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Zha X, Gao Z, Li M, Xia X, Mao Z, Wang S. Insight into the regulatory mechanism of m 6A modification: From MAFLD to hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116966. [PMID: 38906018 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116966] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), which has been attributed to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. MAFLD affects more than one-third of adults worldwide, making it the most prevalent liver disease globally. Moreover, MAFLD is considered a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with MAFLD-related HCC cases increasing. Approximately 1 in 6 HCC patients are believed to have MAFLD, and nearly 40 % of these HCC patients do not progress to cirrhosis, indicating direct transformation from MAFLD to HCC. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is commonly distributed in eukaryotic mRNA and plays a crucial role in normal development and disease progression, particularly in tumors. Numerous studies have highlighted the close association between abnormal m6A modification and cellular metabolic alterations, underscoring its importance in the onset and progression of MAFLD. However, the specific impact of m6A modification on the progression of MAFLD to HCC remains unclear. Can targeting m6A effectively halt the progression of MAFLD-related HCC? In this review, we investigated the pivotal role of abnormal m6A modification in the transition from MAFLD to HCC, explored the potential of m6A modification as a therapeutic target for MAFLD-related HCC, and proposed possible directions for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zha
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zewei Gao
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xueli Xia
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhenwei Mao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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2
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Li Q, Wang J, Lv J, Liu D, Xiao S, Mo J, Lu Z, Qiu R, Li C, Tang L, He S, Tang Z, Cheng Q, Zhan T. Total flavonoids of litchi Seed alleviates schistosomiasis liver fibrosis in mice by suppressing hepatic stellate cells activation and modulating the gut microbiomes. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117240. [PMID: 39094546 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Infection with Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) is an important zoonotic parasitic disease that causes liver fibrosis in both human and domestic animals. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a crucial phase in the development of liver fibrosis, and inhibiting their activation can alleviate this progression. Total flavonoids of litchi seed (TFL) is a naturally extracted drug, and modern pharmacological studies have shown its anti-fibrotic and liver-protective effects. However, the role of TFL in schistosomiasis liver fibrosis is still unclear. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of TFL on liver fibrosis in S. japonicum infected mice and explored its potential mechanisms. Animal study results showed that TFL significantly reduced the levels of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-4 (IL-4), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum of S. japonicum infected mice. TFL reduced the spleen index of mice and markedly improved the pathological changes in liver tissues induced by S. japonicum infection, decreasing the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Collagen I and Collagen III protein in liver tissues. In vitro studies indicated that TFL also inhibited the activation of HCSs induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and reduced the levels of α-SMA. Gut microbes metagenomics study revealed that the composition, abundance, and functions of the mice gut microbiomes changed significantly after S. japonicum infection, and TLF treatment reversed these changes. Therefore, our study indicated that TFL alleviated granulomatous lesions and improved S. japonicum induced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the activation of HSCs and by improving the gut microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jilong Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiahui Lv
- Department of Parasitology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dengyu Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Suyu Xiao
- Department of Parasitology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jingquan Mo
- School of Pre-clinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zuochao Lu
- Department of Parasitology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ran Qiu
- School of Pre-clinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Caiqi Li
- School of Pre-clinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Lili Tang
- Department of Parasitology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shanshan He
- Department of Parasitology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zeli Tang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
| | - Qiuchen Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
| | - Tingzheng Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Department of Parasitology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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3
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Dong QQ, Yang Y, Tao H, Lu C, Yang JJ. m6A epitranscriptomic and epigenetic crosstalk in liver fibrosis: Special emphasis on DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs. Cell Signal 2024; 122:111302. [PMID: 39025344 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process caused by a variety of chronic liver diseases. Currently, therapeutic options for liver fibrosis are very limited, highlighting the urgent need to explore new treatment approaches. Epigenetic modifications and epitranscriptomic modifications, as reversible regulatory mechanisms, are involved in the development of liver fibrosis. In recent years, researches in epitranscriptomics and epigenetics have opened new perspectives for understanding the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Exploring the epigenetic mechanisms of liver fibrosis may provide valuable insights into the development of new therapies for chronic liver diseases. This review primarily focus on the regulatory mechanisms of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, non-coding RNA, and DNA methylation in organ fibrosis. It discusses the interactions between m6A modification and DNA methylation, as well as between m6A modification and non-coding RNA, providing a reference for understanding the interplay between epitranscriptomics and epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Qi Dong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou 215153, China
| | - Hui Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Chao Lu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan 232001, China.
| | - Jing-Jing Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China.
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Feng Y, Shen J, Lin Z, Chen Z, Zhou M, Ma X. PXR Activation Relieves Deoxynivalenol-Induced Liver Oxidative Stress Via Malat1 LncRNA m 6A Demethylation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308742. [PMID: 38654691 PMCID: PMC11220637 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a prevalent toxin causing severe liver damage through hepatocellular oxidative stress. However, the underlying mechanisms and effective therapeutic approaches remain unknown. Here, the unique role of the xenobiotic metabolism factor pregnane X receptor (PXR) in mediating DON-induced hepatocellular oxidative stress is investigated. Treatment with the PXR agonist 3-indole-propionic acid (IPA) alleviates DON-induced oxidative stress and liver injury both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, it is discovered for the first time that PXR agonist IPA directly transactivates the m6A demethylase FTO expression, leading to site-specific demethylation and decreased abundance of YTHDC1-bound Malat1 lncRNA at single-nucleotide resolution. The diminished m6A modification of Malat1 lncRNA reduces its stability and augments antioxidant pathways governed by NRF2, consequently mitigating DON-induced liver injury. Furthermore, Malat1 knockout mice exhibit decreased DON-induced liver injury, emphasizing the role of Malat1 lncRNA in oxidative stress. Collectively, the findings establish that PXR-mediated m6A-dependent Malat1 lncRNA expression determines hepatocyte oxidative stress via m6A demethylase FTO, providing valuable insights into the potential mechanisms underlying DON-induced liver injury and offers potential therapeutic strategies for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and TechnologyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Jiakun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and TechnologyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Zishen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and TechnologyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Zeyi Chen
- College of Life SciencesHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhou450046China
| | - Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and TechnologyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
| | - Xi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and TechnologyChina Agricultural UniversityBeijing100193China
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5
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Khan FA, Nsengimana B, Awan UA, Ji XY, Ji S, Dong J. Regulatory roles of N6-methyladenosine (m 6A) methylation in RNA processing and non-communicable diseases. Cancer Gene Ther 2024:10.1038/s41417-024-00789-1. [PMID: 38839892 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00789-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Post-transcriptional RNA modification is an emerging epigenetic control mechanism in cells that is important in many different cellular and organismal processes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most prevalent, prolific, and ubiquitous internal transcriptional alterations in eukaryotic mRNAs, making it an important topic in the field of Epigenetics. m6A methylation acts as a dynamical regulatory process that regulates the activity of genes and participates in multiple physiological processes, by supporting multiple aspects of essential mRNA metabolic processes, including pre-mRNA splicing, nuclear export, translation, miRNA synthesis, and stability. Extensive research has linked aberrations in m6A modification and m6A-associated proteins to a wide range of human diseases. However, the impact of m6A on mRNA metabolism and its pathological connection between m6A and other non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, liver diseases, and cancer remains in fragmentation. Here, we review the existing understanding of the overall role of mechanisms by which m6A exerts its activities and address new discoveries that highlight m6A's diverse involvement in gene expression regulation. We discuss m6A deposition on mRNA and its consequences on degradation, translation, and transcription, as well as m6A methylation of non-coding chromosomal-associated RNA species. This study could give new information about the molecular process, early detection, tailored treatment, and predictive evaluation of human non-communicable diseases like cancer. We also explore more about new data that suggests targeting m6A regulators in diseases may have therapeutic advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiz Ali Khan
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Bernard Nsengimana
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Usman Ayub Awan
- Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Xin-Ying Ji
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Shaoping Ji
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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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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7
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Liu S, Liu M, Li Y, Song Q. N6-methyladenosine-dependent signaling in colorectal cancer: Functions and clinical potential. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 198:104360. [PMID: 38615872 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104360] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most prevalent malignancy worldwide. Despite the gradual expansion of therapeutic options for CRC, its clinical management remains a formidable challenge. And, because of the current dearth of technical means for early CRC screening, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therefore, it is imperative to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for this disease. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the predominant RNA modification in eukaryotes, can be recognized by m6A-specific methylated reading proteins to modulate gene expression. Studies have revealed that CRC disrupts m6A homeostasis through various mechanisms, thereby sustaining aberrant signal transduction and promoting its own progression. Consequently, m6A-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have garnered widespread attention. Although utilizing m6A as a biomarker and drug target has demonstrated promising feasibility, existing observations primarily stem from preclinical models; henceforth necessitating further investigation and resolution of numerous outstanding issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojun Liu
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Song
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Li S, Mehal WZ, Ouyang X. RNA modifications in the progression of liver diseases: from fatty liver to cancer. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-023-2494-x. [PMID: 38809498 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2494-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a prominent global health concern associated with high risk of metabolic syndrome, and has impacted a substantial segment of the population. The disease spectrum ranges from simple fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is increasingly becoming a prevalent indication for liver transplantation. The existing therapeutic options for NAFLD, NASH, and HCC are limited, underscoring the urgent need for innovative treatment strategies. Insights into gene expression, particularly RNA modifications such as N6 methyladenosine (m6A), hold promising avenues for interventions. These modifications play integral roles in RNA metabolism and cellular functions, encompassing the entire NAFLD-NASH-HCC progression. This review will encompass recent insights on diverse RNA modifications, including m6A, pseudouridine (ψ), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), and 5-methylcytidine (m5C) across various RNA species. It will uncover their significance in crucial aspects such as steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. Furthermore, prospective research directions and therapeutic implications will be explored, advancing our comprehensive understanding of the intricate interconnected nature of these pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simiao Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Wajahat Z Mehal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Xinshou Ouyang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Huang S, Li Y, Wang B, Zhou Z, Li Y, Shen L, Cong J, Han L, Xiang X, Xia J, He D, Zhao Z, Zhou Y, Li Q, Dai G, Shen H, Lin T, Wu A, Jia J, Xiao D, Li J, Zhao W, Lin X. Hepatocyte-specific METTL3 ablation by Alb-iCre mice (GPT), but not by Alb-Cre mice (JAX), resulted in acute liver failure (ALF) and postnatal lethality. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:7217-7248. [PMID: 38656880 PMCID: PMC11087113 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
AIM In 2019, to examine the functions of METTL3 in liver and underlying mechanisms, we generated mice with hepatocyte-specific METTL3 homozygous knockout (METTL3Δhep) by simultaneously crossing METTL3fl/fl mice with Alb-iCre mice (GPT) or Alb-Cre mice (JAX), respectively. In this study, we explored the potential reasons why hepatocyte-specific METTL3 homozygous disruption by Alb-iCre mice (GPT), but not by Alb-Cre mice (JAX), resulted in acute liver failure (ALF) and then postnatal lethality. MAIN METHODS Mice with hepatocyte-specific METTL3 knockout were generated by simultaneously crossing METTL3fl/fl mice with Alb-iCre mice (GPT; Strain No. T003814) purchased from the GemPharmatech Co., Ltd., (Nanjing, China) or with Alb-Cre mice (JAX; Strain No. 003574) obtained from The Jackson Laboratory, followed by combined-phenotype analysis. The publicly available RNA-sequencing data deposited in the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database under the accession No.: GSE198512 (postnatal lethality), GSE197800 (postnatal survival) and GSE176113 (postnatal survival) were mined to explore the potential reasons why hepatocyte-specific METTL3 homozygous deletion by Alb-iCre mice (GPT), but not by Alb-Cre mice (JAX), leads to ALF and then postnatal lethality. KEY FINDINGS Firstly, we observed that hepatocyte-specific METTL3 homozygous deficiency by Alb-iCre mice (GPT) or by Alb-Cre mice (JAX) caused liver injury, abnormal lipid accumulation and apoptosis. Secondly, we are surprised to find that hepatocyte-specific METTL3 homozygous deletion by Alb-iCre mice (GPT), but not by Alb-Cre mice (JAX), led to ALF and then postnatal lethality. Our findings clearly demonstrated that METTL3Δhep mice (GPT), which are about to die, exhibited the severe destruction of liver histological structure, suggesting that METTL3Δhep mice (GPT) nearly lose normal liver function, which subsequently contributes to ALF, followed by postnatal lethality. Finally, we unexpectedly found that as the compensatory growth responses of hepatocytes to liver injury induced by METTL3Δhep (GPT), the proliferation of METTL3Δhep hepatocytes (GPT), unlike METTL3Δhep hepatocytes (JAX), was not evidenced by the significant increase of Ki67-positive hepatocytes, not accompanied by upregulation of cell-cycle-related genes. Moreover, GO analysis revealed that upregulated genes in METTL3Δhep livers (GPT), unlike METTL3Δhep livers (JAX), are not functionally enriched in terms associated with cell cycle, cell division, mitosis, microtubule cytoskeleton organization, spindle organization, chromatin segregation and organization, and nuclear division, consistent with the loss of compensatory proliferation of METTL3Δhep hepatocytes (GPT) observed in vivo. Thus, obviously, the loss of the compensatory growth capacity of METTL3Δhep hepatocytes (GPT) in response to liver injury might contribute to, at least partially, ALF and subsequently postnatal lethality of METTL3Δhep mice (GPT). SIGNIFICANCE These findings from this study and other labs provide strong evidence that these phenotypes (i.e., ALF and postnatal lethality) of METTL3Δhep mice (GPT) might be not the real functions of METTL3, and closely related with Alb-iCre mice (GPT), suggesting that we should remind researchers to use Alb-iCre mice (GPT) with caution to knockout gene in hepatocytes in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Huang
- Cancer Research Institute, Experimental Education and Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yingchun Li
- Cancer Research Institute, Experimental Education and Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Southern Medical University Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510315, China
| | - Bingjie Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, Experimental Education and Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhihao Zhou
- Cancer Research Institute, Experimental Education and Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yonglong Li
- Cancer Research Institute, Experimental Education and Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lingjun Shen
- Department of Tuberculosis, Yunnan Clinical Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Kunming (The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University), Kunming 650041, China
| | - Jinge Cong
- Cancer Research Institute, Experimental Education and Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Liuxin Han
- Yunnan Clinical Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming (The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University), Kunming 650041, China
| | - Xudong Xiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming 650118, China
| | - Jiawei Xia
- Yunnan Clinical Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming (The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University), Kunming 650041, China
| | - Danhua He
- Cancer Research Institute, Experimental Education and Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhanlin Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming 650118, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Cancer Research Institute, Experimental Education and Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qiwen Li
- Cancer Research Institute, Experimental Education and Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Guanqi Dai
- Cancer Research Institute, Experimental Education and Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hanzhang Shen
- Yunnan Clinical Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming (The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Dali University), Kunming 650041, China
| | - Taoyan Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Aibing Wu
- Central People’s Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang 524000, China
| | - Junshuang Jia
- Cancer Research Institute, Experimental Education and Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Dong Xiao
- Cancer Research Institute, Experimental Education and Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Laboratory Animal Management Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jing Li
- Radiotherapy Center, the First People’s Hospital of Chenzhou, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou 423000, China
| | - Wentao Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming 650118, China
| | - Xiaolin Lin
- Southern Medical University Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510315, China
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Liu C, Gui Z, An C, Sun F, Gao X, Ge S. STUB1 is acetylated by KAT5 and alleviates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through LATS2-YAP-β-catenin axis. Commun Biol 2024; 7:396. [PMID: 38561411 PMCID: PMC10985082 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06086-9] [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] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is involved in the pathogenesis of multiple cardiovascular diseases. This study elucidated the biological function of lysine acetyltransferase 5 (KAT5) in cardiomyocyte pyroptosis during MIRI. Oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation and left anterior descending coronary artery ligation were used to establish MIRI models. Here we show, KAT5 and STIP1 homology and U-box-containing protein 1 (STUB1) were downregulated, while large tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2) was upregulated in MIRI models. KAT5/STUB1 overexpression or LATS2 silencing repressed cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. Mechanistically, KAT5 promoted STUB1 transcription via acetylation modulation, and subsequently caused ubiquitination and degradation of LATS2, which activated YAP/β-catenin pathway. Notably, the inhibitory effect of STUB1 overexpression on cardiomyocyte pyroptosis was abolished by LATS2 overexpression or KAT5 depletion. Our findings suggest that KAT5 overexpression inhibits NLRP3-mediated cardiomyocyte pyroptosis to relieve MIRI through modulation of STUB1/LATS2/YAP/β-catenin axis, providing a potential therapeutic target for MIRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, P.R. China
| | - Zhongxuan Gui
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, P.R. China
| | - Cheng An
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, P.R. China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, P.R. China
| | - Xiaotian Gao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, P.R. China
| | - Shenglin Ge
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, P.R. China.
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Cheng C, Yang H, Yang C, Xie J, Wang J, Cheng L, He J, Li H, Yuan H, Guo F, Li M, Liu S. LATS2 degradation promoted fibrosis damage and rescued by vitamin K3 in lupus nephritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:64. [PMID: 38459604 PMCID: PMC10924340 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03292-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The limited treatment options for LN increase the economic burdens on patients. Because fibrotic progression leads to irreversible renal damage in LN patients and further progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the end stage of renal disease (ESRD), developing new targets to prevent LN fibrotic progression could lead to a feasible treatment strategy for LN patients. METHODS In this study, we examined YAP activation and LATS2 downregulation in LN kidney biopsy samples (LN: n = 8, normal: n = 2) and lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice (n = 8 for each disease stage). The function of LATS2 was further investigated by in situ injection of Ad-LATS2 into mice with LN (n = 6 mice per group). We examined the role of SIAH2-LATS2 regulation by IP-MS and co-IP, and the protective effect of the SIAH2 inhibitor was investigated in mice with LN. RESULTS Restoring LATS2 by an adenovirus in vivo alleviated renal fibrotic damage in mice with LN. Moreover, we found that LATS2 was degraded by a K48 ubiquitination-proteasome pathway mediated by SIAH2 and promoted YAP activation to worsen fibrosis progression in LN. The H150 region of the substrate binding domain (SBD) is an important site for SIAH2-LATS2 binding. The SIAH2-specific inhibitor vitamin K3 protected against LN-associated fibrotic damage in vivo. CONCLUSION In summary, we identified the SIAH2-LATS2 axis as an attractive intervention target in LN to alter the resistance to fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism Research and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism Research and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chan Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism Research and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Juan Xie
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jinshen Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism Research and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Luping Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism Research and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jianfu He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism Research and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Honglian Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism Research and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Haoxing Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism Research and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Fangfang Guo
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Minmin Li
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Shuwen Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism Research and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Innovation Center for Medical Basic Research On Inflammation and Immune Related Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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12
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Shao C, Xu H, Sun X, Pan Y, Liang X, Huang J, He Y, Guo W, Ye L, Zhang J. Jiawei Taohe Chengqi decoction inhibition of the notch signal pathway affects macrophage reprogramming to inhibit HSCs activation for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117486. [PMID: 38030027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117486] [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: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jiawei Taohe Chengqi Tang (JTCD) is a modified formulation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known as Taohe Chengqi Decoction, which has been described in the ancient TCM literature "Treatise on Febrile Diseases". As a formula that can activate blood circulation and eliminate blood stasis and regulate Yin and Yang in traditional Chinese medicine applications, JTCD has been reported to be effective in the treatment of chronic liver disease and hepatic fibrosis (HF). AIM OF STUDY The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of JTCD in modulating hepatic macrophages by regulating the Notch signal pathway, and to further investigate the mechanisms underlying macrophage reprogramming that leads to HF. MATERIALS AND METHODS Molecular assays were performed using in vitro cultures of human mononuclear THP-1 cells and human-derived hepatic stellate cells LX-2. CCl4-induced mice were utilized as an in vivo model to simulate HF. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that JTCD exhibited dual effects by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation and modulating the polarisation of macrophages towards the M2 phenotype while decreasing the M1 phenotype. Network pharmacological analyses and molecular docking studies revealed that the Notch signal pathway was significantly enriched and played a crucial role in the therapeutic response of JTCD against HF. Moreover, through the establishment of a co-culture model, we validated that JTCD inhibited the Notch signal pathway in macrophages, leading to alterations in macrophage reprogramming, subsequent inhibition of HSC activation, and ultimately exerting anti-HF effects. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our findings provide solid evidence for JTCD in treating HF, as it suppresses the Notch signal pathway in macrophages, regulates macrophage reprogramming, and inhibits HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Shao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Huihui Xu
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Xiguang Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Yun Pan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Xiaofan Liang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Jiaxin Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Yi He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Wenqin Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Linmao Ye
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Junjie Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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Li S, Lian S, Cheng W, Zhang T, Gong X. THE ROLE OF N6-METHYLADENOSINE METHYLTRANSFERASE RBM15 IN NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE. Shock 2024; 61:311-321. [PMID: 38150369 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000002294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent liver disorder with significant health implications. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase is known to exert regulatory functions in liver-related diseases. This study investigates the intricate role of RNA binding motif protein 15 (RBM15) in modulating inflammation and oxidative stress in NAFLD. An NAFLD model was induced in mice (male, C57BL/6J, 72 mice in the sham group) through a high-fat diet for 9 weeks, and hepatocytes were exposed to long chain-free fatty acids. The expression levels of RBM15, ring finger protein 5 (RNF5), and rho-kinase 1 (ROCK1) were assessed. RBM15 expression was intervened (injection of AAV9 virus at week 9 and detection at week 11). Liver damage was evaluated using staining assays, along with assessments of weight changes and lipid levels. Notably, RBM15 (decreased approximately 40%/60%) and RNF5 (decreased approximately 60%/75%) were poorly expressed while ROCK1 (increased approximately 2.5-fold) was highly expressed in liver tissues and cells. RBM15 overexpression mitigated liver damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress in NAFLD mice, resulting in reduced liver-to-body weight ratio (20%) and decreased levels of alanine aminotransferase (54%), aspartate aminotransferase (36%), total cholesterol (30%), and triglycerides (30%), and inhibited inflammation and oxidative stress levels. Mechanistically, RBM15 upregulated RNF5 expression through m6A methylation modification, and RNF5 suppressed ROCK1 protein levels through ubiquitination modification. RNF5 knockdown or ROCK1 overexpression accelerated inflammation and oxidative stress in NAFLD. Taken together, RBM15 upregulated RNF5 expression through m6A methylation modification. RNF5 inhibited ROCK1 expression through ubiquitination modification to mitigate NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shengyi Lian
- Department of General Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Teaching and Research Section of Pathophysiology, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Clinical College of North Sichuan Medical College-Nanchong City Central Hospital (Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Nanchong Hospital), Nanchong, China
| | - Xiaobing Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Wu T, Liu B, Wei Y, Li Z. TGF-β Regulates m 6A RNA Methylation after PM 2.5 Exposure. TOXICS 2023; 11:1026. [PMID: 38133427 PMCID: PMC10747615 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11121026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
PM2.5 exposure leads to a variety of respiratory diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis, metastatic lung cancer, etc. Exposure to PM2.5 results in the alteration of epigenetic modification. M6A RNA methylation is an essential epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Our previous study found that PM2.5 exposure up-regulated m6A RNA methylation and TGF-β expression level in the lung, but the mechanisms and pathways of PM2.5 regulation of m6A RNA methylation are still unclear. Moreover, a previous study reported that the TGF-β signal pathway could regulate m6A RNA methylation. Based on this evidence, we investigate the role of the TGF-β signaling pathway in PM2.5-induced m6A RNA methylation with the A549 cell line. Our results showed that PM2.5 could induce upregulation of m6A RNA methylation, accompanied by increased expression of TGF-β, Smad3, methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14). Furthermore, these alterations induced by PM2.5 exposure could be reversed by treatment with TGF-β inhibitor. Therefore, we speculated that the TGF-β signal pathway plays an indispensable role in regulating m6A RNA methylation after PM2.5 exposure. Our study demonstrates that PM2.5 exposure influences m6A RNA methylation by inducing the alteration of the TGF-β signal pathway, which could be an essential mechanism for lung-related diseases induced by PM2.5 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhigang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; (T.W.); (B.L.); (Y.W.)
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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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高 毅, 王 培, 逯 素, 马 万. [METTL3 inhibitor STM2457 improves metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease by regulating mitochondrial function in mice]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2023; 43:1689-1696. [PMID: 37933644 PMCID: PMC10630206 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2023.10.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) inhibitor STM2457 in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). METHODS C57BL/6J mouse models of MAFLD induced by high-fat diet feeding for 16 weeks were treated with intraperitoneal injections of STM2457 (50 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. The changes in m6A modification level in the liver tissue of the mice were determined with dot-blot hybridization, and the hepatic levels of triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and glutathione aminotransferase (AST) were detected. The histological changes of the liver and changes in insulin resistance and metabolic profile of the mice were evaluated using HE staining, insulin tolerance tests and metabolic cages; transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to examine the changes in mitochondrial morphology. In a HepG2 cell model of steatosis induced by treatment with sodium oleate/sodium palmitate for 48 h, the protective effect of STM2457 (1 μmol/L) on mitochondrial function was assessed by measuring mitochondrial membrane potential using a fluorescence probe (JC-1). RESULTS The mouse models of MAFLD showed significant elevation of m6A modification level in the liver tissues and obviously upregulated mRNA expression of METT3 (P<0.05). Treatment with STM2457 significantly reduced body weight and liver lipid deposition and m6A modification levels, increased glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, lowered hepatic TG and serum ALT and AST levels, and increased respiratory entropy (RQ) in the mouse models (all P<0.05). HepG2 cells with steatosis exhibited obvious mitochondrial swelling with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, but the STM2457-treated cells maintained a normal mitochondrial morphology with a higher membrane potential (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The METTL3 inhibitor STM2457 improves MAFLD by reducing high-fat diet-induced mitochondrial damage in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- 毅男 高
- />山东第一医科大学第一附属医院(山东省千佛山医院)检验科//山东省医药卫生临床检验诊断学重点实验室,山东 济南 250014Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - 培君 王
- />山东第一医科大学第一附属医院(山东省千佛山医院)检验科//山东省医药卫生临床检验诊断学重点实验室,山东 济南 250014Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - 素梅 逯
- />山东第一医科大学第一附属医院(山东省千佛山医院)检验科//山东省医药卫生临床检验诊断学重点实验室,山东 济南 250014Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - 万山 马
- />山东第一医科大学第一附属医院(山东省千佛山医院)检验科//山东省医药卫生临床检验诊断学重点实验室,山东 济南 250014Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
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Xie L, Qiu S, Lu C, Gu C, Wang J, Lv J, Fang L, Chen Z, Li Y, Jiang T, Xia Y, Wang W, Li B, Xu Z. Gastric cancer-derived LBP promotes liver metastasis by driving intrahepatic fibrotic pre-metastatic niche formation. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:258. [PMID: 37789385 PMCID: PMC10546721 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02833-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver metastasis (LM) is one of the most common distant metastases of gastric cancer (GC). However, the mechanisms underlying the LM of GC (GC-LM) remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify the tumour-secreted protein associated with GC-LM and to investigate the mechanisms by which this secreted protein remodels the liver microenvironment to promote GC-LM. METHODS Data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS), mRNA expression microarray, quantitative real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to identify and validate the GC-secreted proteins associated with GC-LM. A modified intrasplenic injection mouse model of LM was used to evaluate the progression and tumour burden of LM in vivo. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence (IF), western blots (WB) and IHC were performed to validate the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation in the pre-modelling mouse models. mRNA sequencing of PMA-treated THP-1 cells with or without lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) treatment was used to identify the functional target genes of LBP in macrophages. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), WB, ELISA, IF and Transwell assays were performed to explore the underlying mechanism of LBP in inducing intrahepatic PMN formation. RESULTS LBP was identified as a critical secreted protein associated with GC-LM and correlated with a worse prognosis in patients with GC. LBP activated the TLR4/NF-κB pathway to promote TGF-β1 secretion in intrahepatic macrophages, which, in turn, activated hepatic satellite cells (HSCs) to direct intrahepatic fibrotic PMN formation. Additionally, TGF-β1 enhanced the migration and invasion of incoming metastatic GC cells in the liver. Consequently, selective targeting of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway with galunisertib demonstrated its efficacy in effectively preventing GC-LM in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide compelling evidence that serological LBP can serve as a valuable diagnostic biomarker for the early detection of GC-LM. Mechanistically, GC-derived LBP mediates the crosstalk between primary GC cells and the intrahepatic microenvironment by promoting TGF-β1 secretion in intrahepatic macrophages, which induces intrahepatic fibrotic PMN formation to promote GC-LM. Importantly, selectively targeting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway with galunisertib represents a promising preventive and therapeutic strategy for GC-LM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xie
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Shengkui Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Nantong First People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Chen Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Chao Gu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Jihuan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Jialun Lv
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Lang Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Zetian Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Tianlu Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Yiwen Xia
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Weizhi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
| | - Zekuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211166, China.
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Petri BJ, Cave MC, Klinge CM. Changes in m6A in Steatotic Liver Disease. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1653. [PMID: 37628704 PMCID: PMC10454815 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty liver disease is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Fatty liver includes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), now replaced by a consensus group as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). While excess nutrition and obesity are major contributors to fatty liver, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown and therapeutic interventions are limited. Reversible chemical modifications in RNA are newly recognized critical regulators controlling post-transcriptional gene expression. Among these modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant and regulates transcript abundance in fatty liver disease. Modulation of m6A by readers, writers, and erasers (RWE) impacts mRNA processing, translation, nuclear export, localization, and degradation. While many studies focus on m6A RWE expression in human liver pathologies, limitations of technology and bioinformatic methods to detect m6A present challenges in understanding the epitranscriptomic mechanisms driving fatty liver disease progression. In this review, we summarize the RWE of m6A and current methods of detecting m6A in specific genes associated with fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda J. Petri
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA;
| | - Matthew C. Cave
- Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences (CIEHS), University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA;
- Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Carolyn M. Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA;
- Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences (CIEHS), University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA;
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19
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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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20
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Cheng C, Wu Y, Wang X, Xue Q, Huang Y, Liao F, Wang X, Duan Q, Miao C. RNA methylations in hepatic fibrosis, a gradually emerging new treatment strategy. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:126. [PMID: 37420298 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01066-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a pathological process caused by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix caused by a series of causes, leading to the formation of fiber scar. RNA methylation is a newly discovered epigenetic modification that exists widely in eukaryotes and prokaryotes and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. RESULTS The occurrence and development of HF are regulated by many factors, including excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, activation of hepatic stellate cells, inflammation, and oxidative stress. RNA methylations of different species have become a crucial regulatory mode of transcript expression, And participate in the pathogenesis of tumors, nervous system diseases, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases. In addition, there are five common types of RNA methylation, but only m6A plays a crucial regulatory role in HF. The pathophysiological regulation of m6A on HF is achieved by the combination of the methylated transferase, demethylated enzyme, and methylated reading protein. CONCLUSIONS RNA methylated methyltransferase, demethylase, and reading protein extensively affect the pathological mechanism of HF, which may be a new therapeutic and diagnostic target, representing a new class of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yajie Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Qiuyun Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yurong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Faxue Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China.
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Qiangjun Duan
- Department of Experimental (Practical Training) Teaching Center, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Chenggui Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
- Institute of Rheumatism, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
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21
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Qu L, Yin T, Zhao Y, Lv W, Liu Z, Chen C, Liu K, Shan S, Zhou R, Li X, Dong H. Histone demethylases in the regulation of immunity and inflammation. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:188. [PMID: 37353521 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01489-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogens or danger signals trigger the immune response. Moderate immune response activation removes pathogens and avoids excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Histone demethylases (KDMs) regulate gene expression and play essential roles in numerous physiological processes by removing methyl groups from lysine residues on target proteins. Abnormal expression of KDMs is closely associated with the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases such as liver fibrosis, lung injury, and autoimmune diseases. Despite becoming exciting targets for diagnosing and treating these diseases, the role of these enzymes in the regulation of immune and inflammatory response is still unclear. Here, we review the underlying mechanisms through which KDMs regulate immune-related pathways and inflammatory responses. In addition, we also discuss the future applications of KDMs inhibitors in immune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Qu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Tong Yin
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yijin Zhao
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenting Lv
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ziqi Liu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao Chen
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kejun Liu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shigang Shan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Biological Targeted Therapy Key Laboratory in Hubei, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Application, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Huifen Dong
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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22
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Zhao P, Sun T, Lyu C, Du Y. Response to a Comment on "Scar-Degrading Endothelial Cells as a Treatment for Advanced Liver Fibrosis". ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301330. [PMID: 37119442 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tian Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Cheng Lyu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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23
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Wang S, Gao S, Ye W, Li Y, Luan J, Lv X. The emerging importance role of m6A modification in liver disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114669. [PMID: 37037093 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, as one of the most common types of inner RNA modification in eukaryotes, plays a multifunctional role in normal and abnormal biological processes. This type of modification is modulated by m6A writer, eraser and reader, which in turn impact various processes of RNA metabolism, such as RNA processing, translation, nuclear export, localization and decay. The current academic view holds that m6A modification exerts a crucial role in the post-transcriptional modulation of gene expression, and is involved in multiple cellular functions, developmental and disease processes. However, the potential molecular mechanism and specific role of m6A modification in the development of liver disease have not been fully elucidated. In our review, we summarized the latest research progress on m6A modification in liver disease, and explored how these novel findings reshape our knowledge of m6A modulation of RNA metabolism. In addition, we also illustrated the effect of m6A on liver development and regeneration to prompt further exploration of the mechanism and role of m6A modification in liver physiology and pathology, providing new insights and references for the search of potential therapeutic targets for liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui Province, China; 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
| | - Wufei Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, 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
| | - 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.
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24
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Wang J, Du M, Meng L, Yang Y, He S, Zhu Y, Ren X, Wei M, Dong R, Zheng S, Chen G. Integrative analysis implicates the significance of m6A in the liver fibrosis of biliary atresia by regulating THY1. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0004. [PMID: 36633486 PMCID: PMC9827977 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Whether N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in biliary atresia (BA) remains undefined. Herein, we comprehensively evaluated the m6A profile in BA. When compared with normal controls, BA had an elevated m6A level with upregulated m6A writers. The m6A level was correlated with liver function, stage of fibrosis and jaundice clearance in BA. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) demonstrated an altered m6A topology in BA. MeRIP-seq and RNA sequencing filtered out 130 m6A-modified genes, which were enriched in fibrogenetic pathways. MeRIP-qPCR in vivo and interventions of LX-2 and primary HSCs in vitro validated the regulatory role of m6A on COL1A1 and THY1. THY1+ myofibroblasts expanded in portal area of BA, and highly expressed profibrogenic genes (COL1A1, MMP2, PDGFRA, and DCN). THY1 was correlated with liver fibrosis and jaundice clearance in BA. Bulk array (GSE46960, GSE15235), single-cell RNA sequencing (GSE136103), primary HSC interventions, and co-immunoprecipitation revealed that THY1 was correlated with extracellular matrix organization, promoted HSC activation, showed higher interactions with integrins on myeloid cells in cholestatic fibrosis, and was correlated with native liver survival in BA. Our study highlights the significance of m6A in BA-induced liver fibrogenesis by regulating THY1, shedding new light on the novel therapies to alleviate liver fibrosis by targeting m6A/THY1 axis in BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Min Du
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Lingdu Meng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Shiwei He
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ye Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xue Ren
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Meng Wei
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Shan Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, and Key Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, P.R. China
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