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Updated: Sep 7, 2025

A Method for Measuring RNA N6-methyladenosine Modifications in Cells and Tissues
Published on: December 5, 2016
Novel insights into the interaction between N6-methyladenosine methylation and noncoding RNAs in musculoskeletal
Juanjuan Han1,2, Hui Kong1, Xueqiang Wang2,3
1College of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, China.
Background:
Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) are a class of inflammatory and degener-ative diseases, but the precise molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Noncoding RNA (ncRNA) N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays an essential role in the pathophysiological process of MSD. This review summarized the interaction between m6A RNA methylation and ncRNAs in the molecular regulatory mechanism of MSD. It provides a new perspective for the pathophysiological mechanism and ncRNA m6A targeted therapy of MSD.
Methods:
A comprehensive search of databases was conducted with musculoskeletal disorders, noncoding RNA, N6-methyladenosine, intervertebral disc degeneration, osteoporosis, osteosarcoma, osteoarthritis, skeletal muscle, bone, and cartilage as the key-words. Then, summarized all the relevant articles.
Results:
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), osteoporosis (OP), osteosarcoma (OS), and osteoarthritis (OA) are common MSDs that affect muscle, bone, cartilage, and joint, leading to limited movement, pain, and disability. However, the precise pathogenesis remains unclear, and no effective treatment and drug is available at present. Numerous studies confirmed that the mutual regulation between m6A and ncRNAs (i.e., microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs) was found in MSD, m6A modification can regulate ncRNAs, and ncRNAs can also target m6A regulators. ncRNA m6A modification plays an essential role in the pathophysiological process of MSDs by regulating the homeostasis of skeletal muscle, bone, and cartilage.
Conclusion:
m6A interacts with ncRNAs to regulate multiple biological processes and plays important roles in IDD, OP, OS, and OA. These studies provide new insights into the pathophysiological mechanism of MSD and targeting m6A-modified ncRNAs may be a promising therapy approach.
Insights
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) interact to regulate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Targeting these interactions offers a promising therapeutic strategy for MSDs like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are inflammatory and degenerative diseases with poorly understood molecular mechanisms.
- Noncoding RNA (ncRNA) N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is crucial in the pathophysiology of MSDs.
- Understanding the interplay between m6A and ncRNAs offers new therapeutic avenues for MSDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interaction between m6A RNA methylation and ncRNAs in the molecular regulatory mechanisms of MSDs.
- To provide insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of MSDs.
- To explore ncRNA m6A targeted therapy for MSDs.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using keywords related to MSDs and RNA modifications.
- Relevant articles were systematically reviewed and summarized.
- Key findings on the mutual regulation between m6A and ncRNAs in MSDs were synthesized.
Main Results:
- Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), osteoporosis (OP), osteosarcoma (OS), and osteoarthritis (OA) are common MSDs affecting muscle, bone, and cartilage.
- The precise pathogenesis of MSDs remains unclear, with no effective treatments currently available.
- Mutual regulation between m6A and ncRNAs (microRNAs, long ncRNAs, circular RNAs) is evident in MSDs, impacting skeletal homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- m6A and ncRNAs interact to regulate biological processes implicated in IDD, OP, OS, and OA.
- This interaction provides novel insights into MSD pathophysiology.
- Targeting m6A-modified ncRNAs presents a promising therapeutic strategy for MSDs.
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