Aberrant micro RNA expression via RNA methylation in multiple myeloma cells

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16541
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52010:General internal medicine-related
• Research Institution: Gunma University
• Principal Investigator: Kasamatsu Tetsuhiro 群馬大学, 大学院保健学研究科, 助教 (60737542)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: micro RNA / m6Aメチル化 / 多発性骨髄腫

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We analyzed m6a methylation of mature miRNAs in multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines with a focus on miR-137. Treatment of proteasome inhibitors increased the m6A methylation ratio of miR-137 and maintained the expression level of miR-137. mRNA expression of m6A methyltransferase METTL3 was low in the MM cell line, while mRNA expression of m6A demethylase FTO and ALKBH5 was maintained. In addition, the addition of proteasome inhibitors decreased the mRNA expression of m6A demethylases. Our results suggested that the regulation of m6A methylation in MM cells is regulated by the expression of m6A demethylases.

Free Research Field

血液検査学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究にて、miRNAの発現が転写後修飾であるm6Aメチル化により制御されることが示唆された。今後、m6Aメチル化修飾を受けるさらなるmiRNAの同定や薬剤耐性との関連を解明することで、腫瘍におけるmiRNAの発現異常解明へとつながることが予想される。さらに、m6Aメチル化を対象とした新たな治療開発およびバイオマーカーとしての応用が期待される。