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Updated: Sep 18, 2025
A Method for Measuring RNA N6-methyladenosine Modifications in Cells and Tissues
Published on: December 5, 2016
Exploring the potential mechanisms of m6A modification in septic acute respiratory distress syndrome: a
Shaoyang Zhang1, Qinghui Fu2, Zhipeng Xu3
1The Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Qingchun Street 79th, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, China.
Background:
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a leading cause of mortality in intensive care units. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modification is critical in various pathological conditions, yet its role in the ARDS microenvironment, particularly at the single-cell level, remains poorly understood.
Methods:
Single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing datasets were sourced from the GEO databases. Bioinformatics and experimental approaches were employed to investigate the associations between m6A regulators and hub genes in ARDS.
Results:
WTAP, HNRNPA2B1, and HNRNPC exhibited extensive expression within the ARDS microenvironment. Consensus clustering analysis segregated patients with sepsis into distinct subgroups, with WTAP showing significant variation across these groups. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified the brown module as most associated with WTAP, revealing five hub genes. Validation experiments confirmed high expression levels of WTAP and MYC in lung tissues. Functional assays further demonstrated that WTAP enhances ARDS progression.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, bioinformatics analysis and preliminary experimental data suggest that WTAP promotes ARDS onset and progression by regulating m6A methylation and facilitating immune cell infiltration.
Insights
WTAP promotes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by altering N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation and increasing immune cell infiltration. This study highlights WTAP as a key regulator in ARDS progression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Genomics
Background:
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major cause of ICU mortality.
- The role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modification in ARDS, especially at the single-cell level, is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of m6A regulators in the ARDS microenvironment.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for ARDS.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data analysis.
- Bioinformatics approaches including WGCNA.
- Experimental validation in lung tissues and functional assays.
Main Results:
- WTAP, HNRNPA2B1, and HNRNPC were highly expressed in the ARDS microenvironment.
- WTAP expression varied across sepsis patient subgroups.
- WTAP was associated with five hub genes and promoted ARDS progression.
Conclusions:
- WTAP promotes ARDS onset and progression.
- WTAP regulates m6A methylation and immune cell infiltration in ARDS.
- WTAP is a potential therapeutic target for ARDS.
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