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Ning J, Yan J, Wang S, Cui Z, Xue Y, Juan J, Yang H. Demethylase FTO-mediated m6A modification of SIK1 modulates placental cytotrophoblast syncytialization in type 2 diabetes mellitus. iScience 2024; 27:109900. [PMID: 38883837 PMCID: PMC11177141 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109900] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a common complication during pregnancy that affects fetoplacental development. We demonstrated the existence of impaired trophoblast syncytialization under hyperglycemic conditions. However, the exact mechanism remains unknown. RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an emerging regulatory mechanism of mRNA and participates in various biological processes. We described the global m6A modification pattern in T2DM placenta by the combined analysis of methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Both the m6A modification and expression of SIK1, which is critical for syncytialization, were significantly decreased in trophoblast exposed to hyperglycemic conditions. In addition, the m6A demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) affects the expression and mRNA stability of SIK1 by binding to its 3'-untranslated region (UTR) m6A site. This work reveals that the FTO-m6A-SIK1 axis plays critical roles in regulating syncytialization in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ning
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
| | - Shuxian Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zifeng Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiwei Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Juan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
| | - Huixia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
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Yao Y, Liu P, Li Y, Wang W, Jia H, Bai Y, Yuan Z, Yang Z. Regulatory role of m 6A epitranscriptomic modifications in normal development and congenital malformations during embryogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116171. [PMID: 38394844 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation and its role in translation has led to the emergence of a new field of research. Despite accumulating evidence suggesting that m6A methylation is essential for the pathogenesis of cancers and aging diseases by influencing RNA stability, localization, transformation, and translation efficiency, its role in normal and abnormal embryonic development remains unclear. An increasing number of studies are addressing the development of the nervous and gonadal systems during embryonic development, but only few are assessing that of the immune, hematopoietic, urinary, and respiratory systems. Additionally, these studies are limited by the requirement for reliable embryonic animal models and the difficulty in collecting tissue samples of fetuses during development. Multiple studies on the function of m6A methylation have used suitable cell lines to mimic the complex biological processes of fetal development or the early postnatal phase; hence, the research is still in the primary stage. Herein, we discuss current advances in the extensive biological functions of m6A methylation in the development and maldevelopment of embryos/fetuses and conclude that m6A modification occurs extensively during fetal development. Aberrant expression of m6A regulators is probably correlated with single or multiple defects in organogenesis during the intrauterine life. This comprehensive review will enhance our understanding of the pivotal role of m6A modifications involved in fetal development and examine future research directions in embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Yao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Peiqi Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Huimin Jia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuzuo Bai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Zhonghua Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Zhang J, Liu X, Gao Y. FTO protein regulates the TGF-β signalling pathway through RNA N6-methyladenosine modification to induce unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. FEBS J 2024; 291:1545-1559. [PMID: 38245815 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17053] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed the involvement of RNA m6A modification in embryonic development; however, the relationship between aberrant RNA m6A modification and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) remains unclear. In this study, we analysed the level of RNA m6A modification in trophoblasts using dot blot, RNA m6A quantification, and MeRIP assays. By integrating data from the GEO database, RNA-Seq, and MeRIP-Seq, we examined the aberrant expression of m6A methyltransferases and their downstream molecules in chorionic villus (placental) tissues. RNA pull-down, RIP, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were used to analyse the binding relationship between the YTHDC1 protein and MEG3. Additionally, RNA stability and BrU immunoprecipitation chase assays were utilised to elucidate the regulation of MEG3 stability by YTHDC1. ChIP and DNA pull-down RNA experiments were performed to elucidate the mechanism by which MEG3 targets EZH2 to the TGF-β1 promoter. The results showed that the expression of the m6A demethylase FTO protein was significantly increased in URSA trophoblasts, leading to inhibition of the MEG3 m6A modification and weakening of the stabilising effect of the m6A binding protein YTHDC1 on MEG3. Furthermore, MEG3 was found to bind simultaneously with the EZH2 protein and the TGF-β1 gene promoter, enabling the localisation of EZH2 protein to the TGF-β1 gene promoter and subsequent inhibition of TGF-β1 gene expression. In summary, our findings elucidate the mechanism by which FTO protein regulates the MEG3-TGF-β signalling pathway, thereby suppressing trophoblast invasion and proliferation in URSA trophoblast cells. These findings provide new insights for the treatment of URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), China
| | - Xinqiong Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), China
| | - Yali Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), China
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Kou R, Li T, Fu C, Jiang D, Wang Y, Meng J, Zhong R, Liang C, Dong M. Exosome-shuttled FTO from BM-MSCs contributes to cancer malignancy and chemoresistance in acute myeloid leukemia by inducing m6A-demethylation: A nano-based investigation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 244:117783. [PMID: 38048862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117783] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Although bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs)-derived exosomes have been reported to be closely associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression and chemo-resistance, but its detailed functions and molecular mechanisms have not been fully delineated. Besides, serum RNA m6A demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO)-containing exosomes are deemed as important indicators for cancer progression, and this study aimed to investigate the role of BM-MSCs-derived FTO-exosomes in regulating the malignant phenotypes of AML cells. Here, we verified that BM-MSCs-derived exosomes delivered FTO to promote cancer aggressiveness, stem cell properties and Cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C)-chemoresistance in AML cells, and the underlying mechanisms were also uncovered. Our data suggested that BM-MSCs-derived FTO-exo demethylated m6A modifications in the m6A-modified LncRNA GLCC1 to facilitate its combination with the RNA-binding protein Hu antigen R (HuR), which further increased the stability and expression levels of LncRNA GLCC1. In addition, LncRNA GLCC1 was verified as an oncogene to facilitate cell proliferation and enhanced Ara-C-chemoresistance in AML cells. Further experiments confirmed that demethylated LncRNA GLCC1 served as scaffold to facilitate the formation of the IGF2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1)-c-Myc complex, which led to the activation of the downstream tumor-promoting c-Myc-associated signal pathways. Moreover, our rescuing experiments validated that the promoting effects of BM-MSCs-derived FTO-exo on cancer aggressiveness and drug resistance in AML cells were abrogated by silencing LncRNA GLCC1 and c-Myc. Thus, the present firstly investigated the functions and underlying mechanisms by which BM-MSCs-derived FTO-exo enhanced cancer aggressiveness and chemo-resistance in AML by modulating the LncRNA GLCC1-IGF2BP1-c-Myc signal pathway, and our work provided novel biomarkers for the diagnosis, treatment and therapy of AML in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Kou
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Yehai Road No. 368, Longhua District, Haikou, 570000, Hainan Province, China.
| | - Tian Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Caizhu Fu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Yehai Road No. 368, Longhua District, Haikou, 570000, Hainan Province, China.
| | - Duanfeng Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Yehai Road No. 368, Longhua District, Haikou, 570000, Hainan Province, China.
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Wright State University, USA.
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Yehai Road No. 368, Longhua District, Haikou, 570000, Hainan Province, China.
| | - Ruilan Zhong
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Yehai Road No. 368, Longhua District, Haikou, 570000, Hainan Province, China.
| | - Changjiu Liang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Yehai Road No. 368, Longhua District, Haikou, 570000, Hainan Province, China.
| | - Min Dong
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Yehai Road No. 368, Longhua District, Haikou, 570000, Hainan Province, China.
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Li B, Xuan H, Yin Y, Wu S, Du L. The N 6-methyladenosine modification in pathologic angiogenesis. Life Sci 2024; 339:122417. [PMID: 38244915 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122417] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The vascular system is a vital circulatory network in the human body that plays a critical role in almost all physiological processes. The production of blood vessels in the body is a significant area of interest for researchers seeking to improve their understanding of vascular function and maintain normal vascular operation. However, an excessive or insufficient vascular regeneration process may lead to the development of various ailments such as cancer, eye diseases, and ischemic diseases. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have revealed new molecular targets and principles that may enhance the therapeutic effect of anti-angiogenic strategies. A thorough comprehension of the mechanism responsible for the abnormal vascular growth in disease processes can enable researchers to better target and effectively suppress or treat the disease. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a common RNA methylation modification method, has emerged as a crucial regulator of various diseases by modulating vascular development. In this review, we will cover how m6A regulates various vascular-related diseases, such as cancer, ocular diseases, neurological diseases, ischemic diseases, emphasizing the mechanism of m6A methylation regulators on angiogenesis during pathological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hanqin Xuan
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuye Yin
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Shusheng Wu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Longfei Du
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Sui X, Sui Y, Long P, Wang Y, Chen Y, Zhai W, Gao L. Arginase 1 does not affect RNA m6A methylation in mouse fetal lung. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2318. [PMID: 38362594 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2318] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arginase 1 (Arg1) encodes a key enzyme that catalyzes the metabolism of arginine to ornithine and urea. In our recent study, we found that knockdown of Arg1 in the lungs of fetal mice induces apoptosis of epithelial cells and dramatically delays initiation of labor. As the most abundant internal mRNA modification, N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) has been found to play important roles in lung development and cellular differentiation. However, if the knockdown of Arg1 affects the RNA m6A modification in fetal lungs remains unknown. METHODS In the current study, the RNA m6A levels and the expression of RNA m6A related enzymes were validated in 13.0 dpc fetal lungs that Arg1 was knocked down by adeno-associated virus carrying Arg1-shRNA, using western blot, immunofluorescence, and RT-qPCR. RESULTS No statistical differences were found in the expression of methyltransferase, demethylases, and binding proteins in the fetal lungs between AAV-shArg1-injected mice and AAV-2/9-injected mice. Besides, there is no significant change of overall RNA m6A level in fetal lungs from AAV-shArg1-injected mice, compared with that from AAV-2/9-injected mice. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that arginase 1 does not affect RNA m6A methylation in mouse fetal lung, and the mechanisms other than RNA m6A modification underlying the effects of Arg1 knockdown on the fetal lung development and their interaction with labor initiation need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Sui
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyu Sui
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peihua Long
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjia Zhai
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Gao
- Department of Physiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
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Zhang M, Huang N, Gao Y, Feng Z, Kang B, Guo H, Jiang J, Liao S, Wang H. HNRNPC mediated m 6A methylation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase and involved in the occurrence of RSA. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 160:104160. [PMID: 37857158 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104160] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine methylated modification has been shown to play roles in recurrent spontaneous abortion. We aimed to explore role of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C in the occurrence of recurrent spontaneous abortion. We collected embryonic villous tissues from 3 patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA group) and 3 normal control pregnancy patients. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, RNA sequencing, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR were conducted to detect the differentially expressed m6A methylation modification gene and regulatory gene in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing results showed that the mRNA expression level of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C significantly decreased in RSA group and mRNA expression level of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase increased. Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed the differential expression of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR result showed that mRNA m6A modification level of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase decreased in RSA group. The results of western blotting, real-time quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, matrigel invasion and wound healing assays indicated that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C might regulate the expression of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase by mediating m6A modification, thereby reducing the proliferation and migration of trophoblast cell line, ultimately leading to the occurrence of recurrent spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Zhang
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Nana Huang
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhanqi Feng
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bing Kang
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Han Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jincheng Jiang
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shixiu Liao
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Hongdan Wang
- Medical Genetic Institute of Henan Province, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention, Henan Key Laboratory of Population Defects Prevention, Zhengzhou, China.
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Ning J, Yan J, Yang H. Exploring the role of m6A modification in the great obstetrical syndromes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2234541. [PMID: 37474299 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2234541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the predominant RNA epigenetic modifications that modify RNAs reversibly and dynamically by "writers" (methyltransferase), "erasers" (demethylase), and "readers." OBJECTIVE This review aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of m6A regulation in the great obstetrical syndromes to understand its pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. METHODS The terms "placenta or trophoblast" and "m6A or N6-methyladenosine" were searched in PubMed databases (June 2023). RESULTS In this review, we discuss the regulatory role of m6A in the great obstetrical syndromes such as preeclampsia (PE), spontaneous abortion (SA), hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) and fetal growth to emphasize the clinical relevance of m6A dysregulation in pregnancy. We also describe mechanisms that potentially involve the participation of m6A methylation, such as proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, macrophage polarization, and inflammation. CONCLUSION We summarize the recent research progress on the role of m6A modification in the great obstetrical syndromes and placental function and provide a brief perspective on its prospective applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ning
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
| | - Huixia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing, China
- Peking University, Beijing, China
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Wu S, Xie H, Su Y, Jia X, Mi Y, Jia Y, Ying H. The landscape of implantation and placentation: deciphering the function of dynamic RNA methylation at the maternal-fetal interface. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1205408. [PMID: 37720526 PMCID: PMC10499623 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1205408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal-fetal interface is defined as the interface between maternal tissue and sections of the fetus in close contact. RNA methylation modifications are the most frequent kind of RNA alterations. It is effective throughout both normal and pathological implantation and placentation during pregnancy. By influencing early embryo development, embryo implantation, endometrium receptivity, immune microenvironment, as well as some implantation and placentation-related disorders like miscarriage and preeclampsia, it is essential for the establishment of the maternal-fetal interface. Our review focuses on the role of dynamic RNA methylation at the maternal-fetal interface, which has received little attention thus far. It has given the mechanistic underpinnings for both normal and abnormal implantation and placentation and could eventually provide an entirely novel approach to treating related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Xie
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Su
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinrui Jia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yabing Mi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanhui Jia
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Ying
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Wang Q, Liu F, Tuo Y, Ma L, Feng X. Associations between obesity, smoking behaviors, reproductive traits and spontaneous abortion: a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1193995. [PMID: 37547316 PMCID: PMC10400331 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1193995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The correlation between potential risk factors such as obesity (leg fat percentage (left), arm fat percentage (left), waist circumference, body fat percentage, trunk fat percentage), smoking behaviors (past tobacco smoking, smoking initiation, smoking/smokers in household, current tobacco smoking) and reproductive traits (age first had sexual intercourse (AFS), age at menarche (AAM), and age at first birth (AFB)) have been linked to the occurrence of spontaneous abortion (SA). However, the causal associations between these factors and SA remain unclear. Methods We conducted univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to evaluate the associations of obesity, smoking behavior and reproductive traits with SA. To select appropriate genetic instruments, we considered those that had reached the genome-wide significance level (P < 5 × 10-8) in their corresponding genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving a large number of individuals (ranging from 29,346 to 1,232,091). SA was obtained from the FinnGen consortium, which provided summary-level data for 15,073 SA cases and 135,962 non-cases. Results Assessed individually using MR, the odds ratios (ORs) of SA were 0.728 (P = 4.3608×10-8), 1.063 (P = 0.0321), 0.926 (P = 9.4205×10-4), 1.141 (P = 7.9882×10-3), 5.154 (P = 0.0420), 1.220 (P = 0.0350), 1.228 (P = 0.0117), 0.795 (P = 0.0056), 1.126 (P = 0.0318), for one standard deviation (SD) increase in AFS, AAM, AFB, smoking initiation, smoking/smokers in household, arm fat percentage (left), leg fat percentage (left), waist circumference and body fat percentage, 0.925 (P = 0.4158) and 1.075 (P = 0.1479) for one SD increase in past tobacco smoking, trunk fat percentage for one SD increase in SA. In multivariable MR (MVMR), only AFS (OR = 0.802; P = 0.0250), smoking initiation (OR = 1.472, P = 0.0258), waist circumference (OR = 0.813, P = 0.0220) and leg fat percentage (left) (OR = 4.446, P = 0.043) retained a robust effect. Conclusion Smoking behaviors, reproductive traits and obesity-related anthropometric indicators are potential causal factors for SA. Higher leg fat percentage; smoking initiation; and lower waist circumference and AFS may increase the risk of SA. Understanding the causal relationship for SA may provide more information for SA intervention and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyi Wang
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Fanglei Liu
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yinfeng Tuo
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoling Feng
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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11
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Yang Q, Al-Hendy A. The Functional Role and Regulatory Mechanism of FTO m 6A RNA Demethylase in Human Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7957. [PMID: 37175660 PMCID: PMC10178470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097957] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is the most frequent subtype of uterine sarcoma that presents a poor prognosis and high rates of recurrence and metastasis. The origin and molecular mechanism underlying and driving its clinical and biological behavior remain largely unknown. Recently, we and others have revealed the role of microRNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modifications in contributing to the pathogenesis of uLMS. However, the connection between reversible m6A RNA methylation and uLMS pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the role and mechanism of FTO m6A RNA demethylase in the pathogenesis of uLMS. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that the levels of RNA demethylases FTO and ALKBH5 were aberrantly upregulated in uLMS tissues compared to adjacent myometrium with a significant change by histochemical scoring assessment (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the inhibition of FTO demethylase with its small, potent inhibitor (Dac51) significantly decreased the uLMS proliferation dose-dependently via cell cycle arrest. Notably, RNA-seq analysis revealed that the inhibition of FTO with Dac51 exhibited a significant decrease in cell-cycle-related genes, including several CDK members, and a significant increase in the expression of CDKN1A, which correlated with a Dac51-exerted inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. Moreover, Dac51 treatment allowed the rewiring of several critical pathways, including TNFα signaling, KRAS signaling, inflammation response, G2M checkpoint, and C-Myc signaling, among others, leading to the suppression of the uLMS phenotype. Moreover, transcription factor (TF) analyses suggested that epitranscriptional alterations by Dac51 may alter the cell cycle-related gene expression via TF-driven pathways and epigenetic networks in uLMS cells. This intersection of RNA methylation and other epigenetic controls and pathways provides a framework to better understand uterine diseases, particularly uLMS pathogenesis with a dysregulation of RNA methylation machinery. Therefore, targeting the vulnerable epitranscriptome may provide an additional regulatory layer for a promising and novel strategy for treating patients with this aggressive uterine cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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12
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Wu S, Liu K, Zhou B, Wu S. N6-methyladenosine modifications in maternal-fetal crosstalk and gestational diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1164706. [PMID: 37009476 PMCID: PMC10060529 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1164706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As a medium among pregnant women, environment and fetus, placenta owns powerful and delicate epigenetic processes to regulate gene expression and maintain cellular homeostasis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent modification that determines the fate of RNA, and its dynamic reversibility indicates that m6A may serve as a sensitive responder to environmental stimuli. Emerging evidence suggests that m6A modifications play an essential role in placental development and maternal-fetal crosstalk, and are closely related to gestational diseases. Herein, we summarized the latest techniques for m6A sequencing and highlighted current advances of m6A modifications in maternal-fetal crosstalk and the underlying mechanisms in gestational diseases. Therefore, proper m6A modifications are important in placental development, but its disturbance mainly caused by various environmental factors can lead to abnormal placentation and function with possible consequences of gestational diseases, fetal growth and disease susceptibility in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suqi Wu
- First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ketong Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingyan Zhou
- Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung’s Disease and Allied Disorders, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Bingyan Zhou, ; Suwen Wu,
| | - Suwen Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Bingyan Zhou, ; Suwen Wu,
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13
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Huang E, Chen L. RNA N 6-methyladenosine modification in female reproductive biology and pathophysiology. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:53. [PMID: 36894952 PMCID: PMC9996912 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01078-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene expression and posttranscriptional regulation can be strongly influenced by epigenetic modifications. N6-methyladenosine, the most extensive RNA modification, has been revealed to participate in many human diseases. Recently, the role of RNA epigenetic modifications in the pathophysiological mechanism of female reproductive diseases has been intensively studied. RNA m6A modification is involved in oogenesis, embryonic growth, and foetal development, as well as preeclampsia, miscarriage, endometriosis and adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian failure, and common gynaecological tumours such as cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer. In this review, we provide a summary of the research results of m6A on the female reproductive biology and pathophysiology in recent years and aim to discuss future research directions and clinical applications of m6A-related targets. Hopefully, this review will add to our understanding of the cellular mechanisms, diagnostic biomarkers, and underlying therapeutic strategies of female reproductive system diseases. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erqing Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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14
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Zhao Y, Sun J, Jin L. The N6-Methyladenosine Regulator ALKBH5 Mediated Stromal Cell-Macrophage Interaction via VEGF Signaling to Promote Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion: A Bioinformatic and In Vitro Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415819. [PMID: 36555463 PMCID: PMC9785252 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful conception requires the synchrony of multiple systems and organs. Dysregulation of stromal cell-immune cell interactions has been proposed to be associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion. However, the mechanism of this regulation has not been well elucidated. N6-methyladenosine is one of the most common RNA modifications, and is involved in many pathological processes. Our group has demonstrated that abnormal patterns of m6A modification inhibit trophoblast invasion and contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The association between m6A regulators and stromal cell-immune cell interactions is unclear. We obtained RNA-seq profiles from a GEO dataset and identified differentially expressed m6A regulators between healthy controls and patients with a recurrent spontaneous abortion history. ROC curves, functional enrichment and subclassification analysis were applied to elucidate the role of m6A regulators in pregnancy. We verified the expression of m6A regulators and constructed an overexpression cell line in a coculture system to reveal ALKBH5 function in stromal cell-macrophage interactions. We identified 11 differentially expressed m6A regulators between healthy controls and patients with a recurrent spontaneous abortion history. Then, we identified the correlation between "eraser" genes and "writer" genes. We tested the predictive abilities of the 11 m6A regulators based on another dataset and verified their expression in primary human endometrial stromal cells. We then subclassified three distinct patterns using the 11 genes and visualized genes related to immune infiltration and macrophage function in each cluster. ALKBH5 was proven to be correlated with recurrent spontaneous abortion. To verify the role of ALKBH5 in RSA, we constructed an ALKBH5-overexpression cell line. Finally, we cocultured the overexpression cell line with THP-1 cells. A decrease in M2 differentiation was observed, and this bias could be attributed to the hyposecretion of VEGF in stromal cells. N6-methyladenosine regulators play a pivotal role in stromal cell-immune cell interactions at the maternal-fetal interface. Overexpression of the m6A "eraser" gene ALKBH5 in stromal cells resulted in the hyposecretion of VEGF. Dysregulation of VEGF might impair macrophage recruitment and M2 differentiation, which could be the potential cause of recurrent spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbo Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiani Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Liping Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Correspondence:
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15
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Xia M, Wang S, Ye Y, Tu Y, Huang T, Gao L. Effect of the m6ARNA gene on the prognosis of thyroid cancer, immune infiltration, and promising immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:995645. [PMID: 36389678 PMCID: PMC9664221 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.995645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation plays an important role in tumor proliferation and growth. However, its effect on the clinical prognosis, immune infiltration, and immunotherapy response of thyroid cancer patients has not been investigated in detail. METHODS Clinical data and RNA expression profiles of thyroid cancer were extracted from the Cancer Genome Atlas-thyroid carcinoma (TCGA-THCA) and preprocessed for consensus clustering. The risk model was constructed based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Cox regression analyses. The associations between risk score and clinical traits, immune infiltration, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), immune infiltration, and immunotherapy were assessed. Immunohistochemistry was used to substantiate the clinical traits of our samples. RESULTS Gene expression analysis showed that 17 genes, except YHTDF2, had significant differences (vs healthy control, P<0.001). Consensus clustering yielded 2 clusters according to their clinical features and estimated a poorer prognosis for Cluster 1 (P=0.03). The heatmap between the 2 clusters showed differences in T (P<0.01), N (P<0.001) and stage (P<0.01). Based on univariate Cox and LASSO regression, a risk model consisting of three high-risk genes (KIAA1429, RBM15, FTO) was established, and the expression difference between normal and tumor tissues of three genes was confirmed by immunohistochemical results of our clinical tissues. KEGG and GSEA analyses showed that the risk DEGs were related mainly to proteolysis, immune response, and cancer pathways. The levels of immune infiltration in the high- and low-risk groups were different mainly in iDCs (P<0.05), NK cells (P<0.05), and type-INF-II (P<0.001). Immunotherapy analysis yielded 30 drugs associated with the expression of each gene and 20 drugs associated with the risk score. CONCLUSIONS Our risk model can act as an independent marker for thyroid cancer and provides promising immunotherapy targets for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minqi Xia
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingchun Ye
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Tu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tiantian Huang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Zhao J, Ding H, Ding J, Shi X, He Y, Zhu H, Yuan H, Zhang T, Zhang J. The m 6A methyltransferase METTL3 promotes trophoblast cell invasion by regulating MYLK expression. Placenta 2022; 129:1-6. [PMID: 36170767 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The progression of placental diseases such as preeclampsia is closely related to trophoblast dysfunction. Recent studies indicated the dysregulation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in trophoblast disorders, while the function of METTL3, a methyltransferase of m6A, in trophoblasts remains to be studied. METHODS The expression of METTL3 was determined by real-time PCR and immunoblotting. METTL3 expression in trophoblast cell lines HTR-8/SVneo and JEG-3 was knocked down using shRNA. The invasion of trophoblast cells in Matrigel was determined using xCELLigence. The m6A-containing transcripts was determined by m6A-sequencing in HTR-8/SVneo cells. The myosin light chain kinase (MYLK) gene was transfected into HTR-8/SVneo cells. RESULTS The expression of METTL3 was downregulated in preeclamptic placentae compared to normal placentae. Knockdown of METTL3 repressed the invasion of extravillous trophoblast cells. Mechanistically, METTL3 promoted the stability of MYLK mRNA through m6A modification. Overexpression of MYLK rescued retarded cell invasion by METTL3 depletion. DISCUSSION Collectively, our results highlight an essential role of METTL3-MYLK axis in trophoblast invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhao
- Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
| | - Haigang Ding
- Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
| | - Jinlong Ding
- Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
| | - Xiaoliang Shi
- Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
| | - Yao He
- Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
| | - Hongdan Zhu
- Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
| | - Hua Yuan
- Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China.
| | - Juan Zhang
- Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, China.
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17
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Liu H, Zheng J, Liao A. The regulation and potential roles of m6A modifications in early embryonic development and immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. Front Immunol 2022; 13:988130. [PMID: 36225914 PMCID: PMC9549360 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.988130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface was determined by the crosstalk between the trophoblast and maternal-derived cells, which dynamically changed during the whole gestation. Trophoblasts act as innate immune cells and dialogue with maternal-derived cells to ensure early embryonic development, depending on the local immune microenvironment. Therefore, dysfunctions in trophoblasts and maternal decidual cells contribute to pregnancy complications, especially recurrent pregnancy loss in early pregnancy. Since many unknown regulatory factors still affect the complex immune status, exploring new potential aspects that could influence early pregnancy is essential. RNA methylation plays an important role in contributing to the transcriptional regulation of various cells. Sufficient studies have shown the crucial roles of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)- and m6A-associated- regulators in embryogenesis during implantation. They are also essential in regulating innate and adaptive immune cells and the immune response and shaping the local and systemic immune microenvironment. However, the function of m6A modifications at the maternal-fetal interface still lacks wide research. This review highlights the critical functions of m6A in early embryonic development, summarizes the reported research on m6A in regulating immune cells and tumor immune microenvironment, and identifies the potential value of m6A modifications in shaping trophoblasts, decidual immune cells, and the microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface. The m6A modifications are more likely to contribute to embryogenesis, placentation and shape the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface. Uncovering these crucial regulatory mechanisms could provide novel therapeutic targets for RNA methylation in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Department of Reproduction, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Affiliated in Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Reproduction, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Affiliated in Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Zheng, ; Aihua Liao,
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Zheng, ; Aihua Liao,
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Huo J, Chen Q, Zhang Y, Li N, Fu Z, Ma N, Zheng N, Cui N, Li L. Molecular subtype identification and predictive power of N6-methyladenosine regulator in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Front Genet 2022; 13:925652. [PMID: 36118846 PMCID: PMC9478558 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.925652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is complicated and effective clinical preventive measures are lacking. Identifying biomarkers for RPL has been challenging, and to date, little is known about the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulators in RPL. Expression data for m6A regulators in 29 patients with RPL and 29 healthy controls were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. To establish a diagnostic model for unexplained RPL, differential gene expression analysis was conducting for 36 m6A regulators using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Unsupervised cluster analysis was conducted on hub genes, and probable mechanisms were explored using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene ontology (GO) analysis. Correlations between m6A-related differentially expressed genes and immune infiltration were analyzed using single-sample GSEA. A total of 18 m6A regulators showed significant differences in expression in RPL: 10 were upregulated and eight were downregulated. Fifteen m6A regulators were integrated and used to construct a diagnostic model for RPL that had good predictive efficiency and robustness in differentiating RPL from control samples, with an overall area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.994. Crosstalk was identified between 10 hub genes, miRNAs, and transcription factors (TFs). For example, YTHDF2 was targeted by mir-1-3p and interacted with embryonic development-related TFs such as FOXA1 and GATA2. YTHDF2 was also positively correlated with METTL14 (r = 0.5983, p < 0.001). Two RPL subtypes (Cluster-1 and Cluster-2) with distinct hub gene signatures were identified. GSEA and GO analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly associated with immune processes and cell cycle signaling pathway (normalized enrichment score, NES = -1.626, p < 0.001). Immune infiltration was significantly higher in Cluster-1 than in Cluster-2 (p < 0.01). In conclusion, we demonstrated that m6A modification plays a critical role in RPL. We also developed and validated a diagnostic model for RPL prediction based on m6A regulators. Finally, we identified two distinct RPL subtypes with different biological processes and immune statuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Huo
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yutong Zhang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Nuo Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhiyu Fu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Nan Zheng
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Nan Cui
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Cui, ; Lu Li,
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Care Management, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Cui, ; Lu Li,
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Zhu W, Gu Y, Li M, Zhang Z, Liu J, Mao Y, Zhu Q, Zhao L, Shen Y, Chen F, Xia L, He L, Du J. Integrated single-cell RNA-seq and DNA methylation reveal the effects of air pollution in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:105. [PMID: 35999615 PMCID: PMC9400245 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01327-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal air pollutants exposure is associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. The present study aimed to understand the mechanism of RSA and its relationship with air pollution exposure. We compared data of decidual tissue from individuals with induced abortions and those with RSA by bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were verified using RT-qPCR and pyrosequencing. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between air pollutants exposure and RSA. Results We identified 98 DEGs with aberrant methylation by overlapping the RRBS and RNA-seq data. Nineteen immune cell subsets were identified. Compared with normal controls, NK cells and macrophages accounted for different proportions in the decidua of patients with RSA. We observed that the methylation and expression of IGF2BP1 were different between patients with RSA and controls. Furthermore, we observed significant positive associations between maternal air pollutants exposure during the year prior to pregnancy and in early pregnancy and the risk of RSA. Mediation analyses suggested that 24.5% of the effects of air pollution on the risk of RSA were mediated through IGF2BP1 methylation. Conclusion These findings reveal a comprehensive cellular and molecular mechanism of RSA and suggest that air pollution might cause pregnancy loss by affecting the methylation level of the IGF2BP1 promoter. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-022-01327-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Zhu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Gu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Outpatient, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhaofeng Zhang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Junwei Liu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanyan Mao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qianxi Zhu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yupei Shen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fujia Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lingjin Xia
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin He
- Bio-X Center, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jing Du
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Pei J, Zhao S, Yin M, Wu F, Li J, Zhang G, Wu X, Bao P, Xiong L, Song W, Ba Y, Yan P, Song R, Guo X. Differential proteomics of placentas reveals metabolic disturbance and oxidative damage participate yak spontaneous miscarriage during late pregnancy. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:248. [PMID: 35761325 PMCID: PMC9235108 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03354-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High spontaneous miscarriage rate in yak, especially during late pregnancy, have caused a great economic loss to herdsmen living in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. However, the mechanism underlying spontaneous miscarriage is still poorly understood. In the present study, placenta protein markers were identified to elucidate the pathological reasons for yak spontaneous miscarriage through isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) proteomic technology and bioinformatic approaches. Results Subsequently, a total of 415 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between aborted and normal placentas. The up-regulated DEPs in the aborted placentas were significantly associated with “spinocerebellar ataxia”, “sphingolipid signalling”, “relaxin signalling”, “protein export”, “protein digestion and absorption” and “aldosterone synthesis and secretion” pathway. While the down-regulated DEPs in the aborted placentas mainly participated in “valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation”, “PPAR signalling”, “peroxisome”, “oxidative phosphorylation”, “galactose metabolism”, “fatty acid degradation”, “cysteine and methionine metabolism” and “citrate cycle” pathway. Conclusions The results implied that the identified DEPs could be considered as placental protein markers for yak miscarriage during late pregnancy, and biomacromolecule metabolic abnormality and oxidative damage might be responsible for the high spontaneous miscarriage rate in yak. These findings provide an important theoretical basis for deciphering the pathologic mechanism of late spontaneous miscarriage in yak. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03354-w.
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Nanoparticle-Induced m6A RNA Modification: Detection Methods, Mechanisms and Applications. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12030389. [PMID: 35159736 PMCID: PMC8839700 DOI: 10.3390/nano12030389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
With the increasing application of nanoparticles (NPs) in medical and consumer applications, it is necessary to ensure their safety. As m6A (N6-methyladenosine) RNA modification is one of the most prevalent RNA modifications involved in many diseases and essential biological processes, the relationship between nanoparticles and m6A RNA modification for the modulation of these events has attracted substantial research interest. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the relationship between nanoparticles and m6A RNA modification, but evidence is beginning to emerge. Therefore, a summary of these aspects from current research on nanoparticle-induced m6A RNA modification is timely and significant. In this review, we highlight the roles of m6A RNA modification in the bioimpacts of nanoparticles and thus elaborate on the mechanisms of nanoparticle-induced m6A RNA modification. We also summarize the dynamic regulation and biofunctions of m6A RNA modification. Moreover, we emphasize recent advances in the application perspective of nanoparticle-induced m6A RNA modification in medication and toxicity of nanoparticles to provide a potential method to facilitate the design of nanoparticles by deliberately tuning m6A RNA modification.
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Mu H, Li H, Liu Y, Wang X, Mei Q, Xiang W. N6-Methyladenosine Modifications in the Female Reproductive System: Roles in Gonad Development and Diseases. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:771-782. [PMID: 35002524 PMCID: PMC8741838 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.66218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent chemical modification in eukaryotic messenger RNAs. By participating in various RNA-related bioprocesses including RNA decay, splicing, transport and translation, m6A serves as a pivotal regulator of RNA fate and plays an irreplaceable role in cellular activities. The m6A modifications of transcripts are coordinately regulated by methyltransferase “writers” and demethylase “erasers”, and produce variable effects via different m6A reading protein “readers”. There is emerging evidence that m6A modifications play a critical role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes in the female reproductive system, subsequently affecting female fertility. Here, we introduce recent advances in research on m6A regulators and their functions, then highlight the role of m6A in gonad development and female reproductive diseases, as well as the underlying mechanisms driving these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbei Mu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiying Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiaojuan Mei
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenpei Xiang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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