Deciphering m6A dynamics at a single-base level during planarian anterior-posterior axis specification

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Anterior-posterior (A-P) axis establishment is vital for tissue repair and regeneration.
• The role of N-methyladenosine (m6A) in regeneration is emerging, but its mechanism in A-P axis specification is unclear.
• Planarian flatworms offer a model system for studying regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the m6A landscape during A-P axis regeneration in planarians.
• To identify genes regulated by m6A during regeneration.
• To elucidate the role of m6A readers in A-P axis specification.

Main Methods:

• Single-base resolution m6A landscape analysis.
• De novo transcriptome assembly of Dugesia japonica.
• Immunofluorescence staining and comparative gene expression analysis.

Main Results:

• m6A modification is widespread and dynamically regulated with spatiotemporal features during planarian regeneration.
• Identified 80 anterior-specific and 13 posterior-specific m6A-modified genes.
• YTHDC1 was identified as the primary m6A reader involved in A-P axis specification.

Conclusions:

• This study provides an RNA epigenetic mechanism for A-P axis specification during planarian regeneration.
• Highlights the importance of m6A modifications in developmental processes.
• Establishes YTHDC1 as a key regulator in regeneration-associated axis formation.