RNA N6­methyladenosine methyltransferase WTAP promotes the differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells.

ABSTRACT

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) serves a critical role in regulating gene expression and has been associated with various diseases; however, its role in the differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) remains unclear. The present study used liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence assays to quantify the levels of m6A in human peripheral blood-derived EPCs (HPB-EPCs) before and after differentiation into mature cells. The present study performed Cell Counting Kit 8, Transwell, and tube formation assays to determine the effects of overexpression and knockdown of Wilms' tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP) on HPB-EPCs. The results revealed that the level of m6A modification was significantly increased during HPB-EPCs differentiation, and WTAP exhibited the most significant alteration among the enzymes involved in m6A regulation. When WTAP was overexpressed in HPB-EPCs, cell proliferation, invasion, and the formation of tubes were improved, whereas WTAP knockdown yielded the opposite effects. In conclusion, the present study highlighted the involvement of m6A in regulating EPC differentiation, with WTAP acting as a promoter of EPC differentiation.