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The motor neuron m6A repertoire governs neuronal homeostasis and FTO inhibition mitigates ALS symptom manifestation

Author

Listed:
  • Ya-Ping Yen

    (Academia Sinica)

  • Ting-Hsiang Lung

    (Academia Sinica)

  • Ee Shan Liau

    (Academia Sinica)

  • Chuan-Che Wu

    (Academia Sinica)

  • Guan-Lin Huang

    (Academia Sinica)

  • Fang-Yu Hsu

    (Academia Sinica)

  • Mien Chang

    (Academia Sinica)

  • Zheng-Dao Yang

    (National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University)

  • Chia-Yi Huang

    (National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University)

  • Zhong Zheng

    (University of Chicago)

  • Wei Zhao

    (University of California, Irvine)

  • Jui-Hung Hung

    (National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University)

  • Chuan He

    (University of Chicago
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute
    University of Chicago)

  • Qing Nie

    (University of California, Irvine)

  • Jun-An Chen

    (Academia Sinica)

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a swiftly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative ailment marked by the degenerative motor neurons (MNs). Why MNs are specifically susceptible in predominantly sporadic cases remains enigmatic. Here, we demonstrated N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an RNA modification catalyzed by the METTL3/METTL14 methyltransferase complex, as a pivotal contributor to ALS pathogenesis. By conditional knockout Mettl14 in murine MNs, we recapitulate almost the full spectrum of ALS disease characteristics. Mechanistically, pervasive m6A hypomethylation triggers dysregulated expression of high-risk genes associated with ALS and an unforeseen reduction of chromatin accessibility in MNs. Additionally, we observed diminished m6A levels in induced pluripotent stem cell derived MNs (iPSC~MNs) from familial and sporadic ALS patients. Restoring m6A equilibrium via a small molecule or gene therapy significantly preserves MNs from degeneration and mitigates motor impairments in ALS iPSC~MNs and murine models. Our study presents a substantial stride towards identifying pioneering efficacious ALS therapies via RNA modifications.

Suggested Citation

  • Ya-Ping Yen & Ting-Hsiang Lung & Ee Shan Liau & Chuan-Che Wu & Guan-Lin Huang & Fang-Yu Hsu & Mien Chang & Zheng-Dao Yang & Chia-Yi Huang & Zhong Zheng & Wei Zhao & Jui-Hung Hung & Chuan He & Qing Nie, 2025. "The motor neuron m6A repertoire governs neuronal homeostasis and FTO inhibition mitigates ALS symptom manifestation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-23, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59117-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59117-2
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