1
|
Hasan M, Nishat ZS, Hasan MS, Hossain T, Ghosh A. Identification of m 6A RNA methylation genes in Oryza sativa and expression profiling in response to different developmental and environmental stimuli. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 38:101677. [PMID: 38511186 PMCID: PMC10950732 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101677] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) transcend their predominant function of protein encoding by incorporating auxiliary components that ultimately contribute to their processing, transportation, translation, and decay. In doing so, additional layers of modifications are incorporated in mRNAs at post-transcriptional stage. Among them, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most frequently found mRNA modification that plays crucial roles in plant development and stress response. In the overall mechanism of m6A methylation, key proteins classified based on their functions such as writers, readers, and erasers dynamically add, read, and subtract methyl groups respectively to deliver relevant functions in response to external stimuli. In this study, we identified 30 m6A regulatory genes (9 writers, 5 erasers, and 16 readers) in rice that encode 53 proteins (13 writers, 7 erasers, and 33 readers) where segmental duplication was found in one writer and four reader gene pairs. Reproductive cells such as sperm, anther and panicle showed high levels of expression for most of the m6A regulatory genes. Notably, writers like OsMTA, OsMTD, and OsMTC showed varied responses in different stress and infection contexts, with initial upregulation in response to early exposure followed by downregulation later. OsALKBH9A, a noteworthy eraser, displayed varied expression in response to different stresses at different time intervals, but upregulation in certain infections. Reader genes like OsECT5, OsCPSF30-L3, and OsECT8 showed continuous upregulation in exertion of all kinds of stress relevant here. Conversely, other reader genes along with OsECT11 and OsCPSF30-L2 were observed to be consistently downregulated. The apparent correlation between the expression patterns of m6A regulatory genes and stress modulation pathways in this study underscores the need for additional research to unravel their intricate regulatory mechanisms that could ultimately contribute to the substantial development of enhanced stress tolerance in rice through mRNA modification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Md. Soyib Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Tanvir Hossain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Ajit Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li SR, Kang NN, Wang RR, Li MD, Chen LH, Zhou P, Xu DX, Zhao H, Fu L. ALKBH5 SUMOylation-mediated FBXW7 m6A modification regulates alveolar cells senescence during 1-nitropyrene-induced pulmonary fibrosis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133704. [PMID: 38364577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Our previous study revealed that 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) exposure evoked pulmonary fibrosis in mice. However, the exact mechanism remained elusive. We found that 1-NP induced telomere damage and cellular senescence in mice lungs, and two alveolar epithelial cells lines. 1-NP downregulated telomere repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2), and upregulated FBXW7. Mechanistically, 1-NP-caused TRF2 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation depended on E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of FBXW7. Moreover, 1-NP upregulated FBXW7 m6A modification via an ALKBH5-YTHDF1-dependent manner. Further analysis suggested 1-NP promoted ALKBH5 SUMOylation and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Additionally, 1-NP evoked mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) overproduction. Mito-TEMPO, a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, mitigated 1-NP-caused mtROS overproduction, ALKBH5 SUMOylation, FBXW7 m6A modification, TRF2 degradation, cellular senescence, and pulmonary fibrosis. Taken together, mtROS-initiated ALKBH5 SUMOylation and subsequent FBXW7 m6A modification is indispensable for TRF2 degradation and cellular senescence in alveolar epithelial cells during 1-NP-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Our study provides target intervention measures towards 1-NP-evoked pulmonary fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ruo Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Ning-Ning Kang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Rong-Rong Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Meng-Die Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Li-Hong Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
| | - Lin Fu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Peng K, Xia RP, Zhao F, Xiao Y, Ma TD, Li M, Feng Y, Zhou CG. ALKBH5 facilitates the progression of infantile hemangioma by increasing FOXF1 expression in a m 6A-YTHDF2 dependent manner to activate HK-2 signaling. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-04936-y. [PMID: 38306011 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-04936-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Alkylation repair homolog protein 5 (ALKBH5) is reported to participate in infantile hemangioma (IH) progression. However, the underlying mechanism of ALKBH5 in IH remains unclear. Using qRT-PCR and Western blotting, ALKBH5, forkhead box F1 (FOXF1) and hexokinase 2 (HK-2) expressions in IH tissues and IH-derived endothelial cells XPTS-1 were assessed. The Me-RIP assay was used to analyze FOXF1 m6A level. CCK8, colony formation, flow cytometry and transwell assays were employed to determine IH cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. The interactions between YTH (YT521-B homology) domain 2 (YTHDF2), FOXF1 and HK-2 were analyzed by RIP, dual luciferase reporter gene assay and/or ChIP assay. The in vivo IH growth was evaluated in immunocompromised mice. FOXF1 was overexpressed in IH tissues, and its silencing inhibited IH cell proliferation, migration and invasion whereas promoting cell apoptosis in vitro. ALKBH5 upregulation facilitated FOXF1 mRNA stability and expression in IH cells in a m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. FOXF1 downregulation reversed the impact of ALKBH5 upregulation on IH cellular phenotypes. It also turned out that FOXF1 positively regulated HK-2 expression in IH cells through interacting with the HK-2 promoter. HK-2 upregulation abolished FOXF1 knockdown's inhibition on IH cell aggressive behaviors. ALKBH5 or FOXF1 silencing suppressed IH tumor development via HK-2 signaling in immunocompromised mice. ALKBH5 promoted FOXF1 expression m6A-YTHDF2 dependently, which in turn elevated HK-2 expression, thereby accelerating IH development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Peng
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, No.86, Ziyuan Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ren-Peng Xia
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, No.86, Ziyuan Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Zhao
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, No.86, Ziyuan Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Xiao
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, No.86, Ziyuan Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ti-Dong Ma
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, No.86, Ziyuan Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, No.86, Ziyuan Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Feng
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, No.86, Ziyuan Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong-Gao Zhou
- Department of Fetal and Neonatal Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, No.86, Ziyuan Road, Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang YZ, Li HY, Zhang Y, Jiang RX, Xu J, Gu J, Jiang Z, Jiang ZY, You QD, Guo XK. Discovery of Pyrazolo[1,5- a]pyrimidine Derivative as a Novel and Selective ALKBH5 Inhibitor for the Treatment of AML. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15944-15959. [PMID: 37983486 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01374] [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: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
M6A (N6-methyladenosine) plays a significant role in regulating RNA processing, splicing, nucleation, translation, and stability. AlkB homologue 5 (ALKBH5) is an Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate (2-OG)-dependent dioxygenase that demethylates mono- or dimethylated adenosines. ALKBH5 can be regarded as an oncogenic factor for various human cancers. However, the discovery of potent and selective ALKBH5 inhibitors remains a challenge. We identified DDO-2728 as a novel and selective inhibitor of ALKBH5 by structure-based virtual screening and optimization. DDO-2728 was not a 2-oxoglutarate analogue and could selectively inhibit the demethylase activity of ALKBH5 over FTO. DDO-2728 increased the abundance of m6A modifications in AML cells, reduced the mRNA stability of TACC3, and inhibited cell cycle progression. Furthermore, DDO-2728 significantly suppressed tumor growth in the MV4-11 xenograft mouse model and showed a favorable safety profile. Collectively, our results highlight the development of a selective probe for ALKBH5 that will pave the way for the further study of ALKBH5 targeting therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hong-Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Rui-Xin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jing Gu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng-Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao-Ke Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li F, Wang Y, Zhang J. Kinetic isotope effect study of N-6 methyladenosine chemical demethylation in bicarbonate-activated peroxide system. J Chem Phys 2023; 159:124103. [PMID: 38127372 DOI: 10.1063/5.0169285] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
N-6 methyladenosine is the most abundant nucleic acid modification in eukaryotes and plays a crucial role in gene regulation. The AlkB family of alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases is responsible for nucleic acid demethylation. Recent studies have discovered that a chemical demethylation system using hydrogen peroxide and ammonium bicarbonate can effectively demethylate nucleic acids. The addition of ferrous ammonium sulfate boosts the oxidation rate by forming a Fenton reagent with hydrogen peroxide. However, the specific mechanism and key steps of this process remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the influence of ferrous ammonium sulfate concentration on the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) of the chemical demethylation system using LC-MS. As the concentration of ferrous ions increases, the observed KIE decreases from 1.377 ± 0.020 to 1.120 ± 0.016, indicating a combination of the primary isotope effect and inverse α-secondary isotope effect with the ion pairing effect. We propose that the initial hydrogen extraction is the rate-limiting step and observe a tight transition state structure in the formation of the hm6A process through the analysis of KIE trends. The concentration-dependent KIE provides a novel perspective on the mechanism of chemical demethylation and offers a chemical model for enzyme-catalyzed demethylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangya Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianyu Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang D, Zheng T, Zhou S, Liu M, Liu Y, Gu X, Mao S, Yu B. Promoting axon regeneration by inhibiting RNA N6-methyladenosine demethylase ALKBH5. eLife 2023; 12:e85309. [PMID: 37535403 PMCID: PMC10400074 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A key limiting factor of successful axon regeneration is the intrinsic regenerative ability in both the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS). Previous studies have identified intrinsic regenerative ability regulators that act on gene expression in injured neurons. However, it is less known whether RNA modifications play a role in this process. Here, we systematically screened the functions of all common m6A modification-related enzymes in axon regeneration and report ALKBH5, an evolutionarily conserved RNA m6A demethylase, as a regulator of axonal regeneration in rodents. In PNS, knockdown of ALKBH5 enhanced sensory axonal regeneration, whereas overexpressing ALKBH5 impaired axonal regeneration in an m6A-dependent manner. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 increased the stability of Lpin2 mRNA and thus limited regenerative growth associated lipid metabolism in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Moreover, in CNS, knockdown of ALKBH5 enhanced the survival and axonal regeneration of retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve injury. Together, our results suggest a novel mechanism regulating axon regeneration and point ALKBH5 as a potential target for promoting axon regeneration in both PNS and CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Tiemei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Songlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Mingwen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Yaobo Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University; Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Susu Mao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong UniversityNantongChina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang W, Li X, Qian Q, Yan J, Huang H, Wang X, Wang H. Mechanistic exploration on neurodevelopmental toxicity induced by upregulation of alkbh5 targeted by triclosan exposure to larval zebrafish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131831. [PMID: 37320907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Because triclosan (TCS) has been confirmed to cause severe neurotoxicity, it is urgent to disclose the underlying toxicity mechanisms at varying levels. TCS exposure resulted in a series of malformations in larval zebrafish, including reduced neurons, blood-vessel ablation and abnormal neurobehavior. Apoptosis staining and the upregulated expression of proapoptotic genes demonstrated that TCS induced neuronal apoptosis and neurotransmitter disorders. By integrating RT-qPCR analysis with the effects of pathway inhibitors and agonists, we found that TCS triggered abnormal regulation of neuron development-related functional genes, and suppressed the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway. TCS inhibited total m6A-RNA modification level by activating the demethylase ALKBH5, and induced neurodevelopmental toxicity based on the knockdown experiments of alkbh5 and molecular docking. The main novelties of this study lies in: (1) based on specific staining and transgenic lines, the differential neurotoxicity effects of TCS were unravelled at individual, physiological, biochemical and molecular levels in vivo; (2) from a epigenetics viewpoint, the decreasing m6A methylation level was confirmed to be mediated by alkbh5 upregulation; and (3) both homology modeling and molecular docking evidenced the targeting action of TCS on ALKBH5 enzyme. These findings open a novel avene for TCS's risk assessment and early intervention of the contaminant-sourcing diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Xin Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Qiuhui Qian
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Jin Yan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Haishan Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xuedong Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
| | - Huili Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Peng Z, Ma J, Christov CZ, Karabencheva-Christova T, Lehnert N, Li D. Kinetic Studies on the 2-Oxoglutarate/Fe(II)-Dependent Nucleic Acid Modifying Enzymes from the AlkB and TET Families. DNA 2023; 3:65-84. [PMID: 38698914 PMCID: PMC11065319 DOI: 10.3390/dna3020005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid methylations are important genetic and epigenetic biomarkers. The formation and removal of these markers is related to either methylation or demethylation. In this review, we focus on the demethylation or oxidative modification that is mediated by the 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG)/Fe(II)-dependent AlkB/TET family enzymes. In the catalytic process, most enzymes oxidize 2-OG to succinate, in the meantime oxidizing methyl to hydroxymethyl, leaving formaldehyde and generating demethylated base. The AlkB enzyme from Escherichia coli has nine human homologs (ALKBH1-8 and FTO) and the TET family includes three members, TET1 to 3. Among them, some enzymes have been carefully studied, but for certain enzymes, few studies have been carried out. This review focuses on the kinetic properties of those 2-OG/Fe(II)-dependent enzymes and their alkyl substrates. We also provide some discussions on the future directions of this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Peng
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Jian Ma
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Christo Z. Christov
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | | | - Nicolai Lehnert
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Deyu Li
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pan J, Huang T, Deng Z, Zou C. Roles and therapeutic implications of m6A modification in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1132601. [PMID: 36960074 PMCID: PMC10028070 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1132601] [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: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant, dynamic, and reversible epigenetic RNA modification in eukaryotes, is regulated by a series of enzymes, including methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and m6A recognition proteins (readers). Aberrant regulation of m6A modification is pivotal for tumorigenesis, progression, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis of malignant tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer treatment, as recognized by the 2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology. However, not all cancer patients response to ICI therapy, which is thought to be the result of intricate immune escape mechanisms. Recently, numerous studies have suggested a novel role for m6A epigenetic modification in the regulation of tumor immune evasion. Herein, we review the relevant mechanisms of m6A regulators in regulating various key signaling pathways in cancer biology and how m6A epigenetic modifications regulate the expression of immune checkpoints, opening a new window to understand the roles and mechanisms of m6A epigenetic modifications in regulating tumor immune evasion. In addition, we highlight the prospects and development directions of future combined immunotherapy strategies based on m6A modification targeting, providing directions for promoting the treatment outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pan
- National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Clinical Medical Research Center, The 2nd Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People’s Hospital) of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tuxiong Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhenjun Deng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University (Shenzhen People’s Hospital), Shenzhen, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chang Zou
- National Center for International Research of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Clinical Medical Research Center, The 2nd Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People’s Hospital) of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Public Service Platform On Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Chang Zou,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The Critical Role of RNA m6A Methylation in Gliomas: Targeting the Hallmarks of Cancer. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2022:10.1007/s10571-022-01283-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01283-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
11
|
Fang Z, Mu B, Liu Y, Guo N, Xiong L, Guo Y, Xia A, Zhang R, Zhang H, Yao R, Fan Y, Li L, Yang S, Xiang R. Discovery of a potent, selective and cell active inhibitor of m 6A demethylase ALKBH5. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114446. [PMID: 35597008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) is an RNA m6A demethylase involved in the regulation of genes transcription, translation and metabolism and has been considered as a promising therapeutic target for various human diseases, especially cancers. However, there is still a lack of potent and selective ALKBH5 inhibitors. Herein, we report a new class of ALKBH5 inhibitors containing the 1-aryl-1H-pyrazole scaffold, which were obtained through fluorescence polarization-based screening, structural optimization and structure-activity relationship analysis. Among these compounds, 20m was the most potent one, which showed an IC50 value of 0.021 μM in fluorescence polarization assay. Compound 20m exhibited high selectivity towards ALKBH5 versus FTO as well as other AlkB subfamily members, indicating good selectivity for ALKBH5. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) analysis showed that 20m could efficiently stabilize ALKBH5 in HepG2 cells. Dot blot assay demonstrated that 20m could increase m6A level in intact cells. Collectively, 20m is a potent, selective and cell active ALKBH5 inhibitor and could be used as a versatile chemical probe to explore the biological function of ALKBH5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Fang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Bo Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Nihong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Liang Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yinping Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Anjie Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Hailin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Rui Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Linli Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
| | - Rong Xiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hong S, Shen X, Cheng J, Tang H, Sun F. Comprehensive Analysis of the Transcriptome-Wide m6A Methylation in Mouse Pachytene Spermatocytes and Round Spermatids. Front Genet 2022; 13:832677. [PMID: 35368708 PMCID: PMC8968445 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.832677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, an efficient and complex system in male germline development, requires a series of elaborately regulated genetic events in which diploid spermatogonia differentiate into haploid spermatozoa. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an important epigenetic RNA modification that occurs during spermatogenesis. ALKBH5 is an m6A eraser and knocking out Alkbh5 increases the level of total m6A methylation and causes male infertility. In this study, comprehensive analyses of MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq data revealed differences between wild-type (WT) and Alkbh5 knockout (KO) mice. In pachytene spermatocytes (PA), 8,151 m6A peaks associated with 9,959 genes were tested from WT and 10,856 m6A peaks associated with 10,016 genes were tested from KO mice. In the round spermatids (RO), 10,271 m6A peaks associated with 10,109 genes were tested from WT mice and 9,559 m6A peaks associated with 10,138 genes were tested from KO mice. The peaks were mainly concentrated in the coding region and the stop codon of the GGAC motif. In addition, enrichment analysis showed significant m6A methylation genes in related pathways in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we conducted joint analyses of the m6A methylome and RNA transcription, suggesting an m6A regulatory mechanism of gene expression. Finally, seven differentially expressed mRNAs from RNA-seq data in both PA and RO were verified using qPCR. Overall, our study provides new information on m6A modification changes between WT and KO in PA and RO, and may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of m6A modification in germ cell development and spermatogenesis.
Collapse
|
13
|
Sun W, Li Y, Ma D, Liu Y, Xu Q, Cheng D, Li G, Ni C. ALKBH5 promotes lung fibroblast activation and silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis through miR-320a-3p and FOXM1. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:26. [PMID: 35279083 PMCID: PMC8917683 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00329-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common and abundant internal modification of RNA. Its critical functions in multiple physiological and pathological processes have been reported. However, the role of m6A in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), a well-known m6A demethylase, is upregulated in the silica-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model. Here, we sought to investigate the function of ALKBH5 in pulmonary fibrosis triggered by silica inhalation. Methods We performed studies with fibroblast cell lines and silica-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis models. The expression of ALKBH5, miR-320a-3p, and forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays and m6A RNA immunoprecipitation assays (MeRIP), western bolt, immunofluorescence assays, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) fluorescence staining were performed to explore the roles of ALKBH5, miR-320a-3p, and FOXM1 in fibroblast activation. Results ALKBH5 expression was increased in silica-inhaled mouse lung tissues and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-stimulated fibroblasts. Moreover, ALKBH5 knockdown exerted antifibrotic effects in vitro. Simultaneously, downregulation of ALKBH5 elevated miR-320a-3p but decreased pri-miR-320a-3p. Mechanically, ALKBH5 demethylated pri-miR-320a-3p, thus blocking the microprocessor protein DGCR8 from interacting with pri-miR-320a-3p and leading to mature process blockage of pri-miR-320a-3p. We further demonstrated that miR-320a-3p could regulate fibrosis by targeting FOXM1 messenger RNA (mRNA) 3′-untranslated region (UTR). Notably, our study also verified that ALKBH5 could also directly regulate FOXM1 in an m6A-dependent manner. Conclusions Our findings suggest that ALKBH5 promotes silica-induced lung fibrosis via the miR-320a-3p/FOXM1 axis or targeting FOXM1 directly. Approaches aimed at ALKBH5 may be efficacious in treating lung fibrosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11658-022-00329-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Sun
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Dongyu Ma
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Demin Cheng
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Guanru Li
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chunhui Ni
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Perry GS, Das M, Woon ECY. Inhibition of AlkB Nucleic Acid Demethylases: Promising New Epigenetic Targets. J Med Chem 2021; 64:16974-17003. [PMID: 34792334 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The AlkB family of nucleic acid demethylases is currently of intense chemical, biological, and medical interest because of its critical roles in several key cellular processes, including epigenetic gene regulation, RNA metabolism, and DNA repair. Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulation of AlkB demethylases may underlie the pathogenesis of several human diseases, particularly obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Hence there is strong interest in developing selective inhibitors for these enzymes to facilitate their mechanistic and functional studies and to validate their therapeutic potential. Herein we review the remarkable advances made over the past 20 years in AlkB demethylase inhibition research. We discuss the rational design of reported inhibitors, their mode-of-binding, selectivity, cellular activity, and therapeutic opportunities. We further discuss unexplored structural elements of the AlkB subfamilies and propose potential strategies to enable subfamily selectivity. It is hoped that this perspective will inspire novel inhibitor design and advance drug discovery research in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma S Perry
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Mohua Das
- Lab of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Esther C Y Woon
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gameiro PA, Encheva V, Dos Santos MS, MacRae JI, Ule J. Metabolic turnover and dynamics of modified ribonucleosides by 13C labeling. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101294. [PMID: 34634303 PMCID: PMC8567201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is an accurate tool to assess modified ribonucleosides and their dynamics in mammalian cells. However, MS/MS quantification of lowly abundant modifications in non-ribosomal RNAs is unreliable, and the dynamic features of various modifications are poorly understood. Here, we developed a 13C labeling approach, called 13C-dynamods, to quantify the turnover of base modifications in newly transcribed RNA. This turnover-based approach helped to resolve mRNA from ncRNA modifications in purified RNA or free ribonucleoside samples and showed the distinct kinetics of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) versus 7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification in polyA+-purified RNA. We uncovered that N6,N6-dimethyladenosine (m62A) exhibits distinct turnover in small RNAs and free ribonucleosides when compared to known m62A-modified large rRNAs. Finally, combined measurements of turnover and abundance of these modifications informed on the transcriptional versus posttranscriptional sensitivity of modified ncRNAs and mRNAs, respectively, to stress conditions. Thus, 13C-dynamods enables studies of the origin of modified RNAs at steady-state and subsequent dynamics under nonstationary conditions. These results open new directions to probe the presence and biological regulation of modifications in particular RNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo A Gameiro
- RNA Networks Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
| | - Vesela Encheva
- Mass Spectrometry Science Technology Platform, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - James I MacRae
- Mass Spectrometry Science Technology Platform, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Jernej Ule
- RNA Networks Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li L, Zhou M, Chen B, Wang Q, Pan S, Hou Y, Xia J, Zhou X. ALKBH5 promotes cadmium-induced transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells by regulating PTEN expression in an m6A-dependent manner. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 224:112686. [PMID: 34438274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium is a carcinogenic heavy metal that poses a severe threat to human beings. The underlying mechanism, however, remains elusive. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant post-transcriptional modification in mRNA that regulates RNA metabolism. Emerging evidence shows that m6A is involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. In this study, human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were transformed by exposing to 2 μM of cadmium for 20 weeks to investigate the role of m6A in cadmium carcinogenesis. We found the level of m6A in mRNA was significantly decreased in cadmium-transformed BEAS-2B cells, and this change was regulated by m6A demethylase ALKBH5. ALKBH5 was significantly upregulated in the middle and late stages of cell transformation at week 8, 12, 16 and 20. Knockdown of ALKBH5 in cadmium-transformed cells alleviated cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth, but co-transfection with ALKBH5 siRNA and PTEN siRNA restored the inhibitory effects of ALKBH5 knockdown on those transformation properties. ALKBH5 decreased the m6A level of PTEN mRNA, resulting in its instability and reduction of PTEN protein expression. These results indicate that ALKBH5-mediated demethylation m6A at PTEN mRNA is involved in cadmium-induced cell transformation. Our study provides a new perspective for the involvement of m6A modification in cadmium carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Biyun Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Shuya Pan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Yaxuan Hou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Jiamin Xia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Feng L, Fan Y, Zhou J, Li S, Zhang X. The RNA demethylase ALKBH5 promotes osteoblast differentiation by modulating Runx2 mRNA stability. FEBS Lett 2021; 595:2007-2014. [PMID: 34105773 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) has been reported as a key m6A demethylase that is involved in development and diseases; however, the function of ALKBH5 in osteogenesis remains unknown. In this study, we report that ALKBH5 mRNA and protein expression were upregulated during osteoblast differentiation and that ALKBH5 knockdown suppressed osteoblast differentiation, mineralization, and the expression of osteogenic biomarkers. Conversely, ALKBH5 overexpression promoted osteogenesis. Moreover, the expression of wild-type ALKBH5, but not the m6A-modified active site mutant ALKBH5, could rescue ALKBH5 knockdown-induced osteogenesis inhibition. Furthermore, knockdown of ALKBH5 significantly impaired the mRNA stability of the transcription factor Runx2, which plays a key role in osteoblast differentiation. Taken together, our results suggest that ALKBH5 promotes osteogenesis through modulating Runx2 mRNA stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Feng
- Department of Paediatrics, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, China
| | - Yunshan Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjun Zhou
- Department of Paediatrics, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, China
| | - Shuangshuang Li
- Department of Paediatrics, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Department of Paediatrics, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mathoux J, Henshall DC, Brennan GP. Regulatory Mechanisms of the RNA Modification m 6A and Significance in Brain Function in Health and Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:671932. [PMID: 34093133 PMCID: PMC8170084 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.671932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications have emerged as an additional layer of regulatory complexity governing the function of almost all species of RNA. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the addition of methyl groups to adenine residues, is the most abundant and well understood RNA modification. The current review discusses the regulatory mechanisms governing m6A, how this influences neuronal development and function and how aberrant m6A signaling may contribute to neurological disease. M6A is known to regulate the stability of mRNA, the processing of microRNAs and function/processing of tRNAs among other roles. The development of antibodies against m6A has facilitated the application of next generation sequencing to profile methylated RNAs in both health and disease contexts, revealing the extent of this transcriptomic modification. The mechanisms by which m6A is deposited, processed, and potentially removed are increasingly understood. Writer enzymes include METTL3 and METTL14 while YTHDC1 and YTHDF1 are key reader proteins, which recognize and bind the m6A mark. Finally, FTO and ALKBH5 have been identified as potential erasers of m6A, although there in vivo activity and the dynamic nature of this modification requires further study. M6A is enriched in the brain and has emerged as a key regulator of neuronal activity and function in processes including neurodevelopment, learning and memory, synaptic plasticity, and the stress response. Changes to m6A have recently been linked with Schizophrenia and Alzheimer disease. Elucidating the functional consequences of m6A changes in these and other brain diseases may lead to novel insight into disease pathomechanisms, molecular biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justine Mathoux
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David C Henshall
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gary P Brennan
- FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bayoumi M, Munir M. Structural Insights Into m6A-Erasers: A Step Toward Understanding Molecule Specificity and Potential Antiviral Targeting. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:587108. [PMID: 33511112 PMCID: PMC7835257 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.587108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular RNA can acquire a variety of chemical modifications during the cell cycle, and compelling pieces of evidence highlight the importance of these modifications in determining the metabolism of RNA and, subsequently, cell physiology. Among myriads of modifications, methylation at the N6-position of adenosine (m6A) is the most important and abundant internal modification in the messenger RNA. The m6A marks are installed by methyltransferase complex proteins (writers) in the majority of eukaryotes and dynamically reversed by demethylases such as FTO and ALKBH5 (erasers). The incorporated m6A marks on the RNA transcripts are recognized by m6A-binding proteins collectively called readers. Recent epigenetic studies have unequivocally highlighted the association of m6A demethylases with a range of biomedical aspects, including human diseases, cancers, and metabolic disorders. Moreover, the mechanisms of demethylation by m6A erasers represent a new frontier in the future basic research on RNA biology. In this review, we focused on recent advances describing various physiological, pathological, and viral regulatory roles of m6A erasers. Additionally, we aim to analyze structural insights into well-known m6A-demethylases in assessing their substrate binding-specificity, efficiency, and selectivity. Knowledge on cellular and viral RNA metabolism will shed light on m6A-specific recognition by demethylases and will provide foundations for the future development of efficacious therapeutic agents to various cancerous conditions and open new avenues for the development of antivirals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Bayoumi
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.,Virology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Munir
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Xu B, Liu D, Wang Z, Tian R, Zuo Y. Multi-substrate selectivity based on key loops and non-homologous domains: new insight into ALKBH family. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:129-141. [PMID: 32642789 PMCID: PMC11072825 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03594-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AlkB homologs (ALKBH) are a family of specific demethylases that depend on Fe2+ and α-ketoglutarate to catalyze demethylation on different substrates, including ssDNA, dsDNA, mRNA, tRNA, and proteins. Previous studies have made great progress in determining the sequence, structure, and molecular mechanism of the ALKBH family. Here, we first review the multi-substrate selectivity of the ALKBH demethylase family from the perspective of sequence and structural evolution. The construction of the phylogenetic tree and the comparison of key loops and non-homologous domains indicate that the paralogs with close evolutionary relationship have similar domain compositions. The structures show that the lack and variations of four key loops change the shape of clefts to cause the differences in substrate affinity, and non-homologous domains may be related to the compatibility of multiple substrates. We anticipate that the new insights into selectivity determinants of the ALKBH family are useful for understanding the demethylation mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baofang Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Dongyang Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
- Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zerong Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Ruixia Tian
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Yongchun Zuo
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang J, Wang J, Gu Q, Ma Y, Yang Y, Zhu J, Zhang Q. The biological function of m6A demethylase ALKBH5 and its role in human disease. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:347. [PMID: 32742194 PMCID: PMC7388453 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01450-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human AlkB homolog H5 (ALKBH5) is a primary m6A demethylase, which is dysregulated and acts as a biological and pharmacological role in human cancers or non-cancers. ALKBH5 plays a dual role in various cancers through regulating kinds of biological processes, such as proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis and tumor growth. In addition, it takes a great part in human non-cancer, including reproductive system diseases. The underlying regulatory mechanisms of ALKBH5 that relys on m6A-dependent modification are implicated with long non-coding RNA, cancer stem cell, autophagy and hypoxia. ALKBH5 is also an independent prognostic indicator in various cancers. In this review, we summarized the current evidence on ALKBH5 in diverse human cancers or non-cancers and its potential as a prognostic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jiangning Hospital, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000 China.,Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Jinqiu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Dafeng People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224000 China
| | - Quan Gu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Yajun Ma
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jiangning Hospital, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jiangning Hospital, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jiangning Hospital, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Quan'an Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Jiangning Hospital, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yao W, Han X, Ge M, Chen C, Xiao X, Li H, Hei Z. N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) methylation in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:478. [PMID: 32581252 PMCID: PMC7314846 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2686-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is common during surgery and often results in organ dysfunction. The mechanisms of I/R injury are complex, diverse, and not well understood. RNA methylation is a novel epigenetic modification that is involved in the regulation of various biological processes, such as immunity, response to DNA damage, tumorigenesis, metastasis, stem cell renewal, fat differentiation, circadian rhythms, cell development and differentiation, and cell division. Research on RNA modifications, specifically N6-methyladenosine (m6A), have confirmed that they are involved in the regulation of organ I/R injury. In this review, we summarized current understanding of the regulatory roles and significance of m6A RNA methylation in I/R injury in different organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Mian Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Chaojin Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Haobo Li
- Department of Corrigan-Minehan Heart Center and Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Ziqing Hei
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rajecka V, Skalicky T, Vanacova S. The role of RNA adenosine demethylases in the control of gene expression. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1862:343-355. [PMID: 30550773 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
RNA modifications are being recognized as an essential factor in gene expression regulation. They play essential roles in germ line development, differentiation and disease. In eukaryotic mRNAs, N6-adenosine methylation (m6A) is the most prevalent internal chemical modification identified to date. The m6A pathway involves factors called writers, readers and erasers. m6A thus offers an interesting concept of dynamic reversible modification with implications in fine-tuning the cellular metabolism. In mammals, FTO and ALKBH5 have been initially identified as m6A erasers. Recently, FTO m6A specificity has been debated as new reports identify FTO targeting N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am). The two adenosine demethylases have diverse roles in the metabolism of mRNAs and their activity is involved in key processes, such as embryogenesis, disease or infection. In this article, we review the current knowledge of their function and mechanisms and discuss the existing contradictions in the field. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: mRNA modifications in gene expression control edited by Dr. Soller Matthias and Dr. Fray Rupert.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Rajecka
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Skalicky
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Stepanka Vanacova
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|