m⁶A mRNA modification maintains colonic epithelial cell homeostasis via NF-κB-mediated antiapoptotic pathway

Colonic mucosal barrier dysfunction is one of the major causes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the mechanisms underlying mucosal barrier dysfunction are poorly understood. N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) mRNA modification is an important modulator of epitranscriptional regulation of gene expression, participating in multiple physiological and pathological processes. However, the function of m⁶A modification in colonic epithelial cells and stem cells is unknown. Here, we show that m⁶A modification is essential for maintaining the homeostatic self-renewal in colonic stem cells. Specific deletion of the methyltransferase 14 (Mettl14) gene in mouse colon resulted in colonic stem cell apoptosis, causing mucosal barrier dysfunction and severe colitis. Mechanistically, we revealed that Mettl14 restricted colonic epithelial cell death by regulating the stability of Nfkbia mRNA and modulating the NF-κB pathway. Our results identified a previously unidentified role for m⁶A modification in colonic epithelial cells and stem cells, suggesting that m⁶A modification may be a potential therapeutic target for IBD.