The role of m6A methyltransferase WTAP in inflammatory response of atherosclerosis through NF-κB/NLRP3 mediated pyroptosis

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundPyroptosis is a new form of pro-inflammatory programmed cell death that has been linked to the development of atherosclerosis (AS). However, its exact mechanisms are not known. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is the commonest and most abundant epigenetic modification of eukaryotic mRNAs. m6A methylation modulates pathological and physiological processes involved in cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact mechanism by which it regulates inflammation in AS is unclear.MethodsIn this study, the level of m6A and WTAP in CHD was explored. To determine the effect of WTAP on the release of pyrolysis-related proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, the expression of WTAP in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated endothelial cells was silenced. Pyroptosis-related proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines were quantified in the presence of NLRP3 shRNA (shNLRP3) and NF-kB shRNA (shNF-kB(p50)). The interaction of NF-kB and NLRP3 was examined through immunoprecipitation (CO-IP), immunofluorescence (IF) and GST-pull down assays.ResultIt was observed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-mediated pyroptosis and inflammation, both of which were abolished through the knockdown of WTAP. Interestingly, our results indicated that WTAP enhanced the function of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p50 (an NF-κB subunit) and that p50 could interact with NLRP3 in endothelial cells.ConclusionIn conclusion, these results suggested that WTAP in the formation of pyroptosis and inflammation in endothelial cells exposed to LPS stress by activating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. These findings demonstrate the mechanism of WTAP regulation during the progression of AS.