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Zhou X, Zhu H, Luo C, Yan Z, Zheng G, Zou X, Zou J, Zhang G. The role of RNA modification in urological cancers: mechanisms and clinical potential. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:235. [PMID: 38117350 PMCID: PMC10733275 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00843-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modification is a post-transcriptional level of regulation that is widely distributed in all types of RNAs, including mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA, where N6-methyladenine (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA methylation modification. Significant evidence has depicted that m6A modifications are closely related to human diseases, especially cancer, and play pivotal roles in RNA transcription, splicing, stabilization, and translation processes. The most common urological cancers include prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers, accounting for a certain proportion of human cancers, with an ever-increasing incidence and mortality. The recurrence, systemic metastasis, poor prognosis, and drug resistance of urologic tumors have prompted the identification of new therapeutic targets and mechanisms. Research on m6A modifications may provide new solutions to the current puzzles. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the key roles played by RNA modifications, especially m6A modifications, in urologic cancers, as well as recent research advances in diagnostics and molecularly targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuming Zhou
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Hezhen Zhu
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Cong Luo
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Zhaojie Yan
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Guansong Zheng
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zou
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Junrong Zou
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Guoxi Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
- Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
- Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
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Liu C, Wang X, Yang S, Cao S. Research Progress of m 6A RNA Methylation in Skin Diseases. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:3091204. [PMID: 37124930 PMCID: PMC10132905 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3091204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common mRNA modification in eukaryotes and is a dynamically reversible posttranscriptional modification. The enzymes involved in m6A modification mainly include methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and methylated readers (Readers). m6A modification is mainly catalyzed by m6A methyltransferase and removed by m6A demethylase. The modified RNA can be specifically recognized and bound by m6A recognition protein. This protein complex then mediates RNA splicing, maturation, nucleation, degradation, and translation. m6A also alters gene expression and regulates cellular processes such as self-renewal, differentiation, invasion, and apoptosis. An increasing body of evidence indicates that the m6A methylation modification process is closely related to the occurrence of various skin diseases. In this review, we discuss the role of m6A methylation in skin development and skin diseases including psoriasis, melanoma, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Shengju Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Shuanglin Cao
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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Liang B, Wu C, Wang C, Sun W, Chen W, Hu X, Liu N, Xing D. New insights into bacterial mechanisms and potential intestinal epithelial cell therapeutic targets of inflammatory bowel disease. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1065608. [PMID: 36590401 PMCID: PMC9802581 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1065608] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The global incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased rapidly in recent years, but its exact etiology remains unclear. In the past decade, IBD has been reported to be associated with dysbiosis of gut microbiota. Although not yet proven to be a cause or consequence of IBD, the common hypothesis is that at least some alterations in the microbiome are protective or pathogenic. Furthermore, intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) serve as a protective physical barrier for gut microbiota, essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and actively contributes to the mucosal immune system. Thus, dysregulation within the intestinal epithelium increases intestinal permeability, promotes the entry of bacteria, toxins, and macromolecules, and disrupts intestinal immune homeostasis, all of which are associated with the clinical course of IBD. This article presents a selective overview of recent studies on bacterial mechanisms that may be protective or promotive of IBD in biological models. Moreover, we summarize and discuss the recent discovery of key modulators and signaling pathways in the IECs that could serve as potential IBD therapeutic targets. Understanding the role of the IECs in the pathogenesis of IBD may help improve the understanding of the inflammatory process and the identification of potential therapeutic targets to help ameliorate this increasingly common disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Liang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Changhao Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Chao Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenshe Sun
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wujun Chen
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaokun Hu
- Intervention Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Ning Liu, ; Dongming Xing,
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Ning Liu, ; Dongming Xing,
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Wang Y, Huang J, Jin H. Reduction of Methyltransferase-like 3-Mediated RNA N6-Methyladenosine Exacerbates the Development of Psoriasis Vulgaris in Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-like Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012672. [PMID: 36293529 PMCID: PMC9603933 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the most pervasive and intensively studied mRNA modification, which regulates gene expression in different physiological processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and inflammation. Studies of aberrant m6A in human diseases such as cancer, obesity, infertility, neuronal disorders, immune diseases, and inflammation are rapidly evolving. However, the regulatory mechanism and physiological significance of m6A methylation in psoriasis vulgaris are still poorly understood. In this study, we found that m6A methylation and Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) were both downregulated in psoriatic skin lesions and were negatively correlated with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores. Inhibiting m6A methylation by knocking down Mettl3 promoted the development of psoriasis and increased its severity in imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like model mice. Our results indicate a critical role of METTL3- mediated m6A methylation in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jiuzuo Huang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hongzhong Jin
- Department of Dermatology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, Beijing 100730, China
- Correspondence:
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Tian M, Mao L, Zhang L. Crosstalk among N6-methyladenosine modification and RNAs in central nervous system injuries. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1013450. [PMID: 36246528 PMCID: PMC9556889 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1013450] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke, are the most common cause of death and disability around the world. As the most common modification on ribonucleic acids (RNAs), N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification has recently attracted great attentions due to its functions in determining the fate of RNAs through changes in splicing, translation, degradation and stability. A large number of studies have suggested that m6A modification played an important role in brain development and involved in many neurological disorders, particularly in CNS injuries. It has been proposed that m6A modification could improve neurological impairment, inhibit apoptosis, suppress inflammation, reduce pyroptosis and attenuate ferroptosis in CNS injuries via different molecules including phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). Therefore, m6A modification showed great promise as potential targets in CNS injuries. In this article, we present a review highlighting the role of m6A modification in CNS injuries. Hence, on the basis of these properties and effects, m6A modification may be developed as therapeutic agents for CNS injury patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Li Zhang,
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Zhang T, Liu H, Gao F, Gong W, Cui Y, He J, Li L, Qiu L, Qian Z, Zhou S, Meng B, Ren X, Zhang H, Wang X. m6A-Regulator Expression Signatures Identify a Subset of Follicular Lymphoma Harboring an Exhausted Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:922471. [PMID: 35734168 PMCID: PMC9207509 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.922471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in tumor microenvironment has rarely been explored in follicular lymphoma (FL). To examine the role of m6A modification in biological behavior, especially the immune landscape of FL, we utilized the Gene Expression Omnibus database to determine the expression signatures of m6A-regulators by unsupervised clustering, and then condense into a risk score, which was validated in an external cohort from the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. Finally, 16 m6A-regulators in 351 FL patients were evaluated and two m6A clusters were identified, characterized by differences in prognosis and biological behaviors. The m6A score was further developed based on 20-genes to quantify the m6A-regulator expression signature in each patient with FL. The low m6A score was associated with inferior prognosis of patients, with a median survival time of 8.84 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.251-10.429) years, which was remarkably shorter than that of patients with high m6A scores (15.73 years, 95% CI: 11.729-19.731; p<0.0001). Genes like TNFRSF14, CREBBP, and CARD11 were shown to be more often mutated in the low m6A group. This group was enriched with immune/inflammatory response but along with the abundant infiltration of exhausted T cells and the upregulated PD-1 and PD-L1 expression. Finally, we verified the m6A score could predict the response to anti-PD-L1 antibodies in an immunotherapy cohort. To conclude, the m6A score recognizes a section of FL patients harboring an exhausted tumor microenvironment and may help guide more effective immunotherapy strategies for patients with FL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Hengqi Liu
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Fenghua Gao
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenchen Gong
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaoli Cui
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Jin He
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Lanfang Li
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Lihua Qiu
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhengzi Qian
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiyong Zhou
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
| | - Bin Meng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Immunology/Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huilai Zhang
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Huilai Zhang, ; Xianhuo Wang,
| | - Xianhuo Wang
- Department of Lymphoma, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Sino-US Center for Lymphoma and Leukemia Research, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Huilai Zhang, ; Xianhuo Wang,
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Nie K, Yi J, Yang Y, Deng M, Yang Y, Wang T, Chen X, Zhang Z, Wang X. A Broad m6A Modification Landscape in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:782636. [PMID: 35127705 PMCID: PMC8809481 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.782636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common post-transcriptional modification on eukaryotic mRNA, affecting the mRNA’s fate. The role of m6A regulation in inflammatory bowel disease is unclear. Here, we investigated the m6A landscape in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Methods: Eleven human IBD microarray datasets were recruited from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and four were selected as discovery cohorts. An RNA-seq dataset from the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Multi’omics Database was used as a validation cohort. m6A regulators were measured in volunteers’ colonic samples. Consensus clustering and immune scoring were used to estimate the characteristics of m6A regulation in IBD. m6A-related characteristics of different sub-phenotypes, sample sources, and biological therapeutic responses were determined using seven independent datasets. Results: m6A modification involves methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and methylation-reading proteins (readers). A wide interaction exists between m6A regulators and IBD risk genes. The IBD risk loci can also be modified by m6A modifications in the public m6A sequencing data. Furthermore, m6A regulators displayed extensive differential expression in four independent discovery cohorts that share common differential genes (IGF2BP2, HNRNPA2B1, ZCCHC4, and EIF3I). In the validated cohort and enrolled volunteers’ colonic biopsy samples, the differential m6A regulators were reconfirmed. Two clusters of consensus clustering exhibit different immune phenotypes. m6A-modified positions exist in the core IBD immune cytokines. Another set of IBD datasets revealed m6A-related differences across clinical phenotypes, biological samples, and therapeutic response subgroups in IBD patients. Conclusion: Regulation of m6A methylation is widely involved in IBD occurrence and development. m6A modifications in risk variants, core cytokines, immune cells, and other proteins may deeply influence the pathophysiology and clinical phenotypes. Further studies are needed to determine its role in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Nie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Yi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Minzi Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuejie Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaoyu Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoyu Zhang, ; Xiaoyan Wang,
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoyu Zhang, ; Xiaoyan Wang,
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Guo L, Yang H, Zhou C, Shi Y, Huang L, Zhang J. N6-Methyladenosine RNA Modification in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment: Novel Implications for Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:773570. [PMID: 34956201 PMCID: PMC8696183 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.773570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is one of the most common modifications of RNA in eukaryotic cells, and is mainly regulated by m6A methyltransferases (writers), m6A demethylases (erasers), and m6A binding proteins (readers). Recently, accumulating evidence has shown that m6A methylation plays crucial roles in the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment, greatly impacting the initiation, progression, and metastasis processes of various cancers. In this review we first briefly summarizes the m6A-related concepts and detection methods, and then describes in detail the associations of m6A methylation modification with various tumor immune components especially immune cells (e.g., regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells) in a variety of cancers. We discuss the relationship between m6A methylation and cancer occurrence and development with the involvement of tumor immunity highlighted, suggesting novel markers and potential targets for molecular pathological diagnosis and immunotherapy of various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liting Guo
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenfei Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Wang Y, Li L, Li J, Zhao B, Huang G, Li X, Xie Z, Zhou Z. The Emerging Role of m6A Modification in Regulating the Immune System and Autoimmune Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:755691. [PMID: 34869344 PMCID: PMC8635162 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.755691] [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: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, RNA modifications have rapidly emerged as an indispensable topic in epitranscriptomics. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), namely, methylation at the sixth position of an adenine base in an RNA molecule, is the most prevalent RNA modification in both coding and noncoding RNAs. m6A has emerged as a crucial posttranscriptional regulator involved in both physiological and pathological processes. Based on accumulating evidence, m6A participates in the pathogenesis of immune-related diseases by regulating both innate and adaptive immune cells through various mechanisms. Autoimmune diseases are caused by a self-destructive immune response in the setting of genetic and environmental factors, and recent studies have discovered that m6A may play an essential role in the development of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we focus on the important role of m6A modification in biological functions and highlight its contributions to immune cells and the development of autoimmune diseases, thereby providing promising epitranscriptomic targets for preventing and treating autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lifang Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gan Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xia Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiguo Xie
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiguang Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology (Central South University), Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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10
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Wang Z, Liu J, Yang Y, Xing C, Jing J, Yuan Y. Expression and prognostic potential of ribosome 18S RNA m 6A methyltransferase METTL5 in gastric cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:569. [PMID: 34702266 PMCID: PMC8549223 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02274-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ribosomal RNA N6-methyltransferase METTL5 was reported to catalyze m6A in 18S rRNA. We aimed to investigate the expression and prognostic features of METTL5 in gastric cancer (GC). Methods In this study, 168 GC patients and their corresponding adjacent tissues were collected. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of METTL5 protein. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis were used to dertermine the prognostic role of METTL5 protein in GC, and a nomogram was constructed to evaluate GC patients’ prognosis based on METTL5 expression. Data from TCGA and GEO database were also used to validate the prognostic value of METTL5 in GC patients on mRNA level. We further performed GSEA enrichment analysis to explore the possible function and related pathways related to METTL5. Results METTL5 protein in gastric cancer tissues (GCTs) was significantly decreased compared with adjacent normal tissues (ANTs) and adjacent intestinal metaplasia tissues (AIMTs) (P < 0.001, respectively). Meanwhile, METTL5 expression was negatively correlated with clinicopathologic stage. According to multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis, METTL5 protein expression was a good independent predictor of GC prognosis (p < 0.05). Patients with high METTL5 expression had better prognosis. The nomogram constructed based on METTL5 expression could predict the prognosis of GC patients well. GSEA analysis showed that genes of METTL5 low expression group were enriched in some oncogenic signaling pathways such as ERBB, MAPK, JAK-STAT, Wnt, and mTOR, as well as some immune pathways, including Fc-gamma R mediated phagocytosis, Fc-epsilon Ri, chemokine, T cell receptor and B cell receptor signaling pathway. While the high expression group of METTL5 was mainly related to oxidative phosphorylation, nucleotide excision repair and mismatch repair. Conclusions METTL5 protein was decreased in GCTs compared with AIMTs and ANTs, and it may be a potential prognostic biomarker in GC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02274-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenshuang Wang
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Jingwei Liu
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery of the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Chenzhong Xing
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jingjing Jing
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, the First hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, the First hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.
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11
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Sun D, Yang H, Fan L, Shen F, Wang Z. m6A regulator-mediated RNA methylation modification patterns and immune microenvironment infiltration characterization in severe asthma. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10236-10247. [PMID: 34647423 PMCID: PMC8572790 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16961] [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: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification is one of the most prevalent RNA modification forms of eukaryotic mRNA and is an important post‐transcriptional mechanism for regulating genes. However, the role of m6A modification in the regulation of severe asthma has never been reported. Thus, we aimed to investigate the m6A regulator‐mediated RNA methylation modification patterns and immune microenvironment infiltration characterization in severe asthma. In this study, 87 healthy controls and 344 severe asthma cases from the U‐BIOPRED (Unbiased Biomarkers for the Prediction of Respiratory Disease Outcomes) programme were used to systematically evaluate the m6A modification patterns mediated by 27 m6A regulators and to investigate the effects of m6A modification on immune microenvironment characteristics. We found that 16 m6A regulators were abnormal and identified two key m6A regulators (YTHDF3 and YTHDC1) and three m6A modification patterns. The study of infiltration characteristics of immune microenvironment found that pattern 2 had more infiltrating immune cells and more active immune response. Besides, it was found that the eosinophils which are very important for severe asthma were affected by YTHDF3 and EIF3B. We also verified key m6A regulators with merip‐seq and found that they were mainly distributed in exons and enriched in 3′UTR. In conclusion, our findings suggested that m6A modification plays a key role in severe asthma, and may be able to guide the future strategy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyang Sun
- The First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huan Yang
- The First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liming Fan
- The First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fenglin Shen
- The First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- The First Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Respiration, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Quan C, Belaydi O, Hu J, Li H, Yu A, Liu P, Yi Z, Qiu D, Ren W, Ma H, Gong G, Ou Z, Chen M, Sun Y, Chen J, Zu X. N 6-Methyladenosine in Cancer Immunotherapy: An Undervalued Therapeutic Target. Front Immunol 2021; 12:697026. [PMID: 34526985 PMCID: PMC8436617 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.697026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methylation of adenosine (m6A), a post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism, is the most abundant nucleotide modification in almost all types of RNAs. The biological function of m6A in regulating the expression of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes has been widely investigated in various cancers. However, recent studies have addressed a new role of m6A modification in the anti-tumor immune response. By modulating the fate of targeted RNA, m6A affects tumor-associated immune cell activation and infiltration in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, m6A-targeting is found to affect the efficacy of classical immunotherapy, which makes m6A a potential target for immunotherapy. Although m6A modification together with its regulators may play the exact opposite role in different tumor types, targeting m6A regulators has been shown to have wide implications in several cancers. In this review, we discussed the link between m6A modification and tumor with an emphasis on the importance of m6A in anti-tumor immune response and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Quan
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Othmane Belaydi
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiao Hu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huihuang Li
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Anze Yu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Peihua Liu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenglin Yi
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dongxu Qiu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenbiao Ren
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Hongzhi Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guanghui Gong
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenyu Ou
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Minfeng Chen
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yin Sun
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Jinbo Chen
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiongbing Zu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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13
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Mehdi A, Rabbani SA. Role of Methylation in Pro- and Anti-Cancer Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030545. [PMID: 33535484 PMCID: PMC7867049 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA and RNA methylation play a vital role in the transcriptional regulation of various cell types including the differentiation and function of immune cells involved in pro- and anti-cancer immunity. Interactions of tumor and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are complex. TME shapes the fate of tumors by modulating the dynamic DNA (and RNA) methylation patterns of these immune cells to alter their differentiation into pro-cancer (e.g., regulatory T cells) or anti-cancer (e.g., CD8+ T cells) cell types. This review considers the role of DNA and RNA methylation in myeloid and lymphoid cells in the activation, differentiation, and function that control the innate and adaptive immune responses in cancer and non-cancer contexts. Understanding the complex transcriptional regulation modulating differentiation and function of immune cells can help identify and validate therapeutic targets aimed at targeting DNA and RNA methylation to reduce cancer-associated morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mehdi
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Shafaat A. Rabbani
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-514-843-1632
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14
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Mariano G, Farthing RJ, Lale-Farjat SLM, Bergeron JRC. Structural Characterization of SARS-CoV-2: Where We Are, and Where We Need to Be. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:605236. [PMID: 33392262 PMCID: PMC7773825 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.605236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread in humans in almost every country, causing the disease COVID-19. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, research efforts have been strongly directed towards obtaining a full understanding of the biology of the viral infection, in order to develop a vaccine and therapeutic approaches. In particular, structural studies have allowed to comprehend the molecular basis underlying the role of many of the SARS-CoV-2 proteins, and to make rapid progress towards treatment and preventive therapeutics. Despite the great advances that have been provided by these studies, many knowledge gaps on the biology and molecular basis of SARS-CoV-2 infection still remain. Filling these gaps will be the key to tackle this pandemic, through development of effective treatments and specific vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Mariano
- Microbes in Health and Disease Theme, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca J. Farthing
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Julien R. C. Bergeron
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Li M, Liang M, Lan T, Wu X, Xie W, Wang T, Chen Z, Shen S, Peng B. Four Immune-Related Long Non-coding RNAs for Prognosis Prediction in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:566491. [PMID: 33364253 PMCID: PMC7752774 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.566491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to establish an immune-related LncRNA model for risk assessment and prognosis prediction in HCC patients. METHODS Hepatocellular carcinoma patient samples with complete clinical data and corresponding whole transcriptome expression were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Immune-related genes were acquired from the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) website and matched with LncRNA in the TCGA to get immune-related LncRNA. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used for screening the candidate LncRNAs and calculating the risk coefficient to establish the prognosis model. Patients were divided into a high-risk group and a low-risk group depending on the median risk score. The reliability of the prediction was evaluated in the validation cohort and the whole cohort. GSEA and principal component analysis were used for function evaluation. RESULTS A total of 319 samples met the screening criteria and were randomly distributed across the training cohort and the validation cohort. After comparison with the IMMUNE_RESPONSE gene set and the IMMUNE_SYSTEM_PROCESS gene set, a total of 3094 immune-related LncRNAs were screened. Ultimately, four immune-related LncRNAs were used to construct a formula using LASSO regression. According to the formula, the low-risk group showed a higher survival rate than the high-risk group in the validation cohort and the whole cohort. The receiver operating characteristic curves data demonstrated that the risk score was more specific than other traditional clinical characteristics in predicting the 5-year survival rate for HCC. CONCLUSION The four-immune-related-LncRNA model can be used for survival prediction in HCC and guide clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muqi Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minni Liang
- Center of Surgery and Anaesthiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tian Lan
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiwen Wu
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenxuan Xie
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tielong Wang
- Organ Transplant Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhitao Chen
- Organ Transplant Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), Guangzhou, China
| | - Shunli Shen
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baogang Peng
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Wang YN, Jin HZ. Transcriptome-Wide m 6A Methylation in Skin Lesions From Patients With Psoriasis Vulgaris. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:591629. [PMID: 33251217 PMCID: PMC7674922 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.591629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, as the most prevalent internal RNA modification, has been revealed to play critical roles in various biological functions. In this study, we performed m6A transcriptome-wide profiling in three kinds of skin tissue: involved psoriatic skin (PP), uninvolved psoriatic skin (PN), and healthy control skin samples (NN). The findings revealed that transcripts of PP contained the fewest m6A peaks and lowest m6A peak density. The greatest differences of m6A methylation were observed in the PP vs. NN and PP vs. PN comparisons. Intriguingly, in these comparisons, hypermethylated m6A was mainly enriched within the CDSs and 3′UTRs, while hypomethylated m6A was not only enriched within CDSs and 3′UTRs, but also within 5′UTRs. GO and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that hypermethylated transcripts in PP were particularly associated with response-associated terms, cytokine production, and olfactory transduction. Meanwhile, hypomethylated transcripts in PP were mainly associated with development-related processes and the Wnt signaling pathway. In addition, we discovered that 19.3–48.4% of the differentially expressed transcripts in psoriasis vulgaris were modified by m6A, and that transcripts with lower expression were more preferentially modified by m6A. Moreover, upregulation of gene expression was often accompanied by upregulation of m6A methylation, suggesting a regulatory role of m6A in psoriasis vulgaris gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Zhong Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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