Molecular mechanism of METTL3 regulating hippocampal neuronal injury induced by sepsis-associated encephalopathy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study explores the mechanism of methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) on sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE)-induced hippocampal neuronal injury. METHODS: A murine model of SAE was established by caecal ligation and puncture. Hippocampal cells were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The mouse survival was observed and behavioural tests evaluated cognitive function. METTL3 and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 1 (GOT1) expressions were detected via RT-qPCR and Western blot. Immunofluorescence staining examined the co-localization of NeuN and METTL3. The m6A enrichment on GOT1 was determined by MeRIP. RESULTS: METTL3 and GOT1 were highly expressed in SAE mice and LPS-stimulated hippocampal cells. SAE mice exhibited cognitive function impairment, reduced survival rate, and decreased neuronal cells. LPS induction increased hippocampal cell apoptosis and enhanced inflammation. Silence of METTL3 reduced hippocampal neuronal injury in SAE mice and LPS-induced hippocampal cell injury. CONCLUSION: METTL3-mediated m6A modification on GOT1 mRNA elevates GOT1 expression, thereby aggravating SAE-induced hippocampal neuronal injury.