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Chang G, Shi L, Ye Y, Shi H, Zeng L, Tiwary S, Huse JT, Huo L, Ma L, Ma Y, Zhang S, Zhu J, Xie V, Li P, Han L, He C, Huang S. YTHDF3 Induces the Translation of m 6A-Enriched Gene Transcripts to Promote Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis. Cancer Cell 2020; 38:857-871.e7. [PMID: 33125861 PMCID: PMC7738369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Brain metastasis is a major cause of cancer mortality, but its molecular mechanisms are severely understudied. In addition, little is known regarding the role of m6A reader YTHDF3 in human diseases. Here, we show that YTHDF3 overexpression clinically correlates with brain metastases in breast cancer patients. YTHDF3 promotes cancer cell interactions with brain endothelial cells and astrocytes, blood-brain barrier extravasation, angiogenesis, and outgrow. Mechanistically, YTHDF3 enhances the translation of m6A-enriched transcripts for ST6GALNAC5, GJA1, and EGFR, all associated with brain metastasis. Furthermore, overexpression of YTHDF3 in brain metastases is attributed to increased gene copy number and the autoregulation of YTHDF3 cap-independent translation by binding to m6A residues within its own 5' UTR. Our work uncovers an essential role of YTHDF3 in controlling the interaction between cancer cells and brain microenvironment, thereby inducing brain metastatic competence.
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural |
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274 |
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Zhong X, Yu J, Frazier K, Weng X, Li Y, Cham CM, Dolan K, Zhu X, Hubert N, Tao Y, Lin F, Martinez-Guryn K, Huang Y, Wang T, Liu J, He C, Chang EB, Leone V. Circadian Clock Regulation of Hepatic Lipid Metabolism by Modulation of m 6A mRNA Methylation. Cell Rep 2018; 25:1816-1828.e4. [PMID: 30428350 PMCID: PMC6532766 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.10.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation of circadian rhythms is essential for lipid metabolic homeostasis, disruptions of which can lead to metabolic diseases. Whether N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA methylation impacts circadian regulation of lipid metabolism is unclear. Here, we show m6A mRNA methylation oscillations in murine liver depend upon a functional circadian clock. Hepatic deletion of Bmal1 increases m6A mRNA methylation, particularly of PPaRα. Inhibition of m6A methylation via knockdown of m6A methyltransferase METTL3 decreases PPaRα m6A abundance and increases PPaRα mRNA lifetime and expression, reducing lipid accumulation in cells in vitro. Mechanistically, YTHDF2 binds to PPaRα to mediate its mRNA stability to regulate lipid metabolism. Induction of reactive oxygen species both in vitro and in vivo increases PPaRα transcript m6A levels, revealing a possible mechanism for circadian disruption on m6A mRNA methylation. These data show that m6A RNA methylation is important for circadian regulation of downstream genes and lipid metabolism, impacting metabolic outcomes.
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural |
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The m 6A reader YTHDC2 inhibits lung adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis by suppressing SLC7A11-dependent antioxidant function. Redox Biol 2020; 38:101801. [PMID: 33232910 PMCID: PMC7691619 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological functions of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation are mainly dependent on the reader; however, its role in lung tumorigenesis remains unclear. Here, we have demonstrated that the m6A reader YT521-B homology domain containing 2 (YTHDC2) is frequently suppressed in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Downregulation of YTHDC2 was associated with poor clinical outcome of LUAD. YTHDC2 decreased tumorigenesis in a spontaneous LUAD mouse model. Moreover, YTHDC2 exhibited antitumor activity in human LUAD cells. Mechanistically, YTHDC2, via its m6A-recognizing YTH domain, suppressed cystine uptake and blocked the downstream antioxidant program. Administration of cystine downstream antioxidants to pulmonary YTHDC2-overexpressing mice rescued lung tumorigenesis. Furthermore, solute carrier 7A11 (SLC7A11), the catalytic subunit of system XC−, was identified to be the direct target of YTHDC2. YTHDC2 destabilized SLC7A11 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner because YTHDC2 preferentially bound to m6A-modified SLC7A11 mRNA and thereafter promoted its decay. Clinically, a large proportion of acinar LUAD subtype cases exhibited simultaneous YTHDC2 downregulation and SLC7A11 elevation. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models generated from acinar LUAD showed sensitivity to system XC− inhibitors. Collectively, the promotion of cystine uptake via the suppression of YTHDC2 is critical for LUAD tumorigenesis, and blocking this process may benefit future treatment.
The m6A reader YTHDC2 is frequently suppressed in LUAD and indicates poor prognosis. YTHDC2 suppresses the antioxidant function of system XC− via its m6A reading domain. The mRNA encoding SLC7A11 is a direct target of YTHDC2. YTHDC2 preferentially accelerates the decay of m6A-methylated SLC7A11 mRNA. LUAD with YTHDC2 suppression is sensitive to system XC− inhibitors.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
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166 |
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Ma L, Zhang X, Yu K, Xu X, Chen T, Shi Y, Wang Y, Qiu S, Guo S, Cui J, Miao Y, Tian X, Du L, Yu Y, Xia J, Wang J. Targeting SLC3A2 subunit of system X C- is essential for m 6A reader YTHDC2 to be an endogenous ferroptosis inducer in lung adenocarcinoma. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 168:25-43. [PMID: 33785413 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The m6A reader YT521-B homology containing 2 (YTHDC2) has been identified to inhibit lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tumorigenesis by suppressing solute carrier 7A11 (SLC7A11)-dependent antioxidant function. SLC7A11 is a major functional subunit of system XC-. Inhibition of system XC- can induce ferroptosis. However, whether suppressing SLC7A11 is sufficient for YTHDC2 to be an endogenous ferroptosis inducer in LUAD is unknown. Here, we found that induction of YTHDC2 to a high level can induce ferroptosis in LUAD cells but not in lung and bronchus epithelial cells. In addition to SLC7A11, solute carrier 3A2 (SLC3A2), another subunit of system XC- was equally important for YTHDC2-induced ferroptosis. YTHDC2 m6A-dependently destabilized Homeo box A13 (HOXA13) mRNA because a potential m6A recognition site was identified within its 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). Interestingly, HOXA13 acted as a transcription factor to stimulate SLC3A2 expression. Thereby, YTHDC2 suppressed SLC3A2 via inhibiting HOXA13 in an m6A-indirect manner. Mouse experiments further confirmed the associations among YTHDC2, SLC3A2 and HOXA13, and demonstrated that SLC3A2 and SLC7A11 were both important for YTHDC2-impaired tumor growth and -induced lipid peroxidation in vivo. Moreover, higher expression of SLC7A11, SLC3A2 and HOXA13 indicate poorer clinical outcome in YTHDC2-suppressed LUAD patients. In conclusion, YTHDC2 is believed to be a powerful endogenous ferroptosis inducer and targeting SLC3A2 subunit of system XC- is essential for this process. Increasing YTHDC2 is an alternative ferroptosis-based therapy to treat LUAD.
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Yan G, Yuan Y, He M, Gong R, Lei H, Zhou H, Wang W, Du W, Ma T, Liu S, Xu Z, Gao M, Yu M, Bian Y, Pang P, Li X, Yu S, Yang F, Cai B, Yang L. m 6A Methylation of Precursor-miR-320/RUNX2 Controls Osteogenic Potential of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 19:421-436. [PMID: 31896070 PMCID: PMC6940653 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is the main enzyme for N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-based methylation of RNAs and it has been implicated in many biological and pathophysiological processes. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential involvement of METTL3 in osteoblast differentiation and decipher the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. We demonstrated that METTL3 is downregulated in human osteoporosis and the ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model, as well as during the osteogenic differentiation. Silence of METTL3 by short interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased m6A methylation levels and inhibited osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and reduced bone mass, and similar effects were observed in METTL3+/- knockout mice. In contrast, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of METTL3 produced the opposite effects. In addition, METTL3 enhanced, whereas METTL3 silence or knockout suppressed, the m6A methylations of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2; a key transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation and bone formation) and precursor (pre-)miR-320. Moreover, downregulation of mature miR-320 rescued the decreased bone mass caused by METTL3 silence or METTL3+/- knockout. Therefore, METTL3-based m6A modification favors osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through m6A-based direct and indirect regulation of RUNX2, and abnormal downregulation of METTL3 is likely one of the mechanisms underlying osteoporosis in patients and mice. Thus, METTL3 overexpression might be considered a new approach of replacement therapy for the treatment of human osteoporosis.
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research-article |
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Sun L, Ling Y, Jiang J, Wang D, Wang J, Li J, Wang X, Wang H. Differential mechanisms regarding triclosan vs. bisphenol A and fluorene-9-bisphenol induced zebrafish lipid-metabolism disorders by RNA-Seq. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 251:126318. [PMID: 32143076 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is closely related to induction of obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other lipid-metabolism diseases. Herein, we compared the effects of three EDCs exposure (triclosan, bisphenol A and fluorene-9-bisphenol) on lipid metabolism in zebrfish (Danio rerio). The differential lipid-metabolism disorders were analyzed in depth through RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR, as well as assessment of the relationship between lipid disorder and RNA methylation. Histopathological observation along with varying physiological and biochemical indexes all identified that triclosan and bisphenol A induced liver fat accumulation in acute and chronic exposure. RNA-Seq analysis showed that triclosan exposure disrupted multiple physiological processes including drug metabolism, sucrose metabolism, fat metabolism and bile secretion. The dysregulation of lipid-metabolism related genes indicated that liver steatosis in triclosan and BPA-exposed zebrafish resulted from increased fatty acid synthetase, and uptake and suppression of β-oxidation. Besides, the dysregulation of pro-inflammatory genes and endoplasmic reticulum stress showed that triclosan and bisphenol A exposure not only induced occurrence of NAFLD, but also promoted progression of hepatic inflammation. However, no significant effect on lipid metabolism was observed in fluorene-9-bisphenol-exposed treatment although the larval phenotypic malformation was found compared to the control group. Moreover, EDCs exposure led to decreased global m6A level and abnormal expression of m6A modulators in larvae. Especially, the expression of demethylase FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated protein) was significantly increased in triclosan-exposure treatment. These findings are conductive for us to deeply understand the underlying molecular mechanisms regarding the obesity and NAFLD from EDCs exposure.
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Kontur C, Jeong M, Cifuentes D, Giraldez AJ. Ythdf m 6A Readers Function Redundantly during Zebrafish Development. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108598. [PMID: 33378672 PMCID: PMC11407899 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), multiple mechanisms precisely control massive decay of maternal mRNAs. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is known to regulate mRNA decay, yet how this modification promotes maternal transcript degradation remains unclear. Here, we find that m6A promotes maternal mRNA deadenylation. Yet, genetic loss of m6A readers Ythdf2 and Ythdf3 did not impact global maternal mRNA clearance, zygotic genome activation, or the onset of gastrulation, challenging the view that Ythdf2 alone is critical to developmental timing. We reveal that Ythdf proteins function redundantly during zebrafish oogenesis and development, as double Ythdf2 and Ythdf3 deletion prevented female gonad formation and triple Ythdf mutants were lethal. Finally, we show that the microRNA miR-430 functions additively with methylation to promote degradation of common transcript targets. Together these findings reveal that m6A facilitates maternal mRNA deadenylation and that multiple pathways and readers act in concert to mediate these effects of methylation on RNA stability.
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural |
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Sun L, Gao M, Qian Q, Guo Z, Zhu P, Wang X, Wang H. Triclosan-induced abnormal expression of miR-30b regulates fto-mediated m 6A methylation level to cause lipid metabolism disorder in zebrafish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 770:145285. [PMID: 33515893 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure of triclosan (TCS) to zebrafish triggers high incidence of fatty liver and hepatitis; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we identified miR-30b as a sensitive biomarker to TCS stress, reflecting in that its decreased expression caused metabolic toxicity, abnormal development and behavior, and lipid-metabolism disorder. By microinjecting the inhibitor and mimic experiments, miR-30b was proved to regulate lipid metabolism by its main target gene fto. Over-expression of FTO resulted in fat accumulation, elevation of the TG and TC levels and up-regulation of the PPARγ and CEBPα, as well as decrease of the global m6A level in larvae. On the contrary, the knock-down of FTO using MO caused the anti-lipogenic effect, decrease of the TG and T-CHO levels, and abnormal changes of cebpɑ, acsl5, fasn, ppap2c and pparγ etc. Further fortification tests of cycloleucine and betaine evidenced that the toxic effect was strongly dependent on regulation of the m6A level. The toxicity effects in the treatments of methylated donors and receptors were consistent with the changes in physiological functions of FTO knockdown and overexpression. The effects of cycloleucine on m6A level and lipid metabolism generally consisted with those of FTO, but this was not the case for betaine, reflecting in increased m6A level and lipid accumulation in larval liver. Consequently, we posit that TCS exposure caused zebrafish lipid-metabolism disorder by decreasing miR-30b expression to regulate fto-mediated m6A methylation level. These findings contribute to our deep understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms regarding contaminant-originating fatty liver and hepatocellular carcinoma, and also have practical significance in pollution warning and target therapy for related diseases.
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Zhang Y, Wang R, Tan H, Wu K, Hu Y, Diao H, Wang D, Tang X, Leng M, Li X, Cai Z, Luo D, Shao X, Yan M, Chen Y, Rong X, Guo J. Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi (FTZ) capsule ameliorates diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis via suppressing YTHDF2-mediated m 6A modification of SIRT3 mRNA. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116766. [PMID: 37343655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Fufang Zhenzhu TiaoZhi (FTZ), a Chinese medicinal decoction, has continuously been used to treat metabolic syndrome. Atherosclerosis is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular disease. The N6 methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a highly dynamic and reversible process involving a variety of important biological processes. AIM OF THE STUDY Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanism of FTZ in diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Doppler ultrasonography was used to examine the carotid intima-media thickness and plaque area in diabetic atherosclerosis patients. HFD mice were injected with streptozotocin to induce diabetes. HE and Oil red O staining were used to assess the effect of FTZ on lipid deposition. HUVECs were induced with HG/ox-LDL as a model of diabetic atherosclerosis. Furthermore, application of m6A methylation level kit, qRT-PCR, Western blot, tunel staining, reactive oxygen species staining and mPTP staining were performed to analyze the detailed mechanism. RESULTS Clinical trials of FTZ have shown obvious effect of lowering blood glucose and blood lipids. These effects were reversed after FTZ intervention. Compared with the control, lipid deposition decreased significantly after FTZ administration. FTZ reduced endothelial cell apoptosis. At the same time, we found that FTZ reversed the increase of methylation reader YTHDF2 caused by ox-LDL treatment. Subsequently, we discovered that YTHDF2 degraded SIRT3 mRNA, leading to endothelial cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. CONCLUSION FTZ attenuated diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis by decreasing blood glucose and serum lipids levels, and increased endothelial cell antioxidant capacity, inhibited endothelial cell apoptosis via inhibiting YTHDF2-mediated m6A modification of SIRT3 mRNA, which reduced mRNA degradation.
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Liu HT, Zhao Y, Wang HC, Liu QL. METTL3-mediated m 6A methylation of SLC38A1 stimulates cervical cancer growth. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 716:150039. [PMID: 38701556 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150039] [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] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to better characterize the role of the glutamine transporter SLC38A1 in cervical cancer and explore the underlying mechanisms. Data from public databases and clinical cervical cancer tissue samples were used to assess the expression of SLC38A1 and its prognostic significance. Immunohistochemical staining, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting were used to evaluate the expression of relevant genes and proteins. Cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, and intracellular glutamine content were measured using CCK-8, flow cytometry, and biochemical assays. Additionally, the RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay was used to examine the impact of METTL3/IGF2BP3 on the m6A modification of the SLC38A1 3'UTR. Both cervical cancer specimens and cells showed significantly increased expression of SLC38A1 and its expression correlated with an unfavorable prognosis. Knockdown of SLC38A1 inhibited cell viability and cell cycle progression, induced apoptosis, and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Glutaminase-1 inhibitor CB-839 reversed the effects of SLC38A1 overexpression. METTL3 promoted m6A modification of SLC38A1 and enhanced its mRNA stability through IGF2BP3 recruitment. Moreover, METTL3 silencing inhibited cell viability, cell cycle progression, intracellular glutamine content, and induced apoptosis, but these effects were reversed by SLC38A1 overexpression. In conclusion, METTL3-mediated m6A methylation of SLC38A1 stimulates cervical cancer progression. SLC38A1 inhibition is a potential therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer.
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Miao F, Luan J, Feng X, Zhang Y, Feng Z, Wang Z, Wang Y, Yang R, Zhang C, Kopp JB, Pi J, Zhou H. Trametinib ameliorated Adriamycin-induced podocyte injury by inhibiting METTL3 modified m 6A RCAN1 RNA methylation. Eur J Pharmacol 2025; 999:177680. [PMID: 40287046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177680] [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: 11/21/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2025] [Accepted: 04/24/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays a crucial role in kidney diseases. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) as a key m6A writer can be regulated by trametinib. However, the epigenetic regulation of trametinib in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) remains unclear. We investigated whether trametinib protects podocytes by modulating METTL3-methylated target RNAs. Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) was predicted as a target binding RNA of METTL3 by THEW database. Immunostaining of METTL3 and RCAN1 with podocyte marker Wilm's tumor-1 (WT-1) confirmed their localization within podocytes in renal biopsy from FSGS patients. Transfection METTL3 to human podocytes reduced WT-1, synaptopodin (SYNPO), and RCAN1 protein levels. Total m6A, m6A methylated RNA of RCAN1 increased and total RCAN1 mRNA decreased. Inhibition of METTL3 using siRNA or trametinib reversed these changes and attenuated the ADR-induced downregulation of WT-1 and SYNPO in vitro. In ADR-induced FSGS mice, trametinib ameliorated proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, renal dysfunction, glomerulosclerosis and podocyte foot process effacement. Additionally, trametinib preserved podocyte function assessed by WT-1 and SYNPO as well as delayed renal fibrosis assessed by α-smooth muscle actin and fibronectin. Consistent with results in vitro, trametinib also decreased the ADR-induced upregulation of METTL3 and reversed the changed levels of total m6A, m6A methylated Rcan1 and total Rcan1 in FSGS mice. In conclusion, trametinib may serve as a renal protective agent for FSGS by regulating METTL3-dependent RCAN1 methylation levels.
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Chun H, Baima K. METTL3-Driven m 6A Modifications in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Emerging Mechanisms, Biomarker Potential, and Therapeutic Innovations. Eur J Pharmacol 2025:177785. [PMID: 40449646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177785] [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: 04/02/2025] [Revised: 05/20/2025] [Accepted: 05/28/2025] [Indexed: 06/03/2025]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains a highly aggressive malignancy with limited diagnostic and therapeutic advancements, underscoring the urgent need for novel biomarkers and targeted therapies. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), a pivotal regulator of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification, has emerged as a critical player in cancer pathogenesis. This review synthesizes current evidence to elucidate METTL3's multifaceted roles in ESCC progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Mechanistically, METTL3 promotes tumorigenesis by orchestrating m6A-dependent regulation of oncogenic pathways, including EGR1/Snail, Notch, and c-Myc signaling, while suppressing tumor suppressors like APC. Clinically, METTL3 overexpression correlates with advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis, highlighting its diagnostic and prognostic utility. Furthermore, METTL3 enhances radioresistance via DNA repair modulation and drives metabolic reprogramming through targets such as GLUT1 and GLS2. Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting METTL3, including small-molecule inhibitors [e.g., Elvitegravir] and RNA-based interventions, demonstrate preclinical efficacy in suppressing ESCC proliferation and metastasis. This review also identifies critical knowledge gaps, such as the interplay between METTL3 and tumor microenvironment dynamics, and advocates for multicenter studies to validate its clinical applicability. Collectively, our findings position METTL3 as a promising biomarker and a tractable therapeutic target, offering actionable insights to advance ESCC management.
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Review |
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He PC, He C. mRNA accessibility within mRNPs as a determinant of gene expression. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:199-207. [PMID: 38071089 PMCID: PMC10939938 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.11.003] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Gene expression is a complex process requiring many control mechanisms to achieve a desired phenotype. DNA accessibility within chromatin is well established as an important determinant of gene expression. By contrast, while mRNA also associates with a complement of proteins, the exact nature of messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) packaging and its functional relevance is not as clear. Recent reports indicate that exon junction complex (EJC)-mediated mRNP packaging renders exon junction-proximal regions inaccessible for m6A methylation, and that EJCs reside within the inaccessible interior of globular transcription and export (TREX) complex-associated nuclear mRNPs. We propose that 'mRNA accessibility' within mRNPs is an important determinant of gene expression that may modulate the specificity of a broad array of regulatory processes including but not limited to m6A methylation.
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Review |
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Sendera A, Adamczyk-Grochala J, Pikuła B, Cholewa M, Banaś-Ząbczyk A. Electromagnetic field (50 Hz) enhance metabolic potential and induce adaptive/reprogramming response mediated by the increase of N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 95:105743. [PMID: 38040129 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105743] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electromagnetic fields (EMF) have an impact on numerous cellular processes. It can positively and negatively affect adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) thus their fate through the influence of specific factors and protein secretion. EMF can be a great factor for preconditioning ASCs for regenerative medicine purposes, however, understanding the cell's biological response to its effects in vitro is essential. METHODS ASCs were exposed to the EMF (50 Hz; 1.5 mT) for 24 and 48 h, and then cell biological response was analyzed. RESULTS 24 h exposure of ASCs to EMF, significantly increased N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, indicating epitranscriptomic changes as an important factor in ASCs preconditioning. Furthermore, the expression of stem cell markers such as Nanog, Oct-4, Sox-2, CD44, and CD105 increased after 24 h of EMF exposure. Besides, western blot analysis showed upregulation of p21 and DNMT2/TRDMT1 protein levels compared to control cells with no differences in the p53 profile. Moreover, after 24 h of exposure to EMF, cell membrane flexibility, the metabolic potential of cells as well as the distribution, morphology, and metabolism of mitochondria were altered. CONCLUSION ASCs undergo a process of mobilization and adaptation under the EMF influence through the increased m6A RNA modifications. These conditions may "force" ASCs to redefine their stem cell fate mediated by RNA-modifying enzymes and alter their reprogramming decision of as differentiation begins.
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Zhang X, Huang DX, Xuan C, Li Y, Jiang Y, Wu X, Zhou W, Lei Y, Yang F, Ma H, Hou K, Han X, Li G. Aerobic exercise training attenuates ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice by decreasing the methylation level of METTL3-associated m6A RNA in cardiomyocytes. Life Sci 2025; 361:123294. [PMID: 39645164 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.123294] [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: 09/04/2024] [Revised: 11/17/2024] [Accepted: 12/01/2024] [Indexed: 12/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Ischemic heart disease (IHD) presents a significant global health challenge, with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) being a major pathophysiological contributor and lacking effective interventions. While aerobic exercise training (AET) enhances cardiovascular health, its protective mechanism in MIRI remains elusive. This study aims to elucidate the protective effect of AET in MIRI and its underlying mechanism. METHODS A mouse model of AET and MIRI was established to evaluate basic indices, cardiac ultrasound, and myocardial injury markers. Dot Blot, qRT-PCR, and Western blot were employed to assess m6A RNA methylation levels and related protein expression in myocardial tissue. In vitro, primary cardiomyocyte culture was utilized to mimic MIRI, evaluating cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, etc. Finally, myocardial tissues of MIRI mice were immunoprecipitated for m6A RNA methylation and sequenced to analyze related signaling pathways. KEY RESULTS AET significantly improved cardiac function and mitigated myocardial injury and fibrosis. Moreover, AET protected myocardium from MIRI by reducing m6A RNA methylation levels and modulating METTL3 expression. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the decrease in m6A RNA methylation levels and METTL3 expression conferred resistance to hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury. Furthermore, sequencing results indicated elevated myocardial tissue m6A RNA methylation levels during MIRI, activation of the Nrf2-related signaling pathway, and AET-mediated regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thereby attenuating MIRI through modulation of METTL3-related m6A methylation. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE AET attenuates MIRI by reducing the level of METTL3-related m6A RNA methylation in cardiomyocytes and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant signaling pathway. This finding provides a novel insight and strategy for the prevention and treatment of IHD, holding significant clinical implications.
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Jin C, Wang C, Zhang C, Ye Q, Jin Y, Shi L. Imazalil resulted in glucolipid metabolism disturbance and abnormal m 6A RNA methylation in the liver of dam and offspring mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115963. [PMID: 38232526 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115963] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
As a fungicide with the characteristics of high effectiveness, internal absorption and broad spectrum, imazalil is widely used to prevent and treat in fruits and vegetables. Here, pregnant C57BL/6 mice were exposed to imazalil at dietary levels of 0, 0.025‰, and 0.25‰ through drinking water during pregnancy and lactation. We then analyzed the phenotype, metabolome, and expression of related genes and proteins in the livers of mice. There was a marked decrease in the body and liver weights of male offspring mice after maternal imazalil exposure, while this effect on the dam and female offspring was slight. Metabolomics analyses revealed that imazalil significantly altered the metabolite composition of liver samples from both dams and offspring. The preliminary results of the analysis indicated that glucolipid metabolism was the pathway most significantly affected by imazalil. We performed a coabundance association analysis of metabolites with significant changes in the pathway of glycolipid metabolism, and IMZ altered the networks of both dams and offspring compared with the network in control mice, especially in male offspring. The hepatic triglyceride, non-esterified fatty acid and glucose levels were increased significantly in the dams but decreased significantly in male offspring after maternal imazalil exposure. Furthermore, the expression levels of genes associated with glycolipid metabolism and m6A RNA methylation were significantly affected by maternal intake of imazalil. Imazalil-induced glucolipid metabolism disturbance was highly correlated with m6A RNA methylation. In conclusion, maternal imazalil exposure resulted in glucolipid metabolism disturbance and abnormal m6A RNA methylation in the livers of dams and offspring mice. We expected that the information acquired in this study will provide novel evidence for understanding the effect of maternal imazalil exposure on potential health risks.
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