IGF2BP1 Bolsters the Chondrocytes Ferroptosis of Osteoarthritis by Targeting m6A/MMP3 Axis

Abstract

Chondrocyte degeneration and senescence are characteristics of osteoarthritis (OA) and other joint degenerative diseases, and ferroptosis has been observed to regulate the development of OA. However, the role of the N 6 -methyladenosine (m 6 A) modification in OA ferroptosis remains unclear. Methods: This study performed series of assays to investigate the function of the m 6 A reader IGF2BP1 in OA ferroptosis, including m 6 A quantitative analysis, Iron (Fe 2+ ) release analysis, Malondialdehyde (MDA) measurement, lipid peroxidation (ROS) detection and Glutathione (GSH) measurement. The molecular interaction and mechanism analysis was performed by Luciferase reporter assay, mRNA stability analysis and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Results: These results indicate that IGF2BP1 is upregulated in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. Functionally, IGF2BP1 silencing represses ferroptosis, including iron (Fe 2+ ) accumulation, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mechanistically, among the potential downstream targets, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) was observed to harbor a significant m 6 A modified site in the 3'-UTR. IGF2BP1 combines with MMP3 through the binding of m 6 A sites, thereby enhancing MMP3 mRNA stability. Discussion: In conclusion, our findings revealed the functions and mechanisms of m 6 A regulator IGF2BP1 in OA chondrocyte's ferroptosis, providing a novel target for OA treatment.