m6A methylation: Critical roles in aging and neurological diseases

Abstract

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, which participates in the functional regulation of various biological processes. It regulates the expression of targeted genes by affecting RNA translocation, alternative splicing, maturation, stability, and degradation. As recent evidence shows, of all organs, brain has the highest abundance of m6A methylation of RNAs, which indicates its regulating role in central nervous system (CNS) development and the remodeling of the cerebrovascular system. Recent studies have shown that altered m6A levels are crucial in the aging process and the onset and progression of age-related diseases. Considering that the incidence of cerebrovascular and degenerative neurologic diseases increase with aging, the importance of m6A in neurological manifestations cannot be ignored. In this manuscript, we focus on the role of m6A methylation in aging and neurological manifestations, hoping to provide a new direction for the molecular mechanism and novel therapeutic targets.

Potential Intersections between lncRNA, Vascular Cognitive Impairment, and Immunization Strategies: Insights and Future Directions

“…Perfusion is the fundamental process in which blood circulates through an intricate network of tiny vessels within tissue to facilitate the crucial exchange of oxygen and other essential molecules [ 28 ]. Maintaining this process is crucial in the brain for sustaining homeostasis and ensuring the proper functioning of the neurovascular unit (NVU) [ 29 ]. Proper perfusion is essential for the NVU’s operation, ensuring the brain’s health and proper function.…”

“…The NVU is an intricate structure, incorporating various vascular elements including pericytes, cerebral endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells, as well as an array of glial cells—microglia, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes—and neurons. These components collectively play a vital role in preserving the structural and functional integrity of the brain [ 29 ]. The NVU is crucial in controlling CBF, the permeability of the BBB, vascular remodeling, and neuroimmune reactions [ 29 ].…”

“…These components collectively play a vital role in preserving the structural and functional integrity of the brain [ 29 ]. The NVU is crucial in controlling CBF, the permeability of the BBB, vascular remodeling, and neuroimmune reactions [ 29 ]. Disruptions in the NVU can lead to the impaired regulation of cerebral blood flow, breakdown of the BBB, and infiltration of inflammatory cells and neurotoxic materials into brain tissue.…”

Prognostic signature and immune efficacy of m1A-, m5C-, m6A-, m7G-, and DNA methylation-related regulators in hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Writer proteins include METTL3, METTL14, WTAP, KIAA1429, RBM15/RBM15B, ZC3H13, and METTL16; Eraser proteins include FTO and ALKBH5; Reader proteins include YTHDC1, YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDF3, and YTHDC2 23 . m 6 A modification plays a critical role in various human diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases 24 , virus infection 25 , aging and neurological diseases 26 , and cancer 27 . m 1 A was first discovered in 1641 28 .…”