METTL14 and FTO mediated m6A modification regulate PCV2 replication by affecting miR-30a-5p maturity

Chen Li1, Xiaoyan Wu1,2, Ying Yang2

  • 1Shandong Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Breeding, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, jinan, P. R. China.

Virulence
|July 7, 2023
PubMed

Insights

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation positively impacts Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) replication. Targeting methyltransferase METTL14 and demethylase FTO offers new strategies for PCV2 prevention and control.

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is crucial in viral infections.
  • The role of m6A in Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) replication remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of m6A modification in PCV2 replication.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which m6A affects PCV2 virus reproduction.

Main Methods:

  • PK-15 cells were infected with PCV2.
  • Expression levels of METTL14 and FTO were analyzed.
  • m6A methylation levels were assessed following manipulation of METTL14 and FTO.
  • miRNA maturity, specifically miRNA-30a-5p, was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • PCV2 infection increased m6A levels in PK-15 cells.
  • PCV2 infection upregulated the expression of METTL14 and FTO.
  • Inhibition of METTL14 reduced m6A levels and PCV2 replication.
  • Depletion of FTO increased m6A levels and stimulated PCV2 replication.
  • METTL14 and FTO were found to regulate PCV2 replication via miRNA-30a-5p maturation.

Conclusions:

  • m6A modification positively regulates PCV2 replication.
  • METTL14 and FTO are key players in PCV2 replication through epigenetic mechanisms.
  • Understanding the m6A pathway offers novel avenues for PCV2 control.

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