Alteration of N6-methyladenosine epitranscriptome profile in unilateral ureteral obstructive nephropathy

Aim: To reveal the alterations of N-6-methyladenosine (m(6)A) epitranscriptome profile in kidney after unilateral ureteral obstruction in mice. Materials & methods: Total renal m(6)A 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 m(6)A profile. Results: Total m(6)A 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-beta and WNT. Conclusion: m(6)A modification has a functional importance in renal interstitial fibrosis during obstructive nephropathy and might be a promising therapeutic target.