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Updated: Aug 23, 2025
A Method for Measuring RNA N6-methyladenosine Modifications in Cells and Tissues
Published on: December 5, 2016
The Role of N6-Methyladenosine Modification in Microvascular Dysfunction
Ye-Ran Zhang1, Jiang-Dong Ji1, Jia-Nan Wang1
1Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
Abstract:
Microvascular dysfunction (MVD) has long plagued the medical field despite improvements in its prevention, diagnosis, and intervention. Microvascular lesions from MVD increase with age and further lead to impaired microcirculation, target organ dysfunction, and a mass of microvascular complications, thus contributing to a heavy medical burden and rising disability rates. An up-to-date understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying MVD will facilitate discoveries of more effective therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in epigenetics have revealed that RNA methylation, an epigenetic modification, has a pivotal role in vascular events. The N6-methylation of adenosine (m6A) modification is the most prevalent internal RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, which regulates vascular transcripts through splicing, degradation, translation, as well as translocation, thus maintaining microvascular homeostasis. Conversely, the disruption of the m6A regulatory network will lead to MVD. Herein, we provide a review discussing how m6A methylation interacts with MVD. We also focus on alterations of the m6A regulatory network under pathological conditions. Finally, we highlight the value of m6A regulators as prognostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets, which might be a promising addition to clinical medicine.
Insights
RNA methylation, specifically N6-methylation of adenosine (m6A), plays a crucial role in maintaining microvascular health. Disruptions in the m6A regulatory network contribute to microvascular dysfunction (MVD), highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Microvascular dysfunction (MVD) is a significant health issue, increasing with age and leading to organ damage and complications.
- Current understanding of MVD's molecular mechanisms is insufficient for developing effective therapies.
- Epigenetic modifications, particularly RNA methylation, are emerging as key regulators of vascular events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interaction between N6-methylation of adenosine (m6A) and microvascular dysfunction (MVD).
- To examine alterations in the m6A regulatory network in pathological conditions.
- To highlight the potential of m6A regulators as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for MVD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advances in epigenetics and vascular biology.
- Analysis of the role of m6A modification in regulating vascular transcripts.
- Discussion of pathological conditions associated with m6A network disruption.
Main Results:
- m6A is the most prevalent RNA modification, crucial for maintaining microvascular homeostasis by regulating vascular transcripts.
- Disruption of the m6A regulatory network is linked to the development of MVD.
- Alterations in m6A regulators are observed under various pathological conditions.
Conclusions:
- m6A methylation is a critical epigenetic mechanism involved in MVD.
- m6A regulators show promise as prognostic biomarkers for MVD.
- Targeting the m6A network offers a novel therapeutic strategy for MVD.
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