA and circRNA-miRNA interactive pairs were verified using RBPmap and RNAhybrid, respectively. The RBP/circRNA/miRNA network was constructed using Cytoscape. Furthermore, CircITCH (hsa_circ_00059948), HNRNPC, and miR-224-3p expressions were detected by western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The role of circITCH in NPC was examined using apoptosis, scratch wound healing, transwell invasion, and cell counting kit-8 assays. Finally, CircITCH-miR-224-3p and circITCH-HNRNPC interactions were assessed by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA-immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays, respectively. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis revealed that high pathological grade, late-stage tumors, and low survival were associated with increased HNRNPC expression. MiR-224-3p was upregulated in NPC and sequestered by circITCH. Construction of the RBP/circRNA/miRNA network highlighted the HNRNPC/circITCH/miR-224-3p axis. In vitro experiments demonstrated decreased circITCH expression and increased HNRNPC and miR-224-3p expressions in NPC. In NPC cells overexpressing circITCH, HNRNPC and miR-224-3p expressions were significantly decreased. Dual-luciferase assays demonstrated a targeting relationship between circITCH and miR-224-3p, and RIP assays demonstrated interaction of HNRNPC targets with circITCH. CONCLUSION CircITCH overexpression inhibited NPC progression by sequestering miR-224-3p, and HNRNPC reduced circITCH expression through direct interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ruian People's Hospital), Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ruian People's Hospital), Wenzhou, China
| | - Xianhui Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ruian People's Hospital), Wenzhou, China
| | - Jinyan Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ruian People's Hospital), Wenzhou, China
| | - Chuansai Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ruian People's Hospital), Wenzhou, China
| | - Longhe Cao
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ruian People's Hospital), Wenzhou, China
| | - Wanqing Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ruian People's Hospital), Wenzhou, China
| | - Sen Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Ruian People's Hospital), Wenzhou, China
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31
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Jia J, Yu L. METTL3-mediated m6A modification of EPPK1 to promote the development of esophageal cancer through regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:2830-2841. [PMID: 38293837 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24158] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) has been proved to be involved in the progression of various cancers. In this study, we explored the role of METTL3 and its underlying mechanism in esophageal cancer progression. The mRNA and protein levels of METTL3 and epiplakin1 (EPPK1) were determined using qRT-PCR and western blot. The proliferative ability was evaluated through 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di- phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT), colony formation, and EdU assays. Transwell invasion assay and wound-healing assay were employed for detecting cell invasion and migration, respectively. Cell stemness was evaluated by sphere-formation assay. Xenograft tumor experiments and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to explore the effects of METTL3 knockdown on tumor growth in vivo. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of EPPK1 was analyzed using MeRIP. RNA-protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the relationship between EPPK1 and METTL3. METTL3 was upregulated in esophageal cancer tissues and cells, which was related to the poor prognosis of esophageal cancer patients. Knockdown of METTL3 overtly decreased the proliferative, invasive, migrated abilities, and cell stemness of esophageal cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, depletion of METTL3 also observably suppressed the growth of tumor in vivo. EPPK1 was a direct target of METTL3, and METTL3 could mediate the m6A modification of EPPK1. EPPK1 was downregulated in esophageal cancer tissues and cells, and EPPK1 depletion markedly repressed cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and stemness of esophageal cancer cells. The inhibition effects of METTL3 deficiency on these malignant behaviors were harbored by EPPK1 upregulation in esophageal cancer cells. In addition, METTL3 deficiency reduced EPPK1 expression to inactivate the PI3K/AKT pathway. Our results revealed that METTL3 deficiency regulated the m6A modification of EPPK1 to inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby restraining the progression of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jia
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanyang First People's Hospital, Nanyang, China
| | - Longhai Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanyang First People's Hospital, Nanyang, China
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32
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Qian W, Yang L, Li T, Li W, Zhou J, Xie S. RNA modifications in pulmonary diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e546. [PMID: 38706740 PMCID: PMC11068158 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Threatening public health, pulmonary disease (PD) encompasses diverse lung injuries like chronic obstructive PD, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary infections due to pathogen invasion, and fatal lung cancer. The crucial involvement of RNA epigenetic modifications in PD pathogenesis is underscored by robust evidence. These modifications not only shape cell fates but also finely modulate the expression of genes linked to disease progression, suggesting their utility as biomarkers and targets for therapeutic strategies. The critical RNA modifications implicated in PDs are summarized in this review, including N6-methylation of adenosine, N1-methylation of adenosine, 5-methylcytosine, pseudouridine (5-ribosyl uracil), 7-methylguanosine, and adenosine to inosine editing, along with relevant regulatory mechanisms. By shedding light on the pathology of PDs, these summaries could spur the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies, ultimately paving the way for early PD diagnosis and treatment innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Qian
- Emergency Department of Emergency MedicineLaboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, And Disaster Medical, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Emergency DepartmentShangjinnanfu Hospital, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Lvying Yang
- The Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Veterans Hospital of Sichuan ProvinceChengduSichuanChina
| | - Tianlong Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
| | - Wanlin Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's HospitalShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Jian Zhou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National‐Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical SchoolShenzhenChina
- Department of ImmunologyInternational Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science CenterShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Shenglong Xie
- Department of Thoracic SurgerySichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
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Ying Y, Wu Y, Zhang F, Tang Y, Yi J, Ma X, Li J, Chen D, Wang X, Liu X, Liu B, Luo J, Zheng X, Xie L. Co-transcriptional R-loops-mediated epigenetic regulation drives growth retardation and docetaxel chemosensitivity enhancement in advanced prostate cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:79. [PMID: 38658974 PMCID: PMC11041046 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01994-0] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
R-loops are prevalent three-stranded nucleic acid structures, comprising a DNA-RNA hybrid and a displaced single-stranded DNA, that frequently form during transcription and may be attributed to genomic stability and gene expression regulation. It was recently discovered that RNA modification contributes to maintain the stability of R-loops such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Yet, m6A-modified R-loops in regulating gene transcription remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs) recognize R-loops in an m6A-dependent way. Consequently, IGF2BPs overexpression leads to increased overall R-loop levels, cell migration inhibition, and cell growth retardation in prostate cancer (PCa) via precluding the binding of DNA methyltransferase 1(DNMT1) to semaphorin 3 F (SEMA3F) promoters. Moreover, the K homology (KH) domains of IGF2BPs are required for their recognition of m6A-containing R-loops and are required for tumor suppressor functions. Overexpression of SEMA3F markedly enhanced docetaxel chemosensitivity in prostate cancer via regulating Hippo pathway. Our findings point to a distinct R-loop resolution pathway mediated by IGF2BPs, emphasizing the functional importance of IGF2BPs as epigenetic R-loop readers in transcriptional genetic regulation and cancer biology.The manuscript summarizes the new role of N6-methyladenosine in epigenetic regulation, we introduce the distinct R-loop resolution mediated by IGF2BP proteins in an m6A-dependent way, which probably lead to the growth retardation and docetaxel chemotherapy resistance in prostate cancer. Moreover, our findings first emphasized the functional importance of IGF2BPs as epigenetic R-loop readers in transcriptional genetic regulation and cancer biology. In addition, our research provides a novel RBM15/IGF2BPs/DNMT1 trans-omics regulation m6A axis, indicating the new crosstalk between RNA m6A methylation and DNA methylation in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Ying
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fenghao Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yijie Tang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiahe Yi
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueyou Ma
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiangfeng Li
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Danni Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ben Liu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jindan Luo
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiangyi Zheng
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Liping Xie
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
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ZHAO ANDI, WANG YUE, WANG ZIJIN, SHAO QING, GONG QI, ZHU HUI, SHEN SHIYA, LIU HU, CHEN XUEJUAN. Circ_0053943 complexed with IGF2BP3 drives uveal melanoma progression via regulating N6-methyladenosine modification of Epidermal growth factor receptor. Oncol Res 2024; 32:983-998. [PMID: 38686044 PMCID: PMC11055987 DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.045972] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have characterized the critical role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) as regulatory factors in the progression of multiple cancers. However, the biological functions of circRNAs and their underlying molecular mechanisms in the progression of uveal melanoma (UM) remain enigmatic. In this study, we identified a novel circRNA, circ_0053943, through re-analysis of UM microarray data and quantitative RT-PCR. Circ_0053943 was found to be upregulated in UM and to promote the proliferation and metastatic ability of UM cells in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Mechanistically, circ_0053943 was observed to bind to the KH1 and KH2 domains of insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3), thereby enhancing the function of IGF2BP3 by stabilizing its target mRNA. RNA sequencing assays identified epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a target gene of circ_0053943 and IGF2BP3 at the transcriptional level. Rescue assays demonstrated that circ_0053943 exerts its biological function by stabilizing EGFR mRNA and regulating the downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling pathway. Collectively, circ_0053943 may promote UM progression by stabilizing EGFR mRNA and activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway through the formation of a circ_0053943/IGF2BP3/EGFR RNA-protein ternary complex, thus providing a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- ANDI ZHAO
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - YUE WANG
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, China
| | - ZIJIN WANG
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - QING SHAO
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - QI GONG
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - HUI ZHU
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - SHIYA SHEN
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - HU LIU
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - XUEJUAN CHEN
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
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35
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Yu H, Liu J, Bu X, Ma Z, Yao Y, Li J, Zhang T, Song W, Xiao X, Sun Y, Xiong W, Shi J, Dai P, Xiang B, Duan H, Yan X, Wu F, Zhang WC, Lin D, Hu H, Zhang H, Slack FJ, He HH, Freeman GJ, Wei W, Zhang J. Targeting METTL3 reprograms the tumor microenvironment to improve cancer immunotherapy. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:776-791.e7. [PMID: 37751743 PMCID: PMC10954589 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a heterogeneous ecosystem containing cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, cytokines, and chemokines which together govern tumor progression and response to immunotherapies. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), a core catalytic subunit for RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Whether and how METTL3 regulates the TME and anti-tumor immunity in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain poorly understood. Here, we report that METTL3 elevates expression of pro-tumorigenic chemokines including CXCL1, CXCL5, and CCL20, and destabilizes PD-L1 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner, thereby shaping a non-inflamed TME. Thus, inhibiting METTL3 reprograms a more inflamed TME that renders anti-PD-1 therapy more effective in several murine lung tumor models. Clinically, NSCLC patients who exhibit low-METTL3 expression have a better prognosis when receiving anti-PD-1 therapy. Collectively, our study highlights targeting METTL3 as a promising strategy to improve immunotherapy in NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisheng Yu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xia Bu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, The Fifth Medical Center, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yingmeng Yao
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jinfeng Li
- Institute of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, The Fifth Medical Center, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wenjing Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiangling Xiao
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yishuang Sun
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wenjun Xiong
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Panpan Dai
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Bolin Xiang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hongtao Duan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Xiaolong Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Fei Wu
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, P.R.China
| | - Wen Cai Zhang
- Department of Cancer Division, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida. Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Dandan Lin
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430061, China
| | - Hankun Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Haojian Zhang
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Frank J Slack
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Housheng Hansen He
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Jinfang Zhang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
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36
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Shi Y, Li K, Yuan Y, Wang C, Yang Z, Zuo D, Niu Y, Qiu J, Li B, Yuan Y, He W. Comprehensive analysis of m6A modification in immune infiltration, metabolism and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:138. [PMID: 38627760 PMCID: PMC11022358 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03307-3] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is important in regulating mRNA stability, splicing, and translation, and it also contributes to tumor development. However, there is still limited understanding of the comprehensive effects of m6A modification patterns on the tumor immune microenvironment, metabolism, and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we utilized unsupervised clustering based on the expression of 23 m6A regulators to identify m6A clusters. We identified differential m6A modification patterns and characterized m6A-gene-cluster A, which exhibited poorer survival rates, a higher abundance of Treg cells, and increased expression of TGFβ in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, m6A-gene-cluster A demonstrated higher levels of glycolysis activity, cholesterol metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis. We also found that the m6A score was associated with prognosis and drug resistance. Patients with a low m6A score experienced worse prognoses, which were linked to an abundance of Treg cells, upregulation of TGFβ, and increased metabolic activity. HCC patients with a higher m6A score showed improved prognosis following sorafenib treatment and immunotherapy. In conclusion, we reveals the association between m6A modification patterns and the tumor immune microenvironment, metabolism, and drug resistance in HCC. Furthermore, the m6A score holds potential as a predictive factor for the efficacy of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxing Shi
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat- sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yichuan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chenwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhiwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dinglan Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yi Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jiliang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Binkui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yunfei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wei He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road E, 510060, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
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Li H, Li C, Zhang Y, Jiang W, Zhang F, Tang X, Sun G, Xu S, Dong X, Shou J, Yang Y, Chen M. Comprehensive analysis of m 6 A methylome and transcriptome by Nanopore sequencing in clear cell renal carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:677-687. [PMID: 38362848 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23680] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most prevalent epigenetic modification on eukaryotic messenger RNAs. Recent studies have focused on elucidating the key role of m6 A modification patterns in tumor progression. However, the relationship between m6 A and transcriptional regulation remains elusive. Nanopore technology enables the quantification of m6 A levels at each genomic site. In this study, a pair of tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues from clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) surgical samples were collected for Nanopore direct RNA sequencing. We identified 9644 genes displaying anomalous m6 A modifications, with 5343 genes upregulated and 4301 genes downregulated. Among these, 5224 genes were regarded as dysregulated genes, encompassing abnormal regulation of both m6 A modification and RNA expression. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed an enrichment of these genes in pathways related to renal system progress and fatty acid metabolic progress. Furthermore, the χ2 test demonstrated a significant association between the levels of m6 A in dysregulated genes and their transcriptional expression levels. Additionally, we identified four obesity-associated genes (FTO, LEPR, ADIPOR2, and NPY5R) among the dysregulated genes. Further analyses using public databases revealed that these four genes were all related to the prognosis and diagnosis of ccRCC. This study introduced the novel approach of employing conjoint analysis of m6 A modification and RNA expression based on Nanopore sequencing to explore potential disease-related genes. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of the application of Nanopore sequencing technology in RNA epigenetic regulation research and identifies new potential therapeutic targets for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hexin Li
- Clinical Biobank, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Li
- Clinical Biobank, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Cancer Data Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Weixing Jiang
- Cancer Data Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fubo Zhang
- Cancer Data Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaokun Tang
- Clinical Biobank, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gaoyuan Sun
- Clinical Biobank, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Siyuan Xu
- Clinical Biobank, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Dong
- Cancer Data Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianzhong Shou
- Cancer Data Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Oncology, Huai'an TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meng Chen
- Cancer Data Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Lin S, Kuang M. RNA modification-mediated mRNA translation regulation in liver cancer: mechanisms and clinical perspectives. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:267-281. [PMID: 38243019 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00884-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Malignant liver cancer is characterized by rapid tumour progression and a high mortality rate, whereas the molecular mechanisms underlying liver cancer initiation and progression are still poorly understood. The dynamic and reversible RNA modifications have crucial functions in gene expression regulation by modulating RNA processing and mRNA translation. Emerging evidence has revealed that alterations in RNA modifications facilitate the selective translation of oncogenic transcripts and promote the diverse tumorigenic processes of liver cancer. In this Review, we first highlight the current progress on the functions and mechanisms underlying RNA modifications in the regulation of mRNA translation and then summarize the exciting discoveries on aberrant RNA modification-mediated mRNA translation in the regulation of tumour initiation, metastasis, metabolism, tumour microenvironment, and drug and radiotherapy resistance in liver cancer. Finally, we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic potentials of targeting RNA modifications and mRNA translation for the clinical management of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuibin Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ming Kuang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Center of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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Chen Z, Chen J, Xu X, Li Q, Zhang C, Li S, Liu L, Cao C, Chen D, He Q. METTL3-mediated ALDH m 6A methylation regulates the malignant behavior of BMI1 + HNSCC stem cells. Oral Dis 2024; 30:1061-1071. [PMID: 37249063 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To reveal the effect and mechanism of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) on cancer stem cells (CSCs) of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS First, we analyzed 14-HNSCC-patients' scRNA-seq dataset and TCGA dataset of HNSCC. Then, Mettl3 knockout or overexpression mice models were studied via tracing and staining technologies. In addition, we took flow cytometry sorting and sphere formation assays to observe tumorigenicity and used cell transfection and western blotting to verify target protein expression levels. Furthermore, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and MeRIP-quantitative real-time PCR (MeRIP-qPCR) were taken to identify the mechanism of Mettl3 regulating Bmi1+ CSCs in HNSCC. RESULTS Due to SOX4 transcriptional regulation, METTL3 regulated the malignant behavior of BMI1+ HNSCC stem cells through cell division pathway. The progression and malignancy of HNSCC were decreased after Mettl3 knocked-out, while increased after Mettl3 knocked-in in Bmi1+ CSCs in vivo. Knockdown of Mettl3 inhibited stemness properties of CSCs in vitro. Mechanically, Mettl3 mediated the m6A modification of ALDH1A3 and ALDH7A1 mRNA in Bmi1+ HNSCC CSCs. CONCLUSION Regulated by SOX4, METTL3-mediated ALDH m6A methylation regulates the malignant behavior of BMI1+ HNSCC CSCs through cell division pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuli Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caihua Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lianlian Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Congyuan Cao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Demeng Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianting He
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Wen J, Xue L, Wei Y, Liang J, Jia W, Yong T, Chu L, Li H, Han S, Liao J, Chen Z, Liu Y, Liu Q, Ding Z, Liang H, Gan L, Chen X, Huang Z, Zhang B. YTHDF2 Is a Therapeutic Target for HCC by Suppressing Immune Evasion and Angiogenesis Through ETV5/PD-L1/VEGFA Axis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307242. [PMID: 38247171 PMCID: PMC10987122 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307242] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification orchestrates cancer formation and progression by affecting the tumor microenvironment (TME). For hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), immune evasion and angiogenesis are characteristic features of its TME. The role of YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2), as an m6A reader, in regulating HCC TME are not fully understood. Herein, it is discovered that trimethylated histone H3 lysine 4 and H3 lysine 27 acetylation modification in the promoter region of YTHDF2 enhanced its expression in HCC, and upregulated YTHDF2 in HCC predicted a worse prognosis. Animal experiments demonstrated that Ythdf2 depletion inhibited spontaneous HCC formation, while its overexpression promoted xenografted HCC progression. Mechanistically, YTHDF2 recognized the m6A modification in the 5'-untranslational region of ETS variant transcription factor 5 (ETV5) mRNA and recruited eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit B to facilitate its translation. Elevated ETV5 expression induced the transcription of programmed death ligand-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor A, thereby promoting HCC immune evasion and angiogenesis. Targeting YTHDF2 via small interference RNA-containing aptamer/liposomes successfully both inhibited HCC immune evasion and angiogenesis. Together, this findings reveal the potential application of YTHDF2 in HCC prognosis and targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Wen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Lin Xue
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Yi Wei
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Junnan Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Wenlong Jia
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Tuying Yong
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430074China
| | - Liang Chu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Han Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Shenqi Han
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Jingyu Liao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Zeyu Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Yiyang Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Qiumeng Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Zeyang Ding
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Lu Gan
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine College of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430074China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, National Health Commission; Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationChinese Academy of Medical ScienceWuhan430030China
| | - Zhao Huang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei ProvinceWuhan430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato‐Pancreatic‐Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430030China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, National Health Commission; Key Laboratory of Organ TransplantationChinese Academy of Medical ScienceWuhan430030China
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Xu J, Liu C, Qu K, Zhang J, Liu S, Meng F, Wan Y. m6A methyltransferase METTL14‑mediated RP1‑228H13.5 promotes the occurrence of liver cancer by targeting hsa‑miR‑205/ZIK1. Oncol Rep 2024; 51:59. [PMID: 38426536 PMCID: PMC10926101 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8718] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to explore the association between N6‑methyladenosine (m6A) modification regulatory gene‑related long noncoding (lnc)RNA RP1‑228H13.5 and cancer prognosis through bioinformatics analysis, as well as the impact of RP1‑228H13.5 on cell biology‑related behaviors and specific molecular mechanisms. Bioinformatics analysis was used to construct a risk model consisting of nine genes. This model can reflect the survival time and differentiation degree of cancer. Subsequently, a competing endogenous RNA network consisting of 3 m6A‑related lncRNAs, six microRNAs (miRs) and 201 mRNAs was constructed. A cell assay confirmed that RP1‑228H13.5 is significantly upregulated in liver cancer cells, which can promote liver cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and inhibit liver cancer cell apoptosis. The specific molecular mechanism may be the regulation of the expression of zinc finger protein interacting with K protein 1 (ZIK1) by targeting the downstream hsa‑miR‑205. Further experiments found that the m6A methyltransferase 14, N6‑adenosine‑methyltransferase subunit mediates the regulation of miR‑205‑5p expression by RP1‑228H13.5. m6A methylation regulatory factor‑related lncRNA has an important role in cancer. The targeting of hsa‑miR‑205 by RP1‑228H13.5 to regulate ZIK1 may serve as a potential mechanism in the occurrence and development of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic and Liver Transplantation Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
- Department of General Surgery, Leping People's Hospital, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi 333300, P.R. China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic and Liver Transplantation Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Kai Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic and Liver Transplantation Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Jingyao Zhang
- Department of SICU, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Sinan Liu
- Department of SICU, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Fandi Meng
- Department of Geriatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Geriatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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42
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Luo JH, Guo T, Wang M, Liu JH, Zheng LM, He Y. RNA m6A modification facilitates DNA methylation during maize kernel development. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:2165-2182. [PMID: 37995374 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in mRNA and 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in DNA have critical functions for regulating gene expression and modulating plant growth and development. However, the interplay between m6A and 5mC is an elusive territory and remains unclear mechanistically in plants. We reported an occurrence of crosstalk between m6A and 5mC in maize (Zea mays) via the interaction between mRNA adenosine methylase (ZmMTA), the core component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, and decrease in DNA methylation 1 (ZmDDM1), a key chromatin-remodeling factor that regulates DNA methylation. Genes with m6A modification were coordinated with a much higher level of DNA methylation than genes without m6A modification. Dysfunction of ZmMTA caused severe arrest during maize embryogenesis and endosperm development, leading to a significant decrease in CHH methylation in the 5' region of m6A-modified genes. Instead, loss of function of ZmDDM1 had no noteworthy effects on ZmMTA-related activity. This study establishes a direct link between m6A and 5mC during maize kernel development and provides insights into the interplay between RNA modification and DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ting Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Min Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jing-Han Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lei-Ming Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yan He
- Key Laboratory of Seed Innovation, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization, National Maize Improvement Center of China, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Han H, Sun Y, Wei W, Huang Z, Cheng M, Qiu H, Wang J, Zheng S, Liu L, Zhang Q, Zhang C, Ma J, Guo S, Wang Z, Li Z, Jiang X, Lin S, Liu Q, Zhang S. RNA modification-related genes illuminate prognostic signature and mechanism in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. iScience 2024; 27:109327. [PMID: 38487015 PMCID: PMC10937836 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109327] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging studies have demonstrated the link between RNA modifications and various cancers, while the predictive value and functional mechanisms of RNA modification-related genes (RMGs) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. Here we established a prognostic signature for ESCC based on five RMGs. The analysis of ESCC clinical samples further verified the prognostic power of the prognostic signature. Moreover, we found that the knockdown of NSUN6 promotes ESCC progression in vitro and in vivo, whereas the overexpression of NSUN6 inhibits the malignant phenotype of ESCC cells. Mechanically, NSUN6 mediated tRNA m5C modifications selectively enhance the translation efficiency of CDH1 mRNA in a codon dependent manner. Rescue assays revealed that E-cadherin is an essential downstream target that mediates NSUN6's function in the regulation of ESCC progression. These findings offer additional insights into the link between ESCC and RMGs, as well as provide potential strategies for ESCC management and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Han
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yucong Sun
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zixin Huang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hongshen Qiu
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Siyi Zheng
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lianlian Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Canfeng Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jieyi Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Siyao Guo
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhaoyu Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhenpeng Li
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xu Jiang
- School of basic medical sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qianwen Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shuishen Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Muneer A, Xie L, Xie X, Zhang F, Wrobel JA, Xiong Y, Yu X, Wang C, Gheorghe C, Wu P, Song J, Ming GL, Jin J, Song H, Shi PY, Chen X. Targeting G9a translational mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis for multifaceted therapeutics of COVID-19 and its sequalae. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.04.583415. [PMID: 38496599 PMCID: PMC10942352 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.04.583415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
By largely unknown mechanism(s), SARS-CoV-2 hijacks the host translation apparatus to promote COVID-19 pathogenesis. We report that the histone methyltransferase G9a noncanonically regulates viral hijacking of the translation machinery to bring about COVID-19 symptoms of hyperinflammation, lymphopenia, and blood coagulation. Chemoproteomic analysis of COVID-19 patient peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMC) identified enhanced interactions between SARS-CoV-2-upregulated G9a and distinct translation regulators, particularly the N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A) RNA methylase METTL3. These interactions with translation regulators implicated G9a in translational regulation of COVID-19. Inhibition of G9a activity suppressed SARS-CoV-2 replication in human alveolar epithelial cells. Accordingly, multi-omics analysis of the same alveolar cells identified SARS-CoV-2-induced changes at the transcriptional, m 6 A-epitranscriptional, translational, and post-translational (phosphorylation or secretion) levels that were reversed by inhibitor treatment. As suggested by the aforesaid chemoproteomic analysis, these multi-omics-correlated changes revealed a G9a-regulated translational mechanism of COVID-19 pathogenesis in which G9a directs translation of viral and host proteins associated with SARS-CoV-2 replication and with dysregulation of host response. Comparison of proteomic analyses of G9a inhibitor-treated, SARS-CoV-2 infected cells, or ex vivo culture of patient PBMCs, with COVID-19 patient data revealed that G9a inhibition reversed the patient proteomic landscape that correlated with COVID-19 pathology/symptoms. These data also indicated that the G9a-regulated, inhibitor-reversed, translational mechanism outperformed G9a-transcriptional suppression to ultimately determine COVID-19 pathogenesis and to define the inhibitor action, from which biomarkers of serve symptom vulnerability were mechanistically derived. This cell line-to-patient conservation of G9a-translated, COVID-19 proteome suggests that G9a inhibitors can be used to treat patients with COVID-19, particularly patients with long-lasting COVID-19 sequelae.
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Zhao T, Sun D, Long K, Xiong W, Man J, Zhang Q, Zhang Z. N 6-methyladenosine promotes aberrant redox homeostasis required for arsenic carcinogenesis by controlling the adaptation of key antioxidant enzymes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133329. [PMID: 38142659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133329] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a high-profile RNA epigenetic modification, responds to oxidative stress and temporal-specifically mediates arsenic carcinogenesis. However, how m6A affects aberrant redox homeostasis required for arsenic carcinogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we established arsenic-carcinogenic models of different stages, including As-treated, As-transformed, and As-tumorigenic cell models. We found that arsenic-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) elevated m6A levels, thus triggering m6A-dependent antioxidant defenses. During arsenic-induced cell transformation, METTL3-upregulated m6A on the mRNAs of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, TXN, and GPX1 promoted the mRNA translation and protein expressions of these antioxidant enzymes by increasing YTHDF1-mediated mRNA stability. Meanwhile, FTO-downregulated m6A on PRDX5 mRNA increased PRDX5 translation and expression by reducing YTHDF2-mediated mRNA decay. After upregulated antioxidant defenses balanced with high levels of ROS induced by arsenic, the m6A balance formed in mRNAs of six key antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, SOD2, CAT, TXN, GPX1, and PRDX5) and promoted high expressions of these antioxidant enzymes to maintain aberrant redox homeostasis. METTL3 inhibitor STM2457, FTO inhibitor FB23-2, or YTHDF1 knockdown disturbed the aberrant redox homeostasis by breaking the m6A balance, causing cell death in arsenic-induced tumors. Our results demonstrated that m6A promotes the formation and maintenance of aberrant redox homeostasis required for arsenic carcinogenesis by time-dependently orchestrating the adaptive expressions of six key m6A-targeted antioxidant enzymes. This study advances our understanding of arsenic carcinogenicity from the novel aspect of m6A-dependent adaptation to arsenic-induced oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhe Zhao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Donglei Sun
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Keyan Long
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenxiao Xiong
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin Man
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zunzhen Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Hashemi M, Daneii P, Zandieh MA, Raesi R, Zahmatkesh N, Bayat M, Abuelrub A, Khazaei Koohpar Z, Aref AR, Zarrabi A, Rashidi M, Salimimoghadam S, Entezari M, Taheriazam A, Khorrami R. Non-coding RNA-Mediated N6-Methyladenosine (m 6A) deposition: A pivotal regulator of cancer, impacting key signaling pathways in carcinogenesis and therapy response. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:84-104. [PMID: 38075202 PMCID: PMC10700483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of RNA modifications has recently been considered as critical post-transcriptional regulations which governed gene expression. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most abundant type of RNA modification which is mediated by three distinct classes of proteins called m6A writers, readers, and erasers. Accumulating evidence has been made in understanding the role of m6A modification of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in cancer. Importantly, aberrant expression of ncRNAs and m6A regulators has been elucidated in various cancers. As the key role of ncRNAs in regulation of cancer hallmarks is well accepted now, it could be accepted that m6A modification of ncRNAs could affect cancer progression. The present review intended to discuss the latest knowledge and importance of m6A epigenetic regulation of ncRNAs including mircoRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, and their interaction in the context of cancer. Moreover, the current insight into the underlying mechanisms of therapy resistance and also immune response and escape mediated by m6A regulators and ncRNAs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouria Daneii
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Arad Zandieh
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Raesi
- Department of Health Services Management, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Neda Zahmatkesh
- Department of Genetics, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mehrsa Bayat
- Department of Health Sciences, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Anwar Abuelrub
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Health Sciences Institute, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeinab Khazaei Koohpar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Khorrami
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Shan M, Liu D, Sun L, Yang M, He M, Zhang Y, Xiang L, Lu L, He H, Niu D, Chen L, Li S, Chen A, He F, Wang Y, Lian J. KIAA1429 facilitates metastasis via m6A-YTHDC1-dependent RND3 down-regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cancer Lett 2024; 584:216598. [PMID: 38224863 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a dynamically reversible modification in eukaryotic RNAs, modulates gene expression and pathological processes in various tumors. KIAA1429, the largest component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, plays an important role in m6A modification. However, the underlying mechanism of KIAA1429 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. Immunohistochemical assay was performed to examine the expression of KIAA1429 in HCC tissues. Transwell, wound healing and animal experiments were used to investigate the influence of KIAA1429 on cell migration and invasion. The mRNA high-throughput sequencing (RNA-seq) and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) were performed to screen the downstream target of KIAA1429. RNA stability assays, RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP), MeRIP-qPCR and luciferase assay were used to evaluate the relationship between KIAA1429 and the m6A-modified genes. Results showed that the expression level of KIAA1429 was significantly higher in HCC tissues than in adjacent tissues, and the upregulation of KIAA1429 could promote HCC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we confirmed that KIAA1429 negatively regulated the tumor suppressor, Rho family GTPase 3 (RND3), by decreasing its mRNA stability in coordination with the m6A reader YTHDC1. Moreover, we demonstrated that KIAA1429 could regulate the m6A modification of RND3 mRNA via its RNA binding domain. Our data indicated that KIAA1429 exerted its oncogenic role by inhibiting RND3 expression in an m6A-dependent manner, suggesting that KIAA1429 might be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihua Shan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Liangbo Sun
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Mingzhen Yang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Meng He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Li Xiang
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Haiyan He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Dun Niu
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lingxi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shuhui Li
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - An Chen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Fengtian He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Jiqin Lian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Wu J, Wang W, Zheng Y, Deng W, Liu J. Transcription factor RELA promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by promoting the transcription of m6A modulator METTL3. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 255:155168. [PMID: 38367599 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the biological function of RELA proto-oncogene, NF-kB subunit (RELA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, and its potential regulatory effects on the regulators of m6A modification. METHODS AND MATERIALS GEPIA, UALCAN and Human Protein Atlas databases were applied to analyze the expression characteristics of RELA in HCC tissues and non-cancer liver tissues, and its relationship with clinicopathologic indicators and prognosis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression level of RELA mRNA in HCC cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, EdU assay and flow cytometry were used to examine cell growth and apoptosis. PROMO database was applied to predict the binding sequence between RELA and methyltransferase like protein 3 (METTL3) promoter region, and this prediction was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene experiment and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The effect of RELA on METTL3 expression was examined by Western blot and qRT-PCT, and the regulatory effects of RELA on the other m6A regulators were evaluated by qRT-PCR. RESULTS RELA was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines, and was closely associated with adverse clinicopathologic indicators and poor prognosis of patients. Overexpression of RELA promoted the growth of HCC cells and inhibited apoptosis; Knocking down RELA had the opposite effects. Overexpression of RELA promoted METTL3 transcription. Knockdown or overexpression of METTL3 reversed the effects of overexpression or knockdown of RELA on HCC cell growth and apoptosis, respectively. RELA also promoted the expression of a series of m6A regulators at mRNA expression level in HCC cell lines. CONCLUSION RELA promotes the transcription of METTL3 by binding to METTL3 promoter region, thus promoting the malignancy of HCC cells. This study suggests NF-κB signaling contributes the dysregulation of m6A modification in HCC tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguo Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Weixing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China.
| | - Yongbin Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Wenhong Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Jiasheng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
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Hobble HV, Schaner Tooley CE. Intrafamily heterooligomerization as an emerging mechanism of methyltransferase regulation. Epigenetics Chromatin 2024; 17:5. [PMID: 38429855 PMCID: PMC10908127 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-024-00530-0] [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] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein and nucleic acid methylation are important biochemical modifications. In addition to their well-established roles in gene regulation, they also regulate cell signaling, metabolism, and translation. Despite this high biological relevance, little is known about the general regulation of methyltransferase function. Methyltransferases are divided into superfamilies based on structural similarities and further classified into smaller families based on sequence/domain/target similarity. While members within superfamilies differ in substrate specificity, their structurally similar active sites indicate a potential for shared modes of regulation. Growing evidence from one superfamily suggests a common regulatory mode may be through heterooligomerization with other family members. Here, we describe examples of methyltransferase regulation through intrafamily heterooligomerization and discuss how this can be exploited for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley V Hobble
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Christine E Schaner Tooley
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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50
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Chen Z, Zhou J, Wu Y, Chen F, Li J, Tao L, Tian Y, Wang H, Li J, Li Z, He W, Zhang K, Wang H. METTL3 promotes cellular senescence of colorectal cancer via modulation of CDKN2B transcription and mRNA stability. Oncogene 2024; 43:976-991. [PMID: 38361047 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02956-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Cellular senescence plays a critical role in cancer development, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our recent study uncovered that replicative senescent colorectal cancer (CRC) cells exhibit increased levels of mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and methyltransferase METTL3. Knockdown of METTL3 can restore the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) of CRC cells. Our findings, which were confirmed by m6A-sequencing and functional studies, demonstrate that the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B (CDKN2B, encoding p15INK4B) is a mediator of METTL3-regulated CRC senescence. Specifically, m6A modification at position A413 in the coding sequence (CDS) of CDKN2B positively regulates its mRNA stability by recruiting IGF2BP3 and preventing binding with the CCR4-NOT complex. Moreover, increased METTL3 methylates and stabilizes the mRNA of E2F1, which binds to the -208 to -198 regions of the CDKN2B promoter to facilitate transcription. Inhibition of METTL3 or specifically targeting CDKN2B methylation can suppress CRC senescence. Finally, the METTL3/CDKN2B axis-induced senescence can facilitate M2 macrophage polarization and is correlated with aging and CRC progression. The involvement of METTL3/CDKN2B in cell senescence provides a new potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment and expands our understanding of mRNA methylation's role in cellular senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojia Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jiawang Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - You Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jianing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lijun Tao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yifan Tian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Haoran Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jiexin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zigang Li
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518067, China
| | - Weiling He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, Fujian, China.
| | - Kun Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China.
| | - Hongsheng Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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