The role of m6A in angiogenesis and vascular diseases

In the 1980s, scientists made a groundbreaking discovery that gene function could undergo reversible and genetically alterations without changing the nuclear DNA sequence, thus marking the inception of the field of epigenetics. Recently, RNA epigenetics has garnered substantial attention. Recent research indicates that the primary RNA modification m6A in eukaryotes plays a crucial role in numerous biological developmental processes. Moreover, this modification can influence the onset and progression of diseases, consequently impacting patient prognosis. m6A modification stands out as the most prevalent methylation modification in mRNA, second only to the 5' cap structure. Enzymes responsible for regulating m6A modification fall into three categories: RNA methyltransferases, RNA demethylases, and RNA methylation recognition enzymes. These enzymes facilitate methylation modifications, remove methylation modifications, and identify methylation sites on RNA N6-adenylate, respectively. They subsequently play roles in downstream translation, RNA degradation, and controlling the nucleation speed of RNA.Angiogenesis, whether physiological or pathological, plays a pivotal role in various physiological and disease conditions. This intricate process relies on a complex and meticulously orchestrated signal transduction network that connects endothelial cells, their associated parietal cells (VSMCs and pericytes), and various other cell types, including immune cells. Given the significance of m6A and its connection to angiogenesis and vascular disease, researchers must adopt a comprehensive and ongoing approach to their investigations. This study aims to ascertain whether a common key mechanism of m6A exists in angiogenesis and vascular diseases and to elucidate the potential application of m6A in treating vascular diseases.