Epitranscriptomics as a New Layer of Regulation of Gene Expression in Skeletal Muscle: Known Functions and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Epitranscriptomics refers to post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression via RNA modifications and editing that affect RNA functions. Many kinds of modifications of mRNA have been described, among which are N6-methyladenosine (m6A), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), 7-methylguanosine (m7G), pseudouridine (Ψ), and 5-methylcytidine (m5C). They alter mRNA structure and consequently stability, localization and translation efficiency. Perturbation of the epitranscriptome is associated with human diseases, thus opening the opportunity for potential manipulations as a therapeutic approach. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the functional roles of epitranscriptomic marks in the skeletal muscle system, in particular in embryonic myogenesis, muscle cell differentiation and muscle homeostasis processes. Further, we explored high-throughput epitranscriptome sequencing data to identify RNA chemical modifications in muscle-specific genes and we discuss the possible functional role and the potential therapeutic applications.

Epigenetic control of skeletal muscle atrophy

“…RNA modification plays a crucial role in virtually all metabolic processes of RNA, from synthesis to degradation [ 203 ], with research confirming that m6A methylation is pivotal in various aspects of skeletal muscle physiology. Existing reviews have comprehensively summarized its significance in skeletal muscle development [ 204 , 205 ], as well as in other skeletal muscle disorders [ 206 , 207 ].…”

Effect of Microhydration in Tuning the Photophysical Behavior of a Luminescent DNA Probe Revealed by Non-Adiabatic Dynamics

“…[13][14][15][16][17] Furthermore, DNA compaction [18,19] and the presence of epigenetic markers, such as cytosine methylation, [20] may also lead to significant alteration of the nucleic acid structure. More recently, the even more complex structural landscape of RNA, and specifically the emergence of epitranscriptomic markers [21,22] significantly influencing the level of protein expression has also been underlined. Because of this complex and dynamic scenario, and of their flexibility, luminescent DNA probes [23][24][25] are tools of choice to finely and rapidly evidence the presence of important structural modification of the nucleic acid structure.…”