RNA m6A dynamic modification mediated by nucleuslocalized FTO is involved in follicular reserve

In eukaryotic organisms,the most common internal modification of messenger RNA(m RNA)is N6-methyladenosine(m6A).This modification can be dynamically and reversibly controlled by specific enzymes known as m6A writers and erasers.The fat-mass and obesity-associated protein(FTO)catalyzes RNA demethylation and plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes.Our research identified dynamic alterations in both m6A and FTO during the assembly of primordial follicles,with an inverse relationship observed for m6A levels and nuclear-localized FTO expression.Application of Fto small interfering RNA(si RNA)altered the expression of genes related to cell proliferation,hormone regulation,and cell chemotaxis,and affected RNA alternative splicing.Overexpression of the full-length Fto gene led to changes in m6A levels,alternative splicing of Cdk5,cell proliferation,cell cycle progression,and proportion of primordial follicles.Conversely,overexpression of Fto lacking a nuclear localization signal(NLS)did not significantly alter m6A levels or primordial follicle assembly.These findings suggest that FTO,localized in the nucleus but not in the cytoplasm,regulates RNA m6A demethylation and plays a role in cell proliferation,cell cycle progression,and primordial follicle assembly.These results highlight the potential of m6A and its eraser FTO as possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Reconstitution of Gametogenesis In Vitro:Meiosis Is the Biggest Obstacle

Germ-line cells are responsible for transmitting genetic and epigenetic information across generations, and ensuring the creation of new individuals from one generation to the next. Gametogenesis process requires several rigorous steps, including primordial germ cell （PGC） specification, proliferation, migration to the gonadal ridges and differentiation into mature gametes such as sperms and oocytes. But this process is not clearly explored because a small number of PGCs are deeply embedded in the developing embryo. In the attempt to establish an in vitro model for understanding gametogenesis process well, several groups have made considerable progress in differen- tiating embryonic stem cells （ESCs） and adult stem cells （ASCs） into germ-like cells over the past ten years. These stem cell-derived germ cells appear to he capable of undergoing meiosis and generating both male and female gametes. But most of gametes turn out to be not fully functional due to their abnormal meiosis process compared to endogenous germ cells. Therefore, a robust system of differentiating stem cells into germ cells would enable us to investigate the genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors associated with germ cell development. Here, we review the stem cell-derived germ cell development, and discuss the potential and challenges in the differentiation of functional germ cells from stem cells.

Oocyte-like cells induced from CD34-positive mouse hair follicle stem cells in vitro

Adult stem cells have been identified in a variety of mammalian organs including skin, hair follicles, pancreas, and bone marrow （Kruse et al., 2004）. These stem cells reside in a specific cellular environment where they remain in an undifferentiated state （Theise, 2006）. In addition, they are generally considered to be mul- tipotent, possessing the capacity to generate multiple cell types within the tissue, and thus play an important role in tissue mainte- nance and regeneration.