A context-dependent METTL1-m7G-SLC7A11 axis links metabolic stress to epithelial fate in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation accompanied by epithelial barrier dysfunction and profound metabolic stress; however, how metabolic cues are integrated to determine epithelial cell fate remains incompletely understood. Here, we identify a context-dependent METTL1-m7G-SLC7A11 regulatory axis that links metabolic stress to intestinal epithelial outcomes during UC progression. By integrating analyses of human UC tissues, DSS-induced acute and chronic colitis mouse models, and mechanistic in vitro experiments, we demonstrate that METTL1 enhances N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification of SLC7A11 mRNA, thereby stabilizing the transcript and sustaining SLC7A11 expression in inflammatory settings. Functionally, SLC7A11 exhibits glucose-dependent dual effects. Under glucose-replete conditions, SLC7A11 supports cystine uptake, glutathione synthesis, and redox homeostasis, protecting epithelial integrity and limiting inflammation. In contrast, under glucose deprivation-a characteristic feature of inflamed UC mucosa-persistent SLC7A11 activation induces disulfide stress, cytoskeletal collapse, and disulfidptosis-associated epithelial injury. In vivo, inhibition of the METTL1/m7G/SLC7A11 axis exacerbates chronic DSS-induced colitis but alleviates acute DSS-induced colitis, revealing a switch from adaptive to maladaptive signaling with escalating metabolic stress. Collectively, these findings establish the METTL1-m7G-SLC7A11 axis as a metabolic rheostat that integrates inflammatory cues and nutrient availability to determine epithelial cell fate in UC, highlighting the importance of stage- and context-specific therapeutic strategies.