The complex roles of m 6 A modifications in neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal and implications for memory and neurodegenerative diseases

Emerging importance of m6A modification in liver cancer and its potential therapeutic role

Liver cancer refers to malignant tumors that form in the liver and is usually divided into several types, the most common of which is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which originates in liver cells. Other rare types of liver cancer include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). m6A modification is a chemical modification of RNA that usually manifests as the addition of a methyl group to adenine in the RNA molecule to form N6-methyladenosine. This modification exerts a critical role in various biological processes by regulating the metabolism of RNA, affecting gene expression. Recent studies have shown that m6A modification is closely related to the occurrence and development of liver cancer, and m6A regulators can further participate in the pathogenesis of liver cancer by regulating the expression of key genes and the function of specific cells. In this review, we provided an overview of the latest advances in m6A modification in liver cancer research and explored in detail the specific functions of different m6A regulators. Meanwhile, we deeply analyzed the mechanisms and roles of m6A modification in liver cancer, aiming to provide novel insights and references for the search for potential therapeutic targets. Finally, we discussed the prospects and challenges of targeting m6A regulators in liver cancer therapy.

Identification of ferroptosis-related gene signatures in temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis

Background

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death that damages neurons in the central nervous system. In this study, we aimed to construct ferroptosis-related gene signatures in temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) and explore their diagnostic role in TLE-HS.

Methods

The GSE205661 dataset was acquired for training purposes, while the GSE71058 was obtained to serve as the validation dataset. Subsequently, ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (FR-DEGs) in TLE-HS were further analyzed. We used weighed gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) algorithm, single-factor logistic regression analysis, and LASSO algorithm to screen characteristic FR-DEGs. Then, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to evaluate the value of these characteristic genes in disease diagnosis. Finally, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-microRNA (miRNA)-messenger RNA (mRNA) network was constructed.

Results

We identified 141 FR-DEGs in TLE-HS, and these genes were enriched in T-cell activation involved in immune response and signaling pathways related to lipids and atherosclerosis. Further WGCNA was performed to select 47 overlapping FR-DEGs, which were significantly enriched in 13 biological processes and 14 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, including the negative regulation of apoptotic process and ferroptosis. Four genes, namely PDK4, SMPD1, GPT2, and METTL14, were identified as signature genes in TLE-HS. Moreover, the ROC derived from the four genes in GSE205661 and GSE71058 for predicting TLE-HS had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.988 and 0.929, respectively. Furthermore, the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network constructed from the 4 FR-DEGs consisted of 5 lncRNAs and 14 miRNAs. The signatures based on four FR-DEGs were found to be a strong predictor of TLE-HS, and they may represent valuable therapeutic targets for TLE-HS.

Using Zebrafish Models to Study Epitranscriptomic Regulation of CNS Functions

Epitranscriptomic regulation of cell functions involves multiple post-transcriptional chemical modifications of coding and non-coding RNA that are increasingly recognized in studying human brain disorders. Although rodent models are presently widely used in neuroepitranscriptomic research, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a useful and promising alternative model species. Mounting evidence supports the importance of RNA modifications in zebrafish CNS function, providing additional insights into epitranscriptomic mechanisms underlying a wide range of brain disorders. Here, we discuss recent data on the role of RNA modifications in CNS regulation, with a particular focus on zebrafish models, as well as evaluate current problems, challenges, and future directions of research in this field of molecular neurochemistry.