1
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Yang J, Liang F, Zhang F, Zhao H, Gong Q, Gao N. Recent advances in the reciprocal regulation of m 6A modification with non-coding RNAs and its therapeutic application in acute myeloid leukemia. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 259:108671. [PMID: 38830387 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most common modifications of RNA in eukaryotic cells and is involved in mRNA metabolism, including stability, translation, maturation, splicing, and export. m6A also participates in the modification of multiple types of non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, thereby affecting their metabolism and functions. Increasing evidence has revealed that m6A regulators, such as writers, erasers, and readers, perform m6A-dependent modification of ncRNAs, thus affecting cancer progression. Moreover, ncRNAs modulate m6A regulators to affect cancer development and progression. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding m6A modification and ncRNAs and provide insights into the interaction between m6A modification and ncRNAs in cancer. We also discuss the potential clinical applications of the mechanisms underlying the interplay between m6A modifications and ncRNAs in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Therefore, clarifying the mutual regulation between m6A modifications and ncRNAs is of great significance to identify novel therapeutic targets for AML and has great clinical application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China; Chinese Phramcological Society-Guizhou Province Joint Laboratory for Pharmacology, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Feng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China; Chinese Phramcological Society-Guizhou Province Joint Laboratory for Pharmacology, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Fenglin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China; Chinese Phramcological Society-Guizhou Province Joint Laboratory for Pharmacology, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Hailong Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Qihai Gong
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China; Chinese Phramcological Society-Guizhou Province Joint Laboratory for Pharmacology, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Ning Gao
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China; Chinese Phramcological Society-Guizhou Province Joint Laboratory for Pharmacology, Zunyi 563000, Guizhou, China.
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2
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Liu Q, Zhang N, Chen J, Zhou M, Zhou D, Chen Z, Huang Z, Xie Y, Qiao G, Tu X. WTAP-induced N 6-methyladenosine of PD-L1 blocked T-cell-mediated antitumor activity under hypoxia in colorectal cancer. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1749-1762. [PMID: 38508217 PMCID: PMC11145145 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16136] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is a important process regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a major immune inhibitive checkpoint that facilitates immune evasion and is expressed in tumor cells. In this research we discovered that Wilms' tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP) degradation caused by ubiquitin-mediated cleavage in cancer cells (colorectal cancer, CRC) under hypoxia was inhibited by Pumilio homolog 1 (PUM1) directly bound to WTAP. WTAP enhanced PD-L1 expression in a way that was m6A-dependent. m6A "reader," Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) identified methylated PD-L1 transcripts and subsequently fixed its mRNA. Additionally, we found that T-cell proliferation and its cancer cell-killing effects were prevented by overexpression of WTAP in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression prevented T cells from proliferating and killing CRC by maintaining the expression of PD-L1. Further evidence supporting the WTAP-PD-L1 regulatory axis was found in human CRC and organoid tissues. Tumors with high WTAP levels appeared more responsive to anti-PD1 immunotherapy, when analyzing samples from patients undergoing treatment. Overall, our findings demonstrated a novel PD-L1 regulatory mechanism by WTAP-induced mRNA epigenetic regulation and the possible application of targeting WTAP as immunotherapy for tumor hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi‐zhi Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jun‐yi Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Min‐jun Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - De‐hua Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhen‐xing Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yu‐xiang Xie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Guang‐lei Qiao
- Department of Oncology, Tongren HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiao‐huang Tu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
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3
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He X, Tang B, Zou P, Song Z, Liu J, Pi Z, Xiao Y, Xiao R. m6A RNA methylation: The latent string-puller in fibrosis. Life Sci 2024; 346:122644. [PMID: 38614300 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological phenomenon characterized by the aberrant accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissues. Fibrosis is a universally age-related disease involving that many organs and is the final stage of many chronic inflammatory diseases, which often threaten the patient's health. Undoubtedly, fibrosis has become a serious economic and health burden worldwide, However, the pathogenesis of fibrosis is complex. Further, the key molecules still remain to be unraveled. Hence, so far, there have been no effective treatments designed against the key targets of fibrosis. The methylation modification on the nitrogen atom at position 6 of adenine (m6A) is the most common mRNA modification in mammals. There is increasing evidence that m6A is actively involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. This review aims to highlight m6A-associated mechanisms and functions in several organic fibrosis, which implies that m6A is universal and critical for fibrosis and summarize the outlook of m6A in the treatment of fibrosis. This may light up the unknown aspects of this condition for researchers interested to explore fibrosis further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglan He
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Bingsi Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Puyu Zou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Zehong Song
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Jiani Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Zixin Pi
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yangfan Xiao
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan.
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4
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Feng G, Wu Y, Hu Y, Shuai W, Yang X, Li Y, Ouyang L, Wang G. Small molecule inhibitors targeting m 6A regulators. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:30. [PMID: 38711100 PMCID: PMC11075261 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01546-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
As the most common form of epigenetic regulation by RNA, N6 methyladenosine (m6A) modification is closely involved in physiological processes, such as growth and development, stem cell renewal and differentiation, and DNA damage response. Meanwhile, its aberrant expression in cancer tissues promotes the development of malignant tumors, as well as plays important roles in proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, immunity and prognosis. This close association between m6A and cancers has garnered substantial attention in recent years. An increasing number of small molecules have emerged as potential agents to target m6A regulators for cancer treatment. These molecules target the epigenetic level, enabling precise intervention in RNA modifications and efficiently disrupting the survival mechanisms of tumor cells, thus paving the way for novel approaches in cancer treatment. However, there is currently a lack of a comprehensive review on small molecules targeting m6A regulators for anti-tumor. Here, we have comprehensively summarized the classification and functions of m6A regulators, elucidating their interactions with the proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and immune responses in common cancers. Furthermore, we have provided a comprehensive overview on the development, mode of action, pharmacology and structure-activity relationships of small molecules targeting m6A regulators. Our aim is to offer insights for subsequent drug design and optimization, while also providing an outlook on future prospects for small molecule development targeting m6A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guotai Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongya Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wen Shuai
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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5
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Hudspeth J, Rogge K, Dörner S, Müll M, Hoffmeister D, Rupp B, Werten S. Methyl transfer in psilocybin biosynthesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2709. [PMID: 38548735 PMCID: PMC10978996 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46997-z] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Psilocybin, the natural hallucinogen produced by Psilocybe ("magic") mushrooms, holds great promise for the treatment of depression and several other mental health conditions. The final step in the psilocybin biosynthetic pathway, dimethylation of the tryptophan-derived intermediate norbaeocystin, is catalysed by PsiM. Here we present atomic resolution (0.9 Å) crystal structures of PsiM trapped at various stages of its reaction cycle, providing detailed insight into the SAM-dependent methylation mechanism. Structural and phylogenetic analyses suggest that PsiM derives from epitranscriptomic N6-methyladenosine writers of the METTL16 family, which is further supported by the observation that bound substrates physicochemically mimic RNA. Inherent limitations of the ancestral monomethyltransferase scaffold hamper the efficiency of psilocybin assembly and leave PsiM incapable of catalysing trimethylation to aeruginascin. The results of our study will support bioengineering efforts aiming to create novel variants of psilocybin with improved therapeutic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Hudspeth
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Kai Rogge
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Research Group Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Leibniz Institute of Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dörner
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Research Group Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Leibniz Institute of Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Maximilian Müll
- Research Group Biosynthetic Design of Natural Products, Leibniz Institute of Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Dirk Hoffmeister
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Research Group Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Leibniz Institute of Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Rupp
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- k.-k. Hofkristallamt, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sebastiaan Werten
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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6
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Seitz F, Jungnickel T, Kleiber N, Kretschmer J, Dietzsch J, Adelmann J, Bohnsack KE, Bohnsack MT, Höbartner C. Atomic Mutagenesis of N6-Methyladenosine Reveals Distinct Recognition Modes by Human m 6A Reader and Eraser Proteins. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:7803-7810. [PMID: 38445613 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an important modified nucleoside in cellular RNA associated with multiple cellular processes and is implicated in diseases. The enzymes associated with the dynamic installation and removal of m6A are heavily investigated targets for drug research, which requires detailed knowledge of the recognition modes of m6A by proteins. Here, we use atomic mutagenesis of m6A to systematically investigate the mechanisms of the two human m6A demethylase enzymes FTO and ALKBH5 and the binding modes of YTH reader proteins YTHDF2/DC1/DC2. Atomic mutagenesis refers to atom-specific changes that are introduced by chemical synthesis, such as the replacement of nitrogen by carbon atoms. Synthetic RNA oligonucleotides containing site-specifically incorporated 1-deaza-, 3-deaza-, and 7-deaza-m6A nucleosides were prepared by solid-phase synthesis and their RNA binding and demethylation by recombinant proteins were evaluated. We found distinct differences in substrate recognition and transformation and revealed structural preferences for the enzymatic activity. The deaza m6A analogues introduced in this work will be useful probes for other proteins in m6A research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Seitz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Tina Jungnickel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Nicole Kleiber
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Jens Kretschmer
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Julia Dietzsch
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Juliane Adelmann
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Katherine E Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, Göttingen 37073, Germany
| | - Markus T Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Humboldtallee 23, Göttingen 37073, Germany
- Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Georg-August University Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, Würzburg 97074, Germany
- Center for Nanosystems Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Theodor-Boveri-Weg, Würzburg 97074, Germany
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7
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Li Q, Wang Y, Meng X, Wang W, Duan F, Chen S, Zhang Y, Sheng Z, Gao Y, Zhou L. METTL16 inhibits papillary thyroid cancer tumorigenicity through m 6A/YTHDC2/SCD1-regulated lipid metabolism. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:81. [PMID: 38334797 PMCID: PMC10857971 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05146-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) stands as the leading cancer type among endocrine malignancies, and there exists a strong correlation between thyroid cancer and obesity. However, the clinical significance and molecular mechanism of lipid metabolism in the development of PTC remain unclear. In this study, it was demonstrated that the downregulation of METTL16 enhanced lipid metabolism and promoted the malignant progression of PTC. METTL16 was expressed at lower levels in PTC tissues because of DNMT1-mediated hypermethylation of its promoter. Loss- and gain-of-function studies clarified the effects of METTL16 on PTC progression. METTL16 overexpression increased the abundance of m6A in SCD1 cells, increasing RNA decay via the m6A reader YTHDC2. The SCD1 inhibitor A939572 inhibited growth and slowed down lipid metabolism in PTC cells. These results confirm the crucial role of METTL16 in restraining PTC progression through SCD1-activated lipid metabolism in cooperation with YTHDC2. This suggests that the combination of METTL16 and anti-SCD1 blockade might constitute an effective therapy for PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yaju Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xiangshu Meng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Feifan Duan
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Shuya Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yukun Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiyong Sheng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
- Bengbu Medical College Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021, China.
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8
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Yu H, Zhuang J, Zhou Z, Song Q, Lv J, Yang X, Yang H, Lu Q. METTL16 suppressed the proliferation and cisplatin-chemoresistance of bladder cancer by degrading PMEPA1 mRNA in a m6A manner through autophagy pathway. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:1471-1491. [PMID: 38385084 PMCID: PMC10878153 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.86719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is important in the physiological processes of many species. Methyltransferase-like 16 (METTL16) is a novel discovered m6A methylase, regulating various tumors in an m6A-dependent manner. However, its function in bladder cancer (BLCA) remains largely unclear. In the present study, we found that low expression of METTL16 predicted poor survival in BLCA patients. METTL16 inhibited the proliferation and cisplatin-resistance function of bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, METTL16 reduced the mRNA stability of prostate transmembrane protein androgen induced-1 (PMEPA1) via binding to its m6A site in the 3'-UTR, thereby inhibited the proliferation of bladder cancer cells and increased the sensitivity of cisplatin through PMEPA1-mediated autophagy pathway. Finally, we found that hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) exerted its tumor-promoting effect by binding the METTL16 promoter region to repress its transcription. Taken together, High expression of METTL16 predicted better survival in BLCA. METTL16 significantly inhibited bladder cancer cell proliferation and sensitized bladder cancer cells to cisplatin via HIF-2α-METTL16-PMEPA1-autophagy axis in a m6A manner. These findings might provide fresh insights into BLCA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Laboratory of Urology and Andrology, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Research Institution, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Juntao Zhuang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Laboratory of Urology and Andrology, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Research Institution, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zijian Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Qiang Song
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Laboratory of Urology and Andrology, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Research Institution, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiancheng Lv
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Laboratory of Urology and Andrology, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Research Institution, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Haiwei Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Laboratory of Urology and Andrology, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Research Institution, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Qiang Lu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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9
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Wang J, Zhao G, Zhao Y, Zhao Z, Yang S, Zhou A, Li P, Zhang S. N 6-methylation in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of gastric cancer. J Transl Int Med 2024; 12:5-21. [PMID: 38525439 PMCID: PMC10956730 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2023-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third among cancers in terms of mortality rate worldwide. A clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying the genesis and progression of GC will contribute to clinical decision making. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant among diverse mRNA modification types and regulates multiple facets of RNA metabolism. In recent years, emerging studies have shown that m6A modifications are involved in gastric carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression and can potentially be valuable new prospects for diagnosis and prognosis. This article reviews the recent progress regarding m6A in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Guiping Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zheng Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shuyue Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Anni Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shutian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
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10
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Wang Y, Chen C, Yan W, Fu Y. Epigenetic modification of m 6A methylation: Regulatory factors, functions and mechanism in inflammatory bowel disease. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 166:106502. [PMID: 38030117 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2023.106502] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Although the exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still unknown, there is a lot of evidence to support the notion that it results from a combination of environmental factors, immune system issues, gut microbial changes, and genetic susceptibility. In recent years, the role of epigenetics in the pathogenesis of IBD has drawn increasing attention. The regulation of IBD-related immunity, the preservation of the intestinal epithelial barrier, and autophagy are all significantly influenced by epigenetic factors. The most extensive epigenetic methylation modification of mammalian mRNA among them is N6-methyladenosine (m6A). It summarizes the general structure and function of the m6A regulating factors, as well as their complex effects on IBD by regulating the intestinal mucous barrier, intestine mucosal immunity, epidermal cell death, and intestinal microorganisms.This paper provides key insights for the future identification of potential new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoyue Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yu Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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11
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Höfler S, Duss O. Interconnections between m 6A RNA modification, RNA structure, and protein-RNA complex assembly. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302240. [PMID: 37935465 PMCID: PMC10629537 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-RNA complexes exist in many forms within the cell, from stable machines such as the ribosome to transient assemblies like the spliceosome. All protein-RNA assemblies rely on spatially and temporally coordinated interactions between specific proteins and RNAs to achieve a functional form. RNA folding and structure are often critical for successful protein binding and protein-RNA complex formation. RNA modifications change the chemical nature of a given RNA and often alter its folding kinetics. Both these alterations can affect how and if proteins or other RNAs can interact with the modified RNA and assemble into complexes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common base modification on mRNAs and regulatory noncoding RNAs and has been shown to impact RNA structure and directly modulate protein-RNA interactions. In this review, focusing on the mechanisms and available quantitative information, we discuss first how the METTL3/14 m6A writer complex is specifically targeted to RNA assisted by protein-RNA and other interactions to enable site-specific and co-transcriptional RNA modification and, once introduced, how the m6A modification affects RNA folding and protein-RNA interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Höfler
- https://ror.org/03mstc592 Structural and Computational Biology Unit, EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olivier Duss
- https://ror.org/03mstc592 Structural and Computational Biology Unit, EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Yue J, Lu Y, Sun Z, Guo Y, San León D, Pasin F, Zhao M. Methyltransferase-like (METTL) homologues participate in Nicotiana benthamiana antiviral responses. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2023; 18:2214760. [PMID: 37210738 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2023.2214760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Methyltransferase (MTase) enzymes catalyze the addition of a methyl group to a variety of biological substrates. MTase-like (METTL) proteins are Class I MTases whose enzymatic activities contribute to the epigenetic and epitranscriptomic regulation of multiple cellular processes. N6-adenosine methylation (m6A) is a common chemical modification of eukaryotic and viral RNA whose abundance is jointly regulated by MTases and METTLs, demethylases, and m6A binding proteins. m6A affects various cellular processes including RNA degradation, post-transcriptional processing, and antiviral immunity. Here, we used Nicotiana benthamiana and plum pox virus (PPV), an RNA virus of the Potyviridae family, to investigated the roles of MTases in plant-virus interaction. RNA sequencing analysis identified MTase transcripts that are differentially expressed during PPV infection; among these, accumulation of a METTL gene was significantly downregulated. Two N. benthamiana METTL transcripts (NbMETTL1 and NbMETTL2) were cloned and further characterized. Sequence and structural analyses of the two encoded proteins identified a conserved S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) binding domain, showing they are SAM-dependent MTases phylogenetically related to human METTL16 and Arabidopsis thaliana FIONA1. Overexpression of NbMETTL1 and NbMETTL2 caused a decrease of PPV accumulation. In sum, our results indicate that METTL homologues participate in plant antiviral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianying Yue
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yan Lu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhenqi Sun
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yuqing Guo
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - David San León
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabio Pasin
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - Universitat Politècnica de València (CSIC-UPV), Valencia, Spain
| | - Mingmin Zhao
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
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13
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Chen Y, Jiang Z, Yang Y, Zhang C, Liu H, Wan J. The functions and mechanisms of post-translational modification in protein regulators of RNA methylation: Current status and future perspectives. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:126773. [PMID: 37690652 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126773] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
RNA methylation, an epigenetic modification that does not alter gene sequence, may be important to diverse biological processes. Protein regulators of RNA methylation include "writers," "erasers," and "readers," which respectively deposit, remove, and recognize methylated RNA. RNA methylation, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N3-methylcytosine (m3C), N1-methyladenosine (m1A) and N7-methylguanosine (m7G), has been suggested as disease therapeutic targets. Despite advances in the structure and pharmacology of RNA methylation regulators that have improved drug discovery, regulating these proteins by various post-translational modifications (PTMs) has received little attention. PTM modifies protein structure and function, affecting all aspects of normal biology and pathogenesis, including immunology, cell differentiation, DNA damage repair, and tumors. It is becoming evident that RNA methylation regulators are also regulated by diverse PTMs. PTM of RNA methylation regulators induces their covalent linkage to new functional groups, hence modifying their activity and function. Mass spectrometry has identified many PTMs on protein regulators of RNA methylation. In this review, we describe the functions and PTM of protein regulators of RNA methylation and summarize the recent advances in the regulatory mode of human disease and its underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youming Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zuli Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chenxing Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongyang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Junhu Wan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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14
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Zhou X, Zhu H, Luo C, Yan Z, Zheng G, Zou X, Zou J, Zhang G. The role of RNA modification in urological cancers: mechanisms and clinical potential. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:235. [PMID: 38117350 PMCID: PMC10733275 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00843-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modification is a post-transcriptional level of regulation that is widely distributed in all types of RNAs, including mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA, where N6-methyladenine (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA methylation modification. Significant evidence has depicted that m6A modifications are closely related to human diseases, especially cancer, and play pivotal roles in RNA transcription, splicing, stabilization, and translation processes. The most common urological cancers include prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers, accounting for a certain proportion of human cancers, with an ever-increasing incidence and mortality. The recurrence, systemic metastasis, poor prognosis, and drug resistance of urologic tumors have prompted the identification of new therapeutic targets and mechanisms. Research on m6A modifications may provide new solutions to the current puzzles. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the key roles played by RNA modifications, especially m6A modifications, in urologic cancers, as well as recent research advances in diagnostics and molecularly targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuming Zhou
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Hezhen Zhu
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Cong Luo
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Zhaojie Yan
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Guansong Zheng
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zou
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Junrong Zou
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Guoxi Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
- Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
- Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
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15
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Wu Y, Zeng Y, Ren Y, Yu J, Zhang Q, Xiao X. Insights into RNA N6-methyladenosine in Glucose and Lipid Metabolic Diseases and Their Therapeutic Strategies. Endocrinology 2023; 165:bqad170. [PMID: 37950364 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of glucose and lipid metabolism diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is rising, which places an enormous burden on people around the world. However, the mechanism behind these disorders remains incompletely understood. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is 1 type of posttranscriptional RNA modification, and research has shown that it plays a crucial role in several metabolic diseases. m6A methylation is reversibly and dynamically regulated by methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and m6A binding proteins (readers). Dysregulation of RNA m6A modification is related to different metabolic processes. Targeting RNA m6A methylation is a potential treatment strategy for these chronic metabolic diseases. This review discusses studies on RNA m6A modification in metabolic diseases and existing therapeutic drugs, with the aim of providing a concise perspective on its potential applications in managing metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yaolin Ren
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xinhua Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
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16
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Hartstock K, Kueck NA, Spacek P, Ovcharenko A, Hüwel S, Cornelissen NV, Bollu A, Dieterich C, Rentmeister A. MePMe-seq: antibody-free simultaneous m 6A and m 5C mapping in mRNA by metabolic propargyl labeling and sequencing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7154. [PMID: 37935679 PMCID: PMC10630376 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42832-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Internal modifications of mRNA have emerged as widespread and versatile regulatory mechanism to control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Most of these modifications are methyl groups, making S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) a central metabolic hub. Here we show that metabolic labeling with a clickable metabolic precursor of SAM, propargyl-selenohomocysteine (PSH), enables detection and identification of various methylation sites. Propargylated A, C, and G nucleosides form at detectable amounts via intracellular generation of the corresponding SAM analogue. Integration into next generation sequencing enables mapping of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and 5-methylcytidine (m5C) sites in mRNA with single nucleotide precision (MePMe-seq). Analysis of the termination profiles can be used to distinguish m6A from 2'-O-methyladenosine (Am) and N1-methyladenosine (m1A) sites. MePMe-seq overcomes the problems of antibodies for enrichment and sequence-motifs for evaluation, which was limiting previous methodologies. Metabolic labeling via clickable SAM facilitates the joint evaluation of methylation sites in RNA and potentially DNA and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Hartstock
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Nadine A Kueck
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Petr Spacek
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Anna Ovcharenko
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Hüwel
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Nicolas V Cornelissen
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Amarnath Bollu
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Christoph Dieterich
- Section of Bioinformatics and Systems Cardiology, Klaus Tschira Institute for Integrative Computational Cardiology, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, and Pneumology), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Rentmeister
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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17
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Dorgham MG, Elliott BA, Holley CL, Mansfield KD. m6A regulates breast cancer proliferation and migration through stage-dependent changes in Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition gene expression. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1268977. [PMID: 38023205 PMCID: PMC10661887 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1268977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
While many factors have been implicated in breast cancer progression, effective treatments are still lacking. In recent years, it has become clear that posttranscriptional regulation plays a key role in the aberrant gene expression underlying malignancy and metastasis. For example, the mRNA modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is involved in numerous post-transcriptional regulation processes and has been implicated in many cancer types, including breast cancer. Despite intense study, even within a single type of cancer, there is little consensus, and often conflicting results, as to the role of m6A, suggesting other factors must influence the process. The goal of this study was to determine if the effects of m6A manipulation on proliferation and migration differed based on the stage of disease progression. Using the MCF10 model of breast cancer, we reduced m6A levels by targeting METTL3, the main cellular m6A RNA methyltransferase. Knocking down Mettl3 at different stages of breast cancer progression indeed shows unique effects at each stage. The early-stage breast cancer line showed a more proliferative phenotype with the knockdown of Mettl3 while the transformed breast cancer line showed a more migratory phenotype. Interestingly, the metastasized breast cancer cell line showed almost no effect on phenotype with the knockdown of Mettl3. Furthermore, transcriptome wide analysis revealed EMT as the probable pathway influencing the phenotypic changes. The results of this study may begin to address the controversy of m6A's role in cancer and suggest that m6A may have a dynamic role in cancer that depends on the stage of progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed G. Dorgham
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Brittany A. Elliott
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Kyle D. Mansfield
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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18
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Hunter OV, Ruiz JC, Flaherty JN, Conrad NK. Functional analysis of 3'-UTR hairpins supports a two-tiered model for posttranscriptional regulation of MAT2A by METTL16. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:1725-1737. [PMID: 37567786 PMCID: PMC10578476 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079695.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is the methyl donor for nearly all cellular methylation events, so cells need to carefully control SAM levels. MAT2A encodes the only SAM synthetase expressed in the majority of human cells, and its 3'-UTR has six conserved regulatory hairpins (hp1-6) that can be methylated by the N6-methyladenosine methyltransferase METTL16. Hp1 begins 8 nt from the stop codon, whereas hp2-6 are clustered further downstream (∼800 nt). These hairpins have been proposed to regulate MAT2A mRNA levels in response to intracellular SAM levels by regulating intron detention of the last intron of MAT2A and by modulating the stability of the fully spliced mRNA. However, a dissection of these two posttranscriptional mechanisms has not been previously reported. Using a modular reporter system, we show that hp1 functions primarily when the detained intron is included in the reporter and when that intron has a suboptimal polypyrimidine tract. In contrast, the hp2-6 cluster modulates mRNA stability independent of the detained intron, although hp1 may make a minor contribution to the regulation of decay as well. Taken with previously published reports, these data support a two-tiered model for MAT2A posttranscriptional regulation by METTL16 through its interactions with hp1 and hp2-6. In the upstream tier, hp1 and METTL16 control MAT2A intron detention, whereas the second tier involves METTL16-dependent methylation of hp2-6 to control MAT2A mRNA stability. Thus, cells use a similar set of molecular factors to achieve considerable complexity in the posttranscriptional regulation of SAM homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Hunter
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Julio C Ruiz
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Juliana N Flaherty
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Nicholas K Conrad
- Department of Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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19
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Liu J, Gu X, Guan Z, Huang D, Xing H, Zheng L. Role of m6A modification in regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:774. [PMID: 37915034 PMCID: PMC10619263 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04651-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cancer. The dysregulation of this pathway has been linked to the development and initiation of various types of cancer. Recently, epigenetic modifications, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A), have been recognized as essential contributors to mRNA-related biological processes and translation. The abnormal expression of m6A modification enzymes has been associated with oncogenesis, tumor progression, and drug resistance. Here, we review the role of m6A modification in regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway in cancer and its implications in the development of novel strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, Henan, China
| | - Zhenjie Guan
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Di Huang
- Department of Child Health Care, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Huiwu Xing
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Lian Zheng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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20
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Yang Y, Luo L, Zhou Z. The role of m6A RNA methylation regulator in meningioma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:12068-12084. [PMID: 37910780 PMCID: PMC10683626 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Meningiomas are common intracranial tumors, and the effect of surgical resection is often unsatisfactory. N6-Methyladenosine (m6A)-related regulator expression levels are related to cancer occurrence and development. This study aimed to investigate the roles of m6A RNA methylation regulators in meningiomas, as these are currently unclear. Two m6A methylation-regulated genes (METTL3 and IGF2BP2) were identified as survival-associated linear models for RiskScore through bioinformatics analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that the overall survival of patients with meningioma in the high-risk group was substantially shorter than that in the low-risk group. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis constructed a co-expression network based on the m6A methylation model (RiskScore). Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses identified the biological processes of hub module gene behavior, and Cytoscape constructed an m6A methylation-related gene regulatory network. In vitro experiments verified that the mRNA and protein expression levels of METTL3 and IGF2BP2 were lower in meningioma cells than in normal meningioma cells. Therefore, central regulators of m6A methylation (METTL3 and IGF2BP2) could potentially serve as novel therapeutic targets in meningioma. Subsequently, a novel methylation signature (RiskScore) was developed for prognostic prediction in patients with meningioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liqin Luo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
- Nanchang First Retired Cadre Rest House of Jiangxi Military Region, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhiwu Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
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21
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Wang M, Liu Z, Fang X, Cong X, Hu Y. The emerging role of m 6A modification of non-coding RNA in gastrointestinal cancers: a comprehensive review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1264552. [PMID: 37965577 PMCID: PMC10642577 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1264552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a series of malignant tumors with a high incidence globally. Although approaches for tumor diagnosis and therapy have advanced substantially, the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of GI cancer are still unclear. Increasing evidence supports an important role for N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in many biological processes, including cancer-related processes via splicing, export, degradation, and translation of mRNAs. Under distinct cancer contexts, m6A regulators have different expression patterns and can regulate or be regulated by mRNAs and non-coding RNAs, especially long non-coding RNAs. The roles of m6A in cancer development have attracted increasing attention in epigenetics research. In this review, we synthesize progress in our understanding of m6A and its roles in GI cancer, especially esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers. Furthermore, we clarify the mechanism by which m6A contributes to GI cancer, providing a basis for the development of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuedong Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianling Cong
- Department of Biobank, the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Department of Biobank, the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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22
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Sun L, Zhang Y, Yang B, Sun S, Zhang P, Luo Z, Feng T, Cui Z, Zhu T, Li Y, Qiu Z, Fan G, Huang C. Lactylation of METTL16 promotes cuproptosis via m 6A-modification on FDX1 mRNA in gastric cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6523. [PMID: 37863889 PMCID: PMC10589265 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42025-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis, caused by excessively high copper concentrations, is urgently exploited as a potential cancer therapeutic. However, the mechanisms underlying the initiation, propagation, and ultimate execution of cuproptosis in tumors remain unknown. Here, we show that copper content is significantly elevated in gastric cancer (GC), especially in malignant tumors. Screening reveals that METTL16, an atypical methyltransferase, is a critical mediator of cuproptosis through the m6A modification on FDX1 mRNA. Furthermore, copper stress promotes METTL16 lactylation at site K229 followed by cuproptosis. The process of METTL16 lactylation is inhibited by SIRT2. Elevated METTL16 lactylation significantly improves the therapeutic efficacy of the copper ionophore- elesclomol. Combining elesclomol with AGK2, a SIRT2-specific inhibitor, induce cuproptosis in gastric tumors in vitro and in vivo. These results reveal the significance of non-histone protein METTL16 lactylation on cuproptosis in tumors. Given the high copper and lactate concentrations in GC, cuproptosis induction becomes a promising therapeutic strategy for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianhui Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Boyu Yang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Sijun Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Pengshan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zai Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Tingting Feng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zelin Cui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Ting Zhu
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yuming Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zhengjun Qiu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Guangjian Fan
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China.
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China.
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Wu L, Tang H. The role of N6-methyladenosine modification in rodent models of neuropathic pain: from the mechanism to therapeutic potential. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115398. [PMID: 37647691 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115398] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common chronic pain condition resulted from lesions or diseases of somatosensory nervous system, but the pathogenesis remains unclear. A growing body of evidence supports the relationship between pathogenesis and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications of RNA. However, studies on the role of m6A modifications in NP are still at an early stage. Elucidating different etiologies is important for understanding the specific pathogenesis of NP. This article provides a comprehensive review on the role of m6A methylation modifications including methyltransferases ("writers"), demethylases ("erasers"), and m6A binding proteins ("readers") in NP models. Further analysis of the pathogenic mechanism relationship between m6A and NP provided novel theoretical and practical significance for clinical treatment of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Wu
- Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China; The First Clinical Medical College of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Hongliang Tang
- Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University Affiliated Fangchenggang Hospital.
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24
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Qi YN, Liu Z, Hong LL, Li P, Ling ZQ. Methyltransferase-like proteins in cancer biology and potential therapeutic targeting. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:89. [PMID: 37533128 PMCID: PMC10394802 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modification has recently become a significant process of gene regulation, and the methyltransferase-like (METTL) family of proteins plays a critical role in RNA modification, methylating various types of RNAs, including mRNA, tRNA, microRNA, rRNA, and mitochondrial RNAs. METTL proteins consist of a unique seven-beta-strand domain, which binds to the methyl donor SAM to catalyze methyl transfer. The most typical family member METTL3/METTL14 forms a methyltransferase complex involved in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA, regulating tumor proliferation, metastasis and invasion, immunotherapy resistance, and metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells. METTL1, METTL4, METTL5, and METTL16 have also been recently identified to have some regulatory ability in tumorigenesis, and the rest of the METTL family members rely on their methyltransferase activity for methylation of different nucleotides, proteins, and small molecules, which regulate translation and affect processes such as cell differentiation and development. Herein, we summarize the literature on METTLs in the last three years to elucidate their roles in human cancers and provide a theoretical basis for their future use as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Qi
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Zhu Liu
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No.1 Banshan East Rd., Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Lian-Lian Hong
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No.1 Banshan East Rd., Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Pei Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China.
| | - Zhi-Qiang Ling
- Zhejiang Cancer Institute, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, No.1 Banshan East Rd., Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Patel H, Chen J, Wang J, Chen ZS, Wang H. Epigenetic modification of m 6A regulator proteins in cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:102. [PMID: 37391814 PMCID: PMC10311752 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01810-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Divergent N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications are dynamic and reversible posttranscriptional RNA modifications that are mediated by m6A regulators or m6A RNA methylation regulators, i.e., methyltransferases ("writers"), demethylases ("erasers"), and m6A-binding proteins ("readers"). Aberrant m6A modifications are associated with cancer occurrence, development, progression, and prognosis. Numerous studies have established that aberrant m6A regulators function as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes in multiple tumor types. However, the functions and mechanisms of m6A regulators in cancer remain largely elusive and should be explored. Emerging studies suggest that m6A regulators can be modulated by epigenetic modifications, namely, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, O-GlcNAcylation, ISGylation, and lactylation or via noncoding RNA action, in cancer. This review summarizes the current roles of m6A regulators in cancer. The roles and mechanisms for epigenetic modification of m6A regulators in cancer genesis are segregated. The review will improve the understanding of the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of m6A regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research, Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Harsh Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Jichao Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Hongquan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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26
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Xiong Q, Zhang Y. Small RNA modifications: regulatory molecules and potential applications. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:64. [PMID: 37349851 PMCID: PMC10286502 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01466-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Small RNAs (also referred to as small noncoding RNAs, sncRNA) are defined as polymeric ribonucleic acid molecules that are less than 200 nucleotides in length and serve a variety of essential functions within cells. Small RNA species include microRNA (miRNA), PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA), etc. Current evidence suggest that small RNAs can also have diverse modifications to their nucleotide composition that affect their stability as well as their capacity for nuclear export, and these modifications are relevant to their capacity to drive molecular signaling processes relevant to biogenesis, cell proliferation and differentiation. In this review, we highlight the molecular characteristics and cellular functions of small RNA and their modifications, as well as current techniques for their reliable detection. We also discuss how small RNA modifications may be relevant to the clinical applications for the diagnosis and treatment of human health conditions such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunli Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Abdominal Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaguang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Qian W, Zhou J, Shou S. Exploration of m 6A methylation regulators as epigenetic targets for immunotherapy in advanced sepsis. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:257. [PMID: 37330481 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05379-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to deeply explore the relationship between m6A methylation modification and peripheral immune cells in patients with advanced sepsis and mine potential epigenetic therapeutic targets by analyzing the differential expression patterns of m6A-related genes in healthy subjects and advanced sepsis patients. METHODS A single cell expression dataset of peripheral immune cells containing blood samples from 4 patients with advanced sepsis and 5 healthy subjects was obtained from the gene expression comprehensive database (GSE175453). Differential expression analysis and cluster analysis were performed on 21 m6A-related genes. The characteristic gene was identified based on random forest algorithm, and the correlation between the characteristic gene METTL16 and 23 immune cells in patients with advanced sepsis was evaluated using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. RESULTS IGFBP1, IGFBP2, IGF2BP1, and WTAP were highly expressed in patients with advanced sepsis and m6A cluster B. IGFBP1, IGFBP2, and IGF2BP1 were positively correlated with Th17 helper T cells. The characteristic gene METTL16 exhibited a significant positive correlation with the proportion of various immune cells. CONCLUSION IGFBP1, IGFBP2, IGF2BP1, WTAP, and METTL16 may accelerate the development of advanced sepsis by regulating m6A methylation modification and promoting immune cell infiltration. The discovery of these characteristic genes related to advanced sepsis provides potential therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Qian
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300203, China
- Department of Emergency, Shangjin Nanfu Hospital, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Immunology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Songtao Shou
- Department of Emergency, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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28
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Wang Y, Wang J, Yan Z, Liu S, Xu W. Microenvironment modulation by key regulators of RNA N6-methyladenosine modification in respiratory allergic diseases. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:210. [PMID: 37328853 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02499-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulators are considered post-transcriptional regulators that affect several biological functions, and their role in immunity, in particular, is emerging. However, the role of m6A regulators in respiratory allergic diseases remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of key m6A regulators in mediating respiratory allergic diseases and immune microenvironment infiltration characteristics. METHODS We downloaded gene expression profiles of respiratory allergies from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and we performed hierarchical clustering, difference analysis, and construction of predictive models to identify hub m6A regulators that affect respiratory allergies. Next, we investigate the underlying biological mechanisms of key m6A regulators by performing PPI network analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and immune microenvironment infiltration analysis. In addition, we performed a drug sensitivity analysis on the key m6A regulator, hoping to be able to provide some implications for clinical medication. RESULTS In this study, we identified four hub m6A regulators that affect the respiratory allergy and investigated the underlying biological mechanisms. In addition, studies on the characteristics of immune microenvironment infiltration revealed that the expression of METTL14, METTL16, and RBM15B correlated with the infiltration of the mast and Th2 cells in respiratory allergy, and METTL16 expression was found to be significantly negatively correlated with macrophages for the first time (R = -0.53, P < 0.01). Finally, a key m6A regulator, METTL14, was screened by combining multiple algorithms. In addition, by performing a drug sensitivity analysis on METTL14, we hypothesized that it may play an important role in the improvement of allergic symptoms in the upper and lower airways with topical nasal glucocorticoids. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that m6A regulators, particularly METTL14, play a crucial role in the development of respiratory allergic diseases and the infiltration of immune cells. These results may provide insight into the mechanism of action of methylprednisolone in treating respiratory allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxi Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhanfeng Yan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Siming Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenlong Xu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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29
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Xie F, Zheng Y, Fu W, Chi B, Wang X, Zhang J, Gu J, Yin J, Zhou Q, Guo S, Cai L, Yang J, Liu S, Wang H. The m6A methyltransferase METTL16 inhibits the proliferation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cancer cells via the p21 signaling pathway. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1138238. [PMID: 37182151 PMCID: PMC10166879 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1138238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many studies have reported that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays a critical role in the epigenetic regulation of organisms and especially in the pathogenesis of malignant diseases. However, m6A research has mainly focused on methyltransferase activity mediated by METTL3, and few studies have focused on METTL16. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of METTL16, which mediates m6A modification, and its role in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell proliferation. Methods Clinicopathologic and survival data were retrospectively collected from 175 PDAC patients from multiple clinical centers to detect the expression of METTL16. CCK-8, cell cycle, EdU and xenograft mouse model experiments were used to evaluate the proliferation effect of METTL16. Potential downstream pathways and mechanisms were explored via RNA sequencing, m6A sequencing, and bioinformatic analyses. Regulatory mechanisms were studied through methyltransferase inhibition, RIP, MeRIP‒qPCR assays. Results We found that METTL16 expression was markedly downregulated in PDAC, and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that METTL16 was a protective factor for PDAC patients. We also demonstrated that METTL16 overexpression inhibited PDAC cell proliferation. Furthermore, we identified a METTL16-p21 signaling axis, with downregulation of METTL16 resulting in inhibition of CDKN1A (p21). Additionally, METTL16 silencing and overexpression experiments highlighted m6A modification alterations in PDAC. Conclusions METTL16 plays a tumor-suppressive role and suppresses PDAC cell proliferation through the p21 pathway by mediating m6A modification. METTL16 may be a novel marker of PDAC carcinogenesis and target for the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuming Xie
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) Chongqing School, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Zheng
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen Fu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) Chongqing School, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
| | - Bojing Chi
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, China
| | - Xianxing Wang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
| | - Jianyou Gu
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
| | - Jingyang Yin
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) Chongqing School, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Shixiang Guo
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Cai
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiali Yang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Songsong Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan Hospital of People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Huaizhi Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) Chongqing School, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS Chongqing), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medicine Engineering for Hepatopancreatobiliary Diseases, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China
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30
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Zhu X, Zhou C, Zhao S, Zheng Z. Role of m6A methylation in retinal diseases. Exp Eye Res 2023; 231:109489. [PMID: 37084873 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Retinal diseases remain among the leading causes of visual impairment in developed countries, despite great efforts in prevention and early intervention. Due to the limited efficacy of current retinal therapies, novel therapeutic methods are urgently required. Over the past two decades, advances in next-generation sequencing technology have facilitated research on RNA modifications, which can elucidate the relevance of epigenetic mechanisms to disease. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), formed by methylation of adenosine at the N6-position, is the most widely studied RNA modification and plays an important role in RNA metabolism. It is dynamically regulated by writers (methyltransferases) and erasers (demethylases), and recognized by readers (m6A binding proteins). Although the discovery of m6A methylation can be traced back to the 1970s, its regulatory roles in retinal diseases are rarely appreciated. Here, we provide an overview of m6A methylation, and discuss its effects and possible mechanisms on retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinoblastoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Furthermore, we highlight potential agents targeting m6A methylation for retinal disease treatment and discuss the limitations and challenges of research in the field of m6A methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Chuandi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Shuzhi Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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Zhong ZD, Xie YY, Chen HX, Lan YL, Liu XH, Ji JY, Wu F, Jin L, Chen J, Mak DW, Zhang Z, Luo GZ. Systematic comparison of tools used for m 6A mapping from nanopore direct RNA sequencing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1906. [PMID: 37019930 PMCID: PMC10076423 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37596-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been increasingly recognized as a new and important regulator of gene expression. To date, transcriptome-wide m6A detection primarily relies on well-established methods using next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform. However, direct RNA sequencing (DRS) using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platform has recently emerged as a promising alternative method to study m6A. While multiple computational tools are being developed to facilitate the direct detection of nucleotide modifications, little is known about the capabilities and limitations of these tools. Here, we systematically compare ten tools used for mapping m6A from ONT DRS data. We find that most tools present a trade-off between precision and recall, and integrating results from multiple tools greatly improve performance. Using a negative control could improve precision by subtracting certain intrinsic bias. We also observed variation in detection capabilities and quantitative information among motifs, and identified sequencing depth and m6A stoichiometry as potential factors affecting performance. Our study provides insight into the computational tools currently used for mapping m6A based on ONT DRS data and highlights the potential for further improving these tools, which may serve as the basis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Dong Zhong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying-Yuan Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Xuan Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye-Lin Lan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Hong Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Yun Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fu Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingmei Jin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiekai Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daniel W Mak
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guan-Zheng Luo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China.
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32
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The Repertoire of RNA Modifications Orchestrates a Plethora of Cellular Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032387. [PMID: 36768716 PMCID: PMC9916637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a plethora of DNA modifications have been extensively investigated in the last decade, recent breakthroughs in molecular biology, including high throughput sequencing techniques, have enabled the identification of post-transcriptional marks that decorate RNAs; hence, epitranscriptomics has arisen. This recent scientific field aims to decode the regulatory layer of the transcriptome and set the ground for the detection of modifications in ribose nucleotides. Until now, more than 170 RNA modifications have been reported in diverse types of RNA that contribute to various biological processes, such as RNA biogenesis, stability, and transcriptional and translational accuracy. However, dysfunctions in the RNA-modifying enzymes that regulate their dynamic level can lead to human diseases and cancer. The present review aims to highlight the epitranscriptomic landscape in human RNAs and match the catalytic proteins with the deposition or deletion of a specific mark. In the current review, the most abundant RNA modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N5-methylcytosine (m5C), pseudouridine (Ψ) and inosine (I), are thoroughly described, their functional and regulatory roles are discussed and their contributions to cellular homeostasis are stated. Ultimately, the involvement of the RNA modifications and their writers, erasers, and readers in human diseases and cancer is also discussed.
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Fan Y, Lv X, Chen Z, Peng Y, Zhang M. m6A methylation: Critical roles in aging and neurological diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1102147. [PMID: 36896007 PMCID: PMC9990872 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1102147] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, which participates in the functional regulation of various biological processes. It regulates the expression of targeted genes by affecting RNA translocation, alternative splicing, maturation, stability, and degradation. As recent evidence shows, of all organs, brain has the highest abundance of m6A methylation of RNAs, which indicates its regulating role in central nervous system (CNS) development and the remodeling of the cerebrovascular system. Recent studies have shown that altered m6A levels are crucial in the aging process and the onset and progression of age-related diseases. Considering that the incidence of cerebrovascular and degenerative neurologic diseases increase with aging, the importance of m6A in neurological manifestations cannot be ignored. In this manuscript, we focus on the role of m6A methylation in aging and neurological manifestations, hoping to provide a new direction for the molecular mechanism and novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishu Fan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinyi Lv
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuohui Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanyi Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Mermoud JE. The Role of the m 6A RNA Methyltransferase METTL16 in Gene Expression and SAM Homeostasis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122312. [PMID: 36553579 PMCID: PMC9778287 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA methylation of adenosine at the N6-position (m6A) has attracted significant attention because of its abundance and dynamic nature. It accounts for more than 80% of all RNA modifications present in bacteria and eukaryotes and regulates crucial aspects of RNA biology and gene expression in numerous biological processes. The majority of m6A found in mammals is deposited by a multicomponent complex formed between methyltransferase-like (METTL) proteins METTL3 and METTL14. In the last few years, the list of m6A writers has grown, resulting in an expansion of our understanding of the importance of m6A and the methylation machinery. The characterization of the less familiar family member METTL16 has uncovered a new function of the m6A methylation apparatus, namely the fine-tuning of the cellular levels of the major methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). METTL16 achieves this by adjusting the levels of the enzyme that synthesizes SAM in direct response to fluctuations in the SAM availability. This review summarizes recent progress made in understanding how METTL16 can sense and relay metabolic information and considers the wider implications. A brief survey highlights similarities and differences between METTL16 and the better-known METTL3/14 complex, followed by a discussion of the target specificity, modes of action and potential roles of METTL16.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline E Mermoud
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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35
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Zhou W, Xue P, Yang Y, Xia L, Yu B. Research progress on N6-methyladenosine in the human placenta. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:1115-1123. [PMID: 35606944 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most common epigenetic modifications of eukaryotic RNA. Under the jointly reversible regulation of related enzymes, m6A regulates many aspects of RNA, such as translation, stability and degradation. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of m6A in placenta-related diseases. METHODS Data were compiled from 2018 to 2021 citations in PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords: placenta AND N6-methyladenosine. Seven studies were included. RESULTS In this study, we introduced some conventional methods to detect m6A modification at the whole RNA, region (peak) and single base levels. We also summarized the current studies of m6A modification in the placenta and briefly describe m6A in placental-related diseases, including recurrent miscarriage (RM), preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). CONCLUSIONS Although the relevant reports are still in the preliminary stage and some results are inconsistent, studies on methylation m6A modification have contributed new ideas for the research of reproductive diseases, providing a new basis for the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and monitoring of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Zhou
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P.R. China
| | - Pingping Xue
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yuqi Yang
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lin Xia
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P.R. China
| | - Bin Yu
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, P.R. China
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36
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Liu D, Fan B, Li J, Sun T, Ma J, Zhou X, Feng S. N6-methyladenosine modification: A potential regulatory mechanism in spinal cord injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:989637. [PMID: 36212687 PMCID: PMC9539101 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.989637] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an essential post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotes, is closely related to the development of pathological processes in neurological diseases. Notably, spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious traumatic disease of the central nervous system, with a complex pathological mechanism which is still not completely understood. Recent studies have found that m6A modification levels are changed after SCI, and m6A-related regulators are involved in the changes of the local spinal cord microenvironment after injury. However, research on the role of m6A modification in SCI is still in the early stages. This review discusses the latest progress in the dynamic regulation of m6A modification, including methyltransferases (“writers”), demethylases (“erasers”) and m6A -binding proteins (“readers”). And then analyses the pathological mechanism relationship between m6A and the microenvironment after SCI. The biological processes involved included cell death, axon regeneration, and scar formation, which provides new insight for future research on the role of m6A modification in SCI and the clinical transformation of strategies for promoting recovery of spinal cord function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derong Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Baoyou Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinze Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianhu Zhou
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Xianhu Zhou,
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Shiqing Feng,
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37
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Li W, Hao Y, Zhang X, Xu S, Pang D. Targeting RNA N 6-methyladenosine modification: a precise weapon in overcoming tumor immune escape. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:176. [PMID: 36071523 PMCID: PMC9454167 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01652-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has revolutionized the treatment of many types of cancer, particularly advanced-stage cancers. Nevertheless, although a subset of patients experiences dramatic and long-term disease regression in response to ICIs, most patients do not benefit from these treatments. Some may even experience cancer progression. Immune escape by tumor cells may be a key reason for this low response rate. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common type of RNA methylation and has been recognized as a critical regulator of tumors and the immune system. Therefore, m6A modification and related regulators are promising targets for improving the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. However, the association between m6A modification and tumor immune escape (TIE) has not been comprehensively summarized. Therefore, this review summarizes the existing knowledge regarding m6A modifications involved in TIE and their potential mechanisms of action. Moreover, we provide an overview of currently available agents targeting m6A regulators that have been tested for their elevated effects on TIE. This review establishes the association between m6A modifications and TIE and provides new insights and strategies for maximizing the efficacy of immunotherapy by specifically targeting m6A modifications involved in TIE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yi Hao
- Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xingda Zhang
- Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shouping Xu
- Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Da Pang
- Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China. .,Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150086, Heilongjiang, China.
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38
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Rouse WB, O'Leary CA, Booher NJ, Moss WN. Expansion of the RNAStructuromeDB to include secondary structural data spanning the human protein-coding transcriptome. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14515. [PMID: 36008510 PMCID: PMC9403969 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA plays vital functional roles in almost every component of biology, and these functional roles are often influenced by its folding into secondary and tertiary structures. An important role of RNA secondary structure is in maintaining proper gene regulation; therefore, making accurate predictions of the structures involved in these processes is important. In this study, we have expanded on our previous work that led to the creation of the RNAStructuromeDB. Unlike this previous study that analyzed the human genome at low resolution, we have now scanned the protein-coding human transcriptome at high (single nt) resolution. This provides more robust structure predictions for over 100,000 isoforms of known protein-coding genes. Notably, we also utilize the motif identification tool, ScanFold, to model structures with high propensity for ordered/evolved stability. All data have been uploaded to the RNAStructuromeDB, allowing for easy searching of transcripts, visualization of data tracks (via the Integrative Genomics Viewer or IGV), and download of ScanFold data—including unique highly-ordered motifs. Herein, we provide an example analysis of MAT2A to demonstrate the utility of ScanFold at finding known and novel secondary structures, highlighting regions of potential functionality, and guiding generation of functional hypotheses through use of the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren B Rouse
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Collin A O'Leary
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Nicholas J Booher
- Infrastructure and Research IT Services, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Walter N Moss
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
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39
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Shi B, Liu WW, Yang K, Jiang GM, Wang H. The role, mechanism, and application of RNA methyltransferase METTL14 in gastrointestinal cancer. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:163. [PMID: 35974338 PMCID: PMC9380308 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01634-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancer is the most common human malignancy characterized by high lethality and poor prognosis. Emerging evidences indicate that N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotes, exerts important roles in regulating mRNA metabolism including stability, decay, splicing, transport, and translation. As the key component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) catalyzes m6A methylation on mRNA or non-coding RNA to regulate gene expression and cell phenotypes. Dysregulation of METTL14 was deemed to be involved in various aspects of gastrointestinal cancer, such as tumorigenesis, progression, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Plenty of findings have opened up new avenues for exploring the therapeutic potential of gastrointestinal cancer targeting METTL14. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent advances regarding the biological functions of METTL14 in gastrointestinal cancer, discuss its potential clinical applications and propose the research forecast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Shi
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Heifei, China
| | - Wei-Wei Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ke Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guan-Min Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China. .,Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Heifei, China.
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40
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Zhang C, Liu N. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in gynecological malignancies. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3465-3479. [PMID: 35802474 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is one of the most abundant modifications in eukaryotic mRNA, regulated by m6A methyltransferase and demethylase. m6A modified RNA is specifically recognized and bound by m6A recognition proteins, which mediate splicing, maturation, exonucleation, degradation, and translation. In gynecologic malignancies, m6A RNA modification-related molecules are expressed aberrantly, significantly altering the posttranscriptional methylation level of the target genes and their stability. The m6A modification also regulates related metabolic pathways, thereby controlling tumor development. This review analyzes the composition and mode of action of m6A modification-related proteins and their biological functions in the malignant progression of gynecologic malignancies, which provide new ideas for the early clinical diagnosis and targeted therapy of gynecologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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41
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Li C, Gui G, Zhang L, Qin A, Zhou C, Zha X. Overview of Methionine Adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) as an Anticancer Target: Structure, Function, and Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9531-9547. [PMID: 35796517 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the methionine cycle that primarily catalyzes the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) from methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). MAT2A has been recognized as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cancers. Recently, a few MAT2A inhibitors have been reported, and three entered clinical trials to treat solid tumorsor lymphoma with MTAP loss. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of the roles of MAT2A in cancer and the discovery of MAT2A inhibitors. Furthermore, a perspective on the use of MAT2A inhibitors for the treatment of cancer is also discussed. We hope to provide guidance for future drug design and optimization via analysis of the binding modes of known MAT2A inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzheng Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Gang Gui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Anqi Qin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Xiaoming Zha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, China
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42
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Huang W, Kong F, Li R, Chen X, Wang K. Emerging Roles of m 6A RNA Methylation Regulators in Gynecological Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:827956. [PMID: 35155260 PMCID: PMC8831694 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.827956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecological cancers seriously affect the reproductive system of females; diseases include ovarian tumors, uterine tumors, endometrial cancers, cervical cancers, and vulva and vaginal tumors. At present, the diagnosis methods of gynecological cancer are insufficiently sensitive and specific, leading to failure of early disease detection. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays various biological functions in RNA modification and is currently studied extensively. m6A modification controls the fate of transcripts and regulates RNA metabolism and biological processes through the interaction of m6A methyltransferase (“writer”) and demethylase (“erasers”) and the binding protein decoding m6A methylation (“readers”). In the field of epigenetics, m6A modification is a dynamic process of reversible regulation of target RNA through its regulatory factors. It plays an important role in many diseases, especially cancer. However, its role in gynecologic cancers has not been fully investigated. Thus, we review the regulatory mechanism, biological functions, and therapeutic prospects of m6A RNA methylation regulators in gynecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanjun Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University, Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Fanhua Kong
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-based Medical Materials, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruolan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University, Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Kunpeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, China
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Deng LJ, Deng WQ, Fan SR, Chen MF, Qi M, Lyu WY, Qi Q, Tiwari AK, Chen JX, Zhang DM, Chen ZS. m6A modification: recent advances, anticancer targeted drug discovery and beyond. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:52. [PMID: 35164788 PMCID: PMC8842557 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01510-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAbnormal N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is closely associated with the occurrence, development, progression and prognosis of cancer, and aberrant m6A regulators have been identified as novel anticancer drug targets. Both traditional medicine-related approaches and modern drug discovery platforms have been used in an attempt to develop m6A-targeted drugs. Here, we provide an update of the latest findings on m6A modification and the critical roles of m6A modification in cancer progression, and we summarize rational sources for the discovery of m6A-targeted anticancer agents from traditional medicines and computer-based chemosynthetic compounds. This review highlights the potential agents targeting m6A modification for cancer treatment and proposes the advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) in the discovery of m6A-targeting anticancer drugs.
Graphical abstract
Three stages of m6A-targeting anticancer drug discovery: traditional medicine-based natural products, modern chemical modification or synthesis, and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted approaches for the future.
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Liu Q. Current Advances in N6-Methyladenosine Methylation Modification During Bladder Cancer. Front Genet 2022; 12:825109. [PMID: 35087575 PMCID: PMC8787278 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.825109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a dynamic, reversible post-transcriptional modification, and the most common internal modification of eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA). Considerable evidence now shows that m6A alters gene expression, thereby regulating cell self-renewal, differentiation, invasion, and apoptotic processes. M6A methylation disorders are directly related to abnormal RNA metabolism, which may lead to tumor formation. M6A methyltransferase is the dominant catalyst during m6A modification; it removes m6A demethylase, promotes recognition by m6A binding proteins, and regulates mRNA metabolic processes. Bladder cancer (BC) is a urinary system malignant tumor, with complex etiology and high incidence rates. A well-differentiated or moderately differentiated pathological type at initial diagnosis accounts for most patients with BC. For differentiated superficial bladder urothelial carcinoma, the prognosis is normally good after surgery. However, due to poor epithelial cell differentiation, BC urothelial cell proliferation and infiltration may lead to invasive or metastatic BC, which lowers the 5-years survival rate and significantly affects clinical treatments in elderly patients. Here, we review the latest progress in m6A RNA methylation research and investigate its regulation on BC occurrence and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- Department of Urology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
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Zhao Y, Peng H. The Role of N 6-Methyladenosine (m 6A) Methylation Modifications in Hematological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020332. [PMID: 35053496 PMCID: PMC8774242 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020332] [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: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recently, despite the common application of various novel therapies (e.g., immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation) in hematologic tumors, hematologic malignancies remain suboptimal and have a worse prognosis due to the lack of donors and their high heterogeneity. Among them, epigenetic alterations (e.g., the abnormal modification of m6A) are essential to facilitate the progression of tumors and drug resistance. Our purpose in this study is to pinpoint the molecular targets of pathogenesis, as well as to analyze the oncogenic characteristics of m6A modifications. In this article, we, therefore, elaborate on the mechanisms of m6A modification and its role in normal hematopoietic regulation and malignant tumorigenesis, thus contributing to the refinement of molecularly targeted therapies. Abstract Epigenetics is identified as the study of heritable modifications in gene expression and regulation that do not involve DNA sequence alterations, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, etc. Importantly, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification is one of the most common epigenetic modifications of eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA), which plays a key role in various cellular processes. It can not only mediate various RNA metabolic processes such as RNA splicing, translation, and decay under the catalytic regulation of related enzymes but can also affect the normal development of bone marrow hematopoiesis by regulating the self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells in the hematopoietic microenvironment of bone marrow. In recent years, numerous studies have demonstrated that m6A methylation modifications play an important role in the development and progression of hematologic malignancies (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes [MDS], multiple myeloma [MM], etc.). Targeting the inhibition of m6A-associated factors can contribute to increased susceptibility of patients with hematologic malignancies to therapeutic agents. Therefore, this review elaborates on the biological characteristics and normal hematopoietic regulatory functions of m6A methylation modifications and their role in the pathogenesis of hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
- Institute of Hematology, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Hongling Peng
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
- Institute of Hematology, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, Changsha 410011, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-731-85295296
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Bailey J, Douglas H, Masino L, de Carvalho LPS, Argyrou A. Human Mat2A Uses an Ordered Kinetic Mechanism and Is Stabilized but Not Regulated by Mat2B. Biochemistry 2021; 60:3621-3632. [PMID: 34780697 PMCID: PMC8638259 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) catalyzes the adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and l-methionine (l-Met) dependent formation of S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM), the principal methyl donor of most biological transmethylation reactions. We carried out in-depth kinetic studies to further understand its mechanism and interaction with a potential regulator, Mat2B. The initial velocity pattern and results of product inhibition by SAM, phosphate, and pyrophosphate, and dead-end inhibition by the l-Met analog cycloleucine (l-cLeu) suggest that Mat2A follows a strictly ordered kinetic mechanism where ATP binds before l-Met and with SAM released prior to random release of phosphate and pyrophosphate. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) showed binding of ATP to Mat2A with a Kd of 80 ± 30 μM, which is close to the Km(ATP) of 50 ± 10 μM. In contrast, l-Met or l-cLeu showed no binding to Mat2A in the absence of ATP; however, binding to l-cLeu was observed in the presence of ATP. The ITC results are fully consistent with the product and dead-inhibition results obtained. We also carried out kinetic studies in the presence of the physiological regulator Mat2B. Under conditions where all Mat2A is found in complex with Mat2B, no significant change in the kinetic parameters was observed despite confirmation of a very high binding affinity of Mat2A to Mat2B (Kd of 6 ± 1 nM). Finally, we found that while Mat2A is unstable at low concentrations (<100 nM), rapidly losing activity at 37 °C, it retained full activity for at least 2 h when Mat2B was present at the known 2:1 Mat2A/Mat2B stoichiometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Bailey
- Mycobacterial Metabolism and Antibiotic Research Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom.,Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Holly Douglas
- Mycobacterial Metabolism and Antibiotic Research Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Masino
- Structural Biology Scientific Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Luiz Pedro Sorio de Carvalho
- Mycobacterial Metabolism and Antibiotic Research Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Argyrides Argyrou
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
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Zhang Z, Wei W, Wang H, Dong J. N6-Methyladenosine-Sculpted Regulatory Landscape of Noncoding RNA. Front Oncol 2021; 11:743990. [PMID: 34722298 PMCID: PMC8554331 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.743990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The exploration of dynamic N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in mammalian cells has attracted great interest in recent years. M6A modification plays pivotal roles in multiple biological and pathological processes, including cellular reprogramming, fertility, senescence, and tumorigenesis. In comparison with growing research unraveling the effects of m6A modifications on eukaryotic messenger RNAs, reports of the association between noncoding RNAs and m6A modification are relatively limited. Noncoding RNAs that undergo m6A modification are capable of regulating gene expression and also play an important role in epigenetic regulation. Moreover, the homeostasis of m6A modification can be affected by noncoding RNAs across a broad spectrum of biological activities. Importantly, fine-tuning and interaction between these processes are responsible for cell development, as well as the initiation and progression of the disease. Hence, in this review, we provide an account of recent developments, revealing biological interactions between noncoding RNAs and m6A modification, and discuss the potential clinical applications of interfering with m6A modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyuan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jiangning Dong
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, Hefei, China
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Yan Y, Peng J, Liang Q, Ren X, Cai Y, Peng B, Chen X, Wang X, Yi Q, Xu Z. Dynamic m6A-ncRNAs association and their impact on cancer pathogenesis, immune regulation and therapeutic response. Genes Dis 2021; 10:135-150. [PMID: 37013031 PMCID: PMC10066278 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Several types of modifications have been proven to participate in the metabolism and processing of different RNA types, including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). N-6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a dynamic and reversible RNA modification that is closely involved in the ncRNA homeostasis, and serves as a crucial regulator for multiple cancer-associated signaling pathways. The ncRNAs usually regulate the epigenetic modification, mRNA transcription and other biological processes, displaying enormous roles in human cancers. In this review, we summarized the significant implications of m6A-ncRNA interaction in various types of cancers. In particular, the interplay between m6A and ncRNAs in cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance are being widely recognized. We also discussed the relevance of m6A-ncRNA interaction in immune regulation, followed by the interference on cancer immunotherapeutic procedures. In addition, we briefly highlighted the computation tools that could identify the accurate features of m6A methylome among ncRNAs. In summary, this review would pave the way for a better understanding of the biological functions of m6A-ncRNA crosstalk in cancer research and treatment.
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