Hirschsprung's disease: m6A methylase VIRMA suppresses cell migration and proliferation by regulating GSK3ß.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA modification in mammals, participating in various biological processes. VIRMA is a key methyltransferase involved in m6A modification. However, the role of VIRMA in Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the function of VIRMA in HSCR and identify its corresponding regulatory mechanisms. METHODS: The expression of VIRMA and GSK3ß in colon tissues of HSCR was examined using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and Immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence detected localization of VIRMA and GSK3ß. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK8 and EdU assays, and cell migration was evaluated via cell migration and wound healing assays. The stability of GSK3ß mRNA was assessed using the actinomycin D assay and the overall level of m6A in cells was assessed by colorimetric assay. RESULTS: VIRMA was significantly downregulated in narrow-segment colon tissue. Silencing of VIRMA inhibited cell proliferation and migration. VIRMA can inhibit the degradation of GSK3ß mRNA and increase the expression of GSK3ß. GSK3ß was significantly upregulated in narrow-segment colon tissues. Accordingly, our findings showed that GSK3ß mediated the VIRMA-driven cell migration and proliferation. CONCLUSION: VIRMA can inhibit cell migration and proliferation by upregulating the expression of GSK3ß, contributing to the onset of HSCR. IMPACT The expressions of VIRMA were significantly reduced in HSCR, while GSK3ß expression was increased in HSCR, and can be used as a molecular marker. VIRMA overexpression promoted the proliferation and migration of SH-SY5Y and HEK-293T cells. VIRMA can inhibit the degradation of GSK3ß mRNA and increase the expression of GSK3ß.