An epitranscriptomic program maintains skeletal stem cell quiescence via a METTL3-FEM1B-GLI1 axis

ABSTRACT: Skeletal stem cells (SSCs) maintain the skeletal system via pluripotency and differentiation capacity. However, it remains largely unknown how these cells precisely regulate their function to maintain skeletal organization. Here, we delineate the m6A RNA modification landscape across skeletal cell populations in the mouse epiphysis. Our findings show that m6A modifications are prevalent in skeletal stem cell and progenitor populations and play critical roles in cell fate determination. Genetic deletion of Mettl3, the core catalytic subunit of the N6-methyltransferase complex, in murine skeletal stem and progenitors impaired bone development, leading to shortened limbs, disrupted growth plate zonation, and decreased bone mass. Moreover, Mettl3 deficiency induced quiescence exit in SSCs, tog

SUBMITTER: Haojian Zhang 

PROVIDER: S-SCDT-10_1038-S44318-025-00399-Z | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other