m <sup>6</sup> A mRNA modification maintains colonic epithelial cell homeostasis via NF-κB–mediated antiapoptotic pathway
Ting Zhang, Chenbo Ding, Huifang Chen, Jun Zhao, Zhejun Chen, Baiwen Chen, Kaiqiong Mao, Yajuan Hao, Manolis Roulis, Hao Xu, Yuval Kluger, Qiang Zou, Youqiong Ye, Meixiao Zhan, Richard A. Flavell, Huabing Li
Abstract
Colonic mucosal barrier dysfunction is one of the major causes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the mechanisms underlying mucosal barrier dysfunction are poorly understood. N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A) mRNA modification is an important modulator of epitranscriptional regulation of gene expression, participating in multiple physiological and pathological processes. However, the function of m 6 A modification in colonic epithelial cells and stem cells is unknown. Here, we show that m 6 A modification is essential for maintaining the homeostatic self-renewal in colonic stem cells. Specific deletion of the methyltransferase 14 ( Mettl14 ) gene in mouse colon resulted in colonic stem cell apoptosis, causing mucosal barrier dysfunction and severe colitis. Mechanistically, we revealed that Mettl14 restricted colonic epithelial cell death by regulating the stability of Nfkbia mRNA and modulating the NF-κB pathway. Our results identified a previously unidentified role for m 6 A modification in colonic epithelial cells and stem cells, suggesting that m 6 A modification may be a potential therapeutic target for IBD.