How does NEIL3 deficiency and RNA modifications affect atherosclerosis? Ana M. T. Quiles-Jiménez‘ PhD thesis gives some answers.
MAIN RESULTS:
- The RNA modification N6-methyladenosine is downregulated in human atherosclerotic lesions.
- The canonical DNA glycosylase NEIL3 could be a new player in atherosclerosis.
THESIS DEFENCE:
Thesis: Molecular mechanisms of atherosclerotic disease. Studies on the role of the DNA glycosylase NEIL3 and the epitranscriptome in the development of atherosclerosis
Candidate: Ana M. T. Quiles-Jiménez
Time: November 18, 2020 at 11:15
Place: Online-based solution, due to the covid-19 situation
Link to university website
SUMMARY:
(1) In atherosclerosis, levels of methyltransferases (‘writers’), binding proteins (‘readers’) and demethylases (‘erasers’) involved in methylations occurring in rRNA and mRNA are altered. The changes are accompanied by a marked downregulation of the well-known RNA modification N6-methyladenosine.
(2) NEIL3 affects vascular smooth muscle cells phenotypic identity, and could be a new player in atherosclerosis. Vascular smooth muscle cells accumulate DNA damage, which can promote plaque instability and lead to rupture and acute coronary heart disease. NEIL3 repairs damaged DNA.
REFERENCES:
(1) Quiles-Jiménez, A., Gregersen, I., de Sousa, M. M. L., Abbas, A., Kong, X. Y., Alseth, I., Alseth, I., Holm, S., Dahl, T. B:, Skagen, K., Skjelland, M., Aukrust, P., Bjørås, M., & Halvorsen, B. (2020). N6-methyladenosine in RNA of atherosclerotic plaques: An epitranscriptomic signature of human carotid atherosclerosis. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.
