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Xie D, Wang P, Chen W, Lin J, Wu M, Wang Y, Xia H, Cheng C, Ye F, Syed BM, Liu Q. Urea cycle promotion via ammonia-upregulated CPS1 is involved in arsenite-induced pulmonary fibrosis through enhancing collagen synthesis. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 396:111029. [PMID: 38703806 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic exposure is connected with lung toxicity and is related to lung fibrotic changes. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Various genetic mechanisms and environmental factors induce or exacerbate pulmonary fibrosis. Collagen synthesis induced by sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) is closely associated with IPF. Fibroblasts tend to fine-tune their metabolic networks to support their synthetic requirements in response to environmental stimuli. Alterations in metabolism have an influential role in the pathogenesis of IPF. However, it is unclear how arsenic affects the metabolism in IPF. The urea cycle (UC) is needed for collagen formation, which provides adequate levels of proline (Pro) for biosynthesis of collagen. Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) converts the ammonia to carbamoyl phosphate, which controls the first reaction of the UC. We show that, in arsenite-exposed mice, high amounts of ammonia in the lung microenvironment promotes the expression levels of CPS1 and the Pro metabolism. Reduction of ammonia and CPS1 ablation inhibit collagen synthesis and ameliorate IPF phenotypes induced by arsenite. This work takes advantage of multi-omics data to enhance understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, the key molecules and the complicated cellular responses to this pollutant, which provide a target for the prevention of pulmonary fibrosis caused by arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daxiao Xie
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Peiwen Wang
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiyong Chen
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaheng Lin
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Xia
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuping Ye
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Binafsha Manzoor Syed
- Medical Research Centre, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, 76090, Sindh, Pakistan.
| | - Qizhan Liu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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He X, Tang B, Zou P, Song Z, Liu J, Pi Z, Xiao Y, Xiao R. m6A RNA methylation: The latent string-puller in fibrosis. Life Sci 2024; 346:122644. [PMID: 38614300 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological phenomenon characterized by the aberrant accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissues. Fibrosis is a universally age-related disease involving that many organs and is the final stage of many chronic inflammatory diseases, which often threaten the patient's health. Undoubtedly, fibrosis has become a serious economic and health burden worldwide, However, the pathogenesis of fibrosis is complex. Further, the key molecules still remain to be unraveled. Hence, so far, there have been no effective treatments designed against the key targets of fibrosis. The methylation modification on the nitrogen atom at position 6 of adenine (m6A) is the most common mRNA modification in mammals. There is increasing evidence that m6A is actively involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. This review aims to highlight m6A-associated mechanisms and functions in several organic fibrosis, which implies that m6A is universal and critical for fibrosis and summarize the outlook of m6A in the treatment of fibrosis. This may light up the unknown aspects of this condition for researchers interested to explore fibrosis further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglan He
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Bingsi Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Puyu Zou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Zehong Song
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Jiani Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Zixin Pi
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yangfan Xiao
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan.
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3
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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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Li SR, Kang NN, Wang RR, Li MD, Chen LH, Zhou P, Xu DX, Zhao H, Fu L. ALKBH5 SUMOylation-mediated FBXW7 m6A modification regulates alveolar cells senescence during 1-nitropyrene-induced pulmonary fibrosis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133704. [PMID: 38364577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133704] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Our previous study revealed that 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) exposure evoked pulmonary fibrosis in mice. However, the exact mechanism remained elusive. We found that 1-NP induced telomere damage and cellular senescence in mice lungs, and two alveolar epithelial cells lines. 1-NP downregulated telomere repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2), and upregulated FBXW7. Mechanistically, 1-NP-caused TRF2 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation depended on E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of FBXW7. Moreover, 1-NP upregulated FBXW7 m6A modification via an ALKBH5-YTHDF1-dependent manner. Further analysis suggested 1-NP promoted ALKBH5 SUMOylation and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Additionally, 1-NP evoked mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) overproduction. Mito-TEMPO, a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, mitigated 1-NP-caused mtROS overproduction, ALKBH5 SUMOylation, FBXW7 m6A modification, TRF2 degradation, cellular senescence, and pulmonary fibrosis. Taken together, mtROS-initiated ALKBH5 SUMOylation and subsequent FBXW7 m6A modification is indispensable for TRF2 degradation and cellular senescence in alveolar epithelial cells during 1-NP-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Our study provides target intervention measures towards 1-NP-evoked pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ruo Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Ning-Ning Kang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Rong-Rong Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Meng-Die Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Li-Hong Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
| | - Lin Fu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
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Li Y, Jiang C, Zhu W, Lu S, Yu H, Meng L. Exploring therapeutic targets for molecular therapy of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Sci Prog 2024; 107:368504241247402. [PMID: 38651330 PMCID: PMC11036936 DOI: 10.1177/00368504241247402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by repeated alveolar epithelial damage leading to abnormal repair. The intercellular microenvironment is disturbed, leading to continuous activation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, deposition of extracellular matrix, and ultimately fibrosis. Moreover, pulmonary fibrosis was also found as a COVID-19 complication. Currently, two drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are approved for clinical therapy worldwide. However, they can merely slow the disease's progression rather than rescue it. These two drugs have other limitations, such as lack of efficacy, adverse effects, and poor pharmacokinetics. Consequently, a growing number of molecular therapies have been actively developed. Treatment options for IPF are becoming increasingly available. This article reviews the research platform, including cell and animal models involved in molecular therapy studies of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as well as the promising therapeutic targets and their development progress during clinical trials. The former includes patient case/control studies, cell models, and animal models. The latter includes transforming growth factor-beta, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, lysophosphatidic acid, interleukin-13, Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase family, and Janus kinases/signal transducers and activators of transcription pathway. We mainly focused on the therapeutic targets that have not only entered clinical trials but were publicly published with their clinical outcomes. Moreover, this work provides an outlook on some promising targets for further validation of their possibilities to cure the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- First Department of Respiratory Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Congshan Jiang
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhua Zhu
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shemin Lu
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongchuan Yu
- First Department of Respiratory Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Liesu Meng
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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Sui X, Sui Y, Long P, Wang Y, Chen Y, Zhai W, Gao L. Arginase 1 does not affect RNA m6A methylation in mouse fetal lung. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2318. [PMID: 38362594 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2318] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arginase 1 (Arg1) encodes a key enzyme that catalyzes the metabolism of arginine to ornithine and urea. In our recent study, we found that knockdown of Arg1 in the lungs of fetal mice induces apoptosis of epithelial cells and dramatically delays initiation of labor. As the most abundant internal mRNA modification, N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) has been found to play important roles in lung development and cellular differentiation. However, if the knockdown of Arg1 affects the RNA m6A modification in fetal lungs remains unknown. METHODS In the current study, the RNA m6A levels and the expression of RNA m6A related enzymes were validated in 13.0 dpc fetal lungs that Arg1 was knocked down by adeno-associated virus carrying Arg1-shRNA, using western blot, immunofluorescence, and RT-qPCR. RESULTS No statistical differences were found in the expression of methyltransferase, demethylases, and binding proteins in the fetal lungs between AAV-shArg1-injected mice and AAV-2/9-injected mice. Besides, there is no significant change of overall RNA m6A level in fetal lungs from AAV-shArg1-injected mice, compared with that from AAV-2/9-injected mice. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that arginase 1 does not affect RNA m6A methylation in mouse fetal lung, and the mechanisms other than RNA m6A modification underlying the effects of Arg1 knockdown on the fetal lung development and their interaction with labor initiation need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Sui
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyu Sui
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peihua Long
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjia Zhai
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Gao
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
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7
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Xu C, Song C, Wang W, Liu B, Li G, Fu T, Hao B, Li N, Geng Q. Comprehensive analysis of m6A modification in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice. Mol Med 2024; 30:14. [PMID: 38254010 PMCID: PMC10804706 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00782-2] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the most prevalent post-transcriptional modification in mRNA, and plays significant roles in various diseases. Nevertheless, the precise functions of m6A modification in the formation of ALI remain unclear. In this study we explore the transcriptome distribution of m6A methylation and its probable roles of in ALI. METHODS Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was utilized to establish an ALI mouse model. Real-time qPCR, Western blotting and m6A dot blot were utilized to assess m6A methylation level and the expression of m6A methylation enzymes. MeRIP-Seq and RNA-seq were utilized to explore differential m6A modifications and differentially expressed genes in ALI mice. The hub genes and enriched pathways were assessed by Real-time qPCR and Western blotting. RESULTS Our findings showed that overall m6A methylation level was increased in ALI mice lung tissues, accompanied by lower levels of METTL3 and FTO. Notably, the protein expression of these methylases were different in various cells. There were 772 differently expressed m6A peaks in ALI as compared to the control group, with 316 being hypermethylated and 456 being hypomethylated. GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated these differentially methylated genes were associated with the calcium signaling pathway and cAMP signaling pathway. Furthermore, we identified 50 genes with distinct m6A peaks and mRNA expressions by combined analysis of MeRIP-Seq and RNA-Seq. KEGG analysis also demonstrated that these overlapped genes were closely associated with the calcium signaling pathway, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, etc. Besides, Western blotting results demonstrated that the protein expression of Fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane protein 3 (Flrt3) as well as the calcium signaling pathway and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, increased significantly after ALI. CONCLUSIONS m6A modification was paramount in the pathogenesis of ALI, and provided a foundation for the further investigation in the prevention and treatment of ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenzhen Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Congkuan Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Wenjie Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Bohao Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Guorui Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Tinglv Fu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Bo Hao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Qing Geng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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8
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Wang P, Xie D, Xiao T, Cheng C, Wang D, Sun J, Wu M, Yang Y, Zhang A, Liu Q. H3K18 lactylation promotes the progression of arsenite-related idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis via YTHDF1/m6A/NREP. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132582. [PMID: 37742376 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
As epigenetic modifications, lactylation and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) have attracted wide attention. Arsenite is an environmental pollutant that has been proven to induce idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, the molecular mechanisms of lactylation and m6A methylation are unclear in arsenite-related IPF (As-IPF). In view of the limited understanding of molecular mechanism of m6A and lactylation in As-IPF, MeRIP-seq, RNA-seq and ChIP-seq were analyzed to verify the target gene regulated by m6A and H3K18 lactylation (H3K18la). We found that, for As-IPF, the global levels of m6A, levels of YTHDF1 and m6A-modified neuronal protein 3.1 (NREP) were elevated in alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). The secretion levels of TGF-β1 were increased via YTHDF1/m6A/NREP, which promoted the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT). Further, extracellular lactate from myofibroblasts elevated levels of the global lactylation (Kla) and H3K18la via the lactate monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), and, in AECs, H3K18la facilitated the transcription of Ythdf1. This report highlights the role of crosstalk between AECs and myofibroblasts via lactylation and m6A and the significance of H3K18la regulation of YTHDF1 in the progression of As-IPF, which may be useful for finding effective therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiwen Wang
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Daxiao Xie
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Tian Xiao
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Dapeng Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Jing Sun
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Meng Wu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yi Yang
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Qizhan Liu
- Center for Global Health, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Suzhou Institute of Public Health, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, PR China.
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9
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Sun Y, Jin D, Zhang Z, Ji H, An X, Zhang Y, Yang C, Sun W, Zhang Y, Duan Y, Kang X, Jiang L, Zhao X, Lian F. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation in kidney diseases: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194967. [PMID: 37553065 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is regulated by methylases, commonly referred to as "writers," and demethylases, known as "erasers," leading to a dynamic and reversible process. Changes in m6A levels have been implicated in a wide range of cellular processes, including nuclear RNA export, mRNA metabolism, protein translation, and RNA splicing, establishing a strong correlation with various diseases. Both physiologically and pathologically, m6A methylation plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of kidney disease. The methylation of m6A may also facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases, according to accumulating research. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential role and mechanism of m6A methylation in kidney diseases, as well as its potential application in the treatment of such diseases. There will be a thorough examination of m6A methylation mechanisms, paying particular attention to the interplay between m6A writers, m6A erasers, and m6A readers. Furthermore, this paper will elucidate the interplay between various kidney diseases and m6A methylation, summarize the expression patterns of m6A in pathological kidney tissues, and discuss the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting m6A in the context of kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Sun
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - De Jin
- Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziwei Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Hangyu Ji
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuedong An
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehong Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cunqing Yang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Duan
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomin Kang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Jiang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefei Zhao
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fengmei Lian
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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10
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Xu Y, Wang L, Qian R, Zhao M, Chen X, Sun D, Wang Y, Cheng W, Chen Y, He Q, Dai Y, Yao Y. Increased m6A-RNA methylation and demethylase FTO suppression is associated with silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. Toxicology 2023; 500:153673. [PMID: 37979906 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Silicosis is a severe worldwide occupational hazard, characterized with lung tissue inflammation and irreversible fibrosis caused by crystalline silicon dioxide. As the most common and abundant internal modification of messenger RNAs or noncoding RNAs, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is dysregulated in the chromic period of silicosis. However, whether m6A modification is involved in the early phase of silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis and its specific effector cells remains unknown. In this study, we established a pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis mouse model by silica particles on day 7 and day 28. Then, we examined the global m6A modification level by m6A dot blot and m6A RNA methylation quantification kits. The key m6A regulatory factors were analyzed by RTqPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in normal and silicosis mice. The results showed that the global m6A modification level was upregulated in silicosis lung tissues with the demethylase FTO suppression after silica exposure for 7 days and 28 days. METTL3, METTL14, ALKBH5, and other m6A readers had no obvious differences between the control and silicosis groups. Then, single-cell sequencing analysis revealed that thirteen kinds of cells were recognized in silicosis lung tissues, and the mRNA expression of FTO was downregulated in epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and monocytes. These results were further confirmed in mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE-12) exposed to silica and in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of silicosis patients. In conclusion, the high level of global m6A modification in the early stage of silicosis is induced by the downregulation of the demethylase FTO, which may provide a novel target for the diagnosis and treatment of silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyi Xu
- Molecular Toxicology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Department of Toxicology and Pathology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Liqun Wang
- Department of Toxicology and Pathology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Rui Qian
- Department of Toxicology and Pathology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Manyu Zhao
- Department of Toxicology and Pathology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xuxi Chen
- Department of Toxicology and Pathology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Donglei Sun
- Molecular Toxicology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Department of Toxicology and Pathology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Molecular Toxicology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Department of Toxicology and Pathology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Weibo Cheng
- Molecular Toxicology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Department of Toxicology and Pathology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yiping Chen
- Department of Clinical Lab, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qiurong He
- Department of Clinical Lab, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yi Dai
- Department of Urology and Pelvic surgery and Andrology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| | - Yuqin Yao
- Molecular Toxicology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Education Office, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Department of Toxicology and Pathology, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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11
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Ji-hong Y, Yu M, Ling-hong Y, Jing-jing G, Ling-li X, Lv W, Yong-mei J. Baicalein attenuates bleomycin-induced lung fibroblast senescence and lung fibrosis through restoration of Sirt3 expression. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2023; 61:288-297. [PMID: 36815239 PMCID: PMC9970214 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2160767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Fibroblast senescence was reported to contribute to the pathological development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and baicalein is reported to attenuate IPF. OBJECTIVE This study explores whether baicalein attenuates lung fibrosis by regulating lung fibroblast senescence. MATERIALS AND METHODS Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly assigned to control, bleomycin (BLM), baicalein and BLM + baicalein groups. Lung fibrosis was established by a single intratracheal dose of BLM (3 mg/kg). The baicalein group received baicalein orally (100 mg/kg/day). Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) siRNA (50 μg) was injected through the tail vein once a week for 2 weeks to explore its effect on the anti-pulmonary fibrosis of baicalein. RESULTS BLM-treated mice exhibited obvious lung fibrosis and fibroblast senescence by showing increased levels of collagen deposition (27.29% vs. 4.14%), hydroxyproline (208.05 vs. 40.16 ng/mg), collagen I (25.18 vs. 9.15 μg/mg), p53, p21, p16, MCP-1, PAI-1, TNF-α, MMP-10 and MMP-12 in lung tissues, which were attenuated by baicalein. Baicalein also mitigated BLM-mediated activation of TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway. Baicalein restored the BLM-induced downregulation of Sirt3 expression in lung tissues and silencing of Sirt3 abolished the inhibitory role of baicalein against BLM-induced lung fibrosis, fibroblast senescence and activation of TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Baicalein preserved the BLM-induced downregulation of lung Sirt3 expression, and thus the suppression of TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway and lung fibrosis, which might provide an experimental basis for treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ji-hong
- Department of Acute and Critical Care, Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ma Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Baoshan Traditional Chinese Medicine-integrated Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Ling-hong
- Department of Acute and Critical Care, Changxing Branch of Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gong Jing-jing
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Ling-li
- Department of Acute and Critical Care, Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wang Lv
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Yong-mei
- Department of Nursing, Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Ye W, Lv X, Gao S, Li Y, Luan J, Wang S. Emerging role of m6A modification in fibrotic diseases and its potential therapeutic effect. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115873. [PMID: 37884198 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis can occur in a variety of organs such as the heart, lung, liver and kidney, and its pathological changes are mainly manifested by an increase in fibrous connective tissue and a decrease in parenchymal cells in organ tissues, and continuous progression can lead to structural damage and organ hypofunction, or even failure, seriously threatening human health and life. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, as one of the most common types of internal modifications of RNA in eukaryotes, exerts a multifunctional role in physiological and pathological processes by regulating the metabolism of RNA. With the in-depth understanding and research of fibrosis, we found that m6A modification plays an important role in fibrosis, and m6A regulators can further participate in the pathophysiological process of fibrosis by regulating the function of specific cells. In our review, we summarized the latest research advances in m6A modification in fibrosis, as well as the specific functions of different m6A regulators. In addition, we focused on the mechanisms and roles of m6A modification in cardiac fibrosis, liver fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis, retinal fibrosis and oral submucosal fibrosis, with the aim of providing new insights and references for finding potential therapeutic targets for fibrosis. Finally, we discussed the prospects and challenges of targeted m6A modification in the treatment of fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wufei Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Liver Disease of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Songsen Gao
- Department of Orthopedics (Spinal Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yueran Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jiajie Luan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China.
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13
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Pan X, Wang C, Zhan Y, Chen J, Wang Z, Lan R, Chen J, Zhang W, Chen C, Zhang M, Huang F, Hong J. A Subset of Breg Cells, B10, Contributes to the Development of Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:237-251. [PMID: 37054996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.03.077] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a serious side effect of radiation therapy, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. B10 cells, as negative B regulatory cells, play important roles in regulating inflammation and autoimmunity. However, the role of B10 cells in RIPF progression is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the role of B10 cells in aggravating RIPF and the underlying mechanism. METHODS AND MATERIALS The role of B10 cells in RIPF was studied by constructing mouse models of RIPF and depleting B10 cells with an anti-CD22 antibody. The mechanism of B10 cells in RIPF was further explored through cocultivation of B10 cells and MLE-12 or NIH3T3 cells and administration of an interleukin (IL)-10 antibody to block IL-10. RESULTS B10 cell numbers increased significantly during the early stage in the RIPF mouse models compared with the controls. In addition, depleting B10 cells with the anti-CD22 antibody attenuated the development of lung fibrosis in mice. Subsequently, we confirmed that B10 cells induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the transformation of myofibroblasts via activation of STAT3 signaling in vitro. After blockade of IL-10, it was verified that IL-10 secreted by B10 cells mediates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of myofibroblasts, thereby promoting RIPF. CONCLUSIONS Our study uncovers a novel role for IL-10-secreting B10 cells that could be a new target of research for relieving RIPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxian Pan
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Department of Radiotherapy, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical Universisty, Fuzhou 350212, China
| | - Caihong Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Department of Radiotherapy, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical Universisty, Fuzhou 350212, China
| | - Yuping Zhan
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Department of Radiotherapy, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical Universisty, Fuzhou 350212, China
| | - Jinmei Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Department of Radiotherapy, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical Universisty, Fuzhou 350212, China; Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian higher education institutions, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Zeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian higher education institutions, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Central Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Ruilong Lan
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, Fuzhou 350005, China; Central Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Junying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian higher education institutions, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Central Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Weijian Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Department of Radiotherapy, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical Universisty, Fuzhou 350212, China; Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian higher education institutions, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Chun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Mingwei Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Department of Radiotherapy, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical Universisty, Fuzhou 350212, China; Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian higher education institutions, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Fei Huang
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, Fuzhou 350005, China; Central Lab, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China.
| | - Jinsheng Hong
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China; Department of Radiotherapy, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical Universisty, Fuzhou 350212, China; Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian higher education institutions, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China.
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14
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Ni W, Zhou H, Lu H, Ma N, Hou B, Li W, Kong F, Yu J, Hou R, Jin J, Wen J, Zhang T, Meng X. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of METTL3 alleviates renal fibrosis by reducing EVL m6A modification through an IGF2BP2-dependent mechanism. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1359. [PMID: 37537731 PMCID: PMC10400756 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6 -methyladenosine (m6A) is of great importance in renal physiology and disease progression, but its function and mechanism in renal fibrosis remain to be comprehensively and extensively explored. Hence, this study will explore the function and potential mechanism of critical regulator-mediated m6A modification during renal fibrosis and thereby explore promising anti-renal fibrosis agents. METHODS Renal tissues from humans and mice as well as HK-2 cells were used as research subjects. The profiles of m6A modification and regulators in renal fibrosis were analysed at the protein and RNA levels using Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and other methods. Methylation RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing coupled with methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) conditional knockout were used to explore the function of METTL3 and potential targets. Gene silencing and overexpression combined with RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to investigate the underlying mechanism by which METTL3 regulates the Ena/VASP-like (EVL) m6A modification that promotes renal fibrosis. Molecular docking and virtual screening with in vitro and in vivo experiments were applied to screen promising traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers and explore their mechanism of regulating the METTL3/EVL m6A axis and anti-renal fibrosis. RESULTS METTL3 and m6A modifications were hyperactivated in both the tubular region of fibrotic kidneys and HK-2 cells. Upregulated METTL3 enhanced the m6A modification of EVL mRNA to improve its stability and expression in an insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2)-dependent manner. Highly expressed EVL binding to Smad7 abrogated the Smad7-induced suppression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1)/Smad3 signal transduction, which conversely facilitated renal fibrosis progression. Molecular docking and virtual screening based on the structure of METTL3 identified a TCM monomer named isoforsythiaside, which inhibited METTL3 activity together with the METTL3/EVL m6A axis to exert anti-renal fibrosis effects. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the overactivated METTL3/EVL m6A axis is a potential target for renal fibrosis therapy, and the pharmacological inhibition of METTL3 activity by isoforsythiaside suggests that it is a promising anti-renal fibrosis agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Jian Ni
- Department of PharmacyAnhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of PharmacyAnhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Hao Lu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Nan‐Nan Ma
- Department of UrologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Bing‐Bing Hou
- Department of UrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Fan‐Xu Kong
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
- Department of PharmacyThe Second People's Hospital of HefeiHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Ju‐Tao Yu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Rui Hou
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Juan Jin
- Research Center for Translational MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
- School of Basic MedicineAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jia‐Gen Wen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of UrologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xiao‐Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceAnhui Institute of Innovative DrugsSchool of PharmacyAnhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiPeople's Republic of China
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15
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Hou X, Li Y, Song J, Peng L, Zhang W, Liu R, Yuan H, Feng T, Li J, Li W, Zhu C. METTL14 reverses liver fibrosis by inhibiting NOVA2 through an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent mechanism. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0199. [PMID: 37534933 PMCID: PMC10409442 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000199] [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] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent internal RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, is dynamically regulated in response to a wide range of physiological and pathological states. Nonetheless, the involvement of METTL14-induced m6A in liver fibrosis (LF) has yet to be established. METHODS In vitro, HSC cell lines with knock-down and overexpression of METTL14 were constructed, and the effects of METTL14 gene on the phenotypic function of activated HSCs were observed. The proliferation rate was measured by CCK8 and EDU, the cell proliferation cycle was measured by flow detector, the migration rate was measured by Transwell, and the contractility of F-actin was observed after phalloidin staining. The downstream target gene NOVA2 of METTL14 was screened by combined sequencing of MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq, combined with signal analysis. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) was injected into the tail vein in vivo to knock down the expression of METTL14, so as to further observe the role of METTL14 in the progress of LF. RESULTS our research showed that the methylase METTL14 content was decreased in hepatic tissue from patients with LF, leading to a lowered degree of m6A modification. Functionally, we discovered that knocking down m6A methyltransferase METTL14 led to increased HSC activation and a substantial worsening of LF. Mechanically, as shown in a multiomics study of HSCs, depleting METTL14 levels decreased m6A deposition onNOVA2 mRNA transcripts, which prompted the activation of YTHDF2 to detect and degrade the decrease of NOVA2 mRNA. CONCLUSIONS METTL14 functioned as a profibrotic gene by suppressing NOVA2 activity in a mechanism dependent on m6A-YTHDF2. Moreover, knocking down METTL14 exacerbated LF, while NOVA2 prevented its development and partly reversed the damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Hou
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuwen Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiali Song
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Linya Peng
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Tropical Diseases of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tiantong Feng
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jieying Li
- Department of Tropical Diseases of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Tropical Diseases of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Chuanlong Zhu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Tropical Diseases of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Zhang H, Yang Y, Liu Z, Xu H, Zhu H, Wang P, Liang G. Significance of methylation-related genes in diagnosis and subtype classification of renal interstitial fibrosis. Hereditas 2023; 160:32. [PMID: 37496082 PMCID: PMC10373342 DOI: 10.1186/s41065-023-00295-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA methylation modifications, such as N1-methyladenosine/N6-methyladenosine /N5-methylcytosine (m1A/m6A/m5C), are the most common RNA modifications and are crucial for a number of biological processes. Nonetheless, the role of RNA methylation modifications of m1A/m6A/m5C in the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) remains incompletely understood. METHODS Firstly, we downloaded 2 expression datasets from the GEO database, namely GSE22459 and GSE76882. In a differential analysis of these datasets between patients with and without RIF, we selected 33 methylation-related genes (MRGs). We then applied a PPI network, LASSO analysis, SVM-RFE algorithm, and RF algorithm to identify key MRGs. RESULTS We eventually obtained five candidate MRGs (WTAP, ALKBH5, YTHDF2, RBMX, and ELAVL1) to forecast the risk of RIF. We created a nomogram model derived from five key MRGs, which revealed that the nomogram model may be advantageous to patients. Based on the selected five significant MRGs, patients with RIF were classified into two MRG patterns using consensus clustering, and the correlation between the five MRGs, the two MRG patterns, and the genetic pattern with immune cell infiltration was shown. Moreover, we conducted GO and KEGG analyses on 768 DEGs between MRG clusters A and B to look into their different involvement in RIF. To measure the MRG patterns, a PCA algorithm was developed to determine MRG scores for each sample. The MRG scores of the patients in cluster B were higher than those in cluster A. CONCLUSIONS Ultimately, we concluded that cluster A in the two MRG patterns identified on these five key m1A/m6A/m5C regulators may be associated with RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanchao Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Affilated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Urology, The Affilated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhengdao Liu
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Han Zhu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Peirui Wang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Guobiao Liang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
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Xu L, Shi Z, Pan Z, Wu R. METTL3 promotes hyperoxia-induced pyroptosis in neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia by inhibiting ATG8-mediated autophagy. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2023; 78:100253. [PMID: 37478627 PMCID: PMC10387564 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2023.100253] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays a vital role in lung disorders. However, the potential of m6A in neonatal Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the roles of METTL3 in BPD. METHODS BPD models were established by hyperoxia in vivo and in vitro. Histological analysis was determined using HE staining. Gene expression was determined using Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence. The release of IL-1β and IL-18 was detected using ELISA. The m6A sites of ATG8 were predicted by SCRAPM and verified by MeRIP assay. The location of GSDMD and ATG8 was determined by FISH assay. The interaction between ATG8 and GSDMD was detected using Coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Cell pyroptosis was determined using flow cytometry and TUNEL assays. RESULTS METTL3 was overexpressed in BPD, which was accompanied by an increase in m6A levels. Interestingly, METTL3 suppressed hyperoxia-mediated damage and pyroptosis in BEAS-2B cells and promoted cell autophagy. METTL3-mediated m6A modification of ATG8 suppressed its expression and disrupted the interaction between ATG8 and GSDMD. However, autophagy inhibition induced pyroptosis in BEAS-2B cells. In vivo assays showed that METTL3-mediated autophagy inhibition induced a decrease in the radial alveolar count and an increase in the mean linear intercept and promoted cell pyroptosis. CONCLUSION In conclusion, METTL3-mediated cell pyroptosis promotes BPD by regulating the m6A modification of ATG8. This may provide new insight into the development of BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Xu
- Huai'an Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Yangzhou University Medical College, Neonatal Medical Center, Huai'an, China
| | - Zhan Shi
- Huai'an Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Yangzhou University Medical College, Neonatal Medical Center, Huai'an, China
| | - Zhaojun Pan
- Huai'an Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Yangzhou University Medical College, Neonatal Medical Center, Huai'an, China
| | - Rong Wu
- Huai'an Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Yangzhou University Medical College, Neonatal Medical Center, Huai'an, China.
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Feng Y, Yuan P, Guo H, Gu L, Yang Z, Wang J, Zhu W, Zhang Q, Cao J, Wang L, Jiao Y. METTL3 Mediates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Modulating FOXO1 mRNA N 6 -Methyladenosine-Dependent YTHDF2 Binding: A Novel Mechanism of Radiation-Induced Lung Injury. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2204784. [PMID: 37072646 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The biological roles of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the pathogenesis of radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) have been widely demonstrated, but the mechanisms involved have been incompletely elucidated. N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) modification, the most abundant reversible methylation modification in eukaryotic mRNAs, plays vital roles in multiple biological processes. Whether and how m6 A modification participates in ionizing radiation (IR)-induced EMT and RILI remain unclear. Here, significantly increased m6 A levels upon IR-induced EMT are detected both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, upregulated methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) expression and downregulated α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) expression are detected. In addition, blocking METTL3-mediated m6 A modification suppresses IR-induced EMT both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) is identified as a key target of METTL3 by a methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) assay. FOXO1 expression is downregulated by METTL3-mediated mRNA m6 A modification in a YTH-domain family 2 (YTHDF2)-dependent manner, which subsequently activates the AKT and ERK signaling pathways. Overall, the present study shows that IR-responsive METTL3 is involved in IR-induced EMT, probably by activating the AKT and ERK signaling pathways via YTHDF2-dependent FOXO1 m6 A modification, which may be a novel mechanism involved in the occurrence and development of RILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Hongjuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Liming Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zhao Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou, 215153, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Affiliated Jiangyin People's Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangyin, 214400, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jianping Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
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Ding JF, Sun H, Song K, Zhou Y, Tu B, Shi KH, Lu D, Xu SS, Tao H. IGFBP3 epigenetic promotion induced by METTL3 boosts cardiac fibroblast activation and fibrosis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 942:175494. [PMID: 36657656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis remains an unresolved problem in heart disease. Its etiology is directly caused by the activation and proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). However, there is limited information regarding the biological role of cardiac fibroblasts in cardiac fibrosis. Herein, we screened out a gene, IGFBP3, whose expression significantly increased in TGF-β1-stimulated human primary CFs by mining RNA-Seq data for differential and WGCNA. We verified the IGFBP3's expression in transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery, isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac fibrosis models, and TGFβ1-stimulated mouse primary CFs. We also found that the knockdown of IGFBP3 could inhibit the migration and proliferation ability of CFs. Furthermore, we found that aberrant N6-methyladenosine(m6A) mRNA modifications in the animal model and activated CFs may regulate the expression of IGFBP3 in developing cardiac fibrosis. Silencing METTL3 could downregulate the expression of IGFBP3 and inhibit the activation of CFs and the degree of cardiac fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo. Indeed, we also verified the expression of METTL3 and IGFBP3 in the atrial tissues of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Thus, METTL3 may regulate IGFBP3's expression and CFs activation via RNA epigenetic modifications, laying the foundation for a specific and novel therapeutic target in cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Fei Ding
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, PR China; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - He Sun
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, PR China
| | - Kai Song
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, PR China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, PR China
| | - Bin Tu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, PR China
| | - Kai-Hu Shi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
| | - Dong Lu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, PR China.
| | - Sheng-Song Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, PR China
| | - Hui Tao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, PR China.
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20
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Wang X, Guo Z, Yan F. RNA Epigenetics in Chronic Lung Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122381. [PMID: 36553648 PMCID: PMC9777603 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122381] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lung diseases are highly prevalent worldwide and cause significant mortality. Lung cancer is the end stage of many chronic lung diseases. RNA epigenetics can dynamically modulate gene expression and decide cell fate. Recently, studies have confirmed that RNA epigenetics plays a crucial role in the developing of chronic lung diseases. Further exploration of the underlying mechanisms of RNA epigenetics in chronic lung diseases, including lung cancer, may lead to a better understanding of the diseases and promote the development of new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. This article reviews basic information on RNA modifications, including N6 methylation of adenosine (m6A), N1 methylation of adenosine (m1A), N7-methylguanosine (m7G), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), 2'O-methylation (2'-O-Me or Nm), pseudouridine (5-ribosyl uracil or Ψ), and adenosine to inosine RNA editing (A-to-I editing). We then show how they relate to different types of lung disease. This paper hopes to summarize the mechanisms of RNA modification in chronic lung disease and finds a new way to develop early diagnosis and treatment of chronic lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362002, China
| | - Zhihou Guo
- Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362002, China
| | - Furong Yan
- Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362002, China
- Correspondence:
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21
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The Role of N 6-Methyladenosine in Inflammatory Diseases. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:9744771. [PMID: 36578520 PMCID: PMC9792239 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9744771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant epigenetic RNA modification in eukaryotes, regulating RNA metabolism (export, stability, translation, and decay) in cells through changes in the activity of writers, erasers, and readers and ultimately affecting human life or disease processes. Inflammation is a response to infection and injury in various diseases and has therefore attracted significant attention. Currently, extensive evidence indicates that m6A plays an essential role in inflammation. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of m6A in inflammatory autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorder, cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, and pathogen-induced inflammation, as well as its possible role as targets for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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22
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The m 6A methyltransferase Mettl3 deficiency attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis. Mol Ther 2022; 30:3714-3728. [PMID: 35923112 PMCID: PMC9734030 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central driver of liver fibrosis. Previous investigations have identified various altered epigenetic landscapes during the cellular progression of HSC activation. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotic cells and is dynamically regulated under various physiological and pathophysiological conditions. However, the functional role of Mettl3-mediated m6A in liver fibrosis remains elusive. Here, we found that the HSC-specific knockout of m6A methyltransferase Mettl3 suppressed HSC activation and significantly alleviated liver fibrosis. Multi-omics analysis of HSCs showed that Mettl3 depletion reduced m6A deposition on mRNA transcripts of Lats2 (a central player of the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway) and slowed down their degradation. Elevated Lats2 increased phosphorylation of the downstream transcription factor YAP, suppressed YAP nuclear translocation, and decreased pro-fibrotic gene expression. Overexpressing YAP mutant resistant to phosphorylation by Lats2 partially rescued the activation and pro-fibrotic gene expression of Mettl3-deficient HSCs. Our study revealed that disruption of Mettl3 in HSCs mitigated liver fibrosis by controlling the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway, providing potential therapeutic strategies to alleviate liver fibrosis by targeting epitranscriptomic machinery.
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Zhang Y, Gu P, Xie Y, Fan L, You X, Yang S, Yao Y, Chen W, Ma J. Insights into the mechanism underlying crystalline silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis via transcriptome-wide m 6A methylation profile. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 247:114215. [PMID: 36306621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Silicosis is one of the most severe interstitial lung fibrosis diseases worldwide, caused by crystalline silica exposure. While the mechanisms and pathogenesis underlying silicosis remained unknown. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation has received significant attention in a variety of human diseases. However, whether m6A methylation is involved in silicosis has not been clarified. In this study, we conducted methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) to profile the m6A modification in normal and silicosis mouse models (n = 3 pairs). The global levels of m6A methylation were further assessed by m6A RNA methylation quantification kits, and the major regulators of m6A RNA methylation were verified by qRT-PCR. Our results showed that long-term exposure to crystalline silica led to silicosis, accompanied by increasing levels of m6A methylation. Upregulation of METTL3 and downregulation of ALKBH5, FTO, YTHDF1, and YTHDF3 might contribute to aberrant m6A modification. Compared with controls, 359 genes showed differential m6A methylation peaks in silicosis (P < 0.05 and FC ≥ 2). Among them, 307 genes were hypermethylated, and 52 genes were hypomethylated. RNA-Seq analysis revealed 1091 differentially expressed genes between the two groups, 789 genes were upregulated and 302 genes were downregulated in the lungs of silicosis mice (P < 0.05 and FC ≥ 2). In the conjoint analysis of MeRIP-Seq and RNA-Seq, we identified that 18 genes showed significant changes in both m6A modification and mRNA expression. The functional analysis further noted that these 18 m6A-mediated mRNAs regulated pathways that were closely related to "phagosome", "antigen processing and presentation", and "apoptosis". All findings suggested that m6A methylation played an essential role in the formation of silicosis. Our discovery with multi-omics approaches not only gives clues for the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of silicosis but also provides novel and viable strategies for the prevention and treatment of silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingdie Zhang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Pei Gu
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yujia Xie
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Lieyang Fan
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xiaojie You
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Shiyu Yang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Weihong Chen
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jixuan Ma
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
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Huang G, Huang S, Cui H. Effect of M6A regulators on diagnosis, subtype classification, prognosis and novel therapeutic target development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:993567. [PMID: 36518679 PMCID: PMC9742476 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.993567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular biology studies show that RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications may take part in the incidence and development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Nonetheless, the roles of m6A regulators in IPF are not fully demonstrated. In this study, 12 significant m6A regulators were filtered out between healthy controls and IPF patients using GSE33566 dataset. Random forest algorithm was used to identify 11 candidate m6A regulators to predict the incidence of IPF. The 11 candidate m6A regulators included leucine-rich PPR motif-containing protein (LRPPRC), methyltransferase-like protein 3, FTO alpha-ketoglutarate dependent dioxygenase (FTO), methyltransferase-like 14/16, zinc finger CCCH domain-containing protein 13, protein virilizer homolog, Cbl proto-oncogene like 1, fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 and YTH domain containing 1/2. A nomogram model was constructed based on 11 candidate m6A regulators and considered beneficial to IPF patients using decision curve analysis. Consensus clustering method was used to distinctly divide IPF patients into two m6A patterns (clusterA and clusterB) based on 12 significant m6A regulators. M6A scores of all IPF patients were obtained using principal component analysis to quantify the m6A patterns. Patients in clusterB had higher m6A scores than those in clusterA. Furthermore, patients in clusterB were correlated with Th17 and Treg cell infiltration, innate immunity and Th1 immunity, while those in clusterA were correlated with adaptive immunity and Th2 immunity. Patients in clusterB also had higher expressions of mesenchymal markers and regulatory factors of fibrosis but lower expressions of epithelial markers. Lastly and interestingly, two m6A regulators, LRPPRC (p = 0.011) and FTO (p = 0.042), were identified as novel prognostic genes in IPF patients for the first time using an external GSE93606 dataset. Both of them had a positive correlation with a better prognosis and may serve as therapy targets. Thus, we conducted virtual screening to discover potential drugs targeting LRPPRC and FTO in the treatment of IPF. In conclusion, m6A regulators are crucial to the onset, development and prognosis of IPF. Our study on m6A patterns may provide clues for clinical diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapeutic drugs development for IPF.
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Zheng H, Hua J, Li H, He W, Chen X, Ji Y, Li Q. Comprehensive analysis of the expression of N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation regulators in pulmonary artery hypertension. Front Genet 2022; 13:974740. [PMID: 36171892 PMCID: PMC9510777 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.974740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling. The development of PAH involves N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. However, the functional role of m6A regulators in PAH and the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unknown so far. Methods: Microarray data (GSE149713) for monocrotaline induced PAH (MCT-PAH) rat models were downloaded and screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and m6A regulators. Next, we screened for differentially expressed m6A regulators in endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), fibroblasts, interstitial macrophages, NK cells, B cells, T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs) using scRNA sequencing data. The target DEGs of m6A regulators in ECs, SMCs, fibroblasts, and Tregs were functionally annotated using the Gene Ontology (GO) functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. In addition, the cellular interaction analysis was performed to reveal the receptor—ligand pairs regulated by m6A regulators. Pseudo-time trajectory analyses were performed and a ceRNA network of lncRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs was constructed in SMCs. Furthermore, the RNA transcriptome sequencing data for the SMCs isolated from idiopathic PAH (IPAH) patients (GSE144274) were validated for differentially expressed m6A regulators. Moreover, the HNRNPA2B1 levels in the lung samples from PAH patients and MCT-PAH were determined using immunohistochemistry. Results: The m6A regulators were observed to be dysregulated in PAH. HNRNPA2B1expression level was increased in the PASMCs of scRNAs and IPAH patients. The target DEGs of HNRNPA2B1 were enriched in the regulation of muscle cell differentiation and vasculature development in PASMCs. The HNRNPA2B1 expression levels determined were consistent with the proliferation-related and collagen synthesis-related gene COL4A1. Moreover, the predicted transcription factors (TFs) foxd2/3 and NFκB could be involved in the regulation of HNRNPA2B1. HNRNPA2B1 might be regulating SMCs proliferation and phenotypic transition via rno-miR-330–3p/TGFβR3 and rno-miR-125a-3p/slc39a1. In addition, HNRNPA2B1 was observed to be highly expressed in the lung samples from MCT-PAH rat models and patients with PAH. Conclusion: In summary, the present study identified certain key functional m6A regulators that are involved in pulmonary vascular remodeling. The investigation of m6A patterns might be promising and provide biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of PAH in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yingqun Ji
- *Correspondence: Yingqun Ji, ; Qiang Li,
| | - Qiang Li
- *Correspondence: Yingqun Ji, ; Qiang Li,
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Rabolli CP, Accornero F. m6A RNA methylation: A dynamic regulator of cardiac muscle and extracellular matrix. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [PMID: 37304645 PMCID: PMC10249538 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2022.100561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional modifications encompass a large group of RNA alterations that control gene expression. Methylation of the N6-Adenosine (m6A) of mRNA is a prevalent modification which alters the life cycle of transcripts. The roles that m6A play in regulating cardiac homeostasis and injury response are an active area of investigation, but it is clear that this chemical modification is a critical controller of fibroblast to myofibroblast transition, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and division, and the structure and function of the extracellular matrix. Here we discuss the latest findings of m6A in cardiac muscle and matrix.
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Abstract
Fibroblasts play an important role in the pathogenic mechanisms of several socially significant diseases, including pulmonary and cardiovascular fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, systemic sclerosis, progressive kidney disease. The alterations of the epitranscriptome, including more than 170 distinct post-transcriptional RNA modifications or editing events, justified their investigation as an important modulator of fibrosis. Recent development of high-throughput methods allows the identification of RNA modification sites and their mechanistic aspect in the fibrosis development. The most common RNA modification is methylation of N6-adenosine deposited by the m6A methyltransferase complex (METTL3/14/16, WTAP, KIAA1429, and RBM15/15B), erased by demethylases (FTO and ALKBH5), and recognized by binding proteins (e.g., YTHDF1/2/3, YTHDC1/2, IGF2BP1/2/3, etc.). Adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is another abundant editing event converting adenosine to inosine in double-stranded RNA regions through the action of the adenosine deaminase (ADAR) proteins. Last, but not least, 5-methylcytosine (m5C) regulates the stability and translation of mRNAs. All those RNA modifications have been observed in mRNA as well as the non-coding regions of pre-mRNA and ncRNAs, and demonstrate to be involved in fibrosis in different cellular and animal models. This Mini-Review focuses on the latest research on epitranscriptomic marks related to fibroblast biology and fibrosis as well as elucidates the future research directions in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirolyuba Ilieva
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen SV, Denmark
| | - Shizuka Uchida
- Center for RNA Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen SV, Denmark
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Ligresti G, Pham TX, Sanders YY. Circular RNA Methylation: A New Twist in Lung Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2022; 66:471-472. [PMID: 35238732 PMCID: PMC9116359 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0044ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Medicine Boston University School of Medicine Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tho X Pham
- Department of Medicine Boston University School of Medicine Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yan Y Sanders
- Department of Medicine University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama
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Xing J, He YC, Wang KY, Wan PZ, Zhai XY. Involvement of YTHDF1 in renal fibrosis progression via up-regulating YAP. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22144. [PMID: 34990050 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100172rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a progressive, fatal renal disease characterized by the aberrant accumulation of myofibroblasts that produce excess extracellular matrix (ECM) in the renal interstitium and glomeruli. Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been regarded as a crucial modulator in myofibroblast transformation, but its upstream regulator remains a mystery. In the present study investigating the participation of m6A methylation during renal fibrosis through bioinformatics analysis, we identified YTHDF1, a modulator of m6A methylation, as a key contributor for renal fibrosis because it was highly expressed in human fibrotic kidneys and had a significant correction with YAP. Their co-localization in human fibrotic kidneys was additionally shown by immunofluorescence. We then found that YTHDF1 was also up-regulated in fibrotic mouse kidneys induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), high-dose folic acid administration, or the unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury, further supporting a causal role of YTHDF1 during renal fibrosis. Consistent with this notion, YTHDF1 knockdown alleviated the progression of renal fibrosis both in cultured cells induced by transforming growth factor-beta administration and in the UUO mouse model. Meanwhile, YAP was accordingly down-regulated when YTHDF1 was inhibited. Furthermore, the specific binding of YTHDF1 to YAP mRNA was detected using RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation, and the up-regulation of fibrotic related molecules in cultured cells induced by YTHDF1 over-expression plasmid was attenuated by YAP siRNA. Taken together, our data highlight the potential utility of YTHDF1 as an indicator for renal fibrosis and suggest that YTHDF1 inhibition might be a promising therapeutic strategy to alleviate renal fibrosis via downregulating YAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xing
- Department of Histology and Embryology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu-Chen He
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kai-Yue Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peng-Zhi Wan
- Department of Nephrology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Yue Zhai
- Department of Histology and Embryology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Institute of Nephropathology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Shen L, Yu Y, Jiang M, Zhao J. Alteration of the m 6A methylation landscape in a mouse model of scleroderma. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1867-1883. [PMID: 34791892 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To explore the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation of mRNAs and its roles in a mouse model of scleroderma. Materials & methods: To evaluate whether the mouse model of scleroderma could meet the experimental requirements, we examined skin tissue specimens by pathological staining and identified the related indicators by quantitative PCR (qPCR). m6A-tagged mRNAs were identified via m6A epitranscriptomic microarray, and m6A-RNA-immunoprecipitation qPCR and qPCR were performed to confirm microarray data. Results: There were differences in m6A methylation among 843 mRNAs. Further, there were significant differences among Hras, Saa1, Ccl3, Ccl9 and Il1b in terms of methylation and expression. Conclusion: The m6A methylation spectrum in a mouse model of scleroderma may explain the occurrence of scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Miao Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Jingjun Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
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Xue T, Qiu X, Liu H, Gan C, Tan Z, Xie Y, Wang Y, Ye T. Epigenetic regulation in fibrosis progress. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105910. [PMID: 34562602 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis, a common process of chronic inflammatory diseases, is defined as a repair response disorder when organs undergo continuous damage, ultimately leading to scar formation and functional failure. Around the world, fibrotic diseases cause high mortality, unfortunately, with limited treatment means in clinical practice. With the development and application of deep sequencing technology, comprehensively exploring the epigenetic mechanism in fibrosis has been allowed. Extensive remodeling of epigenetics controlling various cells phenotype and molecular mechanisms involved in fibrogenesis was subsequently verified. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in organ fibrosis, focusing on heart, liver, lung and kidney. Additionally, we emphasize the diversity of epigenetics in the cellular and molecular mechanisms related to fibrosis. Finally, the potential and prospect of targeted therapy for fibrosis based on epigenetic is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taixiong Xue
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xingyu Qiu
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zui Tan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yuting Xie
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China; Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China.
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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