VIRMA promotes neuron apoptosis via inducing m6A methylation of STK10 in spinal cord injury animal models

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs as a devastating neuropathic disease. The role of serine–threonine kinase 10 (STK10) in the development of SCI remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the action of m6A methylation on STK10 in the apoptosis of spinal cord neurons in the pathogenesis of SCI and the possible underlying mechanisms. Methods: Rat model of SCI was established and subsequently evaluated for motor function, pathological conditions, and apoptosis of spinal cord neurons. And the effects of overexpression of STK10 on neuronal cells in animal models of spinal cord injury and glyoxylate deprivation (OGD) cell models were evaluated. m6A2Target database and SRAMP database were used to predict the m6A methylation sites of STK10. The methylation kits were used to detect overall m6A methylation. Finally, the interaction between STK10 and vir like m6A methyltransferase associated (VIRMA) was explored in animal and cellular models. Results: STK10 is markedly decreased in spinal cord injury models and overexpression of STK10 inhibits neuronal apoptosis. VIRMA can induce m6A methylation of STK10. VIRMA is over-expressed in spinal cord injury models and negatively regulates the expression of STK10. m6A methylation and apoptosis of neuronal cells are reduced by the knockdown of VIRMA and STK10 shRNA have shown the opposite effects. Conclusions: VIRMA promotes neuronal apoptosis in spinal cord injury by regulating STK10 m6A methylation.