N(6)-methyladenosine modification: A vital role of programmed cell death in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• N(6)-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is the most prevalent RNA modification, impacting RNA metabolism.
• m⁶A modification is dynamically regulated by
• writers
• erasers
• and
• readers
• (RNA binding proteins).
• Programmed cell death (PCD) pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, are crucial in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the regulatory mechanisms of m⁶A modification.
• To elucidate the role of m⁶A modification in various PCD pathways.
• To understand the intricate relationship between m⁶A-modified PCD and MIRI.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on m⁶A modification, PCD, and MIRI.
• Analysis of the functions of m⁶A regulators (writers, erasers, readers).
• Synthesis of current knowledge on m⁶A's impact on different PCD types in the context of MIRI.

Main Results:

• m⁶A modification influences multiple stages of RNA processing and function.
• Specific m⁶A regulators have been implicated in modulating apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis.
• Evidence suggests a significant role for m⁶A-mediated PCD in the pathogenesis of MIRI.

Conclusions:

• m⁶A modification is a key epigenetic regulator in MIRI.
• Targeting m⁶A pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for MIRI.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the m⁶A-PCD interplay in MIRI.