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Koch J, Lyko F. Refining the role of N 6-methyladenosine in cancer. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 88:102242. [PMID: 39111230 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification of eukaryotic mRNAs. m6A affects the fate of its targets in all aspects of the mRNA life cycle and has important roles in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. Aberrant m6A patterns have been observed in numerous cancers and appear closely linked to oncogenic phenotypes. However, most studies relied on antibody-dependent modification detection, which is known to suffer from important limitations. Novel, antibody-independent, quantitative approaches will be critical to investigate changes in the m6A landscape of cancers. Furthermore, pharmaceutical targeting of the m6A writer Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) has demonstrated the potential to modulate cancer cell phenotypes. However, the enzyme also appears to be essential for the viability of healthy cells. Further refinement of therapeutic strategies is therefore needed to fully realize the potential of m6A-related cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Koch
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Lyko
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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2
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Chen B, Wang L, Li L, Zhou M, Pan S, Wang Q, Hou Y, Zhou X. N 6-methyladenosine facilitates arsenic-induced neoplastic phenotypes of human bronchial epithelial cells by promoting miR-106b-5p maturation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 283:116803. [PMID: 39094460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic is a widespread carcinogen and an important etiological factor for lung cancer. Dysregulated miRNAs have been implicated in arsenic carcinogenesis and the mechanisms of arsenic-induced dysregulated miRNAs have not been fully elucidated. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is known to modulate pri-miRNA processing. However, whether m6A-mediated pri-miRNA processing is involved in arsenic carcinogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we found that m6A modification was significantly increased in arsenite-transformed human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells (0.5 µM arsenite, 16 weeks). Meanwhile, METTL3 was significantly upregulated at week 12 and 16 during cell transformation. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth of arsenite-transformed cells were inhibited by the reduction of m6A levels through METTL3 knockdown. Further experiments suggest that the oncogene miR-106b-5p is a potentially essential m6A target mediating arsenic-induced lung cancer. miR-106b-5p was observed to be upregulated after exposure to arsenite for 12 and 16 weeks, and the reduction of m6A levels caused by METTL3 knockdown inhibited miR-106b-5p maturation in arsenite-transformed cells. What's more, miR-106b-5p overexpression successfully rescued METTL3 knockdown-induced inhibition of the neoplastic phenotypes of transformed cells. Additionally, Basonuclin 2 (BNC2) was uncovered as a potential target of miR-106b-5p and downregulated by METTL3 via enhancing miR-106b-5p maturation. Additionally, the METTL3 inhibitor STM2457 suppressed neoplastic phenotypes of arsenite-transformed BEAS-2B cells by blocking pri-miR-106b methylation. These results demonstrate that m6A modification promotes the neoplastic phenotypes of arsenite-transformed BEAS-2B cells through METTL3/miR-106b-5p/BNC2 pathway, providing a new prospective for understanding arsenic carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biyun Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Lujiao Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Luyao Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Shuya Pan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yaxuan Hou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
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3
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Guo J, Zhao J, Tian P, Xu Z, Wang R, Chen W, Wang X, Wan S, Yang Y, Zhang H. BaP/BPDE exposure causes human trophoblast cell dysfunctions and induces miscarriage by up-regulating lnc-HZ06-regulated IL1B. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134741. [PMID: 38991640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental BaP or its metabolite BPDE causes trophoblast cell dysfunctions to induce miscarriage (abnormal early embryo loss), which might be generally regulated by lncRNAs. IL1B, a critical inflammatory cytokine, is closely associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, whether IL1B might cause dysfunctions of BaP/BPDE-exposed trophoblast cells to induce miscarriage, as well as its specific epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, is completely unexplored. In this study, we find that BPDE-DNA adducts, trophoblast cell dysfunctions, and miscarriage are closely associated. Moreover, we also identify a novel lnc-HZ06 and IL1B, both of which are highly expressed in BPDE-exposed trophoblast cells, in villous tissues of recurrent miscarriage patients, and in placental tissues of BaP-exposed mice with miscarriage. Both lnc-HZ06 and IL1B suppress trophoblast cell migration/invasion and increase apoptosis. In mechanism, lnc-HZ06 promotes STAT4-mediated IL1B mRNA transcription, enhances IL1B mRNA stability by promoting the formation of METTL3/HuR/IL1B mRNA ternary complex, and finally up-regulates IL1B expression levels. BPDE exposure promotes TBP-mediated lnc-HZ06 transcription, and thus up-regulates IL1B levels. Knockdown of either murine lnc-hz06 (which down-regulates Il1b levels) or murine Il1b could alleviate miscarriage in BaP-exposed mice. Collectively, this study not only discovers novel biological mechanisms and pathogenesis of unexplained miscarriage but also provides novel potential targets for treatment against BaP/BPDE-induced miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, West China School of Public Health & West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Chengdu Qingyang District for Disease Control and Prevention, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Jingsong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, West China School of Public Health & West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Peng Tian
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, West China School of Public Health & West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhongyan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Weina Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Shukun Wan
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Huidong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Female Reproductive Health, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China.
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Taghizadeh-Hesary F. Is Chronic Ice Water Ingestion a Risk Factor for Gastric Cancer Development? An Evidence-Based Hypothesis Focusing on East Asian Populations. Oncol Ther 2024:10.1007/s40487-024-00299-y. [PMID: 39231856 DOI: 10.1007/s40487-024-00299-y] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This article introduces a novel risk factor for gastric cancer (GC) by analyzing available epidemiological data from East Asian populations. A significantly higher age-standardized GC rate was observed in Japanese and Korean populations than in Chinese populations, despite nearly identical ethnicity, food habits, obesity rates, and alcohol consumption. Given the pivotal role of environmental factors in GC development, particularly for the intestinal type, a thorough evaluation of the lifestyles of these three populations was conducted to identify commonalities and disparities. It was observed that Japanese and Korean individuals prefer consuming ice water, while Chinese individuals tend to drink warm water, potentially influenced by traditional Chinese medicine disciplines. Considering the key features of GC development, a literature review was conducted to investigate the mechanisms through which the consumption of ice water might contribute to GC initiation and progression. Mechanistically, exposing gastric cells to hypothermia can increase the risk of carcinogenesis through multiple pathways. This includes the promotion of Helicobacter pylori colonization, prolonged gastric inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in gastric cells. Furthermore, drinking ice water can enhance the survival, proliferation, and invasion of GC cells by releasing cold shock proteins, increasing gastric acid secretion, and delaying gastric emptying. Additionally, hypothermia can boost the immune evasion of cancer cells by weakening the antitumor immune system and activating different components of the tumor microenvironment. This paper also explores the association between exposure of GC cells to hypothermia and current insights into cancer hallmarks. These findings may partially elucidate the higher incidence of GC in Japanese and Korean populations and provide a clue for future experimental studies.Graphical abstract available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Taghizadeh-Hesary
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Radiation Oncology Department, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Wang N, Chen HQ, Zeng Y, Shi Y, Zhang Z, Li JY, Zhou SM, Li YW, Deng SW, Han X, Zhou ZY, Yao ML, Liu WB. Benzo(a)pyrene promotes the malignant progression of malignant-transformed BEAS-2B cells by regulating YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 to inhibit ferroptosis. Toxicology 2024; 507:153886. [PMID: 39002880 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is associated with the development of lung cancer, but the underlying mechanism has not been completely clarified. Here, we used 10 μM BaP to induce malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells, named BEAS-2B-T. Results indicated that BaP (6.25, 12.5 and 25 μM) treatment significantly promoted the migration and invasion of BEAS-2B-T cells. Meanwhile, BaP exposure inhibited ferroptosis in BEAS-2B-T, ferroptosis-related indexes Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreased significantly. The protein level of ferroptosis-related molecule transferrin receptor (TFRC) decreased significantly, while solute carrier family 7 membrane 11 (SLC7A11), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) increased significantly. The intervention of ferroptosis dramatically effected the migration and invasion of BEAS-2B-T induced by BaP. Furthermore, the expression of YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1) was markedly increased after BaP exposure. YTHDF1 knockdown inhibited BEAS-2B-T migration and invasion by promoting ferroptosis. In the meantime, the contents of Fe2+, MDA, LPO and ROS increased significantly, TFRC was markedly increased, and SLC7A11, FTH1, and GPX4 were markedly decreased. Moreover, overexpression of YTHDF1 promoted BEAS-2B-T migration and invasion by inhibiting ferroptosis. Importantly, knockdown of YTHDF1 promoted ferroptosis and reduced BEAS-2B-T migration and invasion during BaP exposure, and overexpression of YTHDF1 increased migration and invasion of BEAS-2B-T by inhibiting ferroptosis during BaP exposure. RNA immunoprecipitation assays indicated that the binding of YTHDF1 to SLC7A11 and FTH1 markedly increased after YTHDF1 overexpression. Therefore, we concluded that BaP promotes the malignant progression of BEAS-2B-T cells through YTHDF1 upregulating SLC7A11 and FTH1 to inhibit ferroptosis. This study reveals new epigenetic and ferroptosis markers for preventing and treating lung cancer induced by environmental carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China; Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hong-Qiang Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Jiang-Ying Li
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Shi-Meng Zhou
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ya-Wen Li
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China; Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shuang-Wu Deng
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China; Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health and Preventive Medicine, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zi-Yuan Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Mao-Lin Yao
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China.
| | - Wen-Bin Liu
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China; Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China; Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.
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6
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Qu Y, Gao N, Zhang S, Gao L, He B, Wang C, Gong C, Shi Q, Li Z, Yang S, Xiao Y. Role of N6-methyladenosine RNA modification in cancer. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e715. [PMID: 39252821 PMCID: PMC11381670 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.715] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification of RNA in eukaryotic cells. Previous studies have shown that m6A is pivotal in diverse diseases especially cancer. m6A corelates with the initiation, progression, resistance, invasion, and metastasis of cancer. However, despite these insights, a comprehensive understanding of its specific roles and mechanisms within the complex landscape of cancer is still elusive. This review begins by outlining the key regulatory proteins of m6A modification and their posttranslational modifications (PTMs), as well as the role in chromatin accessibility and transcriptional activity within cancer cells. Additionally, it highlights that m6A modifications impact cancer progression by modulating programmed cell death mechanisms and affecting the tumor microenvironment through various cancer-associated immune cells. Furthermore, the review discusses how microorganisms can induce enduring epigenetic changes and oncogenic effect in microorganism-associated cancers by altering m6A modifications. Last, it delves into the role of m6A modification in cancer immunotherapy, encompassing RNA therapy, immune checkpoint blockade, cytokine therapy, adoptive cell transfer therapy, and direct targeting of m6A regulators. Overall, this review clarifies the multifaceted role of m6A modification in cancer and explores targeted therapies aimed at manipulating m6A modification, aiming to advance cancer research and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Nannan Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Shengwei Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Limin Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Bing He
- Department of Gastroenterology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Chunli Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Qiuyue Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University Nanning Guangxi China
| | - Zhibin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Shiming Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Yufeng Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology Xinqiao Hospital Army Medical University Chongqing China
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Sun Q, Lei X, Yang X. CircRNAs as upstream regulators of miRNA//HMGA2 axis in human cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2024:108711. [PMID: 39222752 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108711] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
High mobility group protein A2 (HMGA2) is widely recognized as a chromatin-binding protein, whose overexpression is observed in nearly all human cancers. It exerts its oncogenic effects by influencing various cellular processes such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell differentiation, and DNA damage repair. MicroRNA (miRNA) serves as a pivotal gene expression regulator, concurrently modulating multiple genes implicated in cancer progression, including HMGA2. It also serves as a significant biomarker for cancer. Circular RNA (circRNA) plays a crucial role in gene regulation primarily by sequestering miRNAs and impeding their ability to enhance the expression of other genes, including HMGA2. Increasingly, studies have underscored the vital role of miRNA/HMGA2 interactions in cancer. Given the significance of circRNA as an upstream regulatory mediator and the complexity of regulatory mechanisms, we hereby present a comprehensive overview of the pivotal role of circRNAs as upstream regulators of the miRNA//HMGA2 axis in human cancers. This insight may herald a novel direction for future cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaoyong Lei
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, 28 Western Changsheng Road, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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8
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Yang Y, Zhong Y, Chi C, Lin X, Zhu X, Deng X, Liang J, Cheng Y. The RNA N6-methyladenosine demethylase FTO regulates ATG5 to inhibit malignant progression of uveal melanoma. J Proteomics 2024; 309:105282. [PMID: 39181531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This research aimed to identify the function of fat mass- and obesity-associated protein (FTO), an eraser of N6-methyladenosine (m6A), and explore its possible mechanisms in uveal melanoma (UVM). METHODS We performed quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), Western blotting and gene correlation analysis with GEPIA2 to assess FTO expression and identify its potential targets in UVM. CCK-8, colony formation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis, wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were utilized to assess cell viability, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, migration and invasion. Western blotting, qPCR and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (MeRIP-qPCR) were carried out to explore the underlying mechanism of FTO in 2 UVM cell lines. RESULTS FTO, a key m6A demethylase, was found to be upregulated in human UVM tissues compared with normal choroid tissues. Knockdown of FTO in Mel270 and OMM2.3 cells significantly promoted proliferation and migration and suppressed apoptosis. Mechanistically, knockdown of FTO decreased the expression of ATG5, an autophagy-related gene, leading to attenuation of autophagosome formation, thereby inhibiting autophagy. Upon FTO knockdown, increased levels of methylated ATG5 and decreased ATG5 stability were detected. Furthermore, ATG5 dramatically alleviated FTO downregulation-induced tumor growth and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Our research highlights the importance of the m6A demethylase FTO in UVM by demonstrating that it direct regulates ATG5-induced autophagy in an m6A-dependent manner. These findings suggest that FTO may serve as a potential therapeutic target for UVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Clinical Centre of Optometry, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yusheng Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Clinical Centre of Optometry, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Chi
- Department of Emergency, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiacheng Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Clinical Centre of Optometry, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemei Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Clinical Centre of Optometry, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Clinical Centre of Optometry, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhong Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Clinical Centre of Optometry, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology and Clinical Centre of Optometry, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
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9
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Cun Y, Guo W, Ma B, Okuno Y, Wang J. Decoding the specificity of m 6A RNA methylation and its implication in cancer therapy. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2461-2469. [PMID: 38796701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant endogenous modification in eukaryotic RNAs. It plays important roles in various biological processes and diseases, including cancers. More and more studies have revealed that the deposition of m6A is specifically regulated in a context-dependent manner. Here, we review the diverse mechanisms that determine the topology of m6A along RNAs and the cell-type-specific m6A methylomes. The exon junction complex (EJC) as well as histone modifications play important roles in determining the topological distribution of m6A along nascent RNAs, while the transcription factors and RNA-binding proteins, which usually bind specific DNAs and RNAs in a cell-type-specific manner, largely account for the cell-type-specific m6A methylomes. Due to the lack of specificity of m6A writers and readers, there are still challenges to target the core m6A machinery for cancer therapies. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying the specificity of m6A modifications in cancers would be important for future cancer therapies through m6A intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixian Cun
- Department of Medical Informatics, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangdong 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Wenbing Guo
- Department of Medical Informatics, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangdong 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Biao Ma
- RIKEN Center for Computational Science, 7-1-26 Minatojima-minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yasushi Okuno
- RIKEN Center for Computational Science, 7-1-26 Minatojima-minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Jinkai Wang
- Department of Medical Informatics, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangdong 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangdong 510080, China.
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10
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Dong D, Yu X, Xu J, Yu N, Liu Z, Sun Y. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of gastrointestinal cancer liver metastases and drug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 77:101125. [PMID: 39173439 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101125] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Distant metastases and drug resistance account for poor survival of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies such as gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. GI cancers most commonly metastasize to the liver, which provides a unique immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment to support the development of a premetastatic niche for tumor cell colonization and metastatic outgrowth. Metastatic tumors often exhibit greater resistance to drugs than primary tumors, posing extra challenges in treatment. The liver metastases and drug resistance of GI cancers are regulated by complex, intertwined, and tumor-dependent cellular and molecular mechanisms that influence tumor cell behavior (e.g. epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, or EMT), tumor microenvironment (TME) (e.g. the extracellular matrix, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells), tumor cell-TME interactions (e.g. through cytokines and exosomes), liver microenvironment (e.g. hepatic stellate cells and macrophages), and the route and mechanism of tumor cell dissemination (e.g. circulating tumor cells). This review provides an overview of recent advances in the research on cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate liver metastases and drug resistance of GI cancers. We also discuss recent advances in the development of mechanism-based therapy for these GI cancers. Targeting these cellular and molecular mechanisms, either alone or in combination, may potentially provide novel approaches to treat metastatic GI malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daosong Dong
- Department of Pain, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Xue Yu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Epidemiology of Gastric Cancer in the Universities of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Jingjing Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Na Yu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China.
| | - Yanbin Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China.
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11
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Zhang J, He J, Chen W, Chen G, Wang L, Liu Y, Wang Z, Yang M, Huang G, Yang Y, Ma W, Li Y. Single-cell RNA-binding protein pattern-mediated molecular subtypes depict the hallmarks of the tumor microenvironment in bladder urothelial carcinoma. ONCOLOGIE 2024; 26:657-669. [DOI: 10.1515/oncologie-2024-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Bladder carcinoma (BC) is a common malignancy of the urinary tract. As a new hallmark of cancer for drug therapy, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are key regulatory factors in alternative splicing events. This work is to uncover the relationship between BC and RBP in order to find drug targets in BC.
Methods
In this work, data from single-cell RNA-seq GSE1355337, PRJNA662018, and the TCGA-Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) cohorts are integrated to identify their relationships. A scoring system is constructed according to RBPs gene expression and patients’ survival. A network is constructed to analyze the alternative splicing events and RBP genes.
Results
A scoring system identified 321 RBPs significantly associated with the prognosis of patients. Subsequent typing of these RBP genes in two single-cell datasets demonstrated that most of the RBP genes had variable copy numbers. Three RBP clusters were identified. Using RBP genes as a signature in BC epithelial cells allows for differentiation between different grades of BC samples. The novel RBP genes-based subtype system reflects BC clinical staging. Notably, CellChat analysis revealed that the RBP genes-associated cell subtypes of T cells had extensive interactions with epithelial cells. Further analysis showed that the ligand-receptor pair MIF-CXCR4 mediated the communication between RBP-associated subtypes of BC epithelial cells and T cells.
Conclusions
Taken together, RBP genes are associated with BC progress and offer new indicators for precision medicine in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Department of Urology Surgery , Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University , Xining , Qinghai Province , China
| | - Jiejie He
- Department of Surgical Oncology , Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University and Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University , Xining , Qinghai Province , China
| | - Wen Chen
- Wuhan Ruixing Biotechnology Co. Ltd. , Wuhan , Hubei Province , China
| | - Guojun Chen
- Department of Urology Surgery , Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University , Xining , Qinghai Province , China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology , Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University and Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University , Xining , Qinghai Province , China
| | - Yuchan Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Jingmen Central Hospital , Jingmen , Hubei Province , China
| | - Zhanjin Wang
- Medical College of Qinghai University , Xining , Qinghai Province , China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Medical Records and Statistic, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University , Xining , Qinghai Province , China
| | - Guoyi Huang
- Wuhan Ruixing Biotechnology Co. Ltd. , Wuhan , Hubei Province , China
| | - Yongli Yang
- Department of Gynecology , Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University , Xining , Qinghai Province , China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Surgery , Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University , Xining , Qinghai Province , China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology , Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University and Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Qinghai University , Xining , Qinghai Province , China
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12
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Rajan AAN, Hutchins EJ. Post-transcriptional regulation as a conserved driver of neural crest and cancer-cell migration. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 89:102400. [PMID: 39032482 PMCID: PMC11346372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102400] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Cells have evolved mechanisms to migrate for diverse biological functions. A process frequently deployed during metazoan cell migration is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). During EMT, adherent epithelial cells undergo coordinated cellular transitions to mesenchymalize and reduce their intercellular attachments. This is achieved via tightly regulated changes in gene expression, which modulates cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion to allow movement. The acquisition of motility and invasive properties following EMT allows some mesenchymal cells to migrate through complex environments to form tissues during embryogenesis; however, these processes may also be leveraged by cancer cells, which often co-opt these endogenous programs to metastasize. Post-transcriptional regulation is now emerging as a major conserved mechanism by which cells modulate EMT and migration, which we discuss here in the context of vertebrate development and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Arul Nambi Rajan
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erica J Hutchins
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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13
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Li C, Liu L, Li S, Liu YS. N 6-Methyladenosine in Vascular Aging and Related Diseases: Clinical Perspectives. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1447-1473. [PMID: 37815911 PMCID: PMC11272212 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0924-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging leads to progressive deterioration of the structure and function of arteries, which eventually contributes to the development of vascular aging-related diseases. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent modification in eukaryotic RNAs. This reversible m6A RNA modification is dynamically regulated by writers, erasers, and readers, playing a critical role in various physiological and pathological conditions by affecting almost all stages of the RNA life cycle. Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of m6A in vascular aging and related diseases, shedding light on its potential clinical significance. In this paper, we comprehensively discuss the current understanding of m6A in vascular aging and its clinical implications. We discuss the molecular insights into m6A and its association with clinical realities, emphasizing its significance in unraveling the mechanisms underlying vascular aging. Furthermore, we explore the possibility of m6A and its regulators as clinical indicators for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction and investigate the therapeutic potential of m6A-associated anti-aging approaches. We also examine the challenges and future directions in this field and highlight the necessity of integrating m6A knowledge into patient-centered care. Finally, we emphasize the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to advance the field of m6A research and its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Li
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Institute of Aging and Age-related Disease Research, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Le Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Institute of Aging and Age-related Disease Research, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Institute of Aging and Age-related Disease Research, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - You-Shuo Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Institute of Aging and Age-related Disease Research, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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14
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Wu S, Li C, Zhou H, Yang Y, Liang N, Fu Y, Luo Q, Zhan Y. The regulatory mechanism of m6A modification in gastric cancer. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:283. [PMID: 39009956 PMCID: PMC11250764 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00994-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
To the best of our knowledge, N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) exerts a significant role in the occurrence and development of various tumors. Gastric cancer (GC), originating from the mucosal epithelium in the digestive tract, is the fifth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer death around the world. Therefore, it is urgent to explore the specific mechanism of tumorigenesis of GC. As we all know, m6A modification as the most common RNA modification, is involved in the modification of mRNA and ncRNA at the post-transcriptional level, which played a regulatory role in various biological processes. As identified by numerous studies, the m6A modification are able to influence the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of GC. What's more, m6A modification are associated with EMT, drug resistance, and aerobic glycolysis in GC. m6A related-ncRNAs may be a valuable biomarker used by the prediction of GC diagnosis in the future. This review summarizes the role of m6A modification in the mechanism of gastric cancer, with the aim of identifying biological progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No. 149 Dalian Street, Huichuan District, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Chunming Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No. 149 Dalian Street, Huichuan District, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Hanghao Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No. 149 Dalian Street, Huichuan District, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Intersection of Xinpu Street and Xinlong Street, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Na Liang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Street, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yue Fu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Street, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Qingqing Luo
- Department of Physiology, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Street, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - YaLi Zhan
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No. 149 Dalian Street, Huichuan District, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
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15
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Zeng X, Lu Y, Zeng T, Liu W, Huang W, Yu T, Tang X, Huang P, Li B, Wei H. RNA demethylase FTO participates in malignant progression of gastric cancer by regulating SP1-AURKB-ATM pathway. Commun Biol 2024; 7:800. [PMID: 38956367 PMCID: PMC11220007 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06477-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the 5th most prevalent cancer and the 4th primary cancer-associated mortality globally. As the first identified m6A demethylase for removing RNA methylation modification, fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) plays instrumental roles in cancer development. Therefore, we study the biological functions and oncogenic mechanisms of FTO in GC tumorigenesis and progression. In our study, FTO expression is obviously upregulated in GC tissues and cells. The upregulation of FTO is associated with advanced nerve invasion, tumor size, and LNM, as well as the poor prognosis in GC patients, and promoted GC cell viability, colony formation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, FTO targeted specificity protein 1 and Aurora Kinase B, resulting in the phosphorylation of ataxia telangiectasia mutated and P38 and dephosphorylation of P53. In conclusion, the m6A demethylase FTO promotes GC tumorigenesis and progression by regulating the SP1-AURKB-ATM pathway, which may highlight the potential of FTO as a diagnostic biomarker for GC patients' therapy response and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueliang Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Taohui Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Wenyu Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Weicai Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Tingting Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Xuerui Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Panpan Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China.
| | - Hulai Wei
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
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16
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Zhu DH, Su KK, Ou-Yang XX, Zhang YH, Yu XP, Li ZH, Ahmadi-Nishaboori SS, Li LJ. Mechanisms and clinical landscape of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in gastrointestinal tract cancers. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1553-1570. [PMID: 38856795 PMCID: PMC11254988 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-05040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetics encompasses reversible and heritable chemical modifications of non-nuclear DNA sequences, including DNA and RNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA modifications, and chromatin rearrangements. In addition to well-studied DNA and histone methylation, RNA methylation has emerged as a hot topic in biological sciences over the past decade. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common and abundant modification in eukaryotic mRNA, affecting all RNA stages, including transcription, translation, and degradation. Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies made it feasible to identify the chemical basis and biological functions of m6A RNA. Dysregulation of m6A levels and associated modifying proteins can both inhibit and promote cancer, highlighting the importance of the tumor microenvironment in diverse biological processes. Gastrointestinal tract cancers, including gastric, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, are among the most common and deadly malignancies in humans. Growing evidence suggests a close association between m6A levels and the progression of gastrointestinal tumors. Global m6A modification levels are substantially modified in gastrointestinal tumor tissues and cell lines compared to healthy tissues and cells, possibly influencing various biological behaviors such as tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Exploring the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of m6A-related proteins is critical from a clinical standpoint. Developing more specific and effective m6A modulators offers new options for treating these tumors and deeper insights into gastrointestinal tract cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Hua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Kun-Kai Su
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Ou-Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yan-Hong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xiao-Peng Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Zu-Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | | | - Lan-Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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17
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Zang Y, Tian Z, Wang D, Li Y, Zhang W, Ma C, Liao Z, Gao W, Qian L, Xu X, Jia J, Liu Z. METTL3-mediated N 6-methyladenosine modification of STAT5A promotes gastric cancer progression by regulating KLF4. Oncogene 2024; 43:2338-2354. [PMID: 38879589 PMCID: PMC11271408 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the predominant post-transcriptional RNA modification in eukaryotes and plays a pivotal regulatory role in various aspects of RNA fate determination, such as mRNA stability, alternative splicing, and translation. Dysregulation of the critical m6A methyltransferase METTL3 is implicated in tumorigenesis and development. Here, this work showed that METTL3 is upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and is associated with poor prognosis. METTL3 methylates the A2318 site within the coding sequence (CDS) region of STAT5A. IGF2BP2 recognizes and binds METTL3-mediated m6A modification of STAT5A through its GXXG motif in the KH3 and KH4 domains, leading to increased stability of STAT5A mRNA. In addition, both METTL3 and IGF2BP2 are positively correlated with STAT5A in human gastric cancer tissue samples. Helicobacter pylori infection increased the expression level of METTL3 in gastric cancer cells, thereby leading to the upregulation of STAT5A. Functional studies indicated that STAT5A overexpression markedly enhances the proliferation and migration of GC cells, whereas STAT5A knockdown has inhibitory effects. Further nude mouse experiments showed that STAT5A knockdown effectively inhibits the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer in vivo. Moreover, as a transcription factor, STAT5A represses KLF4 transcription by binding to its promoter region. The overexpression of KLF4 can counteract the oncogenic impact of STAT5A. Overall, this study highlights the crucial role of m6A in gastric cancer and provides potential therapeutic targets for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Zang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhuangfei Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yaxuan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenhui Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Cunying Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenzhi Liao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenrong Gao
- Department of Microbiology, Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lilin Qian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xia Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jihui Jia
- Department of Microbiology, Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhifang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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18
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Hu H, Li Z, Xie X, Liao Q, Hu Y, Gong C, Gao N, Yang H, Xiao Y, Chen Y. Insights into the role of RNA m 6A modification in the metabolic process and related diseases. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101011. [PMID: 38560499 PMCID: PMC10978549 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.04.038] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the latest consensus, many traditional diseases are considered metabolic diseases, such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Currently, metabolic diseases are increasingly prevalent because of the ever-improving living standards and have become the leading threat to human health. Multiple therapy methods have been applied to treat these diseases, which improves the quality of life of many patients, but the overall effect is still unsatisfactory. Therefore, intensive research on the metabolic process and the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases is imperative. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an important modification of eukaryotic RNAs. It is a critical regulator of gene expression that is involved in different cellular functions and physiological processes. Many studies have indicated that m6A modification regulates the development of many metabolic processes and metabolic diseases. In this review, we summarized recent studies on the role of m6A modification in different metabolic processes and metabolic diseases. Additionally, we highlighted the potential m6A-targeted therapy for metabolic diseases, expecting to facilitate m6A-targeted strategies in the treatment of metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qiushi Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Yiyang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Chunli Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Nannan Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Yufeng Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
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19
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Ouyang KW, Wang TT, Wang H, Luo YX, Hu YF, Zheng XM, Ling Q, Wang KW, Xiong YW, Zhang J, Chang W, Zhang YF, Yuan Z, Li H, Gao L, Xu DX, Zhu HL, Yang L, Wang H. m6A-methylated Lonp1 drives mitochondrial proteostasis stress to induce testicular pyroptosis upon environmental cadmium exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172938. [PMID: 38703850 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a widely distributed typical environmental pollutant and one of the most toxic heavy metals. It is well-known that environmental Cd causes testicular damage by inducing classic types of cell death such as cell apoptosis and necrosis. However, as a new type of cell death, the role and mechanism of pyroptosis in Cd-induced testicular injury remain unclear. In the current study, we used environmental Cd to generate a murine model with testicular injury and AIM2-dependent pyroptosis. Based on the model, we found that increased cytoplasmic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), activated mitochondrial proteostasis stress occurred in Cd-exposed testes. We used ethidium bromide to generate mtDNA-deficient testicular germ cells and further confirmed that increased cytoplasmic mtDNA promoted AIM2-dependent pyroptosis in Cd-exposed cells. Uracil-DNA glycosylase UNG1 overexpression indicated that environmental Cd blocked UNG-dependent repairment of damaged mtDNA to drive the process in which mtDNA releases to cytoplasm in the cells. Interestingly, we found that environmental Cd activated mitochondrial proteostasis stress by up-regulating protein expression of LONP1 in testes. Testicular specific LONP1-knockdown significantly reversed Cd-induced UNG1 protein degradation and AIM2-dependent pyroptosis in mouse testes. In addition, environmental Cd significantly enhanced the m6A modification of Lonp1 mRNA and its stability in testicular germ cells. Knockdown of IGF2BP1, a reader of m6A modification, reversed Cd-induced upregulation of LONP1 protein expression and pyroptosis activation in testicular germ cells. Collectively, environmental Cd induces m6A modification of Lonp1 mRNA to activate mitochondrial proteostasis stress, increase cytoplasmic mtDNA content, and trigger AIM2-dependent pyroptosis in mouse testes. These findings suggest that mitochondrial proteostasis stress is a potential target for the prevention of testicular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kong-Wen Ouyang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Center of Prenatal Diagnosis, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China
| | - Tian-Tian Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui 230000, China
| | - Ye-Xin Luo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yi-Fan Hu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Xin-Mei Zheng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Qing Ling
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Kai-Wen Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yong-Wei Xiong
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Wei Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Yu-Feng Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Zhi Yuan
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China
| | - Lan Gao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hua-Long Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Lan Yang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Prenatal Diagnosis, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Affiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214000, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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20
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Ren M, Pan H, Zhou X, Yu M, Ji F. KIAA1429 promotes gastric cancer progression by destabilizing RASD1 mRNA in an m 6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. J Transl Med 2024; 22:584. [PMID: 38902717 PMCID: PMC11191263 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05375-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND KIAA1429, a regulatory subunit of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase complex, has been implicated in the progression of various cancers. However, the role of KIAA1429 in gastric cancer (GC) and its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the role of KIAA1429 in GC and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The expression patterns and clinical relevance of KIAA1429 in GC were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and bioinformatic analysis. In vitro and in vivo loss- and gain-of-function assays, m6A dot blot assays, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq), RNA-seq, MeRIP-qPCR, dual luciferase reporter assays, RNA stability assays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays, and RNA pull-down assays were performed to investigate the biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of KIAA1429 in GC. RESULTS Both the mRNA and protein expression of KIAA1429 were greater in GC tissues than in normal gastric tissues. High KIAA1429 expression correlated positively with poor prognosis in GC patients. KIAA1429 not only promoted GC cell proliferation, colony formation, G2/M cell cycle transition, migration, and invasion in vitro but also enhanced GC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, KIAA1429 increased the m6A level of RASD1 mRNA and enhanced its stability in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner, thereby upregulating its expression. RASD1 knockdown partially rescued the KIAA1429 knockdown-induced impairment of pro‑oncogenic ability in GC cells. The expression levels of KIAA1429 and RASD1 were negatively correlated in GC tissues. CONCLUSIONS KIAA1429 plays a pro‑oncogenic role in GC by downregulating RASD1 expression through destabilizing RASD1 mRNA in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. KIAA1429 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Ren
- Cancer Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hanghai Pan
- Cancer Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinxin Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mosang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
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21
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Zhang Y, Zhou F, Zhang MY, Feng LN, Guan JL, Dong RN, Huang YJ, Xia SH, Liao JZ, Zhao K. N6-methyladenosine methylation regulates the tumor microenvironment of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2543-2558. [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification exists in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) primary infection, latency, and lytic reactivation. It also modifies EBV latent genes and lytic genes. EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is a distinctive molecular subtype of GC. We hypothesized EBV and m6A methylation regulators interact with each other in EBVaGC to differentiate it from other types of GC.
AIM To investigate the mechanisms of m6A methylation regulators in EBVaGC to determine the differentiating factors from other types of GC.
METHODS First, The Cancer Gene Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used to analyze the expression pattern of m6A methylation regulators between EBVaGC and EBV-negative GC (EBVnGC). Second, we identified Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment of m6A-related differentially expressed genes. We quantified the relative abundance of immune cells and inflammatory factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Finally, cell counting kit-8 cell proliferation test, transwell test, and flow cytometry were used to verify the effect of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) in EBVaGC cell lines.
RESULTS m6A methylation regulators were involved in the occurrence and development of EBVaGC. Compared with EBVnGC, the expression levels of m6A methylation regulators Wilms tumor 1-associated protein, RNA binding motif protein 15B, CBL proto-oncogene like 1, leucine rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1, IGFBP1, and insulin-like growth factor 2 binding protein 1 were significantly downregulated in EBVaGC (P < 0.05). The overall survival rate of EBVaGC patients with a lower expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly higher (P = 0.046). GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses showed that the immunity pathways were significantly activated and rich in immune cell infiltration in EBVaGC. Compared with EBVnGC, the infiltration of activated CD4+ T cells, activated CD8+ T cells, monocytes, activated dendritic cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were significantly upregulated in EBVaGC (P < 0.001). In EBVaGC, the expression level of proinflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-17, IL-21, and interferon-γ and immunosuppressive factor IL-10 were significantly increased (P < 0.05). In vitro experiments demonstrated that the expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly lower in an EBVaGC cell line (SNU719) than in an EBVnGC cell line (AGS) (P < 0.05). IGFBP1 overexpression significantly attenuated proliferation and migration and promoted the apoptosis levels in SNU719. Interfering IGFBP1 significantly promoted proliferation and migration and attenuated the apoptosis levels in AGS.
CONCLUSION m6A regulators could remodel the TME of EBVaGC, which is classified as an immune-inflamed phenotype and referred to as a “hot” tumor. Among these regulators, we demonstrated that IGFBP1 affected proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ming-Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Li-Na Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jia-Lun Guan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu-Jie Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Su-Hong Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jia-Zhi Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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22
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Bi C, Li C, Xing L, Lu Z, Liu H, Hu T, Wang B, Liu C. Extracellular putrescine can augment the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of gastric cancer cells by promoting MAL2 expression by elevating H3K27ac in its promoter region. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:2805-2822. [PMID: 39005660 PMCID: PMC11236783 DOI: 10.62347/beuv4081] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of polyamine metabolism has been associated with the development of many cancers. However, little information has been reported about the associations between elevated extracellular putrescine and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of gastric cancer (GC) cells. In this study, the influence of extracellular putrescine on the malignant behavior and EMT of the AGS and MKN-28 cells was investigated, followed by RNA sequencing profiling of transcriptomic alterations and CUT&Tag sequencing capturing H3K27ac variations across the global genome using extracellular putrescine. Our results demonstrated that the administration of extracellular putrescine significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and expression of N-cadherin in GC cells. We also observed elevated H3K27ac in MKN-28 cells but not in AGS cells when extracellular putrescine was used. A combination of transcriptomic alterations and genome-wide variations of H3K27ac highlighted the upregulated MAL2 and H3K27ac in its promoter region. Knockdown and overexpression of MAL2 were found to inhibit and promote EMT, respectively, in AGS and MKN-28 cells. We demonstrated that extracellular putrescine could upregulate MAL2 expression by elevating H3K27ac in its promoter region, thus triggering augmented EMT in GC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxiao Bi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Institute of Digestive Disease, Binzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhou 256600, Shandong, China
| | - Chengyu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Institute of Digestive Disease, Binzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhou 256600, Shandong, China
| | - Liangxiu Xing
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical UniversityYantai 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Zixuan Lu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical UniversityYantai 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Institute of Digestive Disease, Binzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhou 256600, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical UniversityYantai 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical UniversityYantai 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Chengxia Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Institute of Digestive Disease, Binzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhou 256600, Shandong, China
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23
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Zhang Y, Zhou F, Zhang MY, Feng LN, Guan JL, Dong RN, Huang YJ, Xia SH, Liao JZ, Zhao K. N6-methyladenosine methylation regulates the tumor microenvironment of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2555-2570. [PMID: 38994134 PMCID: PMC11236235 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification exists in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) primary infection, latency, and lytic reactivation. It also modifies EBV latent genes and lytic genes. EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is a distinctive molecular subtype of GC. We hypothesized EBV and m6A methylation regulators interact with each other in EBVaGC to differentiate it from other types of GC. AIM To investigate the mechanisms of m6A methylation regulators in EBVaGC to determine the differentiating factors from other types of GC. METHODS First, The Cancer Gene Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used to analyze the expression pattern of m6A methylation regulators between EBVaGC and EBV-negative GC (EBVnGC). Second, we identified Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment of m6A-related differentially expressed genes. We quantified the relative abundance of immune cells and inflammatory factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Finally, cell counting kit-8 cell proliferation test, transwell test, and flow cytometry were used to verify the effect of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) in EBVaGC cell lines. RESULTS m6A methylation regulators were involved in the occurrence and development of EBVaGC. Compared with EBVnGC, the expression levels of m6A methylation regulators Wilms tumor 1-associated protein, RNA binding motif protein 15B, CBL proto-oncogene like 1, leucine rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1, IGFBP1, and insulin-like growth factor 2 binding protein 1 were significantly downregulated in EBVaGC (P < 0.05). The overall survival rate of EBVaGC patients with a lower expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly higher (P = 0.046). GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses showed that the immunity pathways were significantly activated and rich in immune cell infiltration in EBVaGC. Compared with EBVnGC, the infiltration of activated CD4+ T cells, activated CD8+ T cells, monocytes, activated dendritic cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were significantly upregulated in EBVaGC (P < 0.001). In EBVaGC, the expression level of proinflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-17, IL-21, and interferon-γ and immunosuppressive factor IL-10 were significantly increased (P < 0.05). In vitro experiments demonstrated that the expression level of IGFBP1 was significantly lower in an EBVaGC cell line (SNU719) than in an EBVnGC cell line (AGS) (P < 0.05). IGFBP1 overexpression significantly attenuated proliferation and migration and promoted the apoptosis levels in SNU719. Interfering IGFBP1 significantly promoted proliferation and migration and attenuated the apoptosis levels in AGS. CONCLUSION m6A regulators could remodel the TME of EBVaGC, which is classified as an immune-inflamed phenotype and referred to as a "hot" tumor. Among these regulators, we demonstrated that IGFBP1 affected proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ming-Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Li-Na Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jia-Lun Guan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu-Jie Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Su-Hong Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jia-Zhi Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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24
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Zhao R, Chen J, Wang Y, Xiao H, Mei P, Lin W, Diao M, He S, Liao Y, Meng W. Prognostic roles of dysregulated METTL3 protein expression in cancers and potential anticancer value by inhibiting METTL3 function. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38849971 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have demonstrated the relationship between METTL3 protein expression and clinical outcomes in various cancers and elucidated the mechanism by which METTL3 disrupts the behavior of cancer cells. Here, we attempted to define the prognostic value of METTL3 protein in patients with cancer via systematic analysis and explored the potential effect of inhibiting METTL3 using its specific inhibitor. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science databases for studies that elucidated the prognostic value of METTL3 protein expression in all cancer types and then calculated the pooled hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for the overall survival (OS) of all cancer types and subgroups. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset were used to study METTL3 mRNA expression in cancers. Further, the effects of a METTL3-specific inhibitor were studied in cancer cells via the colony formation assay, the cell proliferation assay, and apoptosis detection. RESULTS Meta-analysis of the 33 cohorts in 32 studies (3666 patients in total) revealed that higher METTL3 protein expression indicated poor OS in the majority of cancers. Bioinformatics analysis of METTL3 mRNA expression and cancer prognosis did not show the extremely prominent prognostic value of METTL3 mRNA. Nevertheless, the METTL3-specific inhibitor attenuated cell proliferation and cell cloning formation and promoted apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS METTL3 protein expression is associated with poor prognosis in most cancer types and could be a biomarker for OS. Further, METTL3 inhibition might be a potential treatment strategy for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaping Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital), Kunming, China
| | - Yangwei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peiyuan Mei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingxin Diao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiwen He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongde Liao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wangyang Meng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Zhang Y, Lv J, Bai J, Zhang X, Wu G, Lei X, Li W, Zhang Z. METTL3 Modulates TXNIP Expression to Affect the Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in Hepatic Cells Under Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion Injury. Inflammation 2024; 47:1028-1040. [PMID: 38236385 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01958-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is still a major risk factor and unsolved problem in hepatic surgery. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), an important m6A-modified methylase, regulates inflammation and cellular stress response. In this study, we demonstrated the special role of METTL3 and its underlying mechanism in hepatic I/R injury. In the mouse model of hepatic I/R and in the oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced AML12 and NCTC 1469 cells, the expression of METTL3 was significantly upregulated. Inhibition of METTL3 in OGD/R-induced AML12 and NCTC 1469 cells both increased the cell viability, declined the cell apoptosis, and decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the release levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), diminishing NLRP3 and Caspase1-p20 expressions. Moreover, METTL3 positively modulated TXNIP expression in an m6A manner. TXNIP overexpression reversed the effects of METTL3 knockdown on OGD/R-induced injury in AML12 cells. Furthermore, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activity contributed to the protective effects of TXNIP knockdown in OGD/R-induced AML12 cells. In conclusion, METTL3 knockdown alleviated OGD/R-induced hepatocyte injury, and the specific mechanism was associated with the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which was attributed to the reduction of TXNIP in an m6A-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Anesthesia Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710004, China
| | - Jianrui Lv
- Anesthesia Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710004, China
| | - Jian Bai
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of General Practice, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Wu
- Anesthesia Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710004, China
| | - Xiaoming Lei
- Anesthesia Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710004, China
| | - Wei Li
- Anesthesia Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710004, China
| | - Zhenni Zhang
- Anesthesia Department, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 157, West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710004, China.
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Hu W, Wang M, Sun G, Zhang L, Lu H. Early B Cell Factor 3 (EBF3) attenuates Parkinson's disease through directly regulating contactin-associated protein-like 4 (CNTNAP4) transcription: An experimental study. Cell Signal 2024; 118:111139. [PMID: 38479556 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a gradually debilitating neurodegenerative syndrome. Here, we analyzed GSE7621 chip data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to explore the pathogenesis of PD. Early B Cell Factor 3 (EBF3), a member of the highly evolutionarily conserved EBF-transcription factor family, is involved in neuronal development. EBF3 expression is low in the substantia nigra of patients with PD. However, whether EBF3 is implicated in dopaminergic neuron death during PD has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to reveal the potential anti-apoptotic effect and molecular mechanism of EBF3 in PD. We established a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse model in vivo and a 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+)-induced SH-SY5Y cell model in vitro. EBF3 was downregulated in the substantia nigra of PD mice and SH-SY5Y cells treated with MPP+, and the m6A methylation modification level was low. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) siRNA upregulated m6A methylation modification of EBF3 and extended the EBF3 mRNA half-life. Functionally, as demonstrated by the results of the open-field test, pole test and gait analysis, EBF3 overexpression ameliorated MPTP-induced behavioral disorder. Further, EBF3 overexpression suppressed neuronal apoptosis in vivo, as evidenced by decreased TUNEL+ cells, and the increased activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Similar results were obtained in vitro, as reflected by increased cell viability, decreased LDH activity and restored mitochondrial function, collectively protecting SH-SY5Y cells from MPP+-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, the results of luciferase reporter, ch-IP and DNA pull-down assays confirmed that, as a transcription factor, EBF3 bound to the promoter of CNTNAP4 (a protein associated with neuronal differentiation) and directly regulated CNTNAP4 transcription. Strikingly, CNTNAP4 knockdown markedly abolished the effect of EBF3 on cell apoptosis, thus aggravating PD. In conclusion, the low level of m6A methylation modification may contribute to the low expression of EBF3 during PD. Additionally, EBF3 attenuates PD by activating CNTNAP4 transcription, suggesting that EBF3 may be a novel therapeutic target in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Hu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Menghan Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Guifang Sun
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Limin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Hong Lu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China.
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Yang W, Zhao Y, Yang Y. Dynamic RNA methylation modifications and their regulatory role in mammalian development and diseases. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-023-2526-2. [PMID: 38833084 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2526-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Among over 170 different types of chemical modifications on RNA nucleobases identified so far, RNA methylation is the major type of epitranscriptomic modifications existing on almost all types of RNAs, and has been demonstrated to participate in the entire process of RNA metabolism, including transcription, pre-mRNA alternative splicing and maturation, mRNA nucleus export, mRNA degradation and stabilization, mRNA translation. Attributing to the development of high-throughput detection technologies and the identification of both dynamic regulators and recognition proteins, mechanisms of RNA methylation modification in regulating the normal development of the organism as well as various disease occurrence and developmental abnormalities upon RNA methylation dysregulation have become increasingly clear. Here, we particularly focus on three types of RNA methylations: N6-methylcytosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), and N7-methyladenosine (m7G). We summarize the elements related to their dynamic installment and removal, specific binding proteins, and the development of high-throughput detection technologies. Then, for a comprehensive understanding of their biological significance, we also overview the latest knowledge on the underlying mechanisms and key roles of these three mRNA methylation modifications in gametogenesis, embryonic development, immune system development, as well as disease and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yongliang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yungui Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China.
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
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Jalali P, Yaghoobi A, Rezaee M, Zabihi MR, Piroozkhah M, Aliyari S, Salehi Z. Decoding common genetic alterations between Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma: A bioinformatics analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31194. [PMID: 38803922 PMCID: PMC11128929 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a common cancer with a poor prognosis in advanced stages. Therefore, early EAC diagnosis and treatment have gained attention in recent decades. It has been found that various pathological changes, particularly Barrett's Esophagus (BE), can occur in the esophageal tissue before the development of EAC. In this study, we aimed to identify the molecular contributor in BE to EAC progression by detecting the essential regulatory genes that are differentially expressed in both BE and EAC. Materials and methods We conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis to detect BE and EAC-associated genes. The common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected using the GEO and DisGeNET databases, respectively. Then, hub genes and the top modules within the protein-protein interaction network were identified. Moreover, the co-expression network of the top module by the HIPPIE database was constructed. Additionally, the gene regulatory network was constructed based on miRNAs and circRNAs. Lastly, we inspected the DGIdb database for possible interacted drugs. Results Our microarray dataset analysis identified 92 common DEGs between BE and EAC with significant enrichment in skin and epidermis development genes. The study also identified 22 common SNPs between BE and EAC. The top module of PPI network analysis included SCEL, KRT6A, SPRR1A, SPRR1B, SPRR3, PPL, SPRR2B, EVPL, and CSTA. We constructed a ceRNA network involving three specific mRNAs, 23 miRNAs, and 101 selected circRNAs. According to the results from the DGIdb database, TD101 was found to interact with the KRT6A gene. Conclusion The present study provides novel potential candidate genes that may be involved in the molecular association between Esophageal adenocarcinoma and Barrett's Esophagus, resulting in developing the diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets to prevent progression of BE to EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Jalali
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Yaghoobi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Malihe Rezaee
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zabihi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Moein Piroozkhah
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Aliyari
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center DKFZ Heidelberg, Iran
| | - Zahra Salehi
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Institute for Oncology, Hematology and Cell Therapy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zhang YQ, Li J, Qin Z, Li DM, Ye FZ, Bei SH, Zhang XH, Feng L. METTL5 promotes gastric cancer progression via sphingomyelin metabolism. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1925-1946. [PMID: 38764837 PMCID: PMC11099429 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.1925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of gastric cancer (GC) has caused an enormous social burden worldwide. Accumulating studies have reported that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is closely related to tumor progression. METTL5 is a m6A methyltransferase that plays a pivotal role in maintaining the metabolic stability of cells. However, its aberrant regulation in GC has not been fully elucidated. AIM To excavate the role of METTL5 in the development of GC. METHODS METTL5 expression and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed via The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and further verified via immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in tissue microarrays and clinical samples. The tumor-promoting effect of METTL5 on HGC-27 and AGS cells was explored in vitro by Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, colony formation assays, scratch healing assays, transwell assays and flow cytometry. The tumor-promoting role of METTL5 in vivo was evaluated in a xenograft tumor model. The EpiQuik m6A RNA Methylation Quantification Kit was used for m6A quantification. Next, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the association between METTL5 and sphingomyelin metabolism, which was confirmed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and rescue tests. In addition, we investigated whether METTL5 affects the sensitivity of GC cells to cisplatin via colony formation and transwell experiments. RESULTS Our research revealed substantial upregulation of METTL5, which suggested a poor prognosis of GC patients. Increased METTL5 expression indicated distant lymph node metastasis, advanced cancer stage and pathological grade. An increased level of METTL5 correlated with a high degree of m6A methylation. METTL5 markedly promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells in vitro. METTL5 also promotes the growth of GC in animal models. METTL5 knockdown resulted in significant changes in sphingomyelin metabolism, which implies that METTL5 may impact the development of GC via sphingomyelin metabolism. In addition, high METTL5 expression led to cisplatin resistance. CONCLUSION METTL5 was found to be an oncogenic driver of GC and may be a new target for therapy since it facilitates GC carcinogenesis through sphingomyelin metabolism and cisplatin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Qiong Zhang
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Jian Li
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Zhe Qin
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - De-Ming Li
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Fang-Zhou Ye
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Song-Hua Bei
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Zhang
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Li Feng
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
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Lin J, Huang C, Diao W, Liu H, Lu H, Huang S, Wang J. CPE correlates with poor prognosis in gastric cancer by promoting tumourigenesis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29901. [PMID: 38694095 PMCID: PMC11058891 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims To investigate the potential functions and mechanisms of tumourigenesis in carboxypeptidase E (CPE) and its prognostic value in gastric cancer, and to develop a predictive model for prognosis based on CPE. Results Transcriptome level variation and the prognostic value of CPE in different types of cancers were investigated using bioinformatics analyses. The association between CPE and clinicopathological characteristics was specifically explored in gastric cancer. Elevated CPE expression was associated with poor survival and recurrence prognosis and was found in cases with a later clinical stage of gastric cancer. The CPE was considered an independent prognostic factor, as assessed using Cox regression analysis. The prognostic value of CPE was further verified through immunohistochemistry and haematoxylin staining. Enrichment analysis provided a preliminary confirmation of the potential functions and mechanisms of CPE. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed a significant correlation between CPE and macrophage infiltration. Eventually, a prognosis prediction nomogram model based on CPE was developed. Conclusion CPE was identified as an independent biomarker associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer. This suggests that CPE overexpression promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the activation of the Erk/Wnt pathways, leading to proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Targeted therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer may benefit from these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Chengzhi Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Ganzhou Hospital (Ganzhou Municipal Hospital), Ganzhou, 341000, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wenfei Diao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China
| | - Haoming Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hesong Lu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, 510080, China
| | - Shengchao Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Junjiang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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Liu L, Sun J, Zhong C, Zhang A, Wang G, Chen S, Zhang S, Wang M, Li L. Identification of a fatty acid metabolism-related gene signature to predict prognosis in stomach adenocarcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:8552-8571. [PMID: 38742949 PMCID: PMC11164501 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatty acid metabolism (FAM) contributes to tumorigenesis and tumor development, but the role of FAM in the progression of stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) has not been comprehensively clarified. METHODS The expression data and clinical follow-up information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). FAM pathway was analyzed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) methods. Univariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to select prognosis genes. Molecular subtypes were classified by consensus clustering analysis. Furthermore, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) analysis was employed to develop a risk model. ESTIMATE and tumour immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) algorithm were used to assess immunity. pRRophetic package was conducted to predict drug sensitivity. RESULTS Based on 14 FAM related prognosis genes (FAMRG), 2 clusters were determined. Patients in C2 showed a worse overall survival (OS). Furthermore, a 7-FAMRG risk model was established as an independent predictor for STAD, with a higher riskscore indicating an unfavorable OS. High riskscore patients had higher TIDE score and these patients were more sensitive to anticancer drugs such as Bortezomib, Dasatinib and Pazopanib. A nomogram based on riskscore was an effective prediction tool applicable to clinical settings. The results from pan-cancer analysis supported a prominent application value of riskscore model in other cancer types. CONCLUSION The FAMRGs model established in this study could help predict STAD prognosis and offer new directions for future studies on dysfunctional FAM-induced damage and anti-tumor drugs in STAD disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Changqing Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ang Zhang
- Department of Hematopathology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Guodong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lianyong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing 100101, China
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Jia J, Yu L. METTL3-mediated m6A modification of EPPK1 to promote the development of esophageal cancer through regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:2830-2841. [PMID: 38293837 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) has been proved to be involved in the progression of various cancers. In this study, we explored the role of METTL3 and its underlying mechanism in esophageal cancer progression. The mRNA and protein levels of METTL3 and epiplakin1 (EPPK1) were determined using qRT-PCR and western blot. The proliferative ability was evaluated through 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di- phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT), colony formation, and EdU assays. Transwell invasion assay and wound-healing assay were employed for detecting cell invasion and migration, respectively. Cell stemness was evaluated by sphere-formation assay. Xenograft tumor experiments and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to explore the effects of METTL3 knockdown on tumor growth in vivo. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of EPPK1 was analyzed using MeRIP. RNA-protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the relationship between EPPK1 and METTL3. METTL3 was upregulated in esophageal cancer tissues and cells, which was related to the poor prognosis of esophageal cancer patients. Knockdown of METTL3 overtly decreased the proliferative, invasive, migrated abilities, and cell stemness of esophageal cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, depletion of METTL3 also observably suppressed the growth of tumor in vivo. EPPK1 was a direct target of METTL3, and METTL3 could mediate the m6A modification of EPPK1. EPPK1 was downregulated in esophageal cancer tissues and cells, and EPPK1 depletion markedly repressed cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and stemness of esophageal cancer cells. The inhibition effects of METTL3 deficiency on these malignant behaviors were harbored by EPPK1 upregulation in esophageal cancer cells. In addition, METTL3 deficiency reduced EPPK1 expression to inactivate the PI3K/AKT pathway. Our results revealed that METTL3 deficiency regulated the m6A modification of EPPK1 to inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby restraining the progression of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jia
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanyang First People's Hospital, Nanyang, China
| | - Longhai Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanyang First People's Hospital, Nanyang, China
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Tan L, Chen X, Yan S, Guo A, Gao L, Zhou L, Zhou Y, Zeng J, Lu J. WTAP-Mediated N6-Methyladenosine of RNAs Facilitate the Pathophysiology of Atopic Dermatitis. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1058-1070.e4. [PMID: 38029838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant dynamic and reversible internal chemical modification of RNA in eukaryotic cells and is essential in multiple pathophysiological processes. However, it has not been reported in atopic dermatitis (AD). We used Arraystar m6A-mRNA epitranscriptomic microarray to screen for differentially expressed genes and their m6A levels and m6A-related enzymes in patients with AD. We confirmed that the m6A RNA methyltransferase WTAP and 2 candidate differentially expressed genes (S100A9 and SERPINB3) were significantly upregulated in keratinocytes in public data and epidermal lesions of patients with AD. In vitro cell experiments confirmed that WTAP influenced the expression of the 2 candidate differentially expressed genes and promoted primary human epidermal keratinocyte proliferation while inhibiting human epidermal keratinocyte differentiation. Furthermore, we showed that WTAP, S100A9, and SERPINB3 expression correlated with AD severity. Our findings revealed that WTAP-mediated m6A modification promoted the expression of S100A9 and SERPINB3 to aggravate human epidermal keratinocyte proliferation and dysdifferentiation contributing to the pathophysiological development of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Tan
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Medical Ozone Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Medical Ozone Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Siyu Yan
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Medical Ozone Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Aiyuan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Medical Ozone Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lihua Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Medical Ozone Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Medical Ozone Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanping Zhou
- Department of Operating Room, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinrong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Medical Ozone Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Jianyun Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Medical Ozone Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Ouyang P, Li K, Xu W, Chen C, Shi Y, Tian Y, Gong J, Bao Z. METTL3 recruiting M2-type immunosuppressed macrophages by targeting m6A-SNAIL-CXCL2 axis to promote colorectal cancer pulmonary metastasis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:111. [PMID: 38605400 PMCID: PMC11007974 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03035-6] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The regulatory role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in the onset and progression of cancer has garnered increasing attention in recent years. However, the specific role of m6A modification in pulmonary metastasis of colorectal cancer remains unclear. METHODS This study identified differential m6A gene expression between primary colorectal cancer and its pulmonary metastases using transcriptome sequencing and immunohistochemistry. We investigated the biological function of METTL3 gene both in vitro and in vivo using assays such as CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, EDU, transwell, and apoptosis, along with a BALB/c nude mouse model. The regulatory mechanisms of METTL3 in colorectal cancer pulmonary metastasis were studied using methods like methylated RNA immunoprecipitation quantitative reverse transcription PCR, RNA stability analysis, luciferase reporter gene assay, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, and quantitative reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS The study revealed high expression of METTL3 and YTHDF1 in the tumors of patients with pulmonary metastasis of colorectal cancer. METTL3 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer by m6A modification of SNAIL mRNA, where SNAIL enhances the secretion of CXCL2 through the NF-κB pathway. Additionally, colorectal cancer cells expressing METTL3 recruit M2-type macrophages by secreting CXCL2. CONCLUSION METTL3 facilitates pulmonary metastasis of colorectal cancer by targeting the m6A-Snail-CXCL2 axis to recruit M2-type immunosuppressive macrophages. This finding offers new research directions and potential therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ouyang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Caiyun Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yangdong Shi
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yao Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Jin Gong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhen Bao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
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Mahajan A, Hong J, Krukovets I, Shin J, Tkachenko S, Espinosa-Diez C, Owens GK, Cherepanova OA. Integrative analysis of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions in smooth muscle cell phenotypic transitions. Front Genet 2024; 15:1356558. [PMID: 38660676 PMCID: PMC11039880 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1356558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: We previously found that the pluripotency factor OCT4 is reactivated in smooth muscle cells (SMC) in human and mouse atherosclerotic plaques and plays an atheroprotective role. Loss of OCT4 in SMC in vitro was associated with decreases in SMC migration. However, molecular mechanisms responsible for atheroprotective SMC-OCT4-dependent effects remain unknown. Methods: Since studies in embryonic stem cells demonstrated that OCT4 regulates long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), making them candidates for OCT4 effect mediators, we applied an in vitro approach to investigate the interactions between OCT4-regulated lncRNAs, mRNAs, and miRNAs in SMC. We used OCT4 deficient mouse aortic SMC (MASMC) treated with the pro-atherogenic oxidized phospholipid POVPC, which, as we previously demonstrated, suppresses SMC contractile markers and induces SMC migration. Differential expression of lncRNAs, mRNAs, and miRNAs was obtained by lncRNA/mRNA expression array and small-RNA microarray. Long non-coding RNA to mRNA associations were predicted based on their genomic proximity and association with vascular diseases. Given a recently discovered crosstalk between miRNA and lncRNA, we also investigated the association of miRNAs with upregulated/downregulated lncRNA-mRNA pairs. Results: POVPC treatment in SMC resulted in upregulating genes related to the axon guidance and focal adhesion pathways. Knockdown of Oct4 resulted in differential regulation of pathways associated with phagocytosis. Importantly, these results were consistent with our data showing that OCT4 deficiency attenuated POVPC-induced SMC migration and led to increased phagocytosis. Next, we identified several up- or downregulated lncRNA associated with upregulation of the specific mRNA unique for the OCT4 deficient SMC, including upregulation of ENSMUST00000140952-Hoxb5/6 and ENSMUST00000155531-Zfp652 along with downregulation of ENSMUST00000173605-Parp9 and, ENSMUST00000137236-Zmym1. Finally, we found that many of the downregulated miRNAs were associated with cell migration, including miR-196a-1 and miR-10a, targets of upregulated ENSMUST00000140952, and miR-155 and miR-122, targets of upregulated ENSMUST00000155531. Oppositely, the upregulated miRNAs were anti-migratory and pro-phagocytic, such as miR-10a/b and miR-15a/b, targets of downregulated ENSMUST00000173605, and miR-146a/b and miR-15b targets of ENSMUST00000137236. Conclusion: Our integrative analyses of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions in SMC indicated novel potential OCT4-dependent mechanisms that may play a role in SMC phenotypic transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aatish Mahajan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Junyoung Hong
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Irene Krukovets
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Junchul Shin
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Svyatoslav Tkachenko
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Cristina Espinosa-Diez
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Gary K. Owens
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Olga A. Cherepanova
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Chen W, Ye X, Chen Y, Zhao T, Zhou H. M6A methylation of FKFB3 reduced pyroptosis of gastric cancer by NLRP3. Anticancer Drugs 2024; 35:344-357. [PMID: 38241195 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a kind of malignant tumor that seriously endangers human life and health. Its incidence rate and mortality rate are among the highest in the global malignant tumors. Therefore, this study explored the role of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) in the progression of gastric cancer and its underlying mechanism. Patients with gastric cancer were collected, and human GC cell lines (stomach gastric carcinoma 7901, stomach gastric carcinoma 823 , human gastric carcinoma cell line 803 and adenocarcinoma gastric stomach) were used in this study. We utilized glucose consumption, cell migration, and ELISA assay kits to investigate the function of GC. To understand its mechanism, we employed quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blot, and m6A methylated RNA immunoprecipitation assay. FKFB3 protein expression levels in patients with gastric cancer were increased. The induction of PFKFB3 mRNA expression levels in patients with gastric cancer or gastric cancer cell lines. Gastric cancer patients with high PFKFB3 expression had a lower survival rate. PFKFB3 high expression possessed the probability of pathological stage, lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis in patients with gastric cancer. PFKFB3 upregulation promoted cancer progression and Warburg effect progression of gastric cancer. PFKFB3 upregulation reduced pyroptosis and suppressed nucleotidebinding domain, leucinerich repeat containing protein 3-induced pyroptosis of gastric cancer. M6A-forming enzyme methyltransferase-like 3 increased PFKFB3 stability. Taken together, the M6A-forming enzyme methyltransferase-like 3 increased PFKFB3 stability and reduced pyroptosis in the model of gastric cancer through the Warburg effect. The PFKFB3 gene represents a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyuan Chen
- Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College
| | - Xiaolin Ye
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
| | - Yun Chen
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tongwei Zhao
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongying Zhou
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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Zeng Y, Yu T, Lou Z, Chen L, Pan L, Ruan B. Emerging function of main RNA methylation modifications in the immune microenvironment of digestive system tumors. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 256:155268. [PMID: 38547773 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Digestive system tumors have been reported in more than 25% of all cancer cases worldwide, bringing a huge burden on the healthcare system. RNA methylation modification-an important post-transcriptional modification-has become an active research area in gene regulation. It is a dynamic and reversible process involving several enzymes, such as methyltransferases, demethylases, and methylation reader proteins. This review provides insights into the role of three major methylation modifications, namely m6A, m5C, and m1A, in the development of digestive system tumors, specifically in the development of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of these malignancies. Abnormal methylation modification affects immunosuppression and antitumor immune response by regulating the recruitment of immune cells and the release of immune factors. Understanding the mechanisms by which RNA methylation regulates digestive system tumors will be helpful in exploring new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Tao Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Zhuoqi Lou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Lin Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Liya Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Bing Ruan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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Xu X, Zhuang X, Yu H, Li P, Li X, Lin H, Teoh JP, Chen Y, Yang Y, Cheng Y, Chen W, Fu X. FSH induces EMT in ovarian cancer via ALKBH5-regulated Snail m6A demethylation. Theranostics 2024; 14:2151-2166. [PMID: 38505602 PMCID: PMC10945345 DOI: 10.7150/thno.94161] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The therapeutic benefits of targeting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor in treatment of ovarian cancer are significant, whereas the role of FSH in ovarian cancer progresses and the underlying mechanism remains to be developed. Methods: Tissue microarray of human ovarian cancer, tumor xenograft mouse model, and in vitro cell culture were used to investigate the role of FSH in ovarian carcinogenesis. siRNA, lentivirus and inhibitors were used to trigger the inactivation of genes, and plasmids were used to increase transcription of genes. Specifically, pathological characteristic was assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC), while signaling pathway was studied using western blot, quantitative RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence. Results: Histology and IHC of human normal ovarian and tumor tissue confirmed the association between FSH and Snail in ovarian cancer metastasis. Moreover, in epithelial ovarian cancer cells and xenograft mice, FSH was showed to promote epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) progress and metastasis of ovarian cancer via prolonging the half-life of Snail mRNA in a N6-methyladenine methylation (m6A) dependent manner, which was mechanistically through the CREB/ALKBH5 signaling pathway. Conclusions: These findings indicated that FSH induces EMT progression and ovarian cancer metastasis via CREB/ALKBH5/Snail pathway. Thus, this study provided new insight into the therapeutic strategy of ovarian cancer patients with high level of FSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyan Xu
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuefen Zhuang
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haowei Yu
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Li
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaosa Li
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiping Lin
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-peng Teoh
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanlan Yang
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Cheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiyu Chen
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Fu
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Gong X, Huang M, Chen L. NRF1 mitigates motor dysfunction and dopamine neuron degeneration in mice with Parkinson's disease by promoting GLRX m 6 A methylation through upregulation of METTL3 transcription. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14441. [PMID: 37735974 PMCID: PMC10916419 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the heavy dopaminergic neuron loss of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), while glutaredoxin (GLRX) has been discovered to modulate the death of dopaminergic neurons. In this context, this study was implemented to uncover the impact of GRX1 on motor dysfunction and dopamine neuron degeneration in PD mice and its potential mechanism. METHODS A PD mouse model was established via injection with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) into mice. After gain- and loss-of-function assays in mice, motor coordination was assessed using rotarod, pole, and open-field tests, and neurodegeneration in mouse SNpc tissues was determined using immunohistochemistry of tyrosine hydroxylase and Nissl staining. NRF1, methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), and GLRX expression in SNpc tissues were evaluated using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) levels of GLRX mRNA were examined using MeRIP. The relationship among NRF1, METTL3, and GLRX was determined by RIP, ChIP, and dual luciferase assays. RESULTS Low GLRX, METTL3, and NRF1 expression were observed in MPTP-induced mice, accompanied by decreased m6 A modification level of GLRX mRNA. GLRX overexpression alleviated motor dysfunction and dopamine neuron degeneration in MPTP-induced mice. METTL3 promoted m6 A modification and IGF2BP2-dependent stability of GLRX mRNA, and NRF1 increased METTL3 expression by binding to METTL3 promoter. NRF1 overexpression increased m6 A modification of GLRX mRNA and repressed motor dysfunction and dopamine neuron degeneration in MPTP-induced mice, which was counteracted by METTL3 knockdown. CONCLUSION Conclusively, NRF1 constrained motor dysfunction and dopamine neuron degeneration in MPTP-induced PD mice by activating the METTL3/GLRX axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hunan Provincial People's HospitalThe First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal UniversityChangshaHunanP.R. China
| | - Mengyi Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hunan Provincial People's HospitalThe First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal UniversityChangshaHunanP.R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hunan Provincial People's HospitalThe First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal UniversityChangshaHunanP.R. China
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Liu T, Feng YL, Wang RY, Yang S, Ge YL, Zhang TY, Li J, Li CY, Ruan Y, Luo B, Liang GY. Long-term MNNG exposure promotes gastric carcinogenesis by activating METTL3/m6A/miR1184 axis-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169752. [PMID: 38163601 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
As the representative item of environmental chemical carcinogen, MNNG was closely associated with the onset of Gastric cancer (GC), while the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the potential clinical significance of METTL3 in multiple GC patient cohorts. Additionally, we demonstrated that long-term exposure to MNNG elevated METTL3 and EMT marker expression by in vitro and in vivo models. Furthermore, the depletion of METTL3 impacted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis of MNNG malignant transformation cells and GC cells. By me-RIP sequencing, we identified a panel of vital miRNAs potentially regulated by METTL3 that aberrantly expressed in MNNG-induced GC cells. Mechanistically, we showed that METTL3 meditated miR-1184/TRPM2 axis by regulating the process of miRNA-118. Our results provide novel insights into critical epigenetic molecular events vital to MNNG-induced gastric carcinogenesis. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic targets of METTL3 for GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Liu
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yan-Lu Feng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Rui-Ying Wang
- Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Sheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yi-Ling Ge
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Tian-Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jie Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Cheng-Yun Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
| | - Ye Ruan
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
| | - Bin Luo
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
| | - Ge-Yu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
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Shi Y, Zhen X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Koo S, Saiding Q, Kong N, Liu G, Chen W, Tao W. Chemically Modified Platforms for Better RNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:929-1033. [PMID: 38284616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapies have catalyzed a revolutionary transformation in the biomedical landscape, offering unprecedented potential in disease prevention and treatment. However, despite their remarkable achievements, these therapies encounter substantial challenges including low stability, susceptibility to degradation by nucleases, and a prominent negative charge, thereby hindering further development. Chemically modified platforms have emerged as a strategic innovation, focusing on precise alterations either on the RNA moieties or their associated delivery vectors. This comprehensive review delves into these platforms, underscoring their significance in augmenting the performance and translational prospects of RNA-based therapeutics. It encompasses an in-depth analysis of various chemically modified delivery platforms that have been instrumental in propelling RNA therapeutics toward clinical utility. Moreover, the review scrutinizes the rationale behind diverse chemical modification techniques aiming at optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of RNA molecules, thereby facilitating robust disease management. Recent empirical studies corroborating the efficacy enhancement of RNA therapeutics through chemical modifications are highlighted. Conclusively, we offer profound insights into the transformative impact of chemical modifications on RNA drugs and delineates prospective trajectories for their future development and clinical integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesi Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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Chen K, Zhang J, Meng L, Kong L, Lu M, Wang Z, Wang W. The epigenetic downregulation of LncGHRLOS mediated by RNA m6A methylase ZCCHC4 promotes colorectal cancer tumorigenesis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:44. [PMID: 38326863 PMCID: PMC10848513 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02965-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND m6A modification is currently recognized as a major driver of RNA function that maintains cancer cell homeostasis. Long non-coding (Lnc) RNAs control cell proliferation and play an important role in the occurrence and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). ZCCHC4 is a newly discovered m6A methyltransferase whose role and mechanism in tumors have not yet been elucidated. METHODS The EpiQuik m6A RNA methylation kit was used to detect the level of total RNA m6A in six types of digestive tract tumors. The Kaplan-Meier method and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the prognostic and diagnostic value of the newly discovered m6A methyltransferase, ZCCHC4, in CRC. The effects on CRC growth in vitro and in vivo were studied using gain- and loss-of-function experiments. The epigenetic mechanisms underlying ZCCHC4 upregulation in CRC were studied using RIP, MeRIP-seq, RNA pull-down, and animal experiments. RESULTS We reported that the ZCCHC4-LncRNAGHRLOS-KDM5D axis regulates the growth of CRC in vitro and in vivo. We found that ZCCHC4 was upregulated in primary CRC samples and could predict adverse clinical outcomes in patients with CRC. Mechanistically, ZCCHC4 downregulated LncRNAGHRLOS to promote CRC tumorigenesis. As a downstream molecule of LncRNAGHRLOS, KDM5D directly controls CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. CONCLUSION This study suggests that the ZCCHC4 axis contributes to the tumorigenesis and progression of CRC and that ZCCHC4 may be a potential biomarker for this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Chen
- Vascular Surgery Department, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingcheng Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lei Meng
- General Surgery Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lingshang Kong
- General Surgery Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Lu
- General Surgery Department, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Zhengguang Wang
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Wenbin Wang
- General Surgery Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Qian S, Liu J, Liao W, Wang F. METTL14 drives growth and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer by regulating pri-miR-93-5p maturation and TXNIP expression. Genes Genomics 2024; 46:213-229. [PMID: 37594665 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-023-01436-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy responsible for a significant number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing NSCLC growth and metastasis is crucial for the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the development of effective anti-cancer strategies. One such mechanism of interest is the involvement of METTL14, an RNA methyltransferase implicated in various cellular processes, in NSCLC progression. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the role of METTL14 in NSCLC development and metastasis and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. By understanding the impact of METTL14 on NSCLC pathogenesis, the study aimed to identify potential avenues for targeted therapies in NSCLC treatment. METHODS We used bioinformatics and high-throughput transcriptome sequencing analyses to screen regulatory mechanisms affecting NSCLC. The Kaplan-Meier method assessed the correlation between METTL14 expression and the prognosis of NSCLC patients. The effects of manipulated METTL14 on malignant phenotypes of NSCLC cells were examined by colony formation assay, flow cytometry, scratch assay, and Transwell assay. The tumorigenic capacity and metastatic potential of NSCLC cells in vivo were evaluated in nude mice. RESULTS METTL14 was overexpressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Its high expression indicated a poor prognosis for NSCLC patients. METTL14 silencing promoted apoptosis and repressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells. miR-93-5p targeted and inhibited TXNIP. METTL14 increased miR-93-5p expression and matured pri-miR-93-5p through m6A alteration to inhibit TXNIP, thereby inhibiting NSCLC cell apoptosis. By controlling the miR-93-5p/TXNIP axis, METTL14 increased the tumorigenic potential and lung metastasis of NSCLC cells in nude mice. CONCLUSION This study revealed a role for METTL14 in the contribution to NSCLC development and metastasis and identified METTL14 as a potential target for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Qian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, No. 100, Minjiang Avenue, Kecheng District, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, No. 100, Minjiang Avenue, Kecheng District, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenliang Liao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, No. 100, Minjiang Avenue, Kecheng District, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengping Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, No. 100, Minjiang Avenue, Kecheng District, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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44
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Zhang C, Liang S, Zhang H, Wang R, Qiao H. Epigenetic regulation of mRNA mediates the phenotypic plasticity of cancer cells during metastasis and therapeutic resistance (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 51:28. [PMID: 38131215 PMCID: PMC10777459 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasticity, the ability of cancer cells to transition between differentiation states without genomic alterations, has been recognized as a major source of intratumoral heterogeneity. It has a crucial role in cancer metastasis and treatment resistance. Thus, targeting plasticity holds tremendous promise. However, the molecular mechanisms of plasticity in cancer cells remain poorly understood. Several studies found that mRNA, which acts as a bridge linking the genetic information of DNA and protein, has an important role in translating genotypes into phenotypes. The present review provided an overview of the regulation of cancer cell plasticity occurring via changes in the transcription and editing of mRNAs. The role of the transcriptional regulation of mRNA in cancer cell plasticity was discussed, including DNA‑binding transcriptional factors, DNA methylation, histone modifications and enhancers. Furthermore, the role of mRNA editing in cancer cell plasticity was debated, including mRNA splicing and mRNA modification. In addition, the role of non‑coding (nc)RNAs in cancer plasticity was expounded, including microRNAs, long intergenic ncRNAs and circular RNAs. Finally, different strategies for targeting cancer cell plasticity to overcome metastasis and therapeutic resistance in cancer were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzhi Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China
| | - Siyuan Liang
- Functional Materials Laboratory, Institute of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China
| | - Hanning Zhang
- Clinical Medical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300270, P.R. China
| | - Ruoxi Wang
- Sophomore, Farragut School #3 of Yangtai Road, Tianjin 300042, P.R. China
| | - Huanhuan Qiao
- Functional Materials Laboratory, Institute of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300211, P.R. China
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Cheng C, Yu F, Yuan G, Jia J. Update on N6-methyladenosine methylation in obesity-related diseases. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2024; 32:240-251. [PMID: 37989724 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease that is closely related to type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis. The prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly every year and is recognized as a global public health problem. In recent years, the role of epigenetics in the development of obesity and related diseases has been recognized and is currently a research hotspot. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the most abundant epigenetic modification in the eukaryotic RNA, including mRNA and noncoding RNA. Several studies have shown that the m6A modifications in the target mRNA and the corresponding m6A regulators play a significant role in lipid metabolism and are strongly associated with the pathogenesis of obesity-related diseases. In this review, the latest research findings regarding the role of m6A methylation in obesity and related metabolic diseases are summarized. The authors' aim is to highlight evidence that suggests the clinical utility of m6A modifications and the m6A regulators as novel early prediction biomarkers and precision therapeutics for obesity and obesity-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiqin Cheng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University; Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fan Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Jurong Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guoyue Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University; Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jue Jia
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University; Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Ying X, Huang Y, Liu B, Hu W, Ji D, Chen C, Zhang H, Liang Y, Lv Y, Ji W. Targeted m 6A demethylation of ITGA6 mRNA by a multisite dCasRx-m 6A editor inhibits bladder cancer development. J Adv Res 2024; 56:57-68. [PMID: 37003532 PMCID: PMC10834799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification contributes to the pathogenesis and development of various cancers, including bladder cancer (BCa). In particular, integrin α6 (ITGA6) promotes BCa progression by cooperatively regulating multisite m6A modification. However, the therapeutic effect of targeting ITGA6 multisite m6A modifications in BCa remains unknown. OBJECTIVES We aim to develop a multisite dCasRx- m6A editor for assessing the effects of the multisite dCasRx-m6A editor targeted m6A demethylation of ITGA6 mRNA in BC growth and progression. METHODS The multisite dCasRx- m6A editor was generated by cloning. m6A-methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (meRIP), luciferase reporter, a single-base T3 ligase-based qPCR-amplification, Polysome profiling and meRIP-seq experiments were performed to determine the targeting specificity of the multisite dCasRx-m6A editor. We performed cell phenotype analysis and used in vivo mouse xenograft models to assess the effects of the multisite dCasRx-m6A editor in BC growth and progression. RESULTS We designed a targeted ITGA6 multi-locus guide (g)RNA and established a bidirectional deactivated RfxCas13d (dCasRx)-based m6A-editing platform, comprising a nucleus-localized dCasRx fused with the catalytic domains of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3-CD) or α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5-CD), to simultaneously manipulate the methylation of ITGA6 mRNA at four m6A sites. The results confirmed the dCasRx-m6A editor modified m6A at multiple sites in ITGA6 mRNA, with low off-target effects. Moreover, targeted m6A demethylation of ITGA6 mRNA by the multisite dCasRx-m6A editor significantly reduced BCa cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the dCasRx-ALKBH5-CD and ITGA6 multi-site gRNA delivered to 5-week-old BALB/cJNju-Foxn1nu/Nju nude mice via adeno-associated viral vectors significantly inhibited BCa cell growth. CONCLUSION Our study proposes a novel therapeutic tool for the treatment of BC by applying the multisite dCasRx-m6A editor while highlighting its potential efficacy for treating other diseases associated with abnormal m6A modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Ying
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yapeng Huang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Bixia Liu
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - WenYu Hu
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ding Ji
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Haiqing Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yaomin Liang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yifan Lv
- Department of Urology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou 510230, China
| | - Weidong Ji
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Wang J, Zhao G, Zhao Y, Zhao Z, Yang S, Zhou A, Li P, Zhang S. N 6-methylation in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of gastric cancer. J Transl Int Med 2024; 12:5-21. [PMID: 38525439 PMCID: PMC10956730 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2023-0103] [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] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third among cancers in terms of mortality rate worldwide. A clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying the genesis and progression of GC will contribute to clinical decision making. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant among diverse mRNA modification types and regulates multiple facets of RNA metabolism. In recent years, emerging studies have shown that m6A modifications are involved in gastric carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression and can potentially be valuable new prospects for diagnosis and prognosis. This article reviews the recent progress regarding m6A in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Guiping Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zheng Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shuyue Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Anni Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shutian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
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Meng W, Xiao H, Zhao R, Chen J, Wang Y, Mei P, Li H, Liao Y. METTL3 drives NSCLC metastasis by enhancing CYP19A1 translation and oestrogen synthesis. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:10. [PMID: 38238831 PMCID: PMC10795463 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01194-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND METTL3 plays a significant role as a catalytic enzyme in mediating N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, and its importance in tumour progression has been extensively studied in recent years. However, the precise involvement of METTL3 in the regulation of translation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. RESULTS Here we discovered by clinical investigation that METTL3 expression is correlated with NSCLC metastasis. Ablation of METTL3 in NSCLC cells inhibits invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, through translatomics data mining and experimental validation, we demonstrated that METTL3 enhances the translation of aromatase (CYP19A1), a key enzyme in oestrogen synthesis, thereby promoting oestrogen production and mediating the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC. Mechanistically, METTL3 interacts with translation initiation factors and binds to CYP19A1 mRNA, thus enhancing the translation efficiency of CYP19A1 in an m6A-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of METTL3 enzymatic activity or translation initiation factor eIF4E abolishes CYP19A1 protein synthesis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate the crucial role of METTL3-mediated translation regulation in NSCLC and reveal the significance of METTL3/eIF4E/CYP19A1 signaling as a promising therapeutic target for anti-metastatic strategies against NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangyang Meng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China.
| | - Rong Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jiaping Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital), Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yangwei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Peiyuan Mei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Hecheng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Yongde Liao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Zhong S, Guo Q, Chen X, Luo X, Long Y, Chong T, Ye M, He H, Lu A, Ao K, Yin M, Xu A, Li X, Hao Y, Guo X. The inhibition of YTHDF3/m 6A/LRP6 reprograms fatty acid metabolism and suppresses lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:916-936. [PMID: 38250152 PMCID: PMC10797697 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.87203] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The lipid synthesis of fatty acid (FA) represents a significant hallmark in the occurrence and progression of malignant tumor, which are associated with lymph node (LN) metastasis. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying LN metastasis could provide therapeutic strategies for cervical cancer (CCa). N6-Methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent and abundant RNA modification, exerts specific regulatory control over a series of oncogene expressions. This study demonstrated a clinical correlation between the upregulation of the m6A reader YTHDF3 and LN metastasis, thereby contributing to poor overall survival probability (OS) among CCa patients. The mechanistic investigation revealed that SREBF1 transcriptionally activated YTHDF3 expression by binding to its promoter. Functional experiments demonstrated that the upregulation of YTHDF3 significantly enhanced the in vitro proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities of CCa cells, while also promoting lymphangiogenesis and facilitating LN metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, the upregulation of LRP6 through YTHDF3-mediated m6A modification resulted in increased expression of FASN and ACC1, leading to both lipolysis of lipid droplets and synthesis of free fatty acid. Ultimately, this promoted fatty acid metabolism and enhanced LN metastasis by activating the LRP6-YAP-VEGF-C axis, which could induce lymphangiogenesis in CCa. Our study highlighted that YTHDF3 can serve as a promising therapeutic target and predictive biomarker for CCa patients with LN metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology; Department of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanwei Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaona Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology; Department of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Luo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology; Department of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Yufei Long
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology; Department of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Tuotuo Chong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology; Department of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Ye
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hui He
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Anwei Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keyi Ao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology; Department of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Minuo Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Aimin Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Hongkong, Hongkong, China
| | - Xin Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology; Department of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Hao
- Department of Ultrasound, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xia Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology; Department of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, China
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50
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Zhang P, Wang S, Chen Y, Yang Q, Zhou J, Zang W. METTL3 attenuates ferroptosis sensitivity in lung cancer via modulating TFRC. Open Med (Wars) 2024; 19:20230882. [PMID: 38221933 PMCID: PMC10787305 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0882] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is significantly correlated with the malignancy of lung cancer (LC). In the present study, we demonstrated that METTL3 had higher levels in LC tissues relative to normal tissues. METTL3 showed superior sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis and identification of LC functions. In addition, silencing METTL3 resulted in enhanced ferroptosis sensitivity, whereas overexpression of METTL3 exhibited the opposite effect. Inhibition of METTL3 impeded LC growth in cell-derived xenografts. Further exploratory studies found that METTL3 stimulated the low expression of transferrin receptor (TFRC), which was critical for ferroptosis sensitization in LC cells induced by silenced METTL3, as silencing of TFRC caused a decrease in negative regulators of ferroptosis (FTH1 and FTL) in METTL3 knockdown A549 and PC9 cells. Finally, we confirmed that METTL3 attenuation effectively maintained the stability of TFRC mRNA. In conclusion, we reported a novel mechanism of METTL3 desensitization to ferroptosis via regulating TFRC, and an appropriate reduction of METTL3 might sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai200072, China
| | - Su Wang
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai200072, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai200072, China
| | - Qingbo Yang
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai200072, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Shanghai200072, China
| | - Wangfu Zang
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, No. 301 Yanchang Middle Road, Jing'an DistrictShanghai200072, China
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