GSE173298
Genome-wide map of m6A circRNAs identified in mice model of severe acute pancreatitis
Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is the most serious type of pancreatitis with high morbidity and mortality. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism of SAP is complicated and lacking in effective therapeutic options in clinic. In recent years, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are found to be N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified and m6A modification of circRNAs plays important roles in physiological and pathological processes. However, the role of m6A modification of circRNAs in SAP remains unknown. Here, we aim to identify differentially expressed m6A circRNAs in SAP and to determine their biological significance and potential mechanisms in SAP. Firstly, we identified 903 m6A peaks that distribute on 781 circRNAs in SAP and control groups. Among them, 57 circRNAs with differentially expressed m6A peaks were identified, of which 32 were upregulated and 25 were downregulated. The total m6A level of circRNAs was reduced compared with control group. Moreover, the function analysis of these m6A circRNAs in SAP found that some important pathways involved in the pathogenesis of SAP, such as protein digestion and regulation of autophagy. In m6A circRNA-microRNA networks, several important miRNAs involved in the occurrence and development of SAP were found to bind to these m6A circRNAs potentially, such as miR-24-3p, miR-26a, miR-92b, miR-216b, miR-324-5p and miR-762. Notably, ALKBH5 was found to be upregulated in SAP. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that m6A modification of circRNAs was widely existed and may play important roles in the pathogenesis of SAP. Our findings provide novel insights regarding understanding the pathophysiological mechanism of SAP and seeking new therapeutic targets for SAP. Overall design: Exploring the genome-wide map of m6A-modified circRNAs from 3 severe acute pancreatitis mice and 3 control mice