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Mu S, Zhao K, Zhong S, Wang Y. The Role of m6A Methylation in Tumor Immunity and Immune-Associated Disorder. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1042. [PMID: 39199429 PMCID: PMC11353047 DOI: 10.3390/biom14081042] [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: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) represents the most prevalent and significant internal modification in mRNA, with its critical role in gene expression regulation and cell fate determination increasingly recognized in recent research. The immune system, essential for defense against infections and maintaining internal stability through interactions with other bodily systems, is significantly influenced by m6A modification. This modification acts as a key post-transcriptional regulator of immune responses, though its effects on different immune cells vary across diseases. This review delineates the impact of m6A modification across major system-related cancers-including those of the respiratory, digestive, endocrine, nervous, urinary reproductive, musculoskeletal system malignancies, as well as acute myeloid leukemia and autoimmune diseases. We explore the pathogenic roles of m6A RNA modifications within the tumor immune microenvironment and the broader immune system, highlighting how RNA modification regulators interact with immune pathways during disease progression. Furthermore, we discuss how the expression patterns of these regulators can influence disease susceptibility to immunotherapy, facilitating the development of diagnostic and prognostic models and pioneering new therapeutic approaches. Overall, this review emphasizes the challenges and prospective directions of m6A-related immune regulation in various systemic diseases throughout the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Mu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China; (S.M.); (S.Z.)
| | - Kaiyue Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgeng Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China;
| | - Shanshan Zhong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China; (S.M.); (S.Z.)
| | - Yanli Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
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Gao L, Bai Y, Zhou J, Liang C, Dong Y, Han T, Liu Y, Guo J, Wu J, Hu D. S100P facilitates LUAD progression via PKA/c-Jun-mediated tumor-associated macrophage recruitment and polarization. Cell Signal 2024; 120:111179. [PMID: 38640980 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111179] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
S100P, a member of the S100 calcium-binding protein family, is closely associated with abnormal proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of various cancers. However, its role in the lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. In this study, we observed specific expression of S100P on tumor cells in LUAD patients through tissue immunofluorescence analysis. Furthermore, this expression was strongly correlated with the recruitment and polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that high S100P expression is associated with poorer overall survival in LUAD patients. Subsequently, a subcutaneous mouse model demonstrated that S100P promotes recruitment and polarization of TAMs towards the M2 type. Finally, in vitro studies on LUAD cells revealed that S100P enhances the secretion of chemokines and polarizing factors by activating the PKA/c-Jun pathway, which is implicated in TAM recruitment and polarization towards the M2 phenotype. Moreover, inhibition of c-Jun expression impedes the ability of TAMs to infiltrate and polarize towards the M2 phenotype. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that S100P facilitates LUAD cells growth by recruiting M2 TAMs through PKA/c-Jun signaling, resulting in the production of various cytokines. Considering these findings, S100P holds promise as an important diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target for LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gao
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, China; Anhui Occupational Health and Safety Engineering Laboratory, Huainan, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Bai
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, China; Anhui Occupational Health and Safety Engineering Laboratory, Huainan, Anhui, China.
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, China; Anhui Occupational Health and Safety Engineering Laboratory, Huainan, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Liang
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, China; Anhui Occupational Health and Safety Engineering Laboratory, Huainan, Anhui, China
| | - Yunjia Dong
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, China; Anhui Occupational Health and Safety Engineering Laboratory, Huainan, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Han
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, China; Anhui Occupational Health and Safety Engineering Laboratory, Huainan, Anhui, China
| | - Yafeng Liu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, China; Anhui Occupational Health and Safety Engineering Laboratory, Huainan, Anhui, China
| | - Jianqiang Guo
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, China; Anhui Occupational Health and Safety Engineering Laboratory, Huainan, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, China; Anhui Occupational Health and Safety Engineering Laboratory, Huainan, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety of Anhui Higher Education Institute, Huainan, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control & Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, China.
| | - Dong Hu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, China; Anhui Occupational Health and Safety Engineering Laboratory, Huainan, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety of Anhui Higher Education Institute, Huainan, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control & Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui, China.
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Su X, Feng Y, Qu Y, Mu D. Association between methyltransferase-like 3 and non-small cell lung cancer: pathogenesis, therapeutic resistance, and clinical applications. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2024; 13:1121-1136. [PMID: 38854947 PMCID: PMC11157379 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-24-85] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a malignant cancer that with high incidence, recurrence, and mortality rates in human beings, posing significant threats to human health. Moreover, effective early diagnosis of NSCLC remains limited primarily by the lack of accurate biomarkers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the mechanisms underlying NSCLC pathogenesis and treatment failure. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is a prototypical member of a family of which its members transfer methyl groups. It has been implicated in modulating the pathogenesis of NSCLC, as well as conferring resistance to NSCLC therapeutics. The targeting of METTL3 for NSCLC treatment has been reported. However, the relationship between METTL3 and NSCLC remains to be demonstrated. In this review, we discuss relevant interrelationships by summarising the studies on METTL3 in NSCLC pathogenesis, therapeutic resistance, and clinical applications. Current research suggests that the upregulation of METTL3 expression propels the tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment resistance of NSCLC. Therefore, we propose that METTL3 is an excellent candidate biomarker for NSCLC diagnosis and prognosis. Therapeutic targeting of METTL3 has significant potential for NSCLC treatment. This review provides a summary of the association between METTL3 and NSCLC, which would be a valuable reference for both basic and clinical research.
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Yu Q, Ding J, Li S, Li Y. Autophagy in cancer immunotherapy: Perspective on immune evasion and cell death interactions. Cancer Lett 2024; 590:216856. [PMID: 38583651 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216856] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Both the innate and adaptive immune systems work together to produce immunity. Cancer immunotherapy is a novel approach to tumor suppression that has arisen in response to the ineffectiveness of traditional treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. On the other hand, immune evasion can diminish immunotherapy's efficacy. There has been a lot of focus in recent years on autophagy and other underlying mechanisms that impact the possibility of cancer immunotherapy. The primary feature of autophagy is the synthesis of autophagosomes, which engulf cytoplasmic components and destroy them by lysosomal degradation. The planned cell death mechanism known as autophagy can have opposite effects on carcinogenesis, either increasing or decreasing it. It is autophagy's job to maintain the balance and proper functioning of immune cells like B cells, T cells, and others. In addition, autophagy controls whether macrophages adopt the immunomodulatory M1 or M2 phenotype. The ability of autophagy to control the innate and adaptive immune systems is noteworthy. Interleukins and chemokines are immunological checkpoint chemicals that autophagy regulates. Reducing antigen presentation to induce immunological tolerance is another mechanism by which autophagy promotes cancer survival. Therefore, targeting autophagy is of importance for enhancing potential of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yu
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jiajun Ding
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Shisen Li
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yunlong Li
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Su W, Che L, Liao W, Huang H. The RNA m 6A writer METTL3 in tumor microenvironment: emerging roles and therapeutic implications. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1335774. [PMID: 38322265 PMCID: PMC10845340 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1335774] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a heterogeneous ecosystem comprising cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, and various non-cellular components, all of which play critical roles in controlling tumor progression and response to immunotherapies. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), the core component of N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) writer, is frequently associated with abnormalities in the m6A epitranscriptome in different cancer types, impacting both cancer cells and the surrounding TME. While the impact of METTL3 on cancer cells has been extensively reviewed, its roles in TME and anti-cancer immunity have not been comprehensively summarized. This review aims to systematically summarize the functions of METTL3 in TME, particularly its effects on tumor-infiltrating immune cells. We also elaborate on the underlying m6A-dependent mechanism. Additionally, we discuss ongoing endeavors towards developing METTL3 inhibitors, as well as the potential of targeting METTL3 to bolster the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Su
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Che
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenting Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huilin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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Peng C, Xiong F, Pu X, Hu Z, Yang Y, Qiao X, Jiang Y, Han M, Wang D, Li X. m 6A methylation modification and immune cell infiltration: implications for targeting the catalytic subunit m 6A-METTL complex in gastrointestinal cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1326031. [PMID: 38187373 PMCID: PMC10768557 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1326031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification is a ubiquitous RNA modification involved in the regulation of various cellular processes, including regulation of RNA stability, metabolism, splicing and translation. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are some of the world's most common and fatal cancers. Emerging evidence has shown that m6A modification is dynamically regulated by a complex network of enzymes and that the catalytic subunit m6A-METTL complex (MAC)-METTL3/14, a core component of m6A methyltransferases, participates in the development and progression of GI cancers. Furthermore, it has been shown that METTL3/14 modulates immune cell infiltration in an m6A-dependent manner in TIME (Tumor immune microenvironment), thereby altering the response of cancer cells to ICIs (Immune checkpoint inhibitors). Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach for treating GI cancers. Moreover, targeting the expression of METTL3/14 and its downstream genes may improve patient response to immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the role of MAC in the pathogenesis of GI cancers and its impact on immune cell infiltration may provide new insights into the development of effective therapeutic strategies for GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Peng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Fen Xiong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xi Pu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhangmin Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yufei Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xuehan Qiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yuchun Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Miao Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Deqiang Wang
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaoqin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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Song B, Zeng Y, Cao Y, Zhang J, Xu C, Pan Y, Zhao X, Liu J. Emerging role of METTL3 in inflammatory diseases: mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1221609. [PMID: 37671161 PMCID: PMC10475571 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1221609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite improvements in modern medical therapies, inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver, chronic kidney diseases, and autoimmune diseases have high incidence rates, still threaten human health, and represent a huge financial burden. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases. As the most widely discussed m6A methyltransferase, the pathogenic role of METTL3 in inflammatory diseases has become a research hotspot, but there has been no comprehensive review of the topic. Here, we summarize the expression changes, modified target genes, and pathogenesis related to METTL3 in cardiovascular, metabolic, degenerative, immune, and infectious diseases, as well as tumors. In addition to epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, METTL3 also regulates the function of inflammation-related immune cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, Th17 cells, and NK cells. Regarding therapeutic applications, METTL3 serves as a target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases with natural plant drug components, such as emodin, cinnamaldehyde, total flavonoids of Abelmoschus manihot, and resveratrol. This review focuses on recent advances in the initiation, development, and therapeutic application of METTL3 in inflammatory diseases. Knowledge of the specific regulatory mechanisms involving METTL3 can help to deepen understanding of inflammatory diseases and lay the foundation for the development of precisely targeted drugs to address inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jingbo Liu
- Department of Periodontics, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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