M⁶A Eraser FTO Promotes ATF3 Expression Impairing Podocyte Autophagy in Diabetic Nephropathy.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end-stage renal disease, characterized by podocyte injury and impaired autophagy. Epitranscriptomic mechanisms, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modifications, have emerged as critical regulators in kidney disease, but their role in autophagy regulation within podocytes remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the m6A demethylase FTO in regulating podocyte autophagy and the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), with a focus on its downstream effector ATF3.

Methods

The study employed a multitiered approach involving human kidney biopsies from DN patients, in vitro podocyte models under high-glucose conditions, and podocyte-specific FTO knockout (iPFKO) mice. Key

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12503846 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature