Open AccessEpigenetic role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation in the cardiovascular system
Author(s) -
Kun Zhao,
Chuanxi Yang,
Peng Li,
Wei Sun,
Xiangqing Kong
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of zhejiang university. science b
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1862-1783
pISSN - 1673-1581
DOI - 10.1631/jzus.b1900680
Subject(s) - n6 methyladenosine , epigenetics , mechanism (biology) , rna methylation , bioinformatics , dna methylation , myocardial infarction , biology , heart failure , microrna , computational biology , medicine , methylation , neuroscience , gene , gene expression , genetics , methyltransferase , philosophy , epistemology
As the most prevalent and abundant transcriptional modification in the eukaryotic genome, the continuous and dynamic regulation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been shown to play a vital role in physiological and pathological processes of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as ischemic heart failure (HF), myocardial hypertrophy, myocardial infarction (MI), and cardiomyogenesis. Regulation is achieved by modulating the expression of m6A enzymes and their downstream cardiac genes. In addition, this process has a major impact on different aspects of internal biological metabolism and several other external environmental effects associated with the development of CVDs. However, the exact molecular mechanism of m6A epigenetic regulation has not been fully elucidated. In this review, we outline recent advances and discuss potential therapeutic strategies for managing m6A in relation to several common CVD-related metabolic disorders and external environmental factors. Note that an appropriate understanding of the biological function of m6A in the cardiovascular system will pave the way towards exploring the mechanisms responsible for the development of other CVDs and their associated symptoms. Finally, it can provide new insights for the development of novel therapeutic agents for use in clinical practice.