Environmental exposures and RNA N6-Methyladenosine modified long Non-Coding RNAs

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Epigenetics
• RNA Biology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of biological functions.
• RNA modifications, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A), play critical roles in gene regulation.
• m⁶A modification is increasingly linked to various diseases, including cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review studies investigating the association between environmental exposures and m⁶A-modified lncRNAs.
• To explore the role of environmental factors in the expression and DNA methylation of m⁶A-modified lncRNAs.
• To understand the contribution of environmental exposure and m⁶A-modified lncRNAs to adverse health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review.
• Analysis of studies reporting associations between environmental exposure and m⁶A-modified lncRNAs.
• Focus on expression and DNA methylation changes in specific lncRNAs (e.g., MALAT1, MEG3, XIST).

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests that environmental exposures can influence m⁶A modification patterns in lncRNAs.
• Several lncRNAs (MALAT1, MEG3, XIST, GAS5, KCNK15-AS1) are identified as targets of m⁶A modification.
• Limited data currently exist on the direct interaction between environmental factors and m⁶A-modified lncRNAs in disease.

Conclusions:

• m⁶A-modified lncRNAs are implicated in disease pathogenesis.
• Environmental exposures may modulate the epitranscriptome, impacting lncRNA function.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the interplay between environmental factors, m⁶A-modified lncRNAs, and human health.