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Deng T, Ma J. Structures and mechanisms of the RNA m 6A writer. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024. [PMID: 39238441 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) is the most prevalent epigenetic modification found in eukaryotic mRNAs and plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression by influencing numerous aspects of mRNA metabolism. The m 6A writer for mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs consists of the catalytic subunit m 6A-METTL complex (MTC) (including METTL3/METTL14) and the regulatory subunit m 6A-METTL-associated complex (MACOM) (including HAKAI, WTAP, VIRMA, ZC3H13, and RBM15/15B). In this review, we focus on recent advances in our understanding of the structural and functional properties of m 6A writers and the possible mechanism by which they recognize RNA substrates and perform selective m 6A modifications.
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2
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Hu R, Liao P, Xu B, Qiu Y, Zhang H, Li Y. N6-methyladenosine RNA modifications: a potential therapeutic target for AML. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:2601-2612. [PMID: 37548690 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05302-6] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification has recently emerged as an essential regulator of normal and malignant hematopoiesis. As a reversible epigenetic modification found in messenger RNAs and non-coding RNAs, m6A affects the fate of the modified RNA molecules. It is essential in most vital bioprocesses, contributing to cancer development. Here, we review the up-to-date knowledge of the pathological functions and underlying molecular mechanism of m6A modifications in normal hematopoiesis, leukemia pathogenesis, and drug response/resistance. At last, we discuss the critical role of m6A in immune response, the therapeutic potential of targeting m6A regulators, and the possible combination therapy for AML.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Adenosine/analogs & derivatives
- Adenosine/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Hematopoiesis/genetics
- RNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- RNA, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Animals
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Hu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Peiyun Liao
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Binyan Xu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingqi Qiu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Honghao Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Zou J, Ma Q, Gao C, Yang M, Wen J, Xu L, Guo X, Zhong X, Duan Y. WTAP promotes proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via m 6A-dependent epigenetic promoting of PTP4A1. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:2254-2268. [PMID: 38746998 PMCID: PMC11247548 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) represents a frequently seen malignancy with high prevalence worldwide. Although current studies have shown that Wilms' tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP), a major part in the methyltransferase complex, is involved in various tumor pathological processes, its specific role in ESCC remains unclear. Therefore, the present work focused on exploring WTAP's function and mechanism in ESCC progression using clinical ESCC specimens, ESCC cells, and mammalian models. Firstly, we proved WTAP was significantly upregulated within ESCC, and WTAP mRNA expression showed a good diagnostic performance for ESCC. Functionally, WTAP positively regulated in-vivo and in-vitro ESCC cells' malignant phenotype through the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Meanwhile, WTAP positively regulated the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification levels in ESCC cells. Protein tyrosine phase type IVA member 1 (PTP4A1) was confirmed to be the m6A target of WTAP, and WTAP positively regulated the expression of PTP4A1. Further study revealed that PTP4A1 showed high expression within ESCC. Silencing PTP4A1 inhibited the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway to suppress ESCC cells' proliferation. Rescue experiments showed that silencing PTP4A1 partially reversed the WTAP-promoting effect on ESCC cells' proliferation ability. Mechanistically, WTAP regulated PTP4A1 expression to activate the AKT-mTOR pathway, promoting the proliferation of ESCC cells. Our study demonstrated that WTAP regulates the progression of ESCC through the m6A-PTP4A1-AKT-mTOR signaling axis and that WTAP is a potential target for diagnosing and treating ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Zou
- Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bio‐resource and Eco‐environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryAffiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
- Translational Medicine Research CenterNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
| | - Qiang Ma
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryAffiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
- Translational Medicine Research CenterNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
- Department of Laboratory MedicineNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
| | - Chuanli Gao
- Department of Laboratory MedicineNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
| | - Miyuan Yang
- Department of Laboratory MedicineNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
| | - Jilin Wen
- Department of Laboratory MedicineNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
| | - Lei Xu
- Translational Medicine Research CenterNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
| | - Xiaolan Guo
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryAffiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
- Translational Medicine Research CenterNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
- Department of Laboratory MedicineNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
| | - Xiaowu Zhong
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryAffiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
- Translational Medicine Research CenterNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
- Department of Laboratory MedicineNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
| | - Yixiang Duan
- Research Center of Analytical Instrumentation, Key Laboratory of Bio‐resource and Eco‐environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Dragonetti M, Turco C, Benedetti A, Goeman F, Forcato M, Scalera S, Allegretti M, Esposito G, Fazi F, Blandino G, Donzelli S, Fontemaggi G. The lncRNAMALAT1-WTAP axis: a novel layer of EMT regulation in hypoxic triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:276. [PMID: 38862471 PMCID: PMC11166650 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02058-4] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Early metastatic disease development is one characteristic that defines triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) as the most aggressive breast cancer (BC) subtype. Numerous studies have identified long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) as critical players in regulating tumor progression and metastasis formation. Here, we show that MALAT1, a long non-coding RNA known to promote various features of BC malignancy, such as migration and neo angiogenesis, regulates TNBC cell response to hypoxia. By profiling MALAT1-associated transcripts, we discovered that lncRNA MALAT1 interacts with the mRNA encoding WTAP protein, previously reported as a component of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification writer complex. In hypoxic conditions, MALAT1 positively regulates WTAP protein expression, which influences the response to hypoxia by favoring the transcription of the master regulators HIF1α and HIF1β. Furthermore, WTAP stimulates BC cell migratory ability and the expression of N-Cadherin and Vimentin, hallmarks of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In conclusion, this study highlights the functional axis comprising MALAT1 and WTAP as a novel prognostic marker of TNBC progression and as a potential target for the development of therapeutic approaches for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Dragonetti
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Turco
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Benedetti
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Frauke Goeman
- SAFU Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Forcato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Scalera
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, Clinical Trial Center, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Allegretti
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Esposito
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Histology & Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa, 16, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Donzelli
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulia Fontemaggi
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy.
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Shi L, Li X, Zhang M, Qin C, Zhang Z, Chen Z. Downregulation of Wtap causes dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2024; 188:38-51. [PMID: 38224851 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins have been shown to regulate heart development and cardiac diseases. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms is not known. In this study, we identified Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP, a key regulatory protein of the m6A RNA methyltransferase complex) as a key regulator of heart function and cardiac diseases. WTAP is associated with heart development, and its expression is downregulated in both human and mice with heart failure. Cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of Wtap (Wtap-CKO) induces dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure and neonatal death. Although WTAP deficiency in the heart decreases METTL3 (methyltransferase-like 3) protein levels, cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of Mettl3 in Wtap-CKO mice does not rescue the phenotypes of Wtap-CKO mice. Instead, WTAP deficiency in the heart decreases chromatin accessibility in the promoter regions of Mef2a (myocyte enhancer factor-2α) and Mef2c, leading to reduced mRNA and protein levels of these genes and lower expression of their target genes. Conversely, WTAP directly binds to the promoter of the Mef2c gene and increases its promoter luciferase activity and expression. These data demonstrate that WTAP plays a key role in heart development and cardiac function by maintaining the chromatin accessibility of cardiomyocyte specific genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shi
- Department of Cardiology at the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xinzhi Li
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Meiwei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology at the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Cong Qin
- Department of Cardiology at the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Department of Cardiology at the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Zheng Chen
- HIT Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China.
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Peng C, Xiong F, Pu X, Hu Z, Yang Y, Qiao X, Jiang Y, Han M, Wang D, Li X. m 6A methylation modification and immune cell infiltration: implications for targeting the catalytic subunit m 6A-METTL complex in gastrointestinal cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1326031. [PMID: 38187373 PMCID: PMC10768557 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1326031] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification is a ubiquitous RNA modification involved in the regulation of various cellular processes, including regulation of RNA stability, metabolism, splicing and translation. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are some of the world's most common and fatal cancers. Emerging evidence has shown that m6A modification is dynamically regulated by a complex network of enzymes and that the catalytic subunit m6A-METTL complex (MAC)-METTL3/14, a core component of m6A methyltransferases, participates in the development and progression of GI cancers. Furthermore, it has been shown that METTL3/14 modulates immune cell infiltration in an m6A-dependent manner in TIME (Tumor immune microenvironment), thereby altering the response of cancer cells to ICIs (Immune checkpoint inhibitors). Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach for treating GI cancers. Moreover, targeting the expression of METTL3/14 and its downstream genes may improve patient response to immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the role of MAC in the pathogenesis of GI cancers and its impact on immune cell infiltration may provide new insights into the development of effective therapeutic strategies for GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Peng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Fen Xiong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xi Pu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhangmin Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yufei Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xuehan Qiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yuchun Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Miao Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Deqiang Wang
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaoqin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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Ning J, Yan J, Yang H. Exploring the role of m6A modification in the great obstetrical syndromes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2234541. [PMID: 37474299 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2234541] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the predominant RNA epigenetic modifications that modify RNAs reversibly and dynamically by "writers" (methyltransferase), "erasers" (demethylase), and "readers." OBJECTIVE This review aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of m6A regulation in the great obstetrical syndromes to understand its pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. METHODS The terms "placenta or trophoblast" and "m6A or N6-methyladenosine" were searched in PubMed databases (June 2023). RESULTS In this review, we discuss the regulatory role of m6A in the great obstetrical syndromes such as preeclampsia (PE), spontaneous abortion (SA), hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) and fetal growth to emphasize the clinical relevance of m6A dysregulation in pregnancy. We also describe mechanisms that potentially involve the participation of m6A methylation, such as proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, macrophage polarization, and inflammation. CONCLUSION We summarize the recent research progress on the role of m6A modification in the great obstetrical syndromes and placental function and provide a brief perspective on its prospective applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ning
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
| | - Huixia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
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Wan Z, Ye L, Chen G, Xiong C, OuYang Z, Wu L, He J, Duan P, Jie Y, Zhang Q, Hua W. WTAP gene variants and susceptibility to ovarian endometriosis in a Chinese population. Front Genet 2023; 14:1276099. [PMID: 37900186 PMCID: PMC10603221 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1276099] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Endometriosis is a common chronic gynecologic disorder with a significant negative impact on women's health. Wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP) is a vital component of the RNA methyltransferase complex for N6-methyladenosine modification and plays a critical role in various human diseases. However, whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the WTAP gene predispose to endometriosis risk remains to be investigated. Methods: We genotyped three WTAP polymorphisms in 473 ovarian endometriosis patients and 459 control participants using the Agena Bioscience MassArray iPLEX platform. The logistic regression models were utilized to assess the associations between WTAP SNPs and the risk of ovarian endometriosis. Results: In the single-locus analyses, we found that the rs1853259 G variant genotypes significantly increased, while the rs7766006 T variant genotypes significantly decreased the association with ovarian endometriosis risk. Combined analysis indicated that individuals with two unfavorable genotypes showed significantly higher ovarian endometriosis risk (adjusted OR = 1.71 [1.23-2.37], p = 0.001) than those with zero risk genotypes. In the stratified analysis, the risk effect of the rs1853259 AG/GG and rs7766006 GG genotypes was evident in subgroups of age ≤30, gravidity≤1, parity≤1, rASRM stage I, and the rs7766006 GG genotype was associated with worse risk (adjusted OR = 1.64 [1.08-2.48], p = 0.021) in the patients with rASRM stage II + III + IV. The haplotype analysis indicated that individuals with GGG haplotypes had a higher risk of ovarian endometriosis than wild-type AGG haplotype carriers. Moreover, false positive report probability and Bayesian false discovery probability analysis validated the reliability of the significant results. The quantitative expression trait loci analysis revealed that rs1853259 and rs7766006 were correlated with the expression levels of WTAP. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that WTAP polymorphisms were associated with susceptibility to ovarian endometriosis among Chinese women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixian Wan
- Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu Ye
- Department of Pathology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guange Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaoyi Xiong
- Department of Pathology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhenbo OuYang
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liangzhi Wu
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Youkun Jie
- Department of Pathology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiushi Zhang
- Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenfeng Hua
- Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 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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10
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Leoni C, Bataclan M, Ito-Kureha T, Heissmeyer V, Monticelli S. The mRNA methyltransferase Mettl3 modulates cytokine mRNA stability and limits functional responses in mast cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3862. [PMID: 37386028 PMCID: PMC10310798 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39614-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cells are central players in allergy and asthma, and their dysregulated responses lead to reduced quality of life and life-threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis. The RNA modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has a prominent impact on immune cell functions, but its role in mast cells remains unexplored. Here, by optimizing tools to genetically manipulate primary mast cells, we reveal that the m6A mRNA methyltransferase complex modulates mast cell proliferation and survival. Depletion of the catalytic component Mettl3 exacerbates effector functions in response to IgE and antigen complexes, both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, deletion of Mettl3 or Mettl14, another component of the methyltransferase complex, lead to the enhanced expression of inflammatory cytokines. By focusing on one of the most affected mRNAs, namely the one encoding the cytokine IL-13, we find that it is methylated in activated mast cells, and that Mettl3 affects its transcript stability in an enzymatic activity-dependent manner, requiring consensus m6A sites in the Il13 3'-untranslated region. Overall, we reveal that the m6A machinery is essential in mast cells to sustain growth and to restrain inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Leoni
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
| | - Marian Bataclan
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Taku Ito-Kureha
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Vigo Heissmeyer
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Research Unit Molecular Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Silvia Monticelli
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
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Ju G, Lei J, Cai S, Liu S, Yin X, Peng C. The Emerging, Multifaceted Role of WTAP in Cancer and Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15113053. [PMID: 37297015 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a grave and persistent illness, with the rates of both its occurrence and death toll increasing at an alarming pace. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent mRNA modification in eukaryotic organisms, is catalyzed by methyltransferases and has a significant impact on various aspects of cancer progression. WT1-associated protein (WTAP) is a crucial component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, catalyzing m6A methylation on RNA. It has been demonstrated to participate in numerous cellular pathophysiological processes, including X chromosome inactivation, cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and alternative splicing. A better understanding of the role of WTAP in cancer may render it a reliable factor for early diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a key therapeutic target for cancer treatment. It has been found that WTAP is closely related to tumor cell cycle regulation, metabolic regulation, autophagy, tumor immunity, ferroptosis, epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and drug resistance. In this review, we will focus on the latest advances in the biological functions of WTAP in cancer, and explore the prospects of its application in clinical diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guomin Ju
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jiangchu Lei
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shuqi Cai
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Siyuan Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xinjia Yin
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Chuanhui Peng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Hangzhou 310003, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, China
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12
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Zhen H, Huang M, Zheng M, Gao L, Guo Z, Pang Q, Jin G, Zhou Z. WTAP regulates stem cells via TRAF6 to maintain planarian homeostasis and regeneration. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:124932. [PMID: 37268082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
WTAP, a highly conserved Wilms' tumor 1 interacting protein, is involved in a variety of biological processes. However, functional studies of WTAP in planarians have not been reported. In this study, we examined the spatiotemporal expression pattern of planarian DjWTAP and investigated its functions in planarians regeneration and homeostasis. Knocking-down DjWTAP resulted in severe morphological defects leading to lethality within 20 days. Silencing DjWTAP promoted the proliferation of PiwiA+ cells but impaired the lineage differentiation of epidermal, neural, digestive, and excretory cell types, suggesting a critical role for DjWTAP in stem cell self-renewal and differentiation in planarian. To further investigate the mechanisms underlying the defective differentiation, RNA-seq was employed to determine the transcriptomic alterations upon DjWTAP RNA interference. Histone 4 (H4), Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase-SETMAR like, and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), were significantly upregulated in response to DjWTAP RNAi. Knocking-down TRAF6 largely rescued the defective tissue homeostasis and regeneration resulted from DjWTAP knockdown in planarians, suggesting that DjWTAP maintains planarian regeneration and homeostasis via TRAF6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhen
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mujie Huang
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Gao
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China
| | - Zepeng Guo
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuxiang Pang
- Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, China.
| | - Guoxiang Jin
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Zhongjun Zhou
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, CHINA.
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13
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Wang Q, Yu W, Wang T, Huang C. Circular RNA circDLG1 contributes to HCC progression by regulating the miR-141-3p/WTAP axis. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:179. [PMID: 37227531 PMCID: PMC10213070 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01096-y] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to explore novel and reliable biomarkers for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) were determined by analysis of human circRNA arrays and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase reactions. To test for an interaction between circDLG1, we used luciferase reporter assays, RNA immunoprecipitation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization assays that were employed to test the interaction between circDLG1, miR-141-3p, and WTAP. q-RT-PCR and western blot were used to evaluate the target regulation of miR-141-3p and WTAP. shRNA-mediated knockdown of circDLG1, proliferation, migration, and invasion experiment of metastasis were used to evaluate the function of circDLG. CircDLG1 rather than lining DLG1 was upregulated in HCC tissues, from HCC patients as well as HCC cell lines compared to normal controls. circDLG1 high expression in HCC patients was correlated with shorter overall survival. Knockdown of circDLG1 and miR-141-3p mimic could inhibit the tumorigenesis of HCC cells in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, we demonstrated that circDLG1 could act as a sponge of miR-141-3p to regulate the expression of WTAP, and further suppress the tumorigenesis of HCC cells. Our study reveals that circDLG1 can serve as a novel potential circulating biomarker for the detection of HCC. circDLG1 participates in the progression of HCC cells by sponging miR-141-3p with WTAP, providing new insight into the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Changshan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, China.
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14
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Xu JL. Wilms Tumor 1-Associated Protein Expression Is Linked to a T-Cell-Inflamed Phenotype in Pancreatic Cancer. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:831-840. [PMID: 35859262 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07620-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molecular driving forces of anti-tumor immunity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain unclear, which causing great difficulty in identifying an appropriate treatment strategy. AIMS This study aims to explore the associations between expression of Wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP) and effector T-cell infiltration in PDAC. METHODS In this study, we explored the association between WTAP expression and infiltration level of CD8+ T cells in PDAC. 178 PDAC samples were selected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The associations between diverse immune-cell infiltration, Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB), immune checkpoints, and WTAP expression were performed via R software. Transcriptional hallmarks of anti-tumor immunity and known T-cell-inflamed signature of PDAC were both selected to explore the relevance to WTAP expression. Potential immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response to different WTAP expression was predicted with tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) algorithm. RESULTS WTAP was closely linked to CD8+ T-cell infiltration (r ≥ 0.5, P value < 0.05) and did not show notable association with TMB in PDAC. WTAP positively linked to T-cell-inflamed gene expression profiles (GEP) (IL2RB, IL2RA, ZAP70, ITK, CD3E, CD38, CD27, CD276, CD8A, CMKLR1, CXCR6, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DRB1, HLA-E, NKG7, and STAT1), cytolytic activity (GZMA and PRF1), various immune checkpoints (IDO1, CD274, HAVCR2, PDCD1, CTLA4, LAG3, and PDCD1LG2) and 4-chemokine signature (CCL4, CCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL10). Besides, increased expression of WTAP was related to a higher TIDE score. CONCLUSIONS WTAP marks PDAC tumors with an active anti-tumor phenotype and might help the identification of PDAC patients who might benefit from immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Li Xu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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15
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Yang J, Li L, Li X, Zhong M, Li X, Qu L, Zhang H, Tang D, Liu X, He C, Zhao X. The blue light receptor CRY1 interacts with FIP37 to promote N 6 -methyladenosine RNA modification and photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 237:840-854. [PMID: 36305219 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Light is a particularly important environmental cue that regulates a variety of diverse plant developmental processes, such as photomorphogenesis. Blue light promotes photomorphogenesis mainly through the activation of the photoreceptor cryptochrome 1 (CRY1). However, the mechanism underlying the CRY1-mediated regulation of growth is not fully understood. Here, we found that blue light induced N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) RNA modification during photomorphogenesis partially via CRY1. Cryptochrome 1 mediates blue light-induced expression of FKBP12-interacting protein 37 (FIP37), which is a component of m6 A writer. Moreover, we showed that CRY1 physically interacted with FIP37 in vitro and in vivo, and mediated blue light activation of FIP37 binding to RNA. Furthermore, CRY1 and FIP37 modulated m6 A on photomorphogenesis-related genes PIF3, PIF4, and PIF5, thereby accelerating the decay of their transcripts. Genetically, FIP37 repressed hypocotyl elongation under blue light, and fip37 mutation could partially rescue the short-hypocotyl phenotype of CRY1-overexpressing plants. Together, our results provide a new insight into CRY1 signal in modulating m6 A methylation and stability of PIFs, and establish an essential molecular link between m6 A modification and determination of photomorphogenesis in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Yang
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan Engineering and Technology Research enter of Hybrid Rapeseed, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
- Shenzhen Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan Engineering and Technology Research enter of Hybrid Rapeseed, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan Engineering and Technology Research enter of Hybrid Rapeseed, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
- Shenzhen Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Ming Zhong
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan Engineering and Technology Research enter of Hybrid Rapeseed, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
- Shenzhen Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Xinmei Li
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan Engineering and Technology Research enter of Hybrid Rapeseed, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
- Shenzhen Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Lina Qu
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan Engineering and Technology Research enter of Hybrid Rapeseed, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
- Shenzhen Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan Engineering and Technology Research enter of Hybrid Rapeseed, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
- Shenzhen Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Dongying Tang
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan Engineering and Technology Research enter of Hybrid Rapeseed, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Xuanming Liu
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan Engineering and Technology Research enter of Hybrid Rapeseed, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Chongsheng He
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan Engineering and Technology Research enter of Hybrid Rapeseed, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhao
- College of Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan Engineering and Technology Research enter of Hybrid Rapeseed, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
- Shenzhen Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, 518057, China
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16
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Fiorentino F, Menna M, Rotili D, Valente S, Mai A. METTL3 from Target Validation to the First Small-Molecule Inhibitors: A Medicinal Chemistry Journey. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1654-1677. [PMID: 36692498 PMCID: PMC9923689 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
RNA methylation is a critical mechanism for regulating the transcription and translation of specific sequences or for eliminating unnecessary sequences during RNA maturation. METTL3, an RNA methyltransferase that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group to the N6-adenosine of RNA, is one of the key mediators of this process. METTL3 dysregulation may result in the emergence of a variety of diseases ranging from cancer to cardiovascular and neurological disorders beyond contributing to viral infections. Hence, the discovery of METTL3 inhibitors may assist in furthering the understanding of the biological roles of this enzyme, in addition to contributing to the development of novel therapeutics. Through this work, we will examine the existing correlations between METTL3 and diseases. We will also analyze the development, mode of action, pharmacology, and structure-activity relationships of the currently known METTL3 inhibitors. They include both nucleoside and non-nucleoside compounds, with the latter comprising both competitive and allosteric inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiorentino
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Menna
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy,
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy,
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy,Pasteur
Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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17
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Lothion-Roy J, Haigh DB, Harris AE, Metzler VM, Alsaleem M, Toss MS, Kariri Y, Ntekim A, Robinson BD, Khani F, Gudas LJ, Allegrucci C, James VH, Madhusudan S, Mather M, Emes RD, Archer N, Fray RG, Rakha E, Jeyapalan JN, Rutland CS, Mongan NP, Woodcock CL. Clinical and molecular significance of the RNA m 6A methyltransferase complex in prostate cancer. Front Genet 2023; 13:1096071. [PMID: 36733939 PMCID: PMC9887525 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1096071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal mRNA modification and is dynamically regulated through distinct protein complexes that methylate, demethylate, and/or interpret the m6A modification. These proteins, and the m6A modification, are involved in the regulation of gene expression, RNA stability, splicing and translation. Given its role in these crucial processes, m6A has been implicated in many diseases, including in cancer development and progression. Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed non-cutaneous cancer in men and recent studies support a role for m6A in PCa. Despite this, the literature currently lacks an integrated analysis of the expression of key components of the m6A RNA methyltransferase complex, both in PCa patients and in well-established cell line models. For this reason, this study used immunohistochemistry and functional studies to investigate the mechanistic and clinical significance of the METTL3, METTL14, WTAP and CBLL1 components of the m6A methyltransferase complex in PCa specimens and cell lines. Expression of METTL3 and CBLL1, but not METTL14 and WTAP, was associated with poorer PCa patient outcomes. Expression of METTL3, METTL14, WTAP and CBLL1 was higher in PCa cells compared with non-malignant prostate cells, with the highest expression seen in castrate-sensitive, androgen-responsive PCa cells. Moreover, in PCa cell lines, expression of METTL3 and WTAP was found to be androgen-regulated. To investigate the mechanistic role(s) of the m6A methyltransferase complex in PCa cells, short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown coupled with next generation sequencing was used to determine the transcriptome-wide roles of METTL3, the catalytic subunit of the m6A methyltransferase complex. Functional depletion of METTL3 resulted in upregulation of the androgen receptor (AR), together with 134 AR-regulated genes. METTL3 knockdown also resulted in altered splicing, and enrichment of cell cycle, DNA repair and metabolic pathways. Collectively, this study identified the functional and clinical significance of four essential m6A complex components in PCa patient specimens and cell lines for the first time. Further studies are now warranted to determine the potential therapeutic relevance of METTL3 inhibitors in development to treat leukaemia to benefit patients with PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lothion-Roy
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Daisy B. Haigh
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Anna E. Harris
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Veronika M. Metzler
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Mansour Alsaleem
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,Department of Applied Medical Science, Applied College, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael S. Toss
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Yousif Kariri
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atara Ntekim
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom,Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Ibadan, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Brian D. Robinson
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Francesca Khani
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lorraine J. Gudas
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Cinzia Allegrucci
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria H. James
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Srinivasan Madhusudan
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Mather
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Richard D. Emes
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Archer
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Rupert G. Fray
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Emad Rakha
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jennie N. Jeyapalan
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Catrin S. Rutland
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel P. Mongan
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom,Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Nigel P. Mongan, , ; Corinne L. Woodcock,
| | - Corinne L. Woodcock
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom,School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Nigel P. Mongan, , ; Corinne L. Woodcock,
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18
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Liu X, Sun Q, Cao Z, Liu W, Zhang H, Xue Z, Zhao J, Feng Y, Zhao F, Wang J, Wang X. Identification of RNA N6-methyladenosine regulation in epilepsy: Significance of the cell death mode, glycometabolism, and drug reactivity. Front Genet 2022; 13:1042543. [PMID: 36468034 PMCID: PMC9714553 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1042543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy, a functional disease caused by abnormal discharge of neurons, has attracted the attention of neurologists due to its complex characteristics. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a reversible mRNA modification that plays essential role in various biological processes. Nevertheless, no previous study has systematically evaluated the role of m6A regulators in epilepsy. Here, using gene expression screening in the Gene Expression Omnibus GSE143272, we identified seven significant m6A regulator genes in epileptic and non-epileptic patients. The random forest (RF) model was applied to the screening, and seven m6A regulators (HNRNPC, WATP, RBM15, YTHDC1, YTHDC2, CBLL1, and RBMX) were selected as the candidate genes for predicting the risk of epilepsy. A nomogram model was then established based on the seven-candidate m6A regulators. Decision curve analysis preliminarily showed that patients with epilepsy could benefit from the nomogram model. The consensus clustering method was performed to divide patients with epilepsy into two m6A patterns (clusterA and clusterB) based on the selected significant m6A regulators. Principal component analysis algorithms were constructed to calculate the m6A score for each sample to quantify the m6A patterns. Patients in clusterB had higher m6A scores than those in clusterA. Furthermore, the patients in each cluster had unique immune cell components and different cell death patterns. Meanwhile, based on the M6A classification, a correlation between epilepsy and glucose metabolism was laterally verified. In conclusion, the m6A regulation pattern plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. The research on m6A regulatory factors will play a key role in guiding the immune-related treatment, drug selection, and identification of metabolism conditions and mechanisms of epilepsy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuchen Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qingyuan Sun
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zexin Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Wenyu Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Hengrui Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiwei Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Jiangli Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yifei Feng
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feihu Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Jiwei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, China
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N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation mediated by methyltransferase complex subunit WTAP regulates amelogenesis. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102715. [PMID: 36403857 PMCID: PMC9791132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, one of the most widespread posttranscriptional modifications in eukaryotes, plays crucial roles in various developmental processes. The m6A modification process is catalyzed by a methyltransferase complex that includes Wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP) as a key component. Whether the development of dental enamel is regulated by m6A RNA methylation in mammals remains unclear. Here, we reveal that WTAP is widely expressed from the early stage of tooth development. Specific inactivation of Wtap in mouse enamel epithelium by the Cre/loxp system leads to serious developmental defects in amelogenesis. In Wtap conditional KO mice, we determined that the differentiation of enamel epithelial cells into mature ameloblasts at the early stages of enamel development is affected. Mechanistically, loss of Wtap inhibits the expression of Sonic hedgehog (SHH), which plays an important role in the generation of ameloblasts from stem cells. Together, our findings provide new insights into the functional role of WTAP-mediated m6A methylation in amelogenesis in mammals.
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Comprehensive Analysis Revealed the Potential Roles of N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) Mediating E. coli F18 Susceptibility in IPEC-J2 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113602. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-weaning diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18 (E. coli F18) causes significant economic losses for pig producers. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a highly abundant epitranscriptomic marker that has been found to be involved in regulating the resistance of host cells to pathogenic infection, but its potential role in E. coli F18-exposed intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) remains undetermined. Here, we demonstrated that m6A and its regulators modulate E. coli F18 susceptibility. Briefly, we revealed that the Wilms’ tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP) expressions were markedly elevated in IPEC-J2 cells upon E. coli F18 exposure. WTAP are required for the regulation of E. coli F18 adhesion in IPEC-J2 cells. Additionally, WTAP knockdown significantly suppressed m6A level at N-acetyllactosaminide beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase (GCNT2) 3′UTR, resulting in the enhancement of TH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2)-mediated GCNT2 mRNA stability. Subsequently, the altered GCNT2 expressions could inhibit the glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, thus improving resistance to E. coli F18 infection in IPEC-J2. Collectively, our analyses highlighted the mechanism behind the m6A-mediated management of E. coli F18 susceptibility, which will aid in the development of novel approaches that protect against bacterial diarrhea in piglets.
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21
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Su S, Li S, Deng T, Gao M, Yin Y, Wu B, Peng C, Liu J, Ma J, Zhang K. Cryo-EM structures of human m 6A writer complexes. Cell Res 2022; 32:982-994. [PMID: 36167981 PMCID: PMC9652331 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-022-00725-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant ribonucleotide modification among eukaryotic messenger RNAs. The m6A "writer" consists of the catalytic subunit m6A-METTL complex (MAC) and the regulatory subunit m6A-METTL-associated complex (MACOM), the latter being essential for enzymatic activity. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of MACOM at a 3.0-Å resolution, uncovering that WTAP and VIRMA form the core structure of MACOM and that ZC3H13 stretches the conformation by binding VIRMA. Furthermore, the 4.4-Å resolution cryo-EM map of the MACOM-MAC complex, combined with crosslinking mass spectrometry and GST pull-down analysis, elucidates a plausible model of the m6A writer complex, in which MACOM binds to MAC mainly through WTAP and METTL3 interactions. In combination with in vitro RNA substrate binding and m6A methyltransferase activity assays, our results illustrate the molecular basis of how MACOM assembles and interacts with MAC to form an active m6A writer complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichen Su
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Multiscale Research Institute of Complex Systems, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Ting Deng
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Multiscale Research Institute of Complex Systems, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minsong Gao
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XMOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Yue Yin
- grid.458506.a0000 0004 0497 0637National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Baixing Wu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Multiscale Research Institute of Complex Systems, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, RNA Biomedical Institute, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Chao Peng
- grid.458506.a0000 0004 0497 0637National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Zhangjiang Laboratory, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianzhao Liu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XMOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Jinbiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Multiscale Research Institute of Complex Systems, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Kaiming Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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22
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The RNA m 6A writer WTAP in diseases: structure, roles, and mechanisms. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:852. [PMID: 36207306 PMCID: PMC9546849 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05268-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a widely investigated RNA modification in studies on the "epigenetic regulation" of mRNAs that is ubiquitously present in eukaryotes. Abnormal changes in m6A levels are closely related to the regulation of RNA metabolism, heat shock stress, tumor occurrence, and development. m6A modifications are catalyzed by the m6A writer complex, which contains RNA methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14), Wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP), and other proteins with methyltransferase (MTase) capability, such as RNA-binding motif protein 15 (RBM15), KIAA1429 and zinc finger CCCH-type containing 13 (ZC3H13). Although METTL3 is the main catalytic subunit, WTAP is a regulatory subunit whose function is to recruit the m6A methyltransferase complex to the target mRNA. Specifically, WTAP is required for the accumulation of METTL3 and METTL14 in nuclear speckles. In this paper, we briefly introduce the molecular mechanism of m6A modification. Then, we focus on WTAP, a component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, and introduce its structure, localization, and physiological functions. Finally, we describe its roles and mechanisms in cancer.
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23
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Luo G, Qi Y, Lei Z, Shen X, Chen M, Du L, Wu C, Bo J, Wang S, Zhao J, Yi X. A potential biomarker of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma WTAP promotes the proliferation and migration of ESCC. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 238:154114. [PMID: 36095919 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study focuses on the function of WTAP in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) samples and cell lines. The results showed that WTAP expression in ESCC tissues was significantly upregulated in 78.1% (57 of 73) of the ESCC tissues at the protein level compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues via immunohistochemical staining. The WTAP protein expression level was positively correlated with the lymph node metastasis and TNM stage, and patients with higher WTAP protein expression level exhibited a shorter overall survival interval. Knocking down WTAP significantly reduced cell proliferation and migration but promoted cell apoptosis of TE-1and KYSE150 cells. Moreover, WTAP inhibition reduced the expression of ki67 and Snail related to cell proliferation and migration but increased the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 which were involved in cell apoptosis. In conclusion, our results suggest that the WTAP, a potential biomarker of ESCC, maybe play an important role in ESCC-genesis through regulating expression of genes related to cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- GaoMeng Luo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Institute of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China.
| | - Yao Qi
- Shanghai OUTDO Biotech Co. Ltd., No. 151, Libing Road, Shanghai 202203, China.
| | - ZhengYao Lei
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China.
| | - XiaoYing Shen
- Shanghai OUTDO Biotech Co. Ltd., No. 151, Libing Road, Shanghai 202203, China
| | - MingMin Chen
- Shanghai OUTDO Biotech Co. Ltd., No. 151, Libing Road, Shanghai 202203, China.
| | - LiLi Du
- Shanghai OUTDO Biotech Co. Ltd., No. 151, Libing Road, Shanghai 202203, China.
| | - CaiXia Wu
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China.
| | - JiaQi Bo
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China.
| | - ShunLi Wang
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China.
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Institute of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - XiangHua Yi
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China.
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24
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Lei J, Fan Y, Yan C, Jiamaliding Y, Tang Y, Zhou J, Huang M, Ju G, Wu J, Peng C. Comprehensive analysis about prognostic and immunological role of WTAP in pan-cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:1007696. [PMID: 36171885 PMCID: PMC9511574 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1007696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP) plays a critical role in ribonucleic acid (RNA) methylation of N6 adenosine (m6A) modification, which is closely related with varieties of biological process. However, the role of WTAP in cancers remains to be determined. This study is designed to demonstrate the prognostic landscape of WTAP in pan-cancer and explore the relationship between WTAP expression and immune infiltration. Methods: Here, we investigated the expression level and prognostic role of WTAP in pan-cancer using multiple databases, including PrognoScan, GEPIA, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Then, applying the GEPIA and TIMER databases, we illustrated the correlations between WTAP expression and immune infiltration in tumors, especially liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), and esophageal carcinoma (ESCA). Results: WTAP had significant higher expression levels in tumor tissues of ESCA, LIHC, etc., while lower expression levels in those of bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA), breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA), etc. And WTAP demonstrated multifaceted prognostic value in cancers. Of our interests, WTAP exerted a harmful effect on LIHC patient for overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). WTAP expression also significantly associated with the infiltration levels of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells (DC) in LIHC but not ESCA. Furthermore, combined analysis about WTAP expression level and immune cell specific gene markers implied WTAP correlates with regulatory cells (T reg) infiltration in LIHC and ESCA. Conclusion: The m6A regulator WTAP can serve as a prognostic biomarker for certain tumor types in pan-cancer and potentially result from immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangchu Lei
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuzhi Fan
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaobiao Yan
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yeernaer Jiamaliding
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Tang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengna Huang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guomin Ju
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuanhui Peng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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25
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Analysis of N6-Methyladenosine RNA Methylation Regulators in Diagnosis and Distinct Molecular Subtypes of Ankylosing Spondylitis. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:4942599. [PMID: 36157216 PMCID: PMC9507730 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4942599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The most frequent internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA is N6-methyladenosine (m6A). However, what we know about the m6A regulators in Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is still limited. In our study, eight distinct m6A regulators were selected utilizing Differentially Expressed Gene (DEG) analysis of the Gene Expression Omnibus GSE73754 dataset for making comparisons between AS (Ankylosing spondylitis) and non-AS patients. The random forest model and the nomogram model were used to screen the eight candidate m6A regulators and evaluate their prediction accuracy for the occurrence of AS. Furthermore, based on the selected m6A regulators, the AS patients were divided into two subgroups, and we applied principal component analysis algorithms to calculate their m6A score and evaluate the m6A patterns. Our findings revealed that patients in cluster A were linked to activated CD4 T cell immunity and activated CD8 T cell immunity. With its major contributions in the area of immunology, our research in m6A patterns may benefit the future diagnosis and treatment strategies of AS.
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26
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Xie X, Zhang Y, Yu J, Jiang F, Wu C. Significance of m6A regulatory factor in gene expression and immune function of osteoarthritis. Front Physiol 2022; 13:918270. [PMID: 36160850 PMCID: PMC9493330 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.918270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most prevalent posttranscriptional modifications of eukaryotic mRNA is the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulator, which plays a significant role in various illnesses. The involvement of m6A regulators in osteoarthritis (OA) is not fully known. By comparing nonosteoarthritic and osteoarthritic patients, 26 important m6A regulators were identified from the gene expression omnibus GSE48556 dataset. Seven candidate m6A regulators (IGFBP3, WTAP, IGFBP1, HNRNPC, RBM15B, YTHDC1, and METTL3) were screened using a random forest model to assess the likelihood of OA. A column line graph model founded on seven m6A modulator candidates was created. According to decision curve analysis, patients might profit from the column line graph model. Based on chosen relevant m6A modifiers, a consensus clustering approach was utilized to categorize OA into two m6A categories (group A and group B). To measure the m6A pattern, a principal component analysis technique was created to generate the m6A score for every sample. Cluster A patients exhibited more excellent m6A scores than cluster B patients. Furthermore, we discovered that patients with lower and higher m6A scores had varied immunological responses using the m6A type. At last, m6A regulators contribute significantly to the progression of OA. Our research on m6A patterns might help to guide further OA immunotherapeutic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Xie
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Department of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Chuyan Wu, ; Feng Jiang,
| | - Chuyan Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Chuyan Wu, ; Feng Jiang,
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27
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Fan Y, Li X, Sun H, Gao Z, Zhu Z, Yuan K. Role of WTAP in Cancer: From Mechanisms to the Therapeutic Potential. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091224. [PMID: 36139062 PMCID: PMC9496264 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP) is required for N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation modifications, which regulate biological processes such as RNA splicing, cell proliferation, cell cycle, and embryonic development. m6A is the predominant form of mRNA modification in eukaryotes. WTAP exerts m6A modification by binding to methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in the nucleus to form the METTL3-methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14)-WTAP (MMW) complex, a core component of the methyltransferase complex (MTC), and localizing to the nuclear patches. Studies have demonstrated that WTAP plays a critical role in various cancers, both dependent and independent of its role in m6A modification of methyltransferases. Here, we describe the recent findings on the structural features of WTAP, the mechanisms by which WTAP regulates the biological functions, and the molecular mechanisms of its functions in various cancers. By summarizing the latest WTAP research, we expect to provide new directions and insights for oncology research and discover new targets for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfei Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Heart and Lung Disease Laboratory, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Xinwei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
| | - Huihui Sun
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 1 People’s Hospital of Suzhou University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Zhaojia Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Heart and Lung Disease Laboratory, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Zheng Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Heart and Lung Disease Laboratory, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Heart and Lung Disease Laboratory, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China
- Correspondence:
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28
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RNA splicing: a dual-edged sword for hepatocellular carcinoma. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:173. [PMID: 35972700 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01726-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
RNA splicing is the fundamental process that brings diversity at the transcriptome and proteome levels. The spliceosome complex regulates minor and major processes of RNA splicing. Aberrant regulation is often associated with different diseases, including diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and cancer. In the majority of cancers, dysregulated alternative RNA splicing (ARS) events directly affect tumor progression, invasiveness, and often lead to poor survival of the patients. Alike the rest of the gastrointestinal malignancies, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which alone contributes to ~ 75% of the liver cancers, a large number of ARS events have been observed, including intron retention, exon skipping, presence of alternative 3'-splice site (3'SS), and alternative 5'-splice site (5'SS). These events are reported in spliceosome and non-spliceosome complexes genes. Molecules such as MCL1, Bcl-X, and BCL2 in different isoforms can behave as anti-apoptotic or pro-apoptotic, making the spliceosome complex a dual-edged sword. The anti-apoptotic isoforms of such molecules bring in resistance to chemotherapy or cornerstone drugs. However, in contrast, multiple malignant tumors, including HCC that target the pro-apoptotic favoring isoforms/variants favor apoptotic induction and make chemotherapy effective. Herein, we discuss different splicing events, aberrations, and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in modulating RNA splicing in HCC tumorigenesis with a possible therapeutic outcome.
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29
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Deficiency of WTAP in hepatocytes induces lipoatrophy and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Nat Commun 2022; 13:4549. [PMID: 35927268 PMCID: PMC9352699 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32163-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectopic lipid accumulation and inflammation are the essential signs of NASH. However, the molecular mechanisms of ectopic lipid accumulation and inflammation during NASH progression are not fully understood. Here we reported that hepatic Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP) is a key integrative regulator of ectopic lipid accumulation and inflammation during NASH progression. Hepatic deletion of Wtap leads to NASH due to the increased lipolysis in white adipose tissue, enhanced hepatic free fatty acids uptake and induced inflammation, all of which are mediated by IGFBP1, CD36 and cytochemokines such as CCL2, respectively. WTAP binds to specific DNA motifs which are enriched in the promoters and suppresses gene expression (e.g., Igfbp1, Cd36 and Ccl2) with the involvement of HDAC1. In NASH, WTAP is tranlocated from nucleus to cytosol, which is related to CDK9-mediated phosphorylation. These data uncover a mechanism by which hepatic WTAP regulates ectopic lipid accumulation and inflammation during NASH progression. Ectopic lipid accumulation and inflammation are the essential signs of NASH. Here, the authors show that hepatic WTAP is a key integrative repressor of ectopic lipid accumulation and inflammation during NASH progression, and hepatic deletion of Wtap promotes both of them, leading to NASH
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Ito-Kureha T, Leoni C, Borland K, Cantini G, Bataclan M, Metzger RN, Ammann G, Krug AB, Marsico A, Kaiser S, Canzar S, Feske S, Monticelli S, König J, Heissmeyer V. The function of Wtap in N 6-adenosine methylation of mRNAs controls T cell receptor signaling and survival of T cells. Nat Immunol 2022; 23:1208-1221. [PMID: 35879451 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-022-01268-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
T cell antigen-receptor (TCR) signaling controls the development, activation and survival of T cells by involving several layers and numerous mechanisms of gene regulation. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent messenger RNA modification affecting splicing, translation and stability of transcripts. In the present study, we describe the Wtap protein as essential for m6A methyltransferase complex function and reveal its crucial role in TCR signaling in mouse T cells. Wtap and m6A methyltransferase functions were required for the differentiation of thymocytes, control of activation-induced death of peripheral T cells and prevention of colitis by enabling gut RORγt+ regulatory T cell function. Transcriptome and epitranscriptomic analyses reveal that m6A modification destabilizes Orai1 and Ripk1 mRNAs. Lack of post-transcriptional repression of the encoded proteins correlated with increased store-operated calcium entry activity and diminished survival of T cells with conditional genetic inactivation of Wtap. These findings uncover how m6A modification impacts on TCR signal transduction and determines activation and survival of T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taku Ito-Kureha
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Cristina Leoni
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Kayla Borland
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Giulia Cantini
- Research Unit Molecular Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Marian Bataclan
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca N Metzger
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Gregor Ammann
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne B Krug
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Annalisa Marsico
- Institute for Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kaiser
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Munich, Germany.,Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Canzar
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Feske
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Silvia Monticelli
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | | | - Vigo Heissmeyer
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany. .,Research Unit Molecular Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.
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31
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Mo BW, Li XM, Li SM, Xiao B, Yang J, Li HM. m6A echoes with DNA methylation: Coordinated DNA methylation and gene expression data analysis identified critical m6A genes associated with asthma. Gene 2022; 828:146457. [PMID: 35421547 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves complex gene-environment interactions. Methylation of nucleotides, such as 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in DNA and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in mRNA, carries important information for gene regulation. Our study screened m6A genes and genes associated with asthma from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases GSE63383, GSE119580, GSE38003, GSE34313, GSE13168, and GSE35643. GSE52778, GSE35643, GSE40996, and GSE64744), and DNA methylation data from GSE85568 and GSE146377. We screened out 6 m6A related genes (FTO, IGF2BP2, RBM15, RBMX, WTAP, and YTHDC1) that were significantly dysregulated in asthma or proinflammatory conditions. A correlation study showed a high correlation between m6A genes and gene pairs such as WTAP, IL7R, and TLR2; RBMX, SLC22A4, IL33, TNC, FLG, and IL6R (|r| ≥ 0.8). Following DNA methylation dataset analysis, we proposed several DNA methylation-m6A modification asthma-related gene axes such as cg19032951/cg15153914-IGF2BP2-SMAD3. Interestingly, several target genes, such as SMAD3, possess the ability to participate in DNA methylation processes, which may reciprocally regulate the expression of m6A genes and form a closed-loop regulation axis. Some classic DNA methylation-related genes, such as TET1, UHRF1, and ZBTB4, were also involved. We identified an integrated profile of m6A gene expression in asthma and proposed a novel potential interplay between DNA methylation and m6A modification in asthma pathogenesis. Using the CMAP database, we found that resveratrol may target these dysregulated m6A genes, and therefore may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Wen Mo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, PR China; Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders, PR China
| | - Xiao-Mang Li
- Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541000, PR China
| | - Shen-Mei Li
- Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541000, PR China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases (Guilin Medical University, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), PR China
| | - Jie Yang
- Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541000, PR China
| | - Hui-Min Li
- Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541000, PR China.
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32
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The Progression of N6-methyladenosine Study and Its Role in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115922. [PMID: 35682599 PMCID: PMC9180340 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epitranscriptomic modifications can affect every aspect of RNA biology, including stability, transport, splicing, and translation, participate in global intracellular mRNA metabolism, and regulate gene expression and a variety of biological processes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) as the most prevalent modification contributes to normal embryonic brain development and memory formation. However, changes in the level of m6A modification and the expression of its related proteins cause abnormal nervous system functions, including brain tissue development retardation, axon regeneration disorders, memory changes, and neural stem cell renewal and differentiation disorders. Recent studies have revealed that m6A modification and its related proteins play key roles in the development of various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In this review, we summarize the research progresses of the m6A modification regulation mechanism in the central nervous system and discuss the effects of gene expression regulation mediated by m6A modification on the biological functions of the neuropsychiatric disorders, thereby providing some insight into new research targets and treatment directions for human diseases.
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33
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Auld FM, Sergi CM, Leng R, Shen F. The Role of N6-Methyladenosine in the Promotion of Hepatoblastoma: A Critical Review. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091516. [PMID: 35563821 PMCID: PMC9101889 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatoblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric tumor of the liver. Unlike hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which has been associated with hepatitis B virus infection or cirrhosis, the etiology of hepatoblastoma remains vague. Genetic syndromes, including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), and trisomy 18 syndrome, have been associated with hepatoblastoma. BWS is an overgrowth syndrome which exhibits an alteration of genomic imprinting on chromosome 11p15.5. N6-Methyladenosine (M6A) is an RNA modification with rampant involvement in the metabolism of cells and malignant diseases. It has been observed to impact the development of various cancers via its governance of gene expression. Here, we explore the role of m6A and its genetic associates in promoting HB, and the impact this may have on our future management of the disease. Abstract Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a rare primary malignancy of the developing fetal liver. Its course is profoundly influenced by genetics, in the context of sporadic mutation or genetic syndromes. Conventionally, subtypes of HB are histologically determined based on the tissue type that is recapitulated by the tumor and the direction of its differentiation. This classification is being reevaluated based on advances on molecular pathology. The therapeutic approach comprises surgical intervention, chemotherapy (in a neoadjuvant or post-operative capacity), and in some cases, liver transplantation. Although diagnostic modalities and treatment options are evolving, some patients experience complications, including relapse, metastatic spread, and suboptimal response to chemotherapy. As yet, there is no consistent framework with which such outcomes can be predicted. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an RNA modification with rampant involvement in the normal processing of cell metabolism and neoplasia. It has been observed to impact the development of a variety of cancers via its governance of gene expression. M6A-associated genes appear prominently in HB. Literature data seem to underscore the role of m6A in promotion and clinical course of HB. Illuminating the pathogenetic mechanisms that drive HB are promising additions to the understanding of the clinically aggressive tumor behavior, given its potential to predict disease course and response to therapy. Implicated genes may also act as targets to facilitate the evolving personalized cancer therapy. Here, we explore the role of m6A and its genetic associates in the promotion of HB, and the impact this may have on the management of this neoplastic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finn Morgan Auld
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
| | - Consolato M. Sergi
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada;
- Correspondence: (C.M.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Roger Leng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada;
| | - Fan Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada;
- Correspondence: (C.M.S.); (F.S.)
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Izadpanah A, Rappaport J, Datta PK. Epitranscriptomics of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:849298. [PMID: 35465335 PMCID: PMC9032796 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.849298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies on the epitranscriptomic code of SARS-CoV-2 infection have discovered various RNA modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), pseudouridine (Ψ), and 2′-O-methylation (Nm). The effects of RNA methylation on SARS-CoV-2 replication and the enzymes involved in this mechanism are emerging. In this review, we summarize the advances in this emerging field and discuss the role of various players such as readers, writers, and erasers in m6A RNA methylation, the role of pseudouridine synthase one and seven in epitranscriptomic modification Ψ, an isomer of uridine, and role of nsp16/nsp10 heterodimer in 2′-O-methylation of the ribose sugar of the first nucleotide of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA. We also discuss RNA expression levels of various enzymes involved in RNA modifications in blood cells of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals and their impact on host mRNA modification. In conclusion, these observations will facilitate the development of novel strategies and therapeutics for targeting RNA modification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA to control SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Izadpanah
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Center, Covington, LA, United States
| | - Jay Rappaport
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Center, Covington, LA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Prasun K. Datta
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Center, Covington, LA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- *Correspondence: Prasun K. Datta,
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35
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Li Y, Meng L, Zhao B. The roles of N6-methyladenosine methylation in the regulation of bone development, bone remodeling and osteoporosis. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 238:108174. [PMID: 35346729 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a novel epitranscriptomic RNA modification, plays crucial roles in a variety of biological processes and diseases. Recently, there are growing evidence supporting that m6A methylation is essential for bone development and homeostasis through the regulation of key genes by regulating RNA stability, localization, turnover and translation efficiency. In this review, we summarized our current understanding of the functional roles of m6A methylation and its related regulators in bone development and bone remodeling. These findings will offer new directions and insights on the further investigations of m6A methylation in bone biology. Moreover, we also discussed important advances of m6A methylation related regulators as potential therapeutic targets, which allows for novel therapeutic strategies on the medications of bone-related diseases including osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Li Meng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Baobing Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
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36
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Ma C, Ma RJ, Hu K, Zheng QM, Wang YP, Zhang N, Sun ZG. The molecular mechanism of METTL3 promoting the malignant progression of lung cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:133. [PMID: 35331234 PMCID: PMC8944087 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02539-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer remains one of the major causes of cancer-related death globally. Recent studies have shown that aberrant m6A levels caused by METTL3 are involved in the malignant progression of various tumors, including lung cancer. The m6A modification, the most abundant RNA chemical modification, regulates RNA stabilization, splicing, translation, decay, and nuclear export. The methyltransferase complex plays a key role in the occurrence and development of many tumors by installing m6A modification. In this complex, METTL3 is the first identified methyltransferase, which is also the major catalytic enzyme. Recent findings have revealed that METTL3 is remarkably associated with different aspects of lung cancer progression, influencing the prognosis of patients. In this review, we will focus on the underlying mechanism of METT3 in lung cancer and predict the future work and potential clinical application of targeting METTL3 for lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 105 Jiefang Road, Jinan, 250013, Shandong, China.,School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shangdong, China
| | - Rui-Jie Ma
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250013, Shangdong, China
| | - Kang Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 105 Jiefang Road, Jinan, 250013, Shandong, China.,School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shangdong, China
| | - Qi-Ming Zheng
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250013, Shangdong, China
| | - Ye-Peng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 105 Jiefang Road, Jinan, 250013, Shandong, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Breast Center, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 105 Jiefang Road, Jinan, 250013, Shandong, China.
| | - Zhi-Gang Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 105 Jiefang Road, Jinan, 250013, Shandong, China.
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37
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Replication is the key barrier during the dual-host adaptation of mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2110491119. [PMID: 35294288 PMCID: PMC8944775 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110491119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Most viruses have a relatively narrow host range. In contrast, vector-borne flaviviruses, such as dengue virus and Zika virus, maintain their transmission cycle between arthropods and vertebrates, belonging to different phyla. How do these viruses adapt to the distinct cellular environments of two phyla? By comparing the single-host insect--specific flavivirus and dual-host Zika virus, we identified three key molecular factors that determine MBF host tropism. This study will greatly increase the understanding of entry, replication, and cross-species evolution of mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Mosquito-borne flaviviruses (MBFs) adapt to a dual-host transmission circle between mosquitoes and vertebrates. Dual-host affiliated insect-specific flaviviruses (dISFs), discovered from mosquitoes, are phylogenetically similar to MBFs but do not infect vertebrates. Thus, dISF–MBF chimeras could be an ideal model to study the dual-host adaptation of MBFs. Using the pseudoinfectious reporter virus particle and reverse genetics systems, we found dISFs entered vertebrate cells as efficiently as the MBFs but failed to initiate replication. Exchange of the untranslational regions (UTRs) of Donggang virus (DONV), a dISF, with those from Zika virus (ZIKV) rescued DONV replication in vertebrate cells, and critical secondary RNA structures were further mapped. Essential UTR-binding host factors were screened for ZIKV replication in vertebrate cells, displaying different binding patterns. Therefore, our data demonstrate a post-entry cross-species transmission mechanism of MBFs, while UTR-host interaction is critical for dual-host adaptation.
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38
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Ge J, Liu M, Zhang Y, Xie L, Shi Z, Wang G. SNHG10/miR-141-3p/WTAP axis promotes osteosarcoma proliferation and migration. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2022; 36:e23031. [PMID: 35274397 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
LncRNAs have been suggested to participate in the growth and metastasis of cancer through a variety of molecular mechanisms. Recently, SNHG10, a newly discovered lncRNA, is reported to play a role of an oncogene in osteosarcoma (OS) genesis. Nonetheless, the mechanism underlying OS remains unclear. The present work found that SNHG10 expression increased within OS cells and tissues, while suppressing its expression decreased OS cell proliferation, migration, invasion, but increased their apoptosis. As for the mechanism, we confirmed that SNHG10 could bind to miR-141-3p, while the latter could bind to WTAP. SNHG10 upregulated WTAP through decreasing miR-141-3p expression. More importantly, SNHG10 deletion remarkably reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells, but accelerated their apoptosis. However, when cells were subjected to miR-141-3p inhibitor cotransfection or overexpressed WTAP, these effects were partially recovered. In summary, this study suggested that the expression of SNHG10 markedly elevated within OS, and the SNHG10/miR-141-3p/WTAP axis facilitated OS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiejie Ge
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuchao Zhang
- Department of Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Linsen Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhisong Shi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Zhumadian, China
| | - Guanghui Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Zhumadian, China
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Choy M, Xue R, Wu Y, Fan W, Dong Y, Liu C. Role of N6-methyladenosine Modification in Cardiac Remodeling. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:774627. [PMID: 35224032 PMCID: PMC8866307 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.774627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac remodeling is the critical process in heart failure due to many cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and cardiomyopathy. However, treatments for heart failure focusing on cardiac remodeling show relatively limited effectiveness. In recent decades, epitranscriptomic modifications were found abundantly present throughout the progression of cardiac remodeling, and numerous types of biochemical modifications were identified. m6A modification is the methylation of the adenosine base at the nitrogen-6 position, and dysregulation of m6A modification has been implicated in a wide range of diseases. However, function of m6A modifications still remain largely unknown in cardiac diseases, especially cardiac remodeling. LncRNAs are also shown to play a vital role in the pathophysiology of cardiac remodeling and heart failure. The crosstalk between lncRNAs and m6A modification provides a novel prospective for exploring possible regulatory mechanism and therapeutic targets of cardiac remodeling. This review summarizes the role of m6A modification in cardiac remodeling in the current researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- ManTing Choy
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruicong Xue
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuzhong Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wendong Fan
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yugang Dong
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chen Liu
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40
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Guo F, Deng T, Shi L, Wu P, Yan J, Ling G, Chen H, Huang Q, Mu J, Mo L. Identification of an m6A RNA Methylation Regulator Risk Score Model for Prediction of Clinical Prognosis in Astrocytoma. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7168929. [PMID: 35047056 PMCID: PMC8763512 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7168929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytoma (AS) is the most ubiquitous primary malignancy of the central nervous system (CNS). The vital involvement of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in the growth of multiple human tumors is known. This study entailed probing m6A regulators with AS prognosis to construct a risk prediction model (RS) for potential clinical use. A total of 579 AS patients' (of the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas,CGGA) data and the expression of 12 published m6A-related genes were included in this study. Cox and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses for independent prognostic factors and multifactor Cox analysis established an R.S. model to predict the AS patient prognosis. This was subject to verification employing 331 samples from the TCGA data set followed by gene ontology and pathway enrichment study with gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The R.S. constructed with three m6A genes inclusive of WTAP, RBM15, and YTHDF2 emerged as independent prognostic factors in AS patients with vital involvement in the advancement and development of the malignancy. In a nutshell, this work reported an m6A-related gene risk model to predict the prognosis of AS patients to pave the way for discerning diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Further corroboration employing relevant wet-lab assays of this model is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhou Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Teng Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Liu Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Pinghua Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Guoyuan Ling
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hainan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qianrong Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Junbo Mu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ligen Mo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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41
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Cayir A. RNA modifications as emerging therapeutic targets. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2021; 13:e1702. [PMID: 34816607 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The field of epitranscriptome, posttranscriptional modifications to RNAs, is still growing up and has presented substantial evidences for the role of RNA modifications in diseases. In terms of new drug development, RNA modifications have a great promise for therapy. For example, more than 170 type of modifications exist in various types of RNAs. Regulatory genes and their roles in critical biological process have been identified and they are associated with several diseases. Current data, for example, identification of inhibitors targeting RNA modifications regulatory genes, strongly support the idea that RNA modifications have potential as emerging therapeutic targets. Therefore, in this review, RNA modifications and regulatory genes were comprehensively documented in terms of drug development by summarizing the findings from previous studies. It was discussed how RNA modifications or regulatory genes can be targeted by altering molecular mechanisms. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akin Cayir
- Vocational Health College, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey.,Akershus Universitetssykehus, Medical Department, Lørenskog, Norway
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Guo J, Zheng J, Zhang H, Tong J. RNA m6A methylation regulators in ovarian cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:609. [PMID: 34794452 PMCID: PMC8600856 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02318-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant RNA modification of mammalian mRNAs and plays a vital role in many diseases, especially tumours. In recent years, m6A has become the topic of intense discussion in epigenetics. M6A modification is dynamically regulated by methyltransferases, demethylases and RNA-binding proteins. Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common but highly fatal malignancy in female. Increasing evidence shows that changes in m6A levels and the dysregulation of m6A regulators are associated with the occurrence, development or prognosis of OC. In this review, the latest studies on m6A and its regulators in OC have been summarized, and we focus on the key role of m6A modification in the development and progression of OC. Additionally, we also discuss the potential use of m6A modification and its regulators in the diagnosis and treatment of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Guo
- Department of the Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), 310008, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfeng Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), 310008, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 310008, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Huizhi Zhang
- Department of the Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyi Tong
- Department of the Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 310053, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), 310008, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang L, Khadka B, Wu J, Feng Y, Long B, Xiao R, Liu J. Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Exosomal miR-425-5p Inhibits Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis, Invasion and Migration by Targeting WTAP. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:4901-4914. [PMID: 34594112 PMCID: PMC8478487 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s286326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a predominant blood malignancy with high mortality and severe morbidity. AML is affected by microRNAs (miRNAs) loaded in exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). MiR-425-5p has been reported to participate in different cancer models. However, the function of BM-MSCs-derived exosomal miR-425-5p in AML is unclear. Methods The expression of miR-425-5p was measured by qRT-PCR in clinical AML samples. The immunophenotype of BM-MSCs was analyzed using antibodies against CD44, CD90, and CD105. The exosome was isolated from BM-MSCs. The effect of BM-MSCs-derived exosomal miR-425-5p on AML was analyzed by CCK-8 assay, Edu assay, transwell assay, flow cytometry in AML cells. qRT-PCR, luciferase reporter gene assay and Western blot analysis were also conducted in AML cells. Results The expression levels of miR-425-5p were decreased in CD34 + CD38-AML cells from primary AML patients compared to that from the bone marrow of healthy cases, and were reduced in exosomes from AML patients compared that from healthy cases. Similarly, miR-425-5p was also down-regulated in AML cell lines compared with BM-MSCs. MiR-425-5p was able to express in exosomes from BM-MSCs. CCK-8, Edu, transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis revealed that BM-MSCs-derived exosomal miR-425-5p significantly inhibited cell viability, Edu positive cells, invasion and migration, and induced apoptosis of AML cells. Meanwhile, the expression levels of cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase3 were increased by BM-MSCs-derived exosomal miR-425-5p in cells. MiR-425-5p inhibited the expression of Wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP). Moreover, overexpression of WTAP could reverse the miR-425-5p-induced inhibition effect on AML cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. Conclusion BM-MSCs-derived exosomal miR-425-5p inhibits proliferation, invasion and migration of AML cells and induced apoptosis of AML cells by targeting WTAP. Therapeutically, BM-MSCs-derived exosomal miR-425-5p may serve as a potential target for AML therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Bijay Khadka
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Jieying Wu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Yashu Feng
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Long
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruozhi Xiao
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajun Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510630, People's Republic of China
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He L, Chen S, Ying Y, Xie H, Li J, Ma X, Wang W, Shen H, Wang X, Zheng X, Xie L. MicroRNA-501-3p inhibits the proliferation of kidney cancer cells by targeting WTAP. Cancer Med 2021; 10:7222-7232. [PMID: 34595849 PMCID: PMC8525086 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests that miR-501-3p plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of various carcinomas. However, its role and underlying mechanisms in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain to be elucidated. METHODS Quantitative RT-PCR, western blot, and bioinformatics methods were used to evaluate the expression of miR-501-3p and Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP) in RCC cell lines and clinical tissues. The effects of miR-501-3p on the proliferation of RCC cells were investigated using flow cytometric, colony formation, and CCK8 assays. The target gene of miR-501-3p was confirmed by western blotting, qRT-PCR, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. The levels of RNA methylation with N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) following miR-501-3p overexpression or knockdown of its target gene were quantified using a dot-blot assay. RESULTS miR-501-3p expression was significantly downregulated in human RCC cell lines and tissues. In contrast, its overexpression markedly inhibited cancer cell proliferation in vitro by inducing G1 phase arrest. Moreover, WTAP was verified as a direct target gene of miR-501-3p. WTAP gene knockdown alone efficiently produced the same cancer-inhibiting effects as miR-501-3p overexpression, with the level of m6 A in RCC cells being decreased under both scenarios. The intermolecular interaction between miR-501-3p and WTAP was further substantiated by rescue experiments. CONCLUSION RCC progression is regulated via the miR-501-3p/WTAP/CDK2 axis and is inhibited by the overexpression of miR-501-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liujia He
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiming Chen
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yufan Ying
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyun Xie
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiangfeng Li
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueyou Ma
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiyu Wang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haixiang Shen
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyi Zheng
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liping Xie
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Gómez-Redondo I, Planells B, Navarrete P, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Role of Alternative Splicing in Sex Determination in Vertebrates. Sex Dev 2021; 15:381-391. [PMID: 34583366 DOI: 10.1159/000519218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the process of sex determination, a germ-cell-containing undifferentiated gonad is converted into either a male or a female reproductive organ. Both the composition of sex chromosomes and the environment determine sex in vertebrates. It is assumed that transcription level regulation drives this cascade of mechanisms; however, transcription factors can alter gene expression beyond transcription initiation by controlling pre-mRNA splicing and thereby mRNA isoform production. Using the key time window in sex determination and gonad development in mice, it has been reported that new non-transcriptional events, such as alternative splicing, could play a key role in sex determination in mammals. We know the role of key regulatory factors, like WT1(+/-KTS) or FGFR2(b/c) in pre-mRNA splicing and sex determination, indicating that important steps in the vertebrate sex determination process probably operate at a post-transcriptional level. Here, we discuss the role of pre-mRNA splicing regulators in sex determination in vertebrates, focusing on the new RNA-seq data reported from mice fetal gonadal transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamín Planells
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain.,School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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EBV downregulates the m 6A "writer" WTAP in EBV-associated gastric carcinoma. Virus Res 2021; 304:198510. [PMID: 34329695 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) is characterized by the clonal growth of EBV-infected stomach epithelial cells. It has been reported that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation can regulate the splicing, expression, decay and translation of mRNAs. Wilms' tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP) is an m6A "writer" with methyltransferase activity. An m6A RNA methylation quantification kit and immunofluorescence (IF) showed that the m6A total RNA methylation level of the Epstein-Barr virus-negative gastric carcinoma (EBVnGC) cell line (SGC7901) was higher than that in the EBVaGC cell line (GT38). To investigate the underlying mechanism of the downregulated expression of m6A RNA methylation, we analyzed the expression of WTAP. The results showed that the expression of WTAP protein in EBVaGC cell lines was significantly lower than that in EBVnGC cell lines according to western blotting and IF. Through plasmid overexpression and RNA interference technology, we further found that EBV-encoded small RNA1 (EBER1) could downregulate WTAP expression by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, WTAP could increase proliferation and inhibit migration in gastric carcinoma cell lines. In summary, EBER1 of EBV potentially regulated WTAP by affecting the NF-κB signaling pathway and WTAP further affected cell proliferation and migration.
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Oerum S, Meynier V, Catala M, Tisné C. A comprehensive review of m6A/m6Am RNA methyltransferase structures. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:7239-7255. [PMID: 34023900 PMCID: PMC8287941 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression is regulated at many levels including co- or post-transcriptionally, where chemical modifications are added to RNA on riboses and bases. Expression control via RNA modifications has been termed 'epitranscriptomics' to keep with the related 'epigenomics' for DNA modification. One such RNA modification is the N6-methylation found on adenosine (m6A) and 2'-O-methyladenosine (m6Am) in most types of RNA. The N6-methylation can affect the fold, stability, degradation and cellular interaction(s) of the modified RNA, implicating it in processes such as splicing, translation, export and decay. The multiple roles played by this modification explains why m6A misregulation is connected to multiple human cancers. The m6A/m6Am writer enzymes are RNA methyltransferases (MTases). Structures are available for functionally characterized m6A RNA MTases from human (m6A mRNA, m6A snRNA, m6A rRNA and m6Am mRNA MTases), zebrafish (m6Am mRNA MTase) and bacteria (m6A rRNA MTase). For each of these MTases, we describe their overall domain organization, the active site architecture and the substrate binding. We identify areas that remain to be investigated, propose yet unexplored routes for structural characterization of MTase:substrate complexes, and highlight common structural elements that should be described for future m6A/m6Am RNA MTase structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Oerum
- Expression Génétique Microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Université de Paris, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Vincent Meynier
- Expression Génétique Microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Université de Paris, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Marjorie Catala
- Expression Génétique Microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Université de Paris, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Carine Tisné
- Expression Génétique Microbienne, UMR 8261, CNRS, Université de Paris, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (IBPC), 75005 Paris, France
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48
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Zhang W, Qian Y, Jia G. The detection and functions of RNA modification m 6A based on m 6A writers and erasers. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100973. [PMID: 34280435 PMCID: PMC8350415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most frequent chemical modification in eukaryotic mRNA and is known to participate in a variety of physiological processes, including cancer progression and viral infection. The reversible and dynamic m6A modification is installed by m6A methyltransferase (writer) enzymes and erased by m6A demethylase (eraser) enzymes. m6A modification recognized by m6A binding proteins (readers) regulates RNA processing and metabolism, leading to downstream biological effects such as promotion of stability and translation or increased degradation. The m6A writers and erasers determine the abundance of m6A modifications and play decisive roles in its distribution and function. In this review, we focused on m6A writers and erasers and present an overview on their known functions and enzymatic molecular mechanisms, showing how they recognize substrates and install or remove m6A modifications. We also summarize the current applications of m6A writers and erasers for m6A detection and highlight the merits and drawbacks of these available methods. Lastly, we describe the biological functions of m6A in cancers and viral infection based on research of m6A writers and erasers and introduce new assays for m6A functionality via programmable m6A editing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Qian
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guifang Jia
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Liu X, Khan A, Li H, Wang S, Chen X, Huang H. Ascorbic acid in epigenetic reprogramming. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 17:13-25. [PMID: 34264189 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x16666210714152730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) enhances the reprogramming process by multiple mechanisms. This is primarily due to its cofactor role in Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, including the DNA demethylases Ten Eleven Translocase (TET) and histone demethylases. Epigenetic variations have been shown to play a critical role in somatic cell reprogramming. DNA methylation and histone methylation are extensively recognized as barriers to somatic cell reprogramming. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), known as RNA methylation, is an epigenetic modification of mRNAs and has also been shown to play a role in regulating cellular reprogramming. Multiple cofactors are reported to promote the activity of demethylases, including vitamin C. This review focuses on examining the evidence and mechanism of vitamin C in DNA and histone demethylation and highlights its potential involvement in regulating m6A demethylation. It also shows the significant contribution of vitamin C in epigenetic regulation and the affiliation of demethylases with vitamin C-facilitated epigenetic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhui Liu
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Aamir Khan
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Huan Li
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Shensen Wang
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xuechai Chen
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Hua Huang
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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50
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Li J, Wang F, Liu Y, Wang H, Ni B. N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) in pancreatic cancer: Regulatory mechanisms and future direction. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2323-2335. [PMID: 34239358 PMCID: PMC8241726 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant RNA modification in eukaryotes, plays a pivotal role in regulating many cellular and biological processes. Aberrant m6A modification has recently been involved in carcinogenesis in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. It is a heterogeneous malignant disease characterized by a plethora of diverse genetic and epigenetic events. Increasing evidence suggests that dysregulation of m6A regulatory factors, such as methyltransferases, demethylases, and m6A-binding proteins, profoundly affects the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. In addition, m6A regulators and m6A target transcripts may be promising early diagnostic and prognostic cancer biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight the biological functions and mechanisms of m6A in pancreatic cancer and discuss the potential of m6A modification in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of High Altitude, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, PR China
- Department of General Surgery, Air Force Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu 610021, PR China
| | - Fangjuan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, PR China
| | - Yongkang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Air Force Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu 610021, PR China
| | - Huaizhi Wang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 401120, PR China
| | - Bing Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of High Altitude, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, PR China
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