The Role of m6A Ribonucleic Acid Modification in the Occurrence of Atherosclerosis.

Xiaoyun Zhang,Xiaoxia Li,Min Cheng,Jie Fu,Xinghui Cui,Xiaodong Cui,Zhiliang Guo

doi:10.3389/fgene.2021.733871

Abstract

The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most abundant epitranscriptomic modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA). The m6A modification process is jointly regulated by various enzymes and proteins, such as methyltransferases, demethylases and related m6A-binding proteins. The process is dynamic and reversible, and it plays an essential role in mRNA metabolism and various biological activities. Recently, an increasing number of researchers have confirmed that the onset and development of many diseases are closely associated with the molecular biological mechanism of m6A RNA methylation. This study focuses on the relationship between m6A RNA modification and atherosclerosis (AS). It thoroughly summarizes the mechanisms and processes of m6A RNA modification in AS-related cells and the relationships between m6A RNA modification and AS risk factors, and it provides a reference for exploring new targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of AS.

Highlights

The morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases are increasing every year
Wu et al (Stoneley and Willis, 2004) showed that compared with normal mice, aflatoxin-treated mice had increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which in turn led to the increased expression of the MT methyltransferaselike 3 (METTL3) and the decreased expression of the demethylase Fat mass and obesityassociated protein (FTO) in the liver tissue of mice treated with ROS; the m6A modification of related RNA, such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), cysteine aspartyl-specific protease-3, and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), increased, m6A RNA Methylation in Atherosclerosis participating in the pathological process of liver injury
This study investigated the relationships between m6A RNA modification and strong risk factors for AS, such as oxidative stress, obesity, and smoking, and found that these factors can affect the m6A modification of specific genes to regulate gene expression and participate in the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases

Summary

Introduction

The morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases are increasing every year. WTAP acts as a crucial regulatory subunit in the MT complex, and several studies have shown that WTAP expression affects m6A modification at the mRNA level in endothelial cells.

Results

Conclusion