Metabolite-dependent m6A methylation driven by mechanotransduction-metabolism-epitranscriptomics axis promotes bone development and regeneration
Zhuo Li, Zhengnan Guo, Zhengmeng Yang, Boguang Yang, Yuan‐Chao Hu, Xian Xie, Zhixian Zong, Zekun Chen, Kunyu Zhang, Pengchao Zhao, Gang Li, Xuefeng Yang, Liming Bian
Abstract
Intramembranous ossification, a major bone development process, begins with the condensation of precursor cells through the timely structural adaption of extracellular matrix (ECM) catering to rapid cellular morphological changes. Inspired by this, we design a highly cell-adaptable hydrogel to recapitulate an ECM-dependent mechanotransduction-metabolism-epitranscriptomics axis in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). This hydrogel significantly enhances the E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell interactions of MSCs and promotes glucose uptake and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activities. We further show that elevated succinate inhibits fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), a N6-methyladenosine (m 6 A) demethylase, thereby enhancing methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3)-driven m 6 A methylation. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) indicates increased m 6 A methylation of runt-related transcription 2 (Runx2), a key osteogenic signaling factor, promoting osteogenesis of hydrogel-delivered MSCs and bone regeneration in critical-sized bone defects. Our findings reveal the mechanism underlying the critical impact of adaptable ECM structures on tissue development and provide valuable guidance for the design of ECM-mimetic cell carriers to enhance the therapeutic outcomes of regenerative medicine.