Aim: To reveal the alterations of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) epitranscriptome profile in kidney after unilateral ureteral obstruction in mice. Materials & methods: Total renal m6A and expressions of methyltransferases and demethylases were detected by colorimetric quantification method, real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing was performed to map epitranscriptome-wide m6A profile. Results: Total m6A levels were time-dependent decreased within 1 week, with the lowest level detected at day 7. A total of 823 differentially methylated transcripts in 507 genes were identified. Specifically, demethylated mRNAs selectively acted on multiple pathways, including TGF-β and WNT. Conclusion: m6A modification has a functional importance in renal interstitial fibrosis during obstructive nephropathy and might be a promising therapeutic target.
Keywords: N6-methyladenosine (m6A); mRNA; obstructive nephropathy; renal interstitial fibrosis; unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).